Best of West Virginia's 2024 List is Out and Bridgeport and Area Gets Some Top Spots and Recognition
By Jeff Toquinto on February 04, 2025
The “Best of West Virginia” for 2024 was recently released in the final quarterly edition of last year of WV Living Magazine. And there were a few winners and representatives from, or with ties to, Bridgeport and North Central West Virginia.
Leading the list was Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont. It earned the top spot – Gold – under the category of Italian Restaurant. The eatery, in place for decades, is currently owned by Bridgeport’s Scott Duarte.
The magazine correctly points out that people come from miles away to dine on the restaurant’s pasta dishes and other Italian offerings. Many of those coming for pasta are from Bridgeport and Harrison County.
It is joined as a gold winner by Cardinal Market. Under the shopping and service category, the business that is situated at the Meadowbrook Mall impressed voters with its artisan goods. Cardinal Market is located in Bridgeport as well as in Vienna.
Cardinal Market, however, pulled a rare trick. It also earned silver status in another category. It only trailed Tamarack Marketplace as the best local place to buy West Virginia products.
Looking for the best brewery, according to WV Living Magazine? It is right here in Bridgeport – or at least one of the locations of the 
business in question.
business in question.
Mountain State Brewing Company tied for gold status with Big Timber Brewing Company. It has been in existence for 20 years, but its Bridgeport location at Charles Pointe is still relatively new.
If you are looking for one of the best sports/recreation complexes in West Virginia, you do not have to leave the city limits. The Bridge Sports Complex, which continues to grow with both indoor and outdoor features, earned silver status.
Although not taking the top spot, another Bridgeport resident’s establishment took home silver in the Fine Dining category. The Wonder Bar located on Wonder Bar Road, is owned by Bridgeport’s Dan Watts, and has a history of fine dining going back to the original owners – the Folio family – many decades ago.
While Wonder Bar is a stand-alone establishment, the Silver winer for best bank has locations across the state – including one in Bridgeport. Clear Mountain Bank earned the honor and has a White Oaks site among its 10 West Virginia locations.
Although not located exclusively in Bridgeport, under the “breakfast/brunch” category, a restaurant in the city that is statewide was listed. Tudor’s Biscuit World, situated on Johnson Avenue, made the list thanks to their delicious meals featuring some of the largest and best 
biscuit sandwiches and breakfast items you can find. It earned bronze status.
biscuit sandwiches and breakfast items you can find. It earned bronze status.
Harrison County captured another spot under silver. In the category of best musician/band, The Davisson Brothers Band continued to show their staying power with a selection by the magazine.
In North Central West Virginia, a statewide place came for The Donut Spot in Buckhannon. It earned silver status in the category of Donut Shop. Along with some of the best donuts around, it also has a unique pepperoni roll featuring ground pepperoni.
If you want good wings, WV Living had another business from Buckhannon listed. The Whistle Stop Bar & Grill at North Spring Street earned bronze status under best wings.
Under West Virginia-based online store, a business from Marion County earned the silver nod. Loving WV was chosen as the second-place finisher. Its products can be found on lovingwv.com.
Another local honor came under unique tourist attraction. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston earned silver status in the 2024 awards.
The Stonewall Resort managed a mention in the awards as well for Lewis County. The state park earned a bronze under the golf course category.
The magazine also featured regional winners, which had several from across North Central West Virginia. However, two with direct ties to the city made the list as Winnies from downtown Bridgeport earned the top spot for casual dining and the Wonder Bar was tops in fine dining.
There were multiple selections from the Morgantown area. Those choices, and all the rest, can be found in the WV Living Magazine that will be on shelves until March 31. The magazine can be found at bookshops and other reading outlets across West Virginia.
Another story will come from the magazine in the days ahead on Connect-Bridgeport.
Editor’s Note:Photos with this story are from the respective businesses Facebook page. From top to bottom is Muriale's Cardinal Market, and Mountain State Brewery.
