Thunderstorms, some with heavy rain this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..
Tonight
Thunderstorms, some with heavy rain this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
The liquor shelves are shown, on Feb. 20, 2025, at the East End Pub in Charleston.
Courtesy photo
Despite rumors of its feared demise, Charleston’s is still alive and kicking. Mostly.
“Could you please find out what's going on with the East End Pub?†reader Carrie Swing asked, repeating dozens of other similar calls and emails I’ve received recently. “The last two times my husband and I went to have dinner there, it was closed. We really liked eating there and it would be sad if the closure is permanent.â€
I reached out to owner Suzi Chapman, who confirmed the restaurant is still open. They’ve just had a rough go of it recently.
“We’re having a major (and expensive) issue with the make-up air for our kitchen hood, so when the heat is crazy outside it’s hitting 90 degrees in the dining room,†she said, referencing high temperatures that have dogged the area most of the summer. “So on those days we’ve closed immediately following lunch service.â€
She went on to say the pub’s hours have also been affected by planned vacations, private parties and staffing shortages.
“But we are very much still in business," she said, "and are looking forward to cooler fall weather."
For those who haven’t been, I ask: What are you waiting for?
Hot dogs and fries from the East End Pub in Charleston are shown in this undated photo.
Courtesy photo
On the southwest corner of Washington Street and East Avenue, several blocks east of the West Virginia State Capitol, the East End Pub is known for classic American bar-and-grill favorites like hearty apps, wings, burgers, sandwiches and more, plus signature “East End Eggrolls†that come in different varieties and with your choice of dipping sauces, while supplies last.
Fans rave about them all, but I can personally say the Reuben rolls are ... chef’s kiss.
Other menu standouts include the Pizzadilla (a grilled tortilla stuffed with sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, grilled peppers, onions and mushrooms with marinara), Loaded Tots (topped with bacon, cheddar, sour cream and scallions), the Luau Sandwich (grilled ham, pineapple and onions covered in melted Swiss) and grilled all-beef hot dogs on toasted Kristi Ann’s English buns topped with ketchup, mustard, onions, house-made chili and slaw.
Burger-wise, The Eastender is a two-patty, 1-pound (plus) whopper topped with bacon, fries, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion and aioli. Among other combos, try:
Scorcher with hot sauce, pepperjack AND jalapeños
Cowboy with bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar and onion rings, among other combinations
Many small, independent, locally owned restaurants are struggling right now. So try to catch this one open and show it a little love. You’ll be glad you did.
W.Va. is the #2 ice cream state?
What better way to follow up last week’s love letter to hot dogs than with a final word on … ice cream. Americans have a deep and enduring love for this all-American sweet treat, and it turns out West Virginians love it more than most.
A cone from Ellen's Ice Cream in Charleston is shown in this undated photo.
Courtesy photo
In another one of those questionable surveys (this one by online casino SpinBlitz) researchers analyzed Google Maps listings to determine the number of ice cream shops per 100,000 residents across the country.
The #1 most-obsessed ice cream state was Vermont — the home of Ben & Jerry’s with nearly 19 ice cream shops per 100,000 residents — but the state coming in second? None other than West By God, with just over 18 shops per 100,000 residents.
I take offense to their surprise, but at least they appreciate our natural beauty. Here’s what they had to say:
“A dark horse in this race, West Virginia takes second place with nearly as many shops per capita as Vermont. It may not be a headline-grabbing ice cream destination, but this ranking reveals a quiet, yet passionate, ice cream culture tucked into its small towns and scenic valleys.â€
, in order, were:
Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin (we beat the Dairy State)
Illinois
New Mexico
Michigan
New Hampshire
New York
Now that you know there are plenty of places to enjoy ice cream around the Mountain State, who scoops up your favorite?
Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy.†Reach him at 304-380-6096 or at wvfoodguy@aol.com.
