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EDITOR’S NOTE
volume 11 • issue 3
PUBLISHED BY New South Media, Inc. 1135 Main Street, #279, Granville WV 26534
PUBLISHER/EDITOR- IN-CHIEF Nikki Bowman Mills, nikki@newsouthmedia.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmedia.com
A winsome and winning appeal for your BOM vote.
W e love Best of tition, the surprises. Now in its second decade, BOM has become a Morgantown institution. You can tell by the “We’re the BOM” stickers all over town and the BOM-season “Vote for Us!” bill- boards. I laugh every time I look at the social media appeal above, and there are lots of other sincere and hilarious ones inside. Morgantown—the excitement, the friendly compe- For BOM22, we swapped five useful new categories in—stand- ing firm as always at 101—in- cluding Best Auto Body Shop and Best Funeral Home, and we re-introduced Best BBQ and Best Car Wash / Detailing. When almost 1,700 nominees had been whittled down to 439 finalists, then 106 winners, including ties, we had the mix of outcomes we consider healthy: • longtime defenders holding their ground—Best Tattoo Studio, for example, and Best Dry Cleaner; • possible new dynasties in the making—Best Pizza? Best Hair Salon?; • continuing back-and-forth rivalries, like Best Festival and
ART DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Carla Witt Ford, carla@newsouthmedia.com
Best Physical / Occupational Therapy Office; • deserving new winners—see Best Hotel and the ties in Best Bartender, Best Brewery, and Best Place to Buy Shoes; and • Contenders to Watch that made surprisingly strong fin- ishes in their categories. Stay tuned for details on a BOM22 party coming up in the spring. We’ve included some staff personal “Best of” shout-outs in our masthead. But our collective vote is for you—the merchants and makers, professionals and personalities, restaurants and readers that make this bend in the Mon a great place to live.
DESIGNER Hayley Richard, hayley@newsouthmedia.com
MANAGING EDITOR Holly Leleux-Thubron, holly@newsouthmedia.com
EDITORIAL INTERN Peter Krch, Devin Lacy
MARKETING & OPERATIONS MANAGER Meggan Hoyman, info@newsouthmedia.com
MARKETING & OPERATIONS INTERN Grace Campbell
ADVERTISING Bryson Taylor, Kelley Wood
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Keep living local!
MORGANTOWN is published by New South Media, Inc. Frequency of publication is subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as two issues. We reserve the right to substitute gifts of equal or greater value. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher. © 2022 NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WHO ARE WE? The mission of New South Media is to change perceptions of West Virginia—not just outside the borders but, more importantly, in how West Virginians look at themselves—by telling positive stories about the peopleand places that make West Virginia a great place to live. Our products are community builders. We value responsible, accurate, and inspiring storytelling delivered in high-quality products that showcase great design and photography. We make a difference, one story at a time.
PAM KASEY, Editor
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@morgantownmag @morgantownmag
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Community 10 House + Home 15 Food 20 Drink 34 Bomtastic 38 Services 41 Entertainment + Leisure 54 Health + Wellness 62 Shopping 73
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BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY Tony Caridi
Tony Caridi has always been a sports guy. He grew up near Buffalo, New York, and dreamed of a day when he might work as a professional sports announcer. A friend’s father worked as an announcer with the Buffalo Sabers, making the profession feel within reach. His dreams came true, and Caridi has become one of the most familiar voices on the airwaves through his affiliation with West Virginia University athletics as a play-by-play announcer and as the host of MetroNews Statewide Sportsline. wvmetronews.com/podcast/sportsline, @tony.caridi.7 on FB
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BEST LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Empty Bowls Soup
Most Nominated Category Best Community Champion 1,211 Most Nominated Contender Tom Bloom for Best Politician 375 Most Voted Category Best Community Champion 2,558 Most Voted Contender (in all of BOM22) Tom Bloom 1,454 Most Contenders Nominated (in all of BOM22) Best PreK-12
Luncheon Empty Bowls Monongalia supports 24 partners in its work to keep members of the Mon County community from going hungry. The nonprofit holds its popular Soup Luncheon, among other events, to continue its work. The goal this year? Fully fund all grant requests it receives—and Empty Bowls needs all of our help. Keep an eye on the organization’s Facebook page for details and for opportunities to donate. 7 Rousch Drive, 304.241.5510, @emptybowlsmon on FB
Close Runner-Up Holy Pursuit’s Dream Foundation’s Night of Dreams holypursuitsdreamfoundation.com
BEST CHARITY/ NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Pantry Plus More When Roark Sizemore and Tom Bloom started Pantry Plus More in 2016, they couldn’t have foreseen the organization’s impact. Six years later, the all-volunteer organization distributes more than 350,000 pounds of food each month, serves thousands of students, and makes a significant dent in food insecurity. It reaches those in need through weekly mobile food giveaways, in-school pantries, an annual backpack program, and its Fresh Start Health and Wellness Program that distributes 8,000 pounds of food to families each month. It’s hard to think about where Mon County would be without this two-time BOM-winning nonprofit. 9 Rousch Drive, 304.282.1123, pantryplusmore.org, @pantryplusmore on FB
BEST POLITICIAN Tom Bloom It’s impossible to list all the ways Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom, Best Politician for the fourth time in BOM history, has impacted Morgantown. A few of his most recent accomplishments include the creation of the Mon County Mini Swimmers program, work on Hazel House of Hope, participation in the establishment of a unified EMS service from competing units, work with the Tourism Advancement Fund, and efforts to lower property taxes for the third year in a row.
Contender toWatch The Ranch Community Store 255 Don Knotts Boulevard, 304.381.2606, ranchstore.org, @ranchstorewv on FB
Teacher 76
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BEST P re K–12 PRINCIPAL Sheri Petitte Ridgedale Elementary When we asked Ridgedale Elementary Principal Sheri Petitte for some lessons she’s learned, we saw why she’s now won this category for a second year in a row: •
BEST P re K–12 TEACHER Makayla Boyles SkyviewElementary Makayla Boyles found her passion back in high school as a peer buddy for a younger student with a disability. “From that moment, I knew I wanted to help others with exceptionalities,” Boyles says. She received her master's in elementary education and a certification to teach multi- categorical special education and autism from WVU. Boyles has been teaching special education at Skyview Elementary School for three years, though, as one can expect, each year has been dramatically different from the one before. When it comes to working with her students, Boyles says the most important part of teaching is that students know that they are safe
Be highly visible. You can’t “principal” from your desk. • Communication is key. Be transparent and on-time. • Listen more than you speak. • Find opportunities to build relationships—learning students’ names pays off. • Don’t be afraid to have fun with students. • Hold yourself to high standards, and have high expectations for staff and students. When the school’s culture is positive and respectful, she says, the school grows and moves forward. Staff, students, and families feel connected and successful.
and that their needs can be met. But it’s not just about her, she says: “Education isn’t just a labor of love—it’s an art
of teamwork.” It’s a group of people coming together for the education of our children and, to BOM voters, Boyles is a star among them.
time winner st 1
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BEST PLUMBER Hughart’s Supply Hughart’s Supply already had a 60-year track record when Gary Schlobohm’s father bought the business in 1974. Hughart’s has now been in the Schlobohm family for nearly half a century, and they’ve kept the reputation strong: Morgantown readers have voted it Best Plumber for a second year in a row. Schlobohm attributes that to a hard-working crew that’s he’s proud of. Call them with all of your leaks, clogs, and new installations—and check with them for parts and equipment, too. 120 Clay Street, 304.296.3121; 1499 Deckers Creek Boulevard, 304.296.3133; hugharts.com
Most Nominated Category Best Real Estate Agent 1,195 Most Nominated Contender J.S. Walker Associates 362 Most Voted Category Best Real Estate Agency 2,366 Most Voted Contender
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Travis Cadalzo J.S. Walker Associates As a satisfied New York City transplant, real estate agent Travis Cadalzo with J.S. Walker Associates finds it easy to enthuse about Morgantown to potential home buyers. “When people, especially from out of state, come to town and ask, ‘What’s so great about Morgantown’—physicians, for example, sometimes are comparing Morgantown with other places, like Charlottesville—being able to take them to a great restaurant, point out the little shops, show them the baseball stadium and the rail-trail, you can see their eyes light up.” That enthusiasm combined with top-notch service earns Cadalzo BOM honors for a second time this year. 304.288.1923, morgantownhome.com, @morgantownhome on FB
Absolute Air 796 Most
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BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER DropCloth & Co. In the fall of 2019, real estate agents Angela Mayfield and Heather Wallace decided to up the game in Morgantown and started a staging enterprise— DropCloth & Co. “We approach it with our combined 20 years’ real estate background. And we’re not photographers, but we know where the money shots are.” Staging plays into the emotional aspect of buying a house, Mayfield says. “If a buyer walks in and instantly feels at home, they can see themselves living there.” The pair had only staged two homes when COVID-19 hit in early 2020. But the subsequent real estate boom—along with everyone’s extra home-time and the urge to
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
J.S.Walker Associates On the occasion of J.S. Walker’s 10th BOM win, Broker Steve Walker shares some insightful tips. For the seller You have one chance to make a good first impression, and these days that’s typically online. Make sure your agent uses a professional photographer to stage and photograph your home, including interior, exterior, and drone. For the buyer Your agent is a teacher of the market. Ask to be informed not only about properties to look at, but those under contract and those that close, to increase your knowledge of the market. As an informed consumer, when you walk into the house that speaks to you, you’ll have the confidence to act.
redecorate that followed— jump-started the business. DropCloth & Co. does everything from color consultations to major renovations. “We’re inexpensive for what we do,” Wallace says. “A lot of times we can come in with a consult and give you a list, and you can do it for yourself.” 304.212.8983, @dropcloth_and_company on IG, @dropclothcompany on FB
time winner st 1
Caitlin Furbee Wells Home Furnishings As the interior design member of the team at Wells Home Furnishings for the past seven years, Caitlin Furbee has developed an ever-growing circle of referrals. Clients like her attention to detail and her ability to understand their vision, then make suggestions that will fit their lifestyles even better. In a year of supply-chain delays, Furbee is grateful for Wells’ clients. “We’ve been
set back with time delays that we could never fathom—customizations are now taking about 30 weeks,” she says. “We are so, so fortunate that our customers have been really understanding about the situation. We finally get the phone call saying they love the room or the design and it’s been so worth the wait—that really makes our day.” Don’t deny yourself the eye of a trained designer—Furbee’s initial consultation is just $70, refundable with purchase. 1040 Fairmont Road, Westover, 304.322.2129, wellshome.com, @wellshomefurnishings on FB
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BEST HOUSE CLEANING
SERVICE All Kinds of Clean Allison Kell, owner of All Kinds of Clean, says her favorite part of the job isn’t just the satisfaction of seeing
BEST HVAC COMPANY Absolute Air When your furnace goes out, you need someone who knows their stuff and will give it to you straight, fast. Absolute Air owner Brian Jackon has more than three decades in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. He’s joined by son Brandon Jackson and business partner David Olesnevich, and north central West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania customers give the Absolute Air team highest marks for quick response, clear communication, and follow-through. 304.598.1001, goabsoluteair.com, @absoluteairwv
a clean home, but knowing that clients get relief from worrying over their homes on top of all their other duties and responsibilities. “Everyone's situation is different,” she says. No matter what the situation is, however, Kell and her team are dedicated to making sure their clients are happy with the work every time they visit. 703.801.6009, @allkindsofclean on FB, @all.kinds.of.clean304 on IG
BEST LANDSCAPER Biafore Landscape Development Biafore Landscape Development credits client loyalty and employee dedication for its more than 50 successful years serving the Morgantown community. The landscaping company is no stranger to the Best Of contest and earns its cred by providing an extensive list of services to its customers—from landscape design to turf and landscape management and from planting services to lighting and irrigation installation. 500 Hartman Run Road, 304.594.3006, biafore.com, “Biafore Landscape Development” on FB
BEST ELECTRICIAN Edison Electric
Since winning our first year of Best Electrician last year, Edison Electric has grown enormously: a new office in Westover, an office manager, and now six licensed technicians, including owner Abram Edison, up from four last year. The crew is earning loyalty with its ’round-the-clock emergency service, availability by text, and willingness to take any job, no matter how small. “We enjoy being a staple in the community,” Edison says. 177 Holland Avenue, Westover, 304.641.5002, edisonelectricllc.com, @edisonelectric304 on FB
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BEST FURNITURE STORE Chuck’s Furniture &Mattress After 55 years in business and eight previous BOM wins, it’s no surprise that Chuck’s Furniture is a local favorite. There are four pieces of furniture that granddaughter and employee Mackenzie Hill recommends for every home: 1) a good mattress, as it reflects your whole day; 2) a comfortable couch or sectional, since living rooms are major gathering spots in the home; 3) a good bedroom suite that can last a lifetime an d be passed down; and 4) a sturdy dining
room table for gathering with friends and family for good food and good times. 77 Lawless Road, 304.292.7621, chucksfurniture.com, @chucksfurniturewvu on FB
Giving good advice and putting the right part in the customer’s hand.
120 Clay Street 26501 304.296.3121 1499 Deckers Creek Blvd. 26508 304.296.3133 Thanks for voting us Morgantown’s best plumber!
Most Nominated Category Best Bakery 1,432 Most Nominated Contender Los Mariachis 457 Most Voted Category (in all of BOM22) Best Pizza 2,895 Most Voted Contender Black Bear Evansdale 1,085 Most Contenders Nominated in a Category Best Burger 35
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BEST BURGER Iron Horse Tavern A good burger is all about the beef. Iron Horse Tavern knows this, and that’s why you’ll get a ½-pound certified Angus beef patty that is a blend of premium cuts. The IHT crew says one burger in particular, the Iron Horse Burger—stacked with hickory-smoked bacon, roasted poblano pepper, smoked gouda cheese, and a house-made chipotle- bourbon BBQ sauce—has been a fan favorite since it hit the menu. Or build your own burger—with quality ingredients all around, you can’t go wrong. 140 High Street, 304.296.6230, ironhorsetvrn.com, @ironhorsetvrn on FB
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT Los Mariachis
Los Mariachis is a longtime BOM favorite, both the original location on Van Voorhis and the second one, at University Town Centre. The authentic atmosphere at both and the outdoor dining in season set the mood for a relaxing evening of good food and good drinks. Get the fan-favorite strawberry margarita frozen or on the rocks, and start the night right with some chips and queso. 1137 Van Voorhis Road, 304.598.3715; 9105 University Town Centre Drive, 304.599.6187; losmariachismorgantown.com, @losmariachismorgantown on FB
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BEST OUTDOOR DINING Tropics Restaurant & Bar BOM voters agree that there is no better outdoor dining experience in town than Tropics. The largest and most varied outdoor dining space around, Tropics’ lushly planted, multi-level decks offer niches for everything from a romantic dinner to a girls’ or guys’ night out or a family celebration.
The summer concert series is a full evening’s dining and entertainment al fresco. Going for the first time? Co-owner Maria Burchfiel suggests the Mochiko Chicken paired with a Berry Basil-Ade to make the already unique dining experience even more unforgettable. 2500 Cranberry Square, 304.291.5225, tropicswv.com, @tropicswv on FB
BEST CHEF Noah Meyers Stefano's
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT Ali Baba Restaurant When it comes to Mediterranean food in Morgantown, look no further than Ali Baba’s. This local favorite at the Morgantown Municipal Airport is a must, with a Mediterranean and American menu that caters to all tastes. Its Middle Eastern flair and unique atmosphere make it a hidden-gem dining experience you won’t want to miss. 100 Hartfield Road, 304.777.4120, alibabaexpress.com
Noah Meyers has been in the kitchen since he was a kid—it’s where he finds his freedom. He thrives as executive chef in the creative and “think fast” atmosphere in Stefano’s kitchen, where he and his crew turn every meal ordered into a special dining experience. When Meyers isn’t cooking up mouthwatering meals at Stefano’s, you can probably find him at home making something pancake-related. Breakfast for dinner, anyone? 725 Chestnut Ridge Road, 304.581.6930, stefanoswv.com, @stefanosofmorgantown on FB
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2500 Cranberry Square Morgantown, WV 26508 304.291.5225 • tropicswv.com
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BEST FINE DINING Stefano's With BOM award–winning chef Noah Meyers leading the way, Stefano’s is once again the fine-dining establishment of choice for readers of Morgantown magazine. The menu offers Italian–American fare served in an upscale dining experience unrivaled in town. If you have a special occasion or reason to celebrate on the horizon, Stefano’s is the place to make it even more memorable. 725 Chestnut Ridge Road, 304.581.6930, stefanoswv.com, @stefanosofmorgantown on FB
BEST SUSHI Ogawa Japanese Restaurant When it comes to finding good sushi here in Morgantown, locals know to head over to Ogawa. A charming atmosphere and friendly staff greet you as you walk in, and the authentic Japanese dishes will keep you coming back for more. Now with 10 BOM wins under its obi, this place needs to be on your go- to rotation. 2920 University Avenue, 304.598.8338, ogawasushi.com, @ogawasushiwv on FB
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Authentic Hospitality Cutting Edge Cuisine Wine Spectator Award
BEST PIZZA HomeGrown Pizza The best pizza is fresh and packed full of flavor. HomeGrown Pizza has it down to a science. The creations come from chef Thomas Price, a West Virginia native with a knack for whipping up unique pizzas from scratch with the freshest local ingredients. Sometimes they even come straight from HomeGrown’s own vegetable garden. The specialty pizzas are always a hit. They rotate out weekly, except for one: The Crab Rangoon pizza was such a favorite, it earned itself a spot on the menu. Give it a try. 3429 Earl L. Core Road, 304.322.4468, homegrownpizzawv.com, @homegrownpizzawv on FB
dinesargasso.com
cheddars.com • 304.598.3233 OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE!
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT Wong'sWok Whatever you think about mall food-court food, you’ll change your mind after sitting down with a plate from Wong’s Wok. Carry-out and delivery make it a convenient option, while fantastic food and friendly service make it a nice reprieve from mall shopping. Fans agree the Bourbon Chicken is a must, the fried rice is a perfect addition, and the stir fry will have you craving more. 9409 Mall Road, 304.983.6815
West Virginia Born & Brewed mountainstatebrewingwv.com 54 Clay Street • 304.241.1976
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time winner st 1
BEST BBQ
Sweet Southern Smoke BBQ
Tim Thomas learned to cook BBQ from his father growing up in Florida, and his mother and grandmother taught him the rest. Those lessons have given way to some of the best BBQ side dishes this side of the Mississippi, all served up with smoky, fall-off-the-bone meat mains, from pulled pork to brisket. Thomas opened Sweet Southern Smoke BBQ in Sabraton last fall after several successful pop- up cooking events convinced him he could make a go of it. This year he earned his first win in the BOM hall of fame, and he was more than a little surprised by the results. “We’re just new, and I didn’t realize
BEST WINGS Mario’s Fishbowl Morgantown is a wing-loving place, and the BOM Best Wings category inspires tough competition. Mario’s Fishbowl has swept the hotly contested category four times in a row. So what’s the secret? “The secret is—a secret,” co-owner Kim Zwiebaum says. “It’s really about high-quality products made with tried-and-true sauce recipes and consistency that our customers have come to expect.” 701 Richwood Avenue, 304.292.2511, @mariosfishbowl on FB; 3117 University Avenue, 304.599.4309, @fishbowlsuncrest on FB; 688 Fairmont Road, 304.212.5378, @mariosfishbowlwestover on FB
people were going to appreciate us already and vote for us,” he says. “It’s really special.” Catch Thomas’ BBQ at his Sabraton location now, and, soon, from a second location on Green Bag Road. 1616 Earl Core Road, 304.381.4479, @sweetsouthernsmoke on FB
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WINNER OF Top 50 Best Noodle Soups in America insider.com
THE BEST BUBBLE TEA in town
THE BEST (& only) place to get BANHMI SANDWICHES
Plenty of storefront parking, indoor dining & outdoor garden seating, Vietnamese flavor explosion, unlimited salad bar, pho-banh mi combos, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian/halal
options, lunch specials, beer & wine Open Tuesday thru Sunday saigonphokitchen.com 304.241.1962
Sellaro Plaza 3109 University Ave., Morgantown
ORDER ONLINE - CURBSIDE PICKUP AVAILABLE
Voted
best of
morgantown
3429 Earl L Core Road 304.322.4468 @homegrownpizzawv
BEST ITALIAN Oliverio’s Ristorante Locals know that, for great Italian food in Morgantown, you head to Oliverio’s every time. Perfect for everything from an intimate date night to a family celebration and even emerging as a solid option for take-out on a busy weeknight with its family-style meals, Oliverio’s is an institution that draws on a half century of experience—experience you can taste on on the Wharf every plate served. 52 Clay Street, 304.296.2565, oliveriosristorante.com, @oliveriosonthewharf on FB
BEST SWEET INDULGENCE Terra Cafe Terra Cafe should top any Morgantown foodie’s “Must Eat Often” list for numerous reasons, but its sweet treats are most likely reason No. 1. After 10 years of business and loads of locally sourced ingredients, the beloved cafe has earned itself quite the fan base, and head baker Tanner Floyd’s Insta-worthy treats will have you double-tapping for more. Stop in for a rotating selection of goodies—you never know what they’ll whip up next. 425 Industrial Avenue, 304.554.2233, terracafewv.com, @terracafewv on FB
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BEST THAI RESTAURANT Chaang Thai If Thai food is what you’ve been craving, rest assured you’ll eat the best in town at Chaang Thai Restaurant, voted BOM in the category for the fourth time this year. You’ll delight in the large menu including Thai staples, vegan-friendly and gluten-free choices, bubble teas, student and lunch specials,
and so much more. If you love spicy food, be sure to get your dish Bangkok Street Hot. 361 High Street, 304.241.5374, chaangthai.com, @chaangthairestaurant FB
Auto Detailing • Boat Detailing RV Detailing • Ceramic Coating 1251 Canyon Road, Suite 7 304.212.5569 fullthrottleautospa.com
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time winner st 1
BEST CATERER Mario’s Fishbowl
Mario’s Fishbowl might not immediately come to mind when you need a caterer, but it should. And not just for pans full of its award-winning chicken wings, although they're available if you want them. Mario’s co-owner Kim Zweibaum says the restaurant’s catering services are different from what others in town offer because the staff uses tailor-made menus to fit their customers’ needs and preferences. Catering services are based out of the restaurant’s Crosley’s Banquet Center, located right next door to the original Mario’s on Richwood Avenue. The center can also be rented for small gatherings, with a dining room that seats 40. Only the highest-quality foods and freshest ingredients are used, and the staff is prepared for any kind of event with any level of formality, from sports banquets to baby showers and weddings. “You name it and we’ve probably done it,” Zweibaum says. 704 Richwood Avenue, 304.292.2511, @mariosfishbowl on FB
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT FRESHMINT Indian Grill For the second year in a row, readers have voted the fare served up at Fresh Mint Indian Grill the best Indian food in town. Chef Suresh Subaiah and manager James Kraess draw on more than three decades of experience so, whether you’re new to the cuisine and curious to try it or Indian food is already your fav, stop in soon to taste what all the fuss is about. 40 High Street, 304.381.2805. freshmintwv.com, @freshmint on FB
BEST BAKERY Apple Annie's
Even if you’re at Apple Annie’s just for dinner, save room for dessert and try the banana cream pie, an apple dumpling, or a piece of the creamy cheesecake. Or at least take a cookie with you. You really can’t choose wrong. Flavors come and go, so check out what’s new on your next visit. 6120 Mid Atlantic Drive, 304.322.2859, apple-annies.com, @appleanniescafe on FB
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NOT JUST VEGETARIAN #DidYouKnow #BearInMind Black Bear features a different burger EVERY Wednesday!
Order online at blackbearburritos.com
3119 University Ave., Suncrest, Morgantown • 304.777.4867
735 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD STEFANOSWV.COM 304. 581. 6930 Stefanno’s FINE DINING
VOTED BEST SPORTS BAR IN MORGANTOWN
Kegler ’ s Sports Bar & Lounge
735 Chestnut Ridge Rd keglerssportsbar.com 304.598.9698
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BEST BARTENDER Lucy Morrison Gene's Beer Garden
Looking for a place to go where everyone knows your name? Then you should definitely check out Gene’s Beer Garden and get to know the woman, the myth, and the legend behind the bar for more than 20 years: Lucy Morrison. She’s been named the Best Bartender in town for the fourth time this year and has earned her spot in the hearts of locals one pint poured, and one name remembered, at a time. 461 Wilson Avenue, 304.292.1147,
genesbeergarden.com, @genes1944 on FB
time winner st 1
BEST BARTENDER Gabby Tenney Sabraton Station A little snark, a lot of heart—that’s this first-time Best Bartender’s BOM- winning formula. A Fairmont native, Gabby Tenney started out behind the bar at Bent Willey’s. She also served up glasses of good cheer at Mountain Mama’s and Aquarium Lounge in Fairmont before landing at Sabraton Station a year and a half ago—accumulating regulars along the way. “I’m the kind of bartender you either love or hate,” Tenney says. “I’m very sarcastic, but I do my job well.” She likes to connect. That means remembering customers’ names, their drinks, a trip they were going to take or some other detail. It also means sharing about her own life, which, until recently, has been education: She received her MBA from Fairmont State in November 2021. But for now, you can still get to know Morgantown’s latest Best Bartender. “I don’t have a new job in the works yet,” she says. “I’m just kind of taking a break, enjoying not being in school for once.” 1632 Deckers Creek Boulevard, 304.381.4225, @sabratonstation on FB
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Most Nominated Category Best Bartender 1,235 Most Nominated Contender Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grille for Best Sports Bar 309 Most Voted Category Best Bartender 2,560 Most Voted Contender Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grille 822 Most Contenders Nominated in a Category Best Bartender 42
BEST BEER SELECTION Apothecary Ale House & Cafe Morgantown beer lovers’ palates are as sophisticated as anyone’s anywhere—thanks in large part to the beer-iosity fostered and satisfied by Apothecary Ale House & Cafe. Surround yourself by this perennial BOM-winning hangout’s 27 rotating taps and 140 varieties in bottles and cans from across West Virginia and around the world to expand your own beer-izons. 227 Chestnut Street, @apothecaryalehousecafe on FB BEST SPORTS BAR Kegler’s Sports Bar and Grille Locals know the best place to watch the big game on dozens of TVs at one time while sipping cold beer and devouring drool-worthy, better–than–bar food is Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grille in Suncrest. It’s really no contest, since the place has won Best Sports Bar 10 times now. And there’s plenty of space, with the original upstairs location that opened to crowds in 1994 and a newer downstairs dining area that continues the same energetic, sports-centric atmosphere. 7 35 Chestnut Ridge Road, 304.598.9698, keglersportsbar.com, @keglerswv on FB
BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL BARTENDER Josh Graham Tin 202 When you’re in the mood to drink something special and you want it served up in style, Josh Graham is your man. Swing by Tin 202, let him know your favorite spirits and flavors, then enjoy the show as he concocts something just for you. tin202.com, @tin202wv on FB
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Chestnut BrewWorks Unofficial polls say Chestnut Brew Works’ H alleck Pale Ale is a go-to for a good third of Morgantow n beer drinkers. CBW founder Bill Rittenour is the Walter White of the Morgantown brewing scene—a scient ist who applies his chemistry skills to making clean, consist ent, finely crafted beers we can’t get enough of. The Halleck is always flowing at CBW’s tap room, along with a lighter Class II Wheatwater or Chico’s kolsch and an IPA like Your Best Hoption or Stunt Hawg. You might also find the South Park Porter, Berry Me in WV, or another seasonal favorite. CBW primarily distributes to bars and resta urants and started canning just in time for COVID. Gr ab a four- pack at Ashebrooke Liquor Outlet or Everyd ay’s a Party, or stop by the taproom—Rittenour loves bei ng part of a collaborative local business community and invites you to bring a pizza from Phoenix Bakery across the street to enjoy with your beer. 444 Brockway Avenue, @chestnutbrewworks on FB
BEST BREWERY
Morgantown Brewing Company Alongside reliable pours on the brewpub light-to-dark spectrum, half of Morgantown Brewing Company’s 10 taps are devoted to its signature inventive sours. Most popular is the fruit-forward “Listen to” series, like Listen to Missy Elliot, a sour conditioned on raspberry and lime puree, and Listen to J.Lo, conditioned on passionfruit, blood orange, and pineapple. Brewers Chris DeFazio and Cody Cheesebrough love experimenting and recently concocted their astounding 100th original recipe since buying the brewpub in 2018. Check out MBC’s Dead of Winter Fest in February. And in 2022, look for more indoor seating, heaters on the deck, and a membership program. 1291 University Avenue,
304.292.6959, morgantownbrewing.com, @morgantownbrewingcompany on FB
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BEST PLACE TO CAFFEINATE Quantum
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Mario’s Fishbowl If you’re looking for the heart and soul of the Morgantown watering hole scene, you’ll likely find it at Mario’s Fishbowl. The community’s admiration is easy to see with one step into either the Richwood Avenue or University Avenue location, the walls and ceilings of which are littered with notes and memories left by frequenters during the business’s almost 60 years serving fish bowls of beer. 701 Richwood Avenue, 304.292.2511, @mariosfishbowl on FB; 3117 University Avenue, 304.599.4309, @fishbowlsuncres on FB; 688 Fairmont Road, 304.212.5378, @mariosfishbowlwestover on FB Bean Coffee Quantum Bean Coffee was barely a year old when it won BOM in 2020, and it’s had no trouble holding its title. Customers love the neighborly Greenmont location and the urban chic coffee bar. But the biggest draw is the small-batch, freshly roasted coffees and owners Samuel and Susan Bonasso’s farm-to-cup philosophy. This winter, may we suggest the delightfully re-named Chai BOM—a dirty chai with pumpkin spice—and the Fairy Brew, a tea latte. 258 Kingwood Street, 304.816.1983, @quantumbeancoffee on FB
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BEST ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE Mills Group Whether it’s preserving or creating, Mills Group knows exactly what is needed to breathe life into a space. They have specialized for over 15 years in architecture, planning, preservation, and interiors with work in sustainability and residential commissions. Tools such as virtual reality headsets and 360-degree imagery bring projects to life and help clients put themselves into the building and imagine the finished project from every angle. 88 High Street, 304.296.1010, millsgrouponline.com, @millsgroupllc on FB
BEST MANI / PEDI Spa Roma
For the best mani/pedi in town, look no farther than Spa Roma in Cheat Lake. The day spa offers a variety of nail-care services, from a simple buff and polish to specialty services—like the paraffin manicure that leaves hands perfectly moisturized and the seasonal pedicure that delivers baby-soft feet. Customers say you’ll have “the best manicure in town in the most beautiful and relaxing environment” at Spa Roma. 170 Lakeview Drive, 304.594.9782, sparoma.com, @sparomawv on FB
BEST DRY CLEANER Massullo’s Cleaners Like many BOM winners each year, Massullo’s is a family-run business and has been keeping us well-polished and -pressed since 1925. After nearly a century of business, Massullo’s has all the details ironed out when it comes to what the community needs. Tailoring and alteration keep your favorite pieces fitting smartly, and rush service is available for your dry cleaning and alteration emergencies. 447 High Street, 304.296.5210; 1068 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, 304.225.5210; massullocleaners.com
Contender toWatch Tuscan Sun Spa & Salon 401 Boyers Avenue, Star City, 304.296.1325, tuscanspaandsalon.com, @tuscansunspa on FB
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BEST BANK Clear Mountain Bank Here’s some of what you can expect when you do business with eight-time BOM winner Clear Mountain Bank: • A 125-year track record helping customers with personal banking, mortgages, and financial advising as well as business banking and commercial loans; • The quick lending decisions of a community bank with the digital and mobile technologies you see at bigger banks; and • The satisfaction of working with an institution that gives each employee a paid day off every year to do community service.
Look for the new live video tellers at the Pierpont branch, with extended hours there soon to come. clearmountainbank.com
BEST DOG GROOMER Y B Dirty
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY Heritage Insurance Agency Chris and Lisa Boyles opened Heritage Insurance Agency in 1996, and both brought with them decades of experience in the insurance industry. It’s also a true family-owned and -operated business, with the couple’s son Clark working as an agent and daughter Morgan as the design and marketing coordinator. The agency offers sales and service with several companies, which allows it to customize each policy to best meet every client’s individual needs and budget. 101 Holland Avenue, 304.292.4080, heritageagencywv.com, @heritageagencywv on FB
Mobile Grooming After earning a business degree and working for a dog groomer for a while, Yvonne Prutilpac purchased the van that would kick-start her own dog grooming business: Y B Dirty. The mobile service goes directly to clients’ homes and grooms their favorite pups right in the driveway—since comfort, in her view, is key to the grooming process. While she mainly works with dogs, the occasional cat or rabbit has slipped in for a quick nail trim. 304.276.9277, @ybdirtyllc on FB
BEST CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR
March-WestinCo. It’s hard to cross town without seeing the work of March-Westin Co., the state’s largest building contractor, headquartered in Morgantown. Recent projects that improve all of our lives include the Aquatic Center at Mylan Park and the updates at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Stop by the WVU football Hall of Traditions some time to relive your Mountaineer football pride and admire March-Westin’s updates to the Milan Puskar Center, opened in 2021. 360 Frontier Street, 304.599.4880, marchwestin.com, @marchwestinco on FB
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Thanks for voting us the best funeral home!
770 Fairmont Road Morgantown, WV 26501 304.291.3458
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER Phillips & Associates Financial Group
time winner st 1
Asked what financial planning is, Chris Phillips likes to compare one’s working and saving years to climbing Mt. Everest. Going up isn’t necessarily that hard, he says. If you stumble a bit—if your savings take a hit—you just keep climbing, keep working and saving. Where most problems on Everest happen is on the way down—if you trip after retirement when there’s no more income to make it back, it may be a faster-than-intended descent. Everyone can benefit from financial planning, Phillips says. He and his father, Brad Phillips, second- and third- generation agents with New York Life, have a wealth of experience and the resources of the company to back them up. They can help with the climb up Everest, and they can even meet you at the top or on your way down to guide the financial aspects of the adventure. 2900 University Avenue, 304.599.8980, phillipsandassociates.net
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER GraysonHall Photography Grayson Hall’s passion for photography shows up in the diversity of his clients and settings, everything from weddings to concerts to real estate. He loves the opportunity portraits provide for creative posing and lighting and sensitive photo editing. His passion is also evident in his drive to learn—he recently upgraded to a Sony mirrorless camera and SIGMA Art lenses, giving him crisper images and more control in low-light environments. graysonhallphoto.com, @graysonhallphoto on FB and IG
SPECIALIZING IN CONCERTS, EVENTS, PORTRAITS, REAL ESTATE, & WEDDINGS
GRAYSON HALL PHOTOGRAPHY @GRAYSONHALLPHOTO ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS GRAYSONHALLPHOTO.COM 304.413.5673
M
Most Nominated Category Best Hair Salon 1,388 Most Nominated Contender McCulla Category Best Funeral Home 2,326 Most Voted Contender McCulla Funeral Home 1,207 Most Funeral Home 453 Most Voted Contenders Nominated in a Category Best Hair Salon 57
BEST HAIR SALON Tonique’s Trilogy The quality cuts and styling and skilled coloring at Tonique’s downtown and Westover locations have earned the salon BOM recognition for a fifth time this year. And clients are discovering Tonique’s recently added skin care services: peels, microderm abrasion, dermaplaning, and microblading. The salon uses and sells the Eminence line of organic skin care products— one more reason to feel good about feeling good at Tonique’s. 130 Fayette Street, Morgantown, 304.291.4050; 725 Fairmont Road, Westover, 304.212.5558; toniquestrilogy.com, @toniquestrilogy on FB
Full service cleaners. Professional alterations & repairs. SINCE 1925
447 High St 304.296.5210 Monday—Friday 7–5:30 Saturday 8–12
1068 Suncrest Towne Center 304.255.5210 Monday—Friday 9–7 Saturday 9–1
Thanks for voting us the best!
2 0 2 0 Y O U ’ R E T H E
Voted
Close Runner-Up Cooper James Salon 13 Cheat Landing, 304.777.2467, cooperjamessalon.com, @cooperjamessalon on FB
V O T E D B E S T O F M O R G A N T OWN
best of
morgantown
hillcrestveterinaryclinic.com 304.292.6933
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BEST VETERINARY CLINIC Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic A trip to the vet can be a stressful experience for our furry friends. Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic makes the vet a little less scary with a fear-free initiative that helps owners develop better awareness of how their pets are reacting and feeling in a given situation. The clinic has been around for nearly 60 years and maintains a small-clinic feel that has every patient’s tail wagging. 3083 Point Marion Road, 304.292.6933, hillcrestveterinaryclinic.com, @hillcrestvetwv on FB, @hillcrest_veterinary_clinic on IG
BEST BARBERSHOP Diamond Cuts Andrew Blaney started out with a Craftsman tool kit filled with hair clippers and capes and the dream of opening his own barbershop. Now, he and his crew have racked up quite the fan base with their high-end care and experience—Blaney even does house calls. Thinking back on his business, how it has grown into a BOM winner, and his favorite part of the job—interacting with his clients— Blaney laughs. “If only that toolbox could talk.” 3446 University Avenue, Star City, 304.276.4464, diamondcutswv.com, @diamondcutswv on FB
time winner st 1
BEST PET BOARDING / KENNEL Mountain Laurel Kennels Veteran-owned and -operated Mountain Laurel Kennels has been taking care of Morgantown’s beloved fur-babies since 2013. There hasn’t been one
day since that they haven’t had a dog in their kennels, and that’s due to the above-and-beyond care they give their furry guests. The property is several acres in size and boasts a whopping 32 indoor / outdoor runs and more than 15 play yards, with two acres dedicated solely to boarding. Runs are private, ensuring that your fur-child has a safe space of its own to explore during the day. Owner Jack Adams says the kennels stay busy, particularly during the holidays. An abundance of guests doesn’t prevent the military-level cleanliness and attention to detail, though. Mountain Laurel Kennels is dedicated to making boarding simple while catering to each four-legged friend, letting you relax in the knowledge that your pet is in good hands. 400 Mayfield Road, 304.296.9400, mountainlaurelkennels.com, @mountainlaurelkennels on FB
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Voted
best of
morgantown
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING Serving Morgantown and surrounding areas
703.801.6009
304.276.4464
time winner st 1
BEST HOTEL HotelMorgan This historic High Street hotel re-opened in 2021 restored to its former glory—circa 1925, when it first opened to the public and cemented its place as an iconic Morgantown property. The Thrash Group—based in Mississippi— bought the hotel for $2.5 million when it last went on the market and invested five times that on the major renovations. Each of the hotel’s 83 rooms and suites got a makeover, and the management opened a new coffee and cocktail bar, Anvil + Ax, on the ground floor. Plans are still in the works to open a rooftop bar and to re-open the property’s grand ballroom, which the management team hopes will once again
become a popular venue for weddings and other large gatherings. 127 High Street, 304.292.8200, hotelmorgan.com, @hotelmorgan on FB
Contender toWatch The Cranberry 2700 Cranberry Square, 304.403.6300, cranberrywv.com
time winner st 1
BEST LAW OFFICE Colombo Law First-time BOM winner Colombo Law got its start in Morgantown in 1999. Dino Colombo and his team are dedicated to making sure everyone who goes to them has the very highest level of expertise supporting whatever battle they are facing, whether that means serving clients themselves or, sometimes, referring them to someone else. “We are the very best at what we do, but you won’t want me to handle estate work,” Colombo says with a laugh. They specialize in personal injury cases, mainly those caused by truck accidents. A free consultation is available to talk through your case and get you the best help possible. Although they don’t want you to need them, they are ready and willing to help if you do. 341 Chaplin Road, 304.599.4229, colombolaw.com/ morgantown, @colombolaw on FB
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time winner st 1
BEST FUNERAL HOME M c Culla Funeral Home McCulla Funeral Home has had several names over the years, but Bill McCulla’s family has always been involved. His great-grandfather opened the business in 1942. McCulla grew up next door and has been a funeral director for 44 years and, these days, he works alongside funeral directors Paul Brock, Robbie Eddy, and Kate McCulla Slaughter, his daughter. McCulla takes pride in supporting local businesses and people, including sponsoring baseball and basketball teams. Funerals and memorial services have become more individualized in recent years, McCulla notes, both due to COVID precautions and simply as an industry trend. “There are more celebration of life–type services,” he says. “Forty years ago I didn’t see golf bags or a fishing rod placed up near the casket the way we do now.” He and his colleagues are honored to work closely with families to create the service that feels right for them. 770 Fairmont Road, Westover, 304.291.3458, mcculla.com, @mccullafuneralhome on FB
BEST FLORIST Coombs Flowers Coombs Flowers has been open since 1952 and, 70 years later, remains in the family. Current owner James Coombs says, “It makes you want to work a little harder and do things a little differently.” What he’s doing seems
to be working—this is the shop’s 5th BOM win. From highly customized arrangements to gorgeous bouquets for that someone special, Coombs Flowers continues to bring a little beauty to Morgantown. 401 High Street, 304.292.1571, coombsflowers.com, @coombsflowers on FB Close Runner-Up Bella Fiore Florist 66 Old Cheat Road, 304.381.4697, morgantownflowers.com, @bellafioredesigns on FB
BEST MECHANIC Shorty Anderson’s Auto Service Young or old, fit or flabby, we all want the same thing, really: a mechanic we trust completely to keep our wheels rolling. For the sixth time this year, BOM voters say that’s Shorty Anderson’s. What makes them so popular? “We just try to be honest with everybody and treat everybody fairly,” says Travis Rowan, part of the Rowan clan that bought the garage from the original Shorty in the late 1970s. Don’t look for Shorty’s posts online—the crew of five spends all their time fixing cars. We wouldn’t have it any other way. 908 Stewart Street, 304.599.4419
time winner st 1
BEST CAR WASH / DETAILER Full Throttle Auto Spa Drew Nieman was born and raised in Morgantown and has been into cars since he could crawl, he says. “About five years ago, I decided to take a gamble and start this business. I was determined to make it work, and it’s really taken off. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” Nieman started by working alone in one bay, cleaning one vehicle at a time. Now, he employs four full-time technicians with 30 collective years of experience restoring vehicles, which he says distinguishes them from other detail shops in the area. Most of Full Throttle’s customers go for full interior and exterior detailing. The business also offers ceramic coating, which protects exterior paint. It’s nothing to spot a Maserati or Ferrari in one of his bays—or even catch his crew at the airport working on private planes. 1251 Canyon Road, 304.212.5569, fullthrottleautospa.com, @fullthrottleautospa on FB
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time winner st 1
BEST AUTO BODY SHOP
Center Service AutoBody
Donald “Donnie” Shaffer’s dad started Center Service Auto Body in 1964, setting up shop right in the center of town. Donnie took ownership of the business in 1982 and, some years later, moved it to Green Bag Road. Although it’s no longer in the heart of Morgantown, the shop’s great customer service and extensive experience in all aspects of the car repair world have kept Center Service Auto Body in the hearts of Morgantown residents. Center Service deals in collision work, operating in conjunction with insurance companies and customers. “We appreciate the opportunity to serve,” Shaffer says. “We don’t want you to ever have to be reminded you were in an accident when you look at your car.” One perk of working in the same town for so long, Shaffer says, is that he has had the opportunity to reunite with quite a number of old high school buddies—through their kids and their banged up cars. 181 Green Bag Road, 304.292.0345, csabwv.com on FB
Calculating the best opportunities for you and your success with unparalleled service!
@MPACPA mpacpa.accountants 304.212.5459 1237 Pineview Drive
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