State of Affairs

While West Virginians continue to socially distance, stay at home and telework, “what’s for dinner” has become a popular question across many households.  Luckily, the West Virginia Tourism Office and multiple convention and visitor bureaus across the state have an answer for you.  If you’re tired of cooking at home, or looking for dinner alternatives on short notice, they’ve got you covered.

The West Virginia Tourism Office began collecting data from restaurants a few weeks ago in order to create an interactive dining guide.  West Virginians can browse dining options near them and filter the restaurants by who is doing delivery, takeout or using third party delivery platforms such as Grubhub or Doordash.  If you are a restauranteur missing from this list, you can submit your information online to have your restaurant added to the guide.

Also, many of the convention and visitor bureaus throughout the state have compiled lists of the restaurants in their areas that are still open. The Charleston CVB, Putnam County CVB, and Visit Mountaineer Country CVB all have resources online for those looking for a hot meal from their favorite local restaurant.

Hot meals aren’t the only thing West Virginians can get from their favorite local restaurants during this time. Cold beer and wine are also available now for takeout and delivery. Recently, the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Admission lifted regulations that will allow for the delivery of sealed beer and wine by certain licensees to a person’s home.

Restaurants, bars and breweries can now deliver your favorite alcoholic beverage to your home, so you can enjoy it with your meal or while you sit on your back porch. Some restaurants and bars are getting creative by pairing wines and beers to go with your favorite meals. Third parties such as Grubhub and Doordash are unable to deliver alcoholic beverages, so be sure to order from your local restaurants that are providing delivery services directly. Delivery is only available for sealed beer and wine. Home deliveries of mixed drinks, liquor bottles or alcohol in to-go cups are not permitted.

For those looking to keep up with the home cooking while avoiding the grocery store, a number of businesses have established some creative options.  Buzz Food Service has $40 meat boxes available for safe, in-car pick up – simply e-mail meatbox@beef.buzz.  Local meat markets are also keeping up with the times.  Johnnie’s Fresh Meat Market is taking orders for curbside pickup at the Capitol Market in Charleston.  And T&M Meats in Cross Lanes has a wide selections of fresh meats – and growlers – available to go. 

Now is a great time to support your local restaurants and food providers by ordering takeout or delivery. It’s a good time to try a new restaurant or maybe just order from an established place you’ve never been to. Another easy and free way to support your favorite local restaurant is to write a positive online review or share their social media page online with friends. If you have your meals and cooking under control, consider purchasing a restaurant gift card to use later this year or to send to a friend.  These are just a few of the new ways we can fill our stomachs and support our local restaurants during this time of uncertainty.

If you’re a local bar, brewery or restaurant looking for guidance, the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association has made its coronavirus resources page free to all West Virginia businesses. On the resources page, you will find the latest guidelines, updates and information from the State of West Virginia, National Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Small Business Administration and more. You can visit the WVHTA coronavirus resources page by clicking here.