Top 5 restaurants in West Virginia for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

This data-driven approach offers unparalleled insights into West Virginia's business dining landscape, revealing where companies choose to entertain clients, host meetings, and build relationships. Unlike individual consumer reviews, our analysis reflects actual corporate spending patterns, helping businesses identify venues that consistently deliver professional service and atmosphere. In a state where tourism contributes $6.3 billion annually and traditional Appalachian hospitality shapes business culture, understanding these patterns is essential for making informed dining decisions.

Understanding West Virginia restaurant industry

West Virginia's restaurant sector generates $3.8 billion in annual sales across 3,349 establishments, employing 68,800 workers as the state's third-largest private employer. Despite serving a population of 1.77 million residents, the industry benefits significantly from tourism, with visitors spending $1.7 billion on food and beverage in 2023. The dining landscape reflects West Virginia's heritage through Appalachian cuisine featuring local specialties like pepperoni rolls, ramps, and maple syrup. Business dining occurs primarily in larger cities like Charleston, Morgantown, and Wheeling, where professional services concentrate. The state's entrepreneurial growth, with 13,500 new businesses launched in 2024, drives demand for venues suitable for client meetings and corporate events.

Top 5 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business expense data from thousands of companies, these establishments consistently rank highest for corporate dining in West Virginia. Canaan Valley Resort, Outback Steakhouse, and Cracker Barrel lead in total business spending, reflecting their combination of professional atmosphere, reliable service, and strategic locations. This ranking reflects actual corporate card transactions, not individual preferences, providing unique insight into where West Virginia businesses invest their entertainment and meeting budgets.

Canaan Valley Resort

Canaan Valley Resort stands as West Virginia's premier destination for executive retreats and high-level business meetings. The resort's Hickory Dining Room, established in 1977 within the state park system, offers panoramic valley views through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an impressive backdrop for client dinners. The venue specializes in elevated Appalachian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, with the kitchen preparing custom menus for corporate groups ranging from intimate board meetings to 300-person conferences.

Notable facts: The resort received West Virginia Tourism's "Best Scenic Dining" award in 2022 and was featured on Food Network's "Hidden Eats" for its innovative wild game preparations. As a state-owned facility, it offers competitive pricing for government contracts and nonprofit organizations, making it particularly popular for public sector meetings. The dining room's wine list features over 100 selections, including rare West Virginia vintages, and the resort maintains partnerships with local farms for seasonal ingredients.

Signature dishes:

• West Virginia rainbow trout with ramps and morel mushrooms
• Venison medallions with black walnut crust
• Maple-glazed pork chops with apple chutney
• Ramp and potato soup with local cheese garnish
• Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil

Best for: Executive retreats requiring overnight accommodations, multi-day conferences, and impressive client dinners where scenic mountain views enhance the business atmosphere. The resort's conference facilities seamlessly integrate with dining options, allowing for working lunches and dinner presentations. Companies in energy, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries find the setting particularly aligned with their brand values.

Outback Steakhouse

The Morgantown Outback Steakhouse has served as a reliable business dining destination since opening in 1998. Located at 510 Venture Drive in the Pierpont Centre business district, this location consistently ranks in the top 10% of Outback's 1,000+ restaurants nationwide for customer satisfaction. The venue's proximity to West Virginia University and major corporate offices makes it a natural choice for recruiting dinners, alumni meetings, and client entertainment.

Notable facts: This location has hosted numerous celebrity athletes and business leaders, including NFL players visiting WVU. The restaurant maintains a dedicated events coordinator for large business groups and offers a semi-private dining area accommodating up to 40 guests. Their wine list received Wine Spectator recognition, unusual for a casual dining chain, and the bar features an extensive selection of Australian wines specifically chosen for business entertaining.

Signature dishes:

• Bloomin' Onion – signature shareable appetizer
• Victoria's Filet with wild mushroom wine sauce
• Perfectly Grilled Salmon with seasonal vegetables
• Melbourne Porterhouse with signature seasoning
• Chocolate Thunder from Down Under dessert

Best for: Casual business lunches, team celebrations, and client dinners requiring a relaxed but professional atmosphere. The consistent menu and service standards make it ideal for entertaining out-of-state visitors unfamiliar with local cuisine. Tech companies and healthcare organizations frequently choose this venue for its ability to accommodate dietary restrictions and provide quick service for time-sensitive meetings.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel operates nine strategic locations across West Virginia, with the Beckley restaurant earning Southern Living's "Best Highway Dining" recognition in 2021. Since entering the state in 1993, these establishments have become essential stops for traveling sales teams and businesses hosting out-of-town clients. The restaurants generate approximately $45 million annually statewide, reflecting their popularity among corporate travelers and local businesses seeking familiar, comfort-food dining options.

Notable facts: Cracker Barrel's West Virginia locations feature dedicated group dining areas and can accommodate motor coach tours, making them popular for large corporate groups and industry conferences. Each location maintains meeting space with audiovisual capabilities, unusual for the chain. The retail store component allows for convenient client gift purchases featuring local products like pepperoni rolls and artisanal maple syrup, adding value for relationship-building.

Signature dishes:

• Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast (served all day)
• Chicken n' Dumplins with made-from-scratch sides
• Grilled Rainbow Trout with herb seasoning
• Sunday Homestyle Chicken with traditional fixings
• Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

Best for: Early morning business meetings with hearty breakfast options, highway-convenient locations for traveling teams, and hosting clients who appreciate traditional American cuisine. The family-friendly atmosphere works well for businesses in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries where casual professionalism is valued. Multiple locations near major interstate exits provide flexibility for meeting halfway with clients from different regions.

As You Like It Catering

Founded in 1994 by Bob Bailey, As You Like It Catering has established itself as Wheeling's premier corporate catering service over 31 years of operation. Operating from the Bailman Centre at 214 18th Street, this full-service caterer has earned the trust of West Virginia's political and business elite, having served multiple governors and Fortune 500 company events. Their "Best of Wheeling" awards for seven consecutive years reflect consistent excellence in business catering.

Notable facts: The company specializes in pharmaceutical and medical device launch events, maintaining strict protocols for healthcare industry compliance. They own extensive inventory including china service for 500, allowing for large-scale corporate galas without rental markups. Their executive chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America and maintains relationships with local farms, ensuring both quality and traceability for ingredients—crucial for liability-conscious corporate clients.

Signature dishes:

• Bacon-wrapped scallops with bourbon BBQ glaze
• Mushroom caps stuffed with jumbo lump crabmeat
• Baked artichoke and spinach dip with crostini
• Beef tenderloin carving station with horseradish cream
• Miniature chicken cordon bleu with Dijon sauce

Best for: Board meetings requiring in-office catering, product launches, corporate holiday parties, and high-stakes client presentations where flawless execution is non-negotiable. Their ability to handle pharmaceutical compliance requirements makes them indispensable for healthcare sector events. Companies seeking to impress without traveling to a restaurant find their white-glove service and custom menu development ideal for closing major deals.

Godfather's Gentleman's Club

Established in 2005, Godfather's Gentleman's Club operates as West Virginia's largest upscale adult entertainment venue at 601 S Penn St in Wheeling. While unconventional for traditional business dining, the venue has carved out a niche serving specific industries where client entertainment extends into nightlife. The establishment maintains a full kitchen operation alongside its entertainment offerings, providing a complete evening experience for certain business contexts.

Notable facts: Featured in HBO's "Real Sex" documentary series, the venue has invested heavily in its culinary program to differentiate from typical nightclub fare. They employ a dedicated chef who previously worked at upscale Pittsburgh restaurants, elevating bar food to steakhouse quality. The venue offers VIP areas with dedicated service staff, allowing for discrete business conversations while entertaining clients who expect this type of venue.

Signature dishes:

• Godfather's signature wings (five heat levels)
• Prime rib steak sandwich with caramelized onions
• Brick oven pizzas with gourmet toppings
• Loaded nachos with house-made queso
• New York strip steak with bourbon peppercorn sauce

Best for: Industries where adult entertainment venues are culturally accepted for client entertainment, particularly oil and gas, construction, and certain sales sectors. The venue works exclusively for after-hours entertainment following traditional business dinners elsewhere. Companies should carefully consider corporate policies and client preferences before selecting this venue, as it may not align with all business cultures or compliance requirements.

Tips for business dining in West Virginia's restaurant scene

West Virginia's business dining culture blends Appalachian hospitality with professional efficiency, requiring understanding of local customs for successful client relationships. Make reservations at least 48 hours in advance for weekday dinners, as the limited number of upscale venues fills quickly during the legislative session (January through March) and WVU home football games, when Charleston and Morgantown restaurants experience significant demand.

Consider seasonal factors when planning menus—spring ramp season (April-May) offers unique local flavor opportunities that demonstrate cultural awareness to West Virginia clients. Many executives appreciate when out-of-state hosts incorporate regional specialties like pepperoni rolls or apple butter into catered events. However, avoid assuming all locals prefer traditional cuisine; the state's growing tech and healthcare sectors often favor contemporary dining options.

For maximum efficiency, schedule business breakfasts at Cracker Barrel locations near interstate exits, allowing easy access for clients traveling from multiple cities. Lunch meetings work best at Outback Steakhouse between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, avoiding the university crowd. When hosting government clients, choose Canaan Valley Resort or other state-owned facilities, as these venues simplify procurement compliance and offer state-negotiated rates.

West Virginia business culture values relationships over transactions, so allow extra time for meals—rushing through dinner is considered poor etiquette. If discussing energy or mining industries, Canaan Valley Resort's mountain setting provides neutral ground respected by both environmental advocates and industry leaders. For pharmaceutical or healthcare meetings, emphasize venues with proven catering safety protocols, as this industry maintains strict standards even for social events.