As the year winds down—after menus have been folded, forks laid to rest, and final bites savored—we refine our selections to present our definitive guide to Fairmont’s Best Restaurants.
Pufferbelly’s Ice Cream Station
$$ | (304) 363-3221 | WEBSITE
Bright lights, cheerful booths, colorful sprinkles, this family-friendly spot has it all. The ice cream station might be simple, but it also happens to be serving some pretty great burgers and desserts.
Teriyaki Madness
$ | (681) 404-5374 | WEBSITE
Firmly established as one of Fairmont’s most consistently reliable quick-service spots, Teriyaki Madness’s location near I-79 feels like it’s been a long time coming. Their magic touch has been extended to a convenient pick-up setup and generous teriyaki bowls.
Mikey C’s Cuisine
$ | (681) 404-6018 | WEBSITE
This cozy modern eatery in Fairmont’s West side is serving an excellent dirty rice with chicken, beef, and hot peppers, as well as a roasted red pepper chicken bisque. A very useful spot to know about in West Virginia.
Hoops Cafe
$ | (304) 363-6446 | WEBSITE
After years of local buzz for its standout salmon dishes and crowd-pleasing wings, Hoops Cafe has carved out a cozy basketball-themed nook in Fairmont to showcase its vibrant take on American comfort food. The perfectly seasoned jerk salmon and those massive, crispy onion rings are absolute must-orders.
Mom’s Place
$ | (304) 368-9223 | WEBSITE
You might expect a restaurant with such a homey name to be overly quaint or nostalgic. However this breakfast spot in Fairmont isn’t that. It’s bright and clean and there’s a welcoming warmth about the whole place.
Hermosilla’s Deli Market
$ | (304) 366-4376 | WEBSITE
Undoubtedly one of Fairmont’s most reliable deli spots, Hermosilla’s Deli Market is the latest welcoming staff and fresh sandwich star of West Virginia. Now open for takeout as well as eat-in, it’s a delicious spot for homely food surrounded by a pleasant crowd.
Ken’s
$ | (304) 367-8910 | WEBSITE
Staking a claim for one of Fairmont’s most delicious dishes is the general tso tofu from Ken’s. Words like hot and delicious are common descriptors for top tier takeout but this one from the unassuming Chinese spot really is those things. The vegetable lo mein and crab rangoons are cooked perfectly, with portions that are large and prices that are very reasonable.
The pineapple chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and sesame chicken combo meal is a favorite, always arriving hot and making up for any challenge with extra sauces. The service is quick, the wonton soup has fresh vegetables, and the teriyaki chicken remains popular. Overall, Ken’s is a hidden gem for anyone craving Chinese takeout in Fairmont.
Grill250
$ | (304) 534-8244 | WEBSITE
Although Grill250 sits in the heart of Fairmont, there’s no contesting that it’s one of 2025’s most impressive and important restaurant discoveries. Would the smash burgers be as popular without the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff? One bite of the Route 250 will answer that.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
$ | (681) 404-5612 | WEBSITE
This cheerful Italian ice and frozen custard spot in Fairmont serves a birthday cake Italian ice with regular custard that we crave every 2.8 seconds, as well as a menu of ever-changing flavors like Cherry for Halloween that you should definitely get involved in.
McAteer’s Restaurant
$ | (304) 366-3158 | WEBSITE
It could be the spicy demus sausage, it could be the home fries, or it could be the oh-so friendly waitstaff, but there is something irresistible about this locally owned breakfast and lunch spot on Fairmont’s main street.
Derby Bar & Grill
$ | (304) 363-3880 | WEBSITE
A laid-back but lively local hangout right in the heart of Fairmont, Derby Bar & Grill is a solid neighborhood spot serving a killer mushroom swiss burger, wings—especially the habanero honey ones—and some drinks that really hit the spot. The service is friendly and efficient, making it a prime location to catch the game and unwind. While smoking is permitted inside, there’s a back outdoor deck for those wanting a smoke-free vibe.
It’s worth noting that it’s more adult-oriented unless you snag deck seating. The place is wheelchair accessible, too.
Wright Dawgs
$ | (304) 368-0834 | WEBSITE
This West Virginia gem has quickly become one of the hardest places to grab a quick lunch in Fairmont. Once you try the flaming hot sauce on their signature hot dog, you’ll understand why.
Fox’s Pizza Den
$ | (304) 367-0000 | WEBSITE
This pizza joint in Fairmont is from the same folks behind the local favorites. It’s cleaner, even more modern, and has amazing pepperoni-topped pies. The dining area is spotless, with friendly staff who deliver orders hot and promptly. They use real ingredients in their delicious subs and pizzas, including vegetarian options. The sauce is incredible, and they pile on plenty of pepperoni.
You can also get gluten-free choices like cauliflower crust pizza and cauliflower bread sandwiches—just ask, since they’re not on the menu. The presentation is perfect, with flavors that melt in your mouth. Carry-out and delivery are available, plus there’s free parking out back. The atmosphere is great, making it a solid pick for a quick, satisfying meal.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (304) 363-2884 | WEBSITE
Of all the classic American chains dotting the highways, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store remains the most reliable and best value for families. The comfort-food destination is in Fairmont, West Virginia, and offers hearty meals costing around $12. All welcome places for homestyle favorites like the Old Timer Breakfast, Momma’s French Toast, Rainbow Trout, and Roast Beef dinners, served hot and flavorful with quick, correct preparation.
The restaurant handles large groups well while paying attention to individual needs, and management ensures excellent service even when mistakes occur. Visitors enjoy Thursdays for the turkey daily deal—great taste and plenty of food, though choosing additional sides can be tricky. The clean bathrooms and gift shop with holiday items and clearance deals add to the positive experience, making it a standout in Fairmont.
The Joe
$ | (304) 816-4390 | WEBSITE
When The Joe announced its focus on gluten-free dining in Fairmont, there was much anticipation, and rightly so. The creative, cool atmosphere is matched by coffee with careful preparation and straightforward-sounding, deeply satisfying plates of food.
Mountain Dragon Mazery Fine Honey Wine
We’ve always been fans of their mead, so it’s no surprise that this Fairmont spot was among our favourite discoveries this year. Expect excellent honey wine, and a tasting experience you’ll want to repeat about 50 times.
Dairy Creme Corner
$ | (304) 366-6809 | WEBSITE
One of Fairmont’s most beloved dessert spots reopened for the season this spring and the quality of their all-homemade menu remained just as exceptional. An avalanche complete with thick, rich, and creamy ice cream along with all the toppings (strawberry shortcake, hot fudge, and peanut butter) is still the must-order. The generous portions make finishing a large cone a delightful challenge, while the quick, friendly service keeps the often-long lines moving smoothly.
Customers happily drive over an hour to visit this local institution, where the stuffed pepperoni rolls and burgers offer savory balance to the sweet treats.
Subway
$ | (304) 367-1497 | WEBSITE
A sandwich chain in name but something far more clean-lined and vegetable-filled by nature, this Fairmont restaurant is a quick stop for the people on the road. The menu is for everyone though, with a standout turkey sandwich with bacon and avocado and plenty of vegetarian options particular highlights.
T-G’s Lounge & Cafe
$ | (304) 363-4214 | WEBSITE
This Fairmont find offers a seriously quaint, intimate atmosphere with a laid-back vibe. The cafe provides vegetarian options like collard greens that feel like classic, simple, satisfying comfort food. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots, and the welcoming environment includes a few lottery machines and good music, even for those in need.
Arby’s
$ | (304) 363-8518 | WEBSITE
If you’re a fan of consistent fast food, quick drive-thru service, or reliable chains with a reputation for meeting corporate standards (quality is their passion), then you’ll really appreciate this Fairmont location. The staff is generally friendly and engaging, the restaurant maintains impressive cleanliness, and the service is fast and accurate.
While there have been occasional minor mistakes like missing items, the overall experience is positive—highlights include the delicious Hawaiian fish sandwich and the phenomenal strawberry milkshake. They even offer a military discount, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.