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taste ›› memorable meals
Memorable Meals W ho doesn’t love a good drive-in? And these iconic places are seeing a resurgence of popularity. I recently hit the road in southern West Virginia, looking for some of the best places where we can still get our favorite comfort foods and socially distance at the same time. written, photographed, and eaten by nikki bowman mills
Lynn's Drive Inn, Bluewell Three miles north of Bluefield is the tiny town of Bluewell and, if you grew up here, every momentous occasion since 1950 has probably been celebrated at Lynn’s Drive Inn. It’s more than a place to eat; it’s a community gathering spot. The foot-long hotdogs are fan favorites, using the same chili recipe ever since it opened. Pair that with an order of onion rings and wash it down with a milkshake. Or opt for the cheeseburger and fries. The soft-serve ice cream selection is impressive—every flavor imaginable. If you are the owner of a motorcycle or antique car, Lynn’s hosts monthly cruise-ins, where the parking lot becomes a communal gathering spot. Pinnacle Drive-In, Pineville I asked the carhop what was the most popular item on the menu, prepared to eat yet another hotdog or hamburger. When she said “People really like our Turkey Salad Sub,” I replied, “Come again?” She repeated, “Turkey Salad.” Uhhh. Ok. It took me a minute to process before I ordered it. When she handed me the neatly wrapped sandwich a few minutes later, the first thing I realized was that it was warm and toasty. I gingerly peeled back the paper— and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Thanksgiving dinner in a bun that had been … wait for it … DEEP FRIED! Homemade turkey salad, cranberry sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise folded into a submarine roll and then deep fried. And it was ahhhhhmazing. It is worth making another trip to Wyoming County. Sterling Drive-In, Welch You can’t go to Welch without stopping at the Sterling. When we pulled in, the parking lot was filled with ATVs and motorcycles. You can either flash your lights and a carhop will go to your car with a menu, or you can head inside. The menu is extensive—with everything from seafood dinners to country-fried steak to the traditional standbys of hotdogs and cheeseburgers. I’m told the fried chicken is to die for. I wish I’d visited in the morning so that I could have tried the Four Wheeler Breakfast—and although breakfast is served all day, I didn’t have it in me to down three eggs, two biscuits with gravy, fried apples, and bacon or sausage. For those who are health conscious, the menu features a couple of different salads—but seriously, who goes to a drive- in and orders a salad? Please don’t be that person.
40 wvl • fall 2020
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