Laura S.

Purple Fiddle, Thomas, WV, Thurs, Dec 19. My husband and I were traveling through Davis/Thomas, WV on a Thursday afternoon in mid-December. It was rather off-season for both of these touristy towns, late for the summer's hikers in Blackwater Falls and other natural attractions and early for the winter skiers in Canaan Valley. Our daughter and SIL, who live in West Virginia, recommended Purple Fiddle. They had visited in the summer, when there was live music and a lively crowd. We went in for a late lunch, reaching around 2:15 pm. Upon entering, we found that we were the only patrons, but the hostess assured us that they were open. We asked some questions about the menu, and my husband asked about their schedule of bands in the winter months. (It's very active, especially on weekends, even in winter). Another couple came in a few minutes after us. FOOD. You order at the long counter where there is a chalkboard with the daily specials, plus traditional menus. My husband ordered one of the soups of the day, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup ($7.50) and a Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich ($11.50). I ordered their Montreal Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($9.75). My husband characterized the soup (his rating: 4/5) as very good but not outstanding for his personal taste. It was served with a bag of oyster crackers. He would've preferred the soup to be thicker/more cream-based and to have more basil. His chicken salad sandwich (3.5/5), served on swirled marble rye bread, with tomato and lettuce, was also tasty -- but the bread overwhelmed the amount of chicken salad, and the rye bread fell apart along the swirls. It was served with ruffled potato chips and a pickle spear. My toasted Montreal Grilled Cheese (3/5) was also constructed on marble rye, and featured three cheeses (provolone, cheddar, and whipped cream cheese), tomato slices, and some onion. It was also served with ruffled potato chips and a pickle spear. My main issue with my sandwich was it was toasted 2-3 shades darker than I would've preferred, verging on being burnt. We also split a dessert, the Turtle Cheesecake ($8). (4.5/5). The cheesecake featured chocolate, caramel, and some crunchies on top. The taste and texture were excellent but the slice was small for the $8 price point. The presentation also could've been better. It looked like it came directly out of the cooling case, still wrapped with Saran Wrap and a toothpick. My husband also got a coffee ($2.25, 5/5), which was full-bodied, rich, hot, and had free refills. Overall, we rank the food as a 4/5. In all cases, it tasted fresh. It was also a good value. Our food totaled $41.58 (including $2.58 tax, but before tip). The menu is relatively small, and most of it features cold items (sandwiches, wraps, hummus plates, etc.); this is probably appropriate for a music venue. We also note that they offer a good selection of beers, which we did not want in the afternoon and while still having a lot of driving ahead of us. AMBIANCE. (4.5/5). Overall, we liked the vibe of the restaurant. There's a stage for music performers, tables for diners/patrons, a station with hard ice creams to be scooped, memorabilia to be purchased. We suspect that it will get lively and crowded when bands are performing. We'll have to come back to check it out. SERVICE. (4/5). The waitress took our order at the counter, delivered it to our table, and later cleared the table. She was efficient, but neither friendly nor unfriendly. She did talk a bit more with the other couple who seemed to be locals. We would return to this restaurant.

Dixie B.

Purple Fiddle was a lot of fun! We went with family members, and enjoyed the music, as well as the food. Staff were helpful with drink refills, and the restaurant was clean. We would return.

The Purple Fiddle is your stop for an amazing lunch in Thomas, West Virginia. Everything is very fresh and the Roasted Turkey is delicious. The wrap was Fresh Roasted Turkey, Homemade Cranberry Sauce with walnuts, lettuce and cream cheese. The Salsa is homemade and the ice cream comes in several flavors to choose from. You will be happy that you stopped in to visit the Purple Fiddle.

Jordan D.

I stopped by the Purple Fiddle while visiting the town of Thomas for the first time. I had read a lot of positive things about this place so I had to check it out. I got there about 30 min before a free band was about to play so it wasn't crowded however, once the band started the line backed up and seats were getting full. The atmosphere is quite nice with indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich that came with chips and a pickle. It was pretty tasty but it did take about 30 minutes to come out of the kitchen. The staff were friendly. They have a nice selection of ice cream and t-shirts you can purchase. I would go back if I'm ever in the area again.

Singi D.

Local bar. Great beer list, fantastic live music, dancing and relaxing environment. Service is not bad. Some bands sell out, so worth buying tickets early. Not much seating. A great time, always. Highly recommended.

Ivy B.

I've heard a lot about Purple Fiddle but never had the opportunity to make it out, until now. I didn't realize they do afternoon shows! Such a nice surprise. Lines can get long, so get there early. I ordered the turkey wrap, which came with chips and a pickle. Wrap was really good! Had cream cheese and a cranberry chutney, which was a nice balance or creamy and sweet. Food took a long time to come out after ordering which was my main disappointment. Looks like they might be understaffed. Otherwise a nice experience.

Andrew P.

BEST LIVE MUSIC & BEER SELECTION in the area. The talent level they source is impressive for such a small town. The Purple Fiddle has been going strong for 20 years and the owner, John, has developed a deep and wide network of musicians and bands. Definitely the place to check out in the evenings if you're staying in Thomas or Davis.

We came for the music on Saturday night with the Mama Said String Band. Great venue for music. Recommend the Grateful Dead cocktail.

Rob B.

I could probably spend every day just sitting inside or outside of this place sipping some cool beer I've never had before or a Pabst Blue Ribbon because it's hipster af and delicious and enjoying this place for what it is, Amazing! The people who work here are all cool cats and the people I have met here over the years when traveling through or visiting are too. The music I've listened to here has always been mellow and relaxing and the food which I mostly always get the same items; the hummus platter, the veggie wrap, chips and artichoke dip or a veggie burger and they are always great. Towns like this and places like this make my heart smile and should exist in more states across America. Thank you to the town of Thomas and Thank you Purple Fiddle for being cool as a cucumber on ice on a hot summer day. Much love, See ya soon enough...

A hearty sandwich, great service... Then I think we met an angel at the Purple Fiddle today. Jessie saw my chilly pup and offered him a sweater her late pup had worn. Fit him perfectly, he was happy and toasty on the patio. She followed up with a collection of more sweaters looking for a good home. I offered to share with another family who had a dog of similar size (dang, didnt fit). Great food, hard working staff serving customers beautifully. Kindness and a touch of magic. What more can you ask of a community treasure?