Eating, Drinking and Spending Local in Beckley, WV
Yet another post about my hometown of Beckley, WV, but this time it’s not just about the great outdoors. As fall comes (and then winter), I’ve been looking for more things to do indoors that still feel safe in 2020, as well as maintain a nice atmosphere, good service, and unique flair. That said, the date night my husband and I enjoyed a few nights ago at Dobra Zupas and The Chocolate Moose was really nice, and we felt safe the entire time. Read on then check out these Beckley, WV staples for yourself!
Dobra Zupas: a locally-owned micro-brewery and restaurant
When one thinks of finer dining in West Virginia, they likely think of The Greenbrier Restaurant, The Char, or the dining available at Stonewall Jackson Resort. However, nestled right in Beckley, WV (just a minute’s drive from the local VA hospital) is Dobra Zupas— a restaurant I’d heard about for years, yet only dined at more recently. Zupas menu consists of craft food and craft beer, and the establishment is housed in a historic home. The atmosphere is lovely, the bar carries a huge selection of fine wines and craft cocktails, and the restaurant features a micro-brewery in which they create their own craft brews to serve to guests.
Yummy glass of Merlot and my caesar salad with chicken from Dobra Zupas! Definitely want to try one of the featured entrees next time.
My husband and I enjoyed an appetizer of fried goat cheese and two glasses of Merlot, as well as a light main course of salads and sandwiches. Next time we plan to come a bit more hungry and try the signature entrees (such as chicken risotto or a handmade brick-oven pizza)— I seriously regret that we didn’t come with more of an appetite, because every dish being delivered to each table looked incredible. Moreover, the waiters all wore masks (as did the customers when they weren’t seated at their table), encouraged us to use hand sanitizer upon entering, and the tables were very well spaced out. It was a lovely atmosphere that didn’t compromise safety or service, and all around I’d give our experience a 10/10!
The Chocolate Moose: Beckley’s best coffee shop and roastery
The Chocolate Moose has a special place in mine and my husbands’ hearts, because we actually used to work there in college. Putting my bias aside, even before I worked at The Chocolate Moose (and now, even years after leaving) I could (and still can) state that they make the best, craft-roasted (and fair trade!) coffee I’ve ever had. From the special “Mothman” dark roast blend to the more mild “John Henry” (which my husband and I served at our wedding), you cannot go wrong with a cup of fair-trade, literally roasted in-house cup of coffee from The Chocolate Moose. (Oh, and while you’re there you can check out the business’s adjacent: Mountain State Miniature Golf and Outside-In Climbing Gym!)
The Chocolate Moose Coffee, logo by local graphic designer + visual artist Ralph Cole.
We’ll have plenty more reviews to come of places we drink and dine at in southern WV very soon, I’m sure, so stay tuned— and, in the meantime, check out Dobra Zupas for Sunday brunch, or daily lunch, dinner or even just cocktails and appetizers with your pals, then finish your evening (or start your morning) with a smooth cup of Joe from The Chocolate Moose. Shop local, and enjoy!
xoxo, MM.