Bavarian feasts, creative tapas menus, elegant white tablecloth service and more
BERKELEY COUNTY & JEFFERSON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA–JUNE 2025–West Virginia’s Eastern panhandle offers an easy escape and an unexpected array of diverse culinary experiences to enjoy. Berkeley County and Jefferson County, in the heart of the panhandle, are just over an hour’s drive northwest from Washington, D.C. Located between Interstates 81 and 70, this surprising destination is easily accessible by car via U.S. 340 and West Virginian Route 9 or by rail from Washington or Baltimore.
There are exceptional dining options throughout Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, many of which may come as a surprise to visitors. Here, the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge at Harpers Ferry, home of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-6029), and the surrounding rich farmland of the region fuels area farm-to-table menus that showcase local fare and chef creativity. Orr’s Farm Market (682 Orr Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 304-263-1168) and others not only supply local chefs but also offer visitors an opportunity to shop the farm store or even pick their own seasonal produce. French-trained Chef Mary Ellen Diaz uses these local ingredients to serve up a taste of home at Alma Bea (202 East Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 304-870-2153). Her creative menu is based on the flavors and heritage of Appalachia and served in a rustic setting. Seasonal offerings include “Tapa-lachian” chef’s specials like fresh-shucked oysters, Goat Cheese Glazed Onion Tart and Lamb Meatballs.
Nearby, in the heart of downtown Shepherdstown, Bistro 112 (112 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-8477) has a cottage chic atmosphere and an outdoor garden dining area. Diners will find a creative cocktail menu and classically French entrees. They can enjoy starters like Burgundy Escargot or Beef Tartare before indulging in Pan Seared Virginia Trout or Duck Leg Confit. Other influences, including Italian and Japanese, also appear on the menu that, from sourcing to preparing to serving, Chef Paul Stearman call a labor of love. The Press Room (129 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-8777) is another Shepherdstown surprise. The restaurant’s 50 seats are typically filled, as its reputation for a cozy atmosphere, creative cuisine and exceptional service has made it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The menu changes seasonally and features regional fare with Mediterranean influences. Specialties, from the House Pate’ starter to the Lavender Crème Brûlée dessert, deliver on taste and presentation and the international wine list is complemented by a full bar.
International cuisine is a hallmark of Shepherdstown’s most well-known dining establishment. The Bavarian Inn (163 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-2551) has been serving its German specialties for more than 40 years. Today, the fine-dining Potomac Room is joined by the Brew Pub and the 101 Pool Bar, a casual outdoor space 101 feet above the Potomac. The inn’s Four-Diamond dining experience features an extensive menu of German and American fare, served in the Asam family tradition.
For lighter breakfast and lunch options, MJ’s (104 East German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-870-2151) is a café and deli that serves artisan breakfast and lunch sandwiches, along with fresh local coffee and juices. Namesakes Melissa and Jordan have a passion for quality food and sincere hospitality. The duo strives to bring lots of flavor and fun to their establishment, from a classic grilled cheese to a Smoked Salmon BLT to a Curried Chicken Salad.
As one of nearby Martinsburg’s newest offerings, Momma Boyd’s (109 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 681-247-1018) is a downtown family diner that focuses on serving delicious, country style meals. They relish community and family and love to be a part of using food to bring people together. Young American Martini Bar (147 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404; 681-247-1018) is another new gathering place here. It is a premier martini bar featuring handcrafted martinis, premium spirits and an upscale small plate menu. Its ambiance is one of modern sophistication and the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable.
Just down the street, Brix 27 (131 North Queen Street, Martinsburg West Virginia 25401; 304) 616-1628) pairs old-world ambiance with a modern flair. Here, small plates are based on the seasonal offerings of local farmers and crafted using culinary creativity. The extensive wine collection features more than 130 selections. Adding international options to Martinsburg’s offerings is Thai Martinsburg (200 West Burke Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 304-901-5779). Here, the menu includes traditional Thai fare with innovative twists, using only the freshest of ingredients with distinctive and bold spices.
There are specialty food shops that shouldn’t be missed here. The truffles, caramels and nut clusters of DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates (130 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 304-264-3698) are always favorites. And at Bolivar Bread (914 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-8108) Handmade bread and pastries are the starts of this small batch artisan bakery. It is known as the place for freshly baked bread, sweets and locally sourced snacks.
Of course, local libations are an enduring part of life here and the tradition of distilling those is going strong. Both Devil’s Due Distillery (315 James Burr Boulevard, Kearneysville, West Virginia 25430; 681-252-1246) and Black Draft Distillery (2878 Dry Run Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 540-686-0100) signify new generations of craftspeople, pairing tried-and-true methods with creative flavor concepts. The results can be enjoyed at distillery tasting rooms and local establishments, alike. At Abolitionist Ale Works (129 W. Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414: 681-252-1548) the atmosphere is filled with fun and the beers are unique and flavorful. In keeping with the area’s abolitionist history, the ale house rebels against the status quo.
If you go
Diverse downtowns combine historic settings and fresh looks. The shops offer everything from the modern works of local artists to the cherished first editions on the shelf of a classic bookstore. Performing arts are alive here, too. Shepherd University (301 North King Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-5000) anchors the arts scene with its Performing Arts Series, an annual line-up that features performances in a variety of genres. There is entertainment year round, from the Old Opera House (204 North George Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 304-725-4420) in Charles Town to the Apollo Civic Theatre (128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg West Virginia 25401; 304-263-6766) which has been a cultural landmark in Martinsburg since 1913.