One drive-in on my list wears a giant root beer mug on its roof like a crown. That’s the kind of landmark you can give as directions, and your relatives will still find it.
The rest of this list holds its own. One spot serves spaghetti and pie in a room that feels pulled from another decade.
Another serves wood-fired pizza next to a raw bar, hundreds of miles from any ocean.
I love that these are the places locals point to when the cousins roll into town. They’re not chosen for flash.
They’re chosen because they taste like home, or at least like a West Virginia city that knows exactly who it is.
So when family asks where to eat, what do you say? Here are six answers that keep coming up, with chili dogs, raw oysters, and schnitzel all in the mix.
1. Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House
Spaghetti with meat sauce has been the calling card here for generations, and the name on the sign tells you exactly what you’re getting. Huntington folks often treat a visit as a rite of passage for anyone new in town.
The restaurant has reportedly served downtown diners since the late 1930s. In 2019, the James Beard Foundation named it one of its America’s Classics, a big honor for a West Virginia family spot.
Inside, the room carries a historic diner feel with a quiet, relaxed pace. You’ll find steak burgers, a fish sandwich, chicken tender meals, a chef salad, and coleslaw that rounds out the plate nicely.
Then there’s the pie case, which deserves its own paragraph. Apple, chocolate, butterscotch, Boston creme, and coconut cream pies all make appearances, so pick one or bring a friend and split two.
Plan around the schedule, because the doors stay shut on Mondays. Sundays wrap up at 3 PM, and reservations aren’t taken, so lunch on a weekday morning-to-noon stretch tends to be calmer.
Parking downtown can take a little patience, with paid lots and street spots nearby. Kids are welcome too, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready for the youngest relatives.
Address: 920 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
2. Stewarts Original Hot Dogs- Huntington
Few things say welcome home faster than a chili dog handed through your car window. Stewart’s has been doing exactly that on 5th Avenue since the 1930s, and the routine hasn’t changed much.
According to the company, the stand opened in 1932 as a root beer drive-in. Hot dogs topped with a family chili sauce came along soon after and became the main event.
You can still stay in your car for carhop service or use the drive-through. Prefer to stretch your legs?
Outdoor seating works too, and dogs are welcome outside.
The menu keeps things simple and satisfying. Famous Original Hotdogs, slaw dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, chili cheese fries, and plain French fries fill out the lineup.
Save room for the homemade root beer, which remains a big part of the stand’s identity. Milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream give the sweet tooth a few more choices.
Prices stay friendly for a big family crowd, and free parking is usually easy to find. Just note it’s closed on Sundays, so schedule your relatives accordingly.
Address: 2445 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25703
3. Frostop Drive-In
Look up, and you’ll spot a huge root beer mug perched on top of the building. Honestly, it might be the easiest set of directions you ever give an out-of-town cousin.
Frostop has been a Huntington landmark for decades, sitting along busy Hal Greer Boulevard. The setup is pure old-school drive-in, with carhops and a 1950s spirit.
Here’s the fun part: the drinks arrive in frosty mugs. Root beer, orange drinks, root beer floats, and malts make the stop feel like a little time machine.
On the food side, hot dogs rule the menu. Order a slaw dog or a chili dog with everything, then add onion rings or chili cheese fries for good measure.
You can stay in your car and let the carhops bring the tray. Or grab a spot at the outdoor picnic tables if the weather plays nice.
Got a four-legged traveler in the back seat? Dogs are allowed here, and the kids’ menu helps keep the smallest guests happy.
Hours run until 9 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. That makes it a handy pick for an easy summer supper.
Address: 1449 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25701
4. Backyard Pizza And Raw Bar
Oysters in a West Virginia river city might raise a few eyebrows back home. Your relatives will stop asking questions once the grilled oysters land on the table.
Wood-fired pizza and a full raw bar share top billing at this downtown spot on 3rd Avenue. It’s a smart pick when your group can’t agree between seafood and pizza night.
The pizza list leans playful. A Crab Rangoon Pizza sits alongside classic pepperoni and a lineup of specialty pies.
Seafood fans can work through Oysters Rockefeller, scallops, and hickory ahi tuna. Lobster cheese sticks make a pretty great opener for the whole table to share.
Don’t skip dessert either. The wood fire brownie comes out of that same oven, which feels like a fitting finale.
Vegetarian relatives have options too, thanks to a full vegetarian menu. High chairs and a kids’ menu make it work for mixed-age crowds.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and a wait is common on busy weekend evenings. Arriving earlier in the day can save you some pacing on the sidewalk.
Address: 833 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
5. The Peddler
Burgers and arcade games under one roof? That combo alone could win over teenagers who claim they’re too cool for family dinner.
The Peddler sits right next door to Backyard Pizza on 3rd Avenue, so two very different meals share one block. It pairs a casual dining room with an arcade, which keeps restless players busy between bites.
The kitchen focuses on unique burgers, sandwiches, and duck fat fries. The restaurant says its food is made fresh in house, and that shows in the creative menu.
Pork wonton nachos make a fun starter for the table. Brisket mac, a chicken sandwich, and the Big Texas round out some popular choices.
Here’s a nice surprise for plant-based relatives. The menu offers a range of vegan options, so nobody gets stuck ordering a sad side salad.
Hours match its neighbor, running Tuesday through Saturday until 10 PM. Sunday service ends at 3 PM, and Mondays are closed.
It’s a strong choice when the family includes picky eaters, adventurous eaters, and game lovers. Everyone gets a win, and maybe a high score.
Address: 835 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
6. Bahnhof – Wvrsthaus & Biergarten
Bahnhof means train station in German, a fitting name in a city with deep railroad roots. Huntington families send visitors here when they want something nobody back home expects.
The menu brings classic German comfort food to 7th Avenue. Think sausages, schnitzels, giant pretzels, and plenty of hearty plates built for sharing.
The Haus Brat and the curry wurst are natural starting points. Wienerschnitzel and a pork shank with mashed potatoes keep the old-world theme going strong.
Not everything stays strictly German, which keeps things interesting. Poutine, Swedish meatballs, all-day fish and chips, and a wild game meatloaf all show up.
Vegan eaters get real choices too. A veggie Reuben and a Nashville hot oil onion option prove the kitchen thinks beyond meat.
Inside, a fireplace adds charm on chilly evenings, and outdoor seating opens up when the weather cooperates. Dogs are welcome outside, so the family pup can tag along.
Unlike several spots on this list, it’s open seven days a week. That flexibility makes it a reliable West Virginia stop for any relative arriving on a Monday.
Address: 745 7th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
