The summer season is all about spending time with your loved ones. And like any good American tradition, that means there will be food and plenty of it. Ditch the apron and head to Marion County to taste classic American-style food, the West Virginia way. 

Yann’s Hot Dogs

The famous little hot dog stand at the end of the Million Dollar Bridge in Fairmont, Yann’s Hot Dogs, has served delicious dogs since the 1960s. The restaurant may be small, but the flavor is enormous! Yann’s has one of the area’s spiciest chili sauces, one of the few toppings added to these dogs. Russell Yann believed in creating hot dogs how they were meant to be eaten — with just a smear of chili sauce, a squirt of mustard, and a few raw onion slices. Nothing more, nothing less! The restaurant walls are covered with unique signs that suggest that asking for ketchup is a huge no-no. The franks at Yann’s are a long-standing Fairmont tradition, so trust us, you won’t miss the ketchup!   

Double Down On Dogs at Woody’s Hot Dogs, Hometown Hot Dogs, T&L Hot Dogs, Wright Dawgs, Att’s Place 

With a nostalgic West Virginia atmosphere, Woody’s Hot Dogs is a favorite local spot. Woody’s offers three sauce styles — regular, mild, and hot — each as flavorful and straightforward as the next, and a signature slaw that is equally tangy and sweet. Named the Best “Working Dog” (re-heated hot dog) in Marion County in 2015, Hometown Hot Dogs is the perfect place for an on-the-go meal. Get your dog with a side of their assorted seasoned fries (try the Fire Fries if you’re brave!) From mild and meek to hot and spicy, T&L Hot Dogs has a savory sauce for you! Top your dog however you like, or skip the frank and go for the deluxe fries — fresh cut french fries topped with sauce and cheese. You’ve heard of ketchup and mustard, but what about a nacho dog? At Wright Dawgs, you can customize your frankfurters with their extensive menu of toppings to create one-of-a-kind meals, including the nacho dog and deep-fried dawgs (to simulate a grilled flavor). Finally, Att’s Place hot dogs are where it’s at! The restaurant has a popular lunch menu, including customizable hot dogs and homestyle sides like potato salad and macaroni and cheese! 

Copper House Grill 

Located conveniently along Interstate 79, Copper House Grill puts an eccentric spin on well-loved American classics. Copper House has an extensive menu, ranging from Jack Mac Bites (macaroni in a creamy pepper jack cheese served in beer batter with spicy ranch) to their Fairmonter (a pepperoni roll loaded with cheese a mix of sweet and hot peppers and mushrooms). Hungry? We mean starving! Try their out-of-the-box Bella Burger Bread Bowl. The dish consists of a specialty bread bowl made of a half-pound of burger, two cheese sticks, onion rings, french fries, a fried egg, bacon, marinara sauce, mozzarella, habanero jack cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, and onion. The restaurant’s menu also offers gourmet sandwiches, Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) options, steak entrees, and more.

Aquarium Lounge 

The Aquarium Lounge, known for steaks, seafood, and spirits, has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike since 1972. These days you may not find an actual aquarium at the restaurant, but you will be able to find a wide variety of delicious dishes on their menu. The steak menu options include Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and Ribeye, while the seafood options include Wild Caught Atlantic Salmon, Crab Cakes, and Twin Lobster Tails. For those who can’t seem to choose between steak and seafood, order the well-favored Crab Stuffed Filet (9 oz. filet smothered with lump crab and bleu cheese sauce) or the popular Surf and Turf (cold water lobster tail and 6 oz. filet with butter and lemon).  

Beer Burger Bowery

As the name suggests, Beer Burger Bowery keeps its focus on craft beer and burgers. Beer Burger Bowery is located in Fairmont, a casual restaurant bar offering some of the best burgers in the county. A popular menu item is the Billion Dollar Burger which features a succulent mushroom demi-glaze, sweet cabernet onion, swiss cheese, and microgreens. Other craft burgers include the bowery’s take on a classic Reuben and crabby patty. 

Baby B’s BBQ 

It wouldn’t be classic American food without barbeque! Located in downtown Mannington, Baby B’s BBQ Cafe specializes in authentic, hickory-smoked barbeque. The menu features familiar favorites such as pulled pork and chicken, brisket, and ribs. The barbeque is smoked in an outdoor smoker using hickory wood and brushed with their homemade sauce. In addition to the meals, Baby B’s offers tasty sides like macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. 

DJ’s Diner 

The menu at DJ’s Diner is the definition of classic American food! The diner serves dishes straight out of the 1950s. While the food may be recognizable, the names will cause you to do a double-take. The Rock-N-Roll Sandwiches like the Groovin’ Garden Burger, Mickey Mouse Club, and Corvette Chicken Sandwich will take you back in time. With the option to Build Your Own All-American Burger, there’s something for everyone. If you are more of a morning person, try the popular Grease Lighting Breakfast (eggs, home fries, toast, and sausage) or the On Blueberry Hill (a Belgian waffle with berries and cream). This restaurant offers the quintessential 1950s diner experience with a menu of burgers, specialty sandwiches, dinner specials, and ice cream floats. 

Celebrate the tastes of Marion County all summer long with some of our favorite American classics. Find more of our delicious culinary picks here.