Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

West Virginia

Charleston

Bluegrass Kitchen

1600 Washington St. East, Charleston, WV 25311

(304) 346-2871

Eclectic. Although not a vegetarian restaurant, Bluegrass Kitchen has many veggie options. Some of these include the French Provincial, Boca burger, and grilled black bean burrito. Veggie bacon and sausage can be substituted for the meat versions in dishes, and there is always a vegetarian soup. They cook to order, so speak up if you want to see if a dish can be made vegan. Near the West Virginia State Capitol, Bluegrass displays artwork from artists who work in the building. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Morgantown

Black Bear Burritos

132 Pleasant St., Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 296-8696

Ethnic foods. Although not vegetarian, Black Bear Burritos is quite veg-friendly. It has the feel of West Virginia as they embrace the cultures, arts and music of the area. Some items to try include the garden tofu chili, TLT (a BLT with tofu instead of bacon), and the Cherise (their vegetarian version of the Reuben). A lot of menu items offer a choice of tofu or fakin' (a smokey soy bacon substitute) instead of meat. Their rice is vegan and their beans are vegetarian. They use a separate grill for vegetarian food. And you must come for the live music featured many evenings. It is usually a blend of folk and acoustic and is well worth stopping in for. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/DC, $$.

Maxwell's

1 Wall St., Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 292-0982

American. Maxwell's menu clearly labels all their vegetarian options, including Middle Eastern dishes, various salads, grilled tofu sandwiches, veggie burgers, stir-fry dishes, and much more. Located just a few steps off High St., Maxwellés is behind International Outdoors. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $-$$.

Mountain People's Market Co-op

1400 University Ave., , Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 291-6131

Natural foods store. With a casual and funky atmosphere, Mountain People's Market Co-op offers natural and organic grocery items, healthcare products, books, and more. Nestled in the campus of West Virginia University, the co-op is one of the hubs of the alternative community and a great resource for finding information on local events. Open daily. Take-out, vegan options, VISA/MC, $.

The Blue Moose Café

248 Walnut St., Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 292-8999

Coffeehouse/café. At The Blue Moose Café you can listen to music from local artists while enjoying a hot drink and eating a veggie reuben or veggie gyro. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Moundsville

•• New Vrindavan (Palace of Gold) Restaurant

RD 1, NBU #24, McCreary Ridge, Moundsville, WV 26041

(304) 843-1812

Vegetarian/Indian. This restaurant, on the grounds of a Krishna temple, offers authentic Indian cuisine. Open daily. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.