15 Best Restaurants in Wheeling, WV

Wheeling might not be the first place you think of when planning a trip, but it is worth considering.

The nickname for Wheeling is ‘The Friendly City,’ which will prove true once you visit and meet some of the locals in this West Virginia town.

With many bars and parks, you will also see why this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some well-deserved time off.

When it comes to the food and drink scene, Wheeling does not disappoint.

It boasts affordable entertainment and a great selection of pizzerias, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants to satisfy your every craving.

This area has a lot to offer locals and tourists, with a few of Wheeling’s best eateries included in this article.

Here are the best restaurants in Wheeling, West Virginia:

Later Alligator

On Market Street, you'll find one of Wheeling’s most popular restaurants, Later Alligator.

The restaurant has a quaint dining area with exposed brick walls and fascinating artwork, including the alligator motif on the outside, that creates a fun and engaging environment.

Locals and tourists love Later Alligator because its atmosphere appeals to many, and it has been serving good quality American classics since 2006.

Some crowd-pleasers on the menu include the Pain Perdu (a New Orleans-style French toast) on a Sunday, the Blue Bayou, and the BBQ pork & mac sandwich.

Later Alligator also caters to various dietary requirements by offering vegetarian and vegan dishes and gluten-free options.

Other highlights include a good beer selection and a courtyard at the back of the restaurant, which is pet friendly.

Figaretti’s Restaurant

Figaretti’s, situated on Mount DeChantal Road, is a family-owned restaurant that is an institution in Wheeling, serving classic Italian food since 1948.

They are famous for creating authentic Italian delicacies, offering customers 40 varieties of fine wine, and pairing their delicious meals with friendly and efficient service.

Figaretti’s also sells its delicious, award-winning spaghetti sauce (based on the family’s secret recipe) to its clientele.

One highlight on their menu is the Dino Fig Special—pan-fried fettuccine noodles with black mussels and shrimp and a spicy marinara and white wine sauce.

Other must-try dishes are meatball sandwiches, wild mushroom ravioli, and veal parmesan.

Another reason to visit Figaretti’s is its loyalty rewards program that provides discounts on your next visit based on the number of rewards you earn.

Vagabond Kitchen

The Vagabond Kitchen is a famous American gastropub in the city center on Market Street.

They have been serving customers since 2014 and are known for having a diverse menu and extensive craft brews and spirits selection.

Whether you're entertaining family, friends, a loved one, or even a colleague, this restaurant will suit any get-together.

Some of Vagabond Kitchen’s best dishes are burgers, chicken & waffles, and blue cheese mac ‘n cheese.

They also have great vegetarian dishes on the menu, like the Hillock Humus platter, corn fritters, and First Harvest pasta.

Do yourself a favor and have the ginger, lemonade, and cucumber mojito, which will not disappoint!

Generations Restaurant & Pub

Generations is a lively American eatery along Wheeling creek on National Road.

Spanning four generations, this restaurant (formerly known as the Swing Club) opened in 1999 as ‘Generations’ and is still owned and operated by the Duplaga family.

People return to this restaurant because of its relaxed atmosphere, where you can watch sports, listen to music, or dine outside on the 1,000-square-foot deck.

Try steak & eggs, hotdogs, Greek pizza, or pork chops.

Customers also love boneless chicken wings and pierogies, particularly on Wednesdays, and draft specials during happy hour.

Generations also accommodates dietary requirements, offering gluten-free options.

If you love Generations, you will be pleased to know that they offer catering services with a team that will help you plan your event to the last detail.

You can also find a list of upcoming events on the Generations website to ensure you don’t miss out!

Ihlenfeld Dining Room

Head to Ihlenfeld Dining Room in Wilson Lodge if you want a stunning countryside backdrop that overlooks Schenk Lake.

This upscale restaurant specializes in creative dishes, fine wines, and decadent desserts.

It's also a trendy weekend spot for families who want to enjoy the weekend brunch buffet.

Ihlenfeld Dining Room dinner highlights include ribeye steak, Maryland-style crab cakes, or vegetarian Bolognese for non-meat eaters.

They also offer packages and specials on days like Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving, so keep an eye on their online platforms for more information.

Golden Chopsticks

Golden Chopsticks on York Street is the perfect spot if you like Asian food.

Established in 1994, Golden Chopsticks specializes in sushi and Chinese dishes, from General Tso’s to ginger lobster tails.

Customers keep returning for their lunch specials and friendly service.

Menu items highly recommended are orange chicken, egg rolls, and general Tsao chicken.

For pickup, you can place an order online.

DiCarlo’s Pizza

DiCarlo’s started three pizzerias (in Wheeling, Glen Dale, and Highlands), all considered good options to get exceptional pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches.

Galdo DiCarlo brought Original DiCarlo’s Pizza to Wheeling in 1949, opening on the corner of 14th and Main Streets.

After several relocations, the downtown Wheeling branch finally settled in its current spot on Main Street in 2009.

This restaurant’s secret to success is simple: lure people back seven days a week with reasonable prices and delicious food.

Try their pepperoni rolls and family-size (24 slices) tray pizzas.

Follow Di Carlo on social media to avoid missing out on weekly and annual specials, like Tray Tuesday and National Pepperoni Pizza Day.

Market Vines Grill & Wine Bar

The Market Vines Grill & Wine Bar (better known as Market Vines) offers a laid-back atmosphere with some good pub snacks and drinks.

It has been a popular hangout in Wheeling’s historical center market district since 2011.

The best menu items include the Market Club, Philly Wrap, and the Chef Salad.

You can even build your preferred burger.

Market Vines is a wheelchair-friendly establishment and offers take-out options.

TJ’s Sports Garden Restaurant

If you’re a sports fan in the mood for food and drinks, then you should head to TJ’s Sports Garden Restaurant on National Road.

Since it opened its doors in 1990, it has been the go-to sports bar in Wheeling and the surrounding areas.

TJ’s Sports Garden Restaurant boasts one of the biggest video walls in the valley, so it is one of the most popular places to watch any sports game, match, or race.

This family-friendly restaurant also has an arcade, multiple pool tables, and a games room.

On the menu, you can’t go wrong with their Mt’neer Miss (Angus beef), chicken wings, or the broiled fish filet.

TJ’s keeps an active social media account worth following if you want to stay updated on sports games showing, specials, and opening hours.

Glassworks Grill

Glassworks (now Glassworks Grill) was the first licensed bar at Oglebay when it opened in 1980.

In Wilson Lodge, Glassworks Grill offers its patrons exceptional casual dining experiences with breathtaking views.

They are known for their gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, and seasonal salads.

Customers especially love the Wilson burger, chicken wings, steak, and mac ‘n cheese (from the kids’ menu).

Glassworks Grill also offers vegan options and, on the drinks side, an array of craft beer, cocktails, and fine wine to suit your taste.

They are a wheelchair-friendly establishment and offer take-out options.

The Alpha Tavern

What started in 1932 as the Alpha Beer Grille is now known as The Alpha Tavern on Carmel Road.

From its original name, it changed to Ye Olde Alpha (as most people know it) and was finally renamed in 2020 as The Alpha Tavern.

One thing that didn’t change since 1932 is its offerings in the form of meat-centric, comfort food.

The Alpha Tavern is known for its steaks, burgers, pizzas, and pasta.

If you are a wings-lover, visit Alpha Tavern on Wednesdays when these items go for 50c each!

They also have various football specials on Thursday and Sunday evenings, so it’s worth following them on social media to stay informed.

Download their app (suitable for iOS and Android) to make online ordering easy.

Coleman’s Fish Market

Coleman’s Fish Market has been operating in the central market on Market Street since 1946.

They are famous for their fresh seafood, especially their hand-fileted fish sandwiches.

You can also buy fresh fish at Coleman’s to prepare at home.

Any seafood selections on their menu and a portion of the delicious hand-cut fries are worth trying.

In 2001, Gourmet Magazine hailed Coleman’s Fish Market as one of West Virginia’s most popular eating establishments.

Bridge Tavern

Bridge Tavern has been a Wheeling institution for over 60 years.

This family-owned restaurant is committed to quality food, exceptional customer service, and good times for all.

Bridge Tavern is known for hosting the best live country western music.

Another attraction is their Sunday brunch menu, which is a real crowd-pleaser.

A few brunch options include chicken & waffles, a Bloody Mary burger, a Fall Wrap, and Eggs Benedict.

Bridge Tavern’s other popular classics are roast beef, Philly cheesesteak, and jalapeno chili cornbread.

They also have regular specials and events that they advertise on their website and social media pages.

Follow them to keep abreast of, for example, their Soup of the Day and live music events.

You can find Bridge Tavern downtown on the corner of Main Street and 10th Street at the base of the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge.

Perkins

You can find Perkins on National Road, well-known for its breakfasts.

Initially only a pancake house, this restaurant chain was founded in 1958.

The Wheeling branch makes up one of more than 300 across 32 states and Canada.

Perkins' menu consists of over 90 different breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Try their pancakes for breakfast, the Triple Decker Club for lunch, or the Burger, Fries & Pie combo for dinner.

Customers can also enjoy free wifi, kids’ and seniors’ menus, and vegetarian meals.

Abbey’s Restaurant & Lounge

Located on Zane Street, Abbey’s Restaurant & Lounge opened in 1991.

Their slogan is ‘No one leaves here a stranger,’ which summarizes the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere at Abbey’s.

They are an American restaurant that serves a broad selection of meals and drinks to accommodate everyone and is known to be an excellent venue for hosting birthday parties.

Must-try dishes include rotisserie ribs, pork chops, and blackened yellowfin tuna.

Look out for their specials and events, like ‘Mediterranean Nights’ on Abbey’s Restaurant & Lounge Facebook page, to ensure you don’t miss out!

Final Thoughts

Wheeling is considered the birthplace of West Virginia, and although it might not be a tourist hotspot, it should be a contender for your next holiday destination.

It's also a great place to experience various tastes and flavors to satisfy your cravings.

The dining options are endless—from sports bars and taverns to bakeries and markets.

Wheeling’s eateries offer variety and will cater to everyone, whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends and family, making it the perfect holiday getaway.

On your trip, check out these best restaurants in Wheeling, West Virginia!