The first time I ate here was in October of 2023 with my girlfriend. It was a very special night…read morebecause it was our first getaway together and our first romantic dinner together. So, anytime we are in the area we like to stop in to relive those unforgettable memories, which has been several since then.
This is one of the very few places that I have always recommended to anyone who lives remotely close to the area, who is traveling close by for work, or is visiting the area for the amazing outdoor activities they have to offer.
So let's delve into why this place is one of my favorite dining destinations in West Virginia, but why I also have certain issues with it as well.
The things this place does that makes it so great are the things that most restaurant in large cities do to stay relevant. They evolve with said times and constantly change things up to make themselves more enticing in regards to each and every dining experience you have here.
There are very few places if any in West Virginia that can give you all this place has to offer. Whether it's well crafted cocktails, somewhat eloquent and mostly fresh and well seasoned dishes, or an ambience inside or outside that is a diamond in the rough.
I have been to several 1, 2, and 3 Michelin star restaurants and how they operate in regards to service is what sets them apart from everyone else but also which most can only dream of achieving. This place could probably get one star at some point in time if certain aspects were to change, truly.
Listen, I don't mind paying a lot of money for an experience that blows my mind, even if it's just a one or two bite 7 or 9 course tasting menu, but this place wants to blow up your wallet without ever achieving such mind altering dishes. The food is good don't get me wrong, but not 2 and 3 Michelin star prices good for what you get.
The last time I went here we spent $125 on two apps which were literally four bites each and two cocktails. Is that a lot of money for the amount of food and drinks we got in a small town in rural West Virginia, absolutely! I get it, charge a high price and see if people will pay it and go from there, but most will only do that once or maybe twice because of the atmosphere or higher expectations upon returning, but the food and service doesn't match the price points in any of my personal experiences here.
With that being said, I do love this place and I have stayed here as well. Are the rooms fancy or even above average, No! The hotels down the road are cheaper, much nicer, and include amenities, but to be able to enjoy a nice meal on their patio with an amazing view over a bottle of wine, tasty cocktails, or local beers and not have to worry about driving is worth the price in my opinion.
I will say, The Forks is still one of my favorite restaurants in West Virginia. Not just because the food is good(not great but good) but because it's the total experience in itself. It's hard to find a restaurant that serves good food and drinks with a view like they have, especially in West Virginia and that is their main selling point and that is why most come and take pics of the views and dishes but leave wondering how they spent $150-250(before tip) on a meal for two with maybe one drink each while still being hungry and annoyed by the service and high prices.
I'd say come to grips with the fact they want you to believe that you are eating at the French Laundry in NAPA Valley, but in all actuality you're just eating at a restaurant with somewhat locally sourced foods depending on the season from people with high expectations of their customers without ever truly proving that their food, drinks, and service are worth their prices.
I do check their menu on a regular basis to see if they are offering anything new that I'd like to come and try. I have seen a subtle drop in their prices which leads me to believe they are starting to realize that they can still attain the same type of clientele without ever causing new customers to never return.
To end this review I'd like to say that their service is probably the worst part of your dining experience here. In fact you will get better service at a local chain restaurant. If you are a waiter or owner treat every customer as if they are Pete Wells of the NY Times because you never know who can break or make you. If you own a restaurant and you don't have the personality to make your new customers feel warm and welcome, I'd say stay in the kitchen and let someone who can be the head of house so they can hire a proper staff who are friendly, smile, and make you feel they are very grateful for your business.
FYI: The last time we came here we literally sat looking at each other for about 20 minutes after finishing our food and drinks before finally getting so annoyed that we got up and walked up to one of the owners to pay our bill, unacceptable.
