A Taste of Home, Four States at a Time
If you had to name your favorite local restaurant, no chains, no franchises, where would you send someone?
That was the question I asked folks on my Facebook page. The response? Honest, passionate, and full of hometown flavor.
My goal was simple: shine a spotlight on the kinds of places you can’t find just anywhere. From family-owned pizza joints to farm-to-table cafes tucked into old gristmills, these restaurants help define their towns and feed more than just bellies, they feed community.
This guide is built directly from the voices of locals across West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, all within about 50 miles of Inwood, WV. Whether you’re looking for an old favorite or trying somewhere new, these suggestions offer the best place to start.
👋 Want to add your favorite local spot to the list? Submit yours at ulivewv.com/4-state-eats , I’d love to hear from you.
Community Picks: What Locals Are Really Eating
These aren’t paid shout-outs or Google ads, every restaurant listed here came from real community recommendations, or my search for the best-rated local-only spots in the region. Let’s go state by state.
West Virginia
King’s New York Pizza – Martinsburg, WV
📍 313 Rock Cliff Dr. Martinsburg, WV
Type of cuisine: New York-style pizzeria
King’s is more than a pizza shop, it’s a small-town gathering place that’s been serving Martinsburg for years. With oversized, thin-crust New York-style slices and pillowy garlic knots that barely fit in their basket, this spot has earned a reputation for comfort and consistency.
Family-owned and operated, King’s makes everything from scratch, and it shows in every bite. Locals swear by the calzones and chicken parm subs, and there’s something nostalgic about the red booths and giant soda cups.
It’s fast, it’s filling, and it always hits the spot!
Fiesta Tapatia – Martinsburg & Spring Mills, WV
📍 201 South Viking Way, Martinsburg, WV
Type of cuisine: Mexican
Colorful murals, sizzling fajitas, and cheerful staff, that’s what you’ll find at Fiesta Tapatia. This family-friendly Mexican restaurant is a go-to for folks craving hearty portions and festive vibes.
From burritos the size of your forearm to chimichangas smothered in queso, everything arrives hot, fast, and full of flavor. The margaritas are another highlight, big, bold, and not shy on the tequila.
Community members say it’s their go-to spot for birthday dinners or just a casual Friday night out. A favorite dish? The Jumpin Jumbo Burrito chicken with spicy chipotle sauce and melted cheese.
The Press Room – Shepherdstown, WV
📍 129 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV
Type of cuisine: Upscale American
Tucked into the historic streets of Shepherdstown, The Press Room feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. Built inside a beautifully restored 19th-century print shop, this restaurant has an unmistakable charm: exposed brick, soft lighting, and a menu that leans into the seasonal and local.
The chefs here don’t cut corners, from the crispy duck breast to the tender filet mignon, each plate is artfully composed and flavor-forward. It’s a popular date-night destination, and locals often bring out-of-town guests here to show off the town’s culinary gems.
Start with the house-made focaccia and don’t miss the bread pudding for dessert.
“Eating at Home”
Type of cuisine: Homemade (wink!)
This one came in from a local with a sense of humor: “Eating at home.” And honestly, we get it. Sometimes the best meals really are at home, grandma’s roast, mom’s cornbread, or your own famous chili.
But even home cooks need a night off, and that’s where this list comes in. Still, it’s a sweet reminder that food isn’t just about dining out, it’s about memory, family, and flavor.
Maryland
House of Kobe – Hagerstown, MD
📍 901 Dual Hwy, Hagerstown, MD
Type of cuisine: Japanese hibachi & sushi
House of Kobe has been a staple in Hagerstown for over 40 years, and there’s a reason it’s still standing strong.
With a classic hibachi setup, skilled chefs grill up steak, shrimp, and scallops right at your table, tossing shrimp into mouths and cracking jokes while flames rise from the grill. It’s dinner and a show, but also seriously good food.
The sushi bar is equally impressive, offering fresh cuts and creative rolls. The interior still has that old-school charm, dim lighting, wood-paneled booths, and plenty of regulars who’ve been coming since they were kids.
Among all the restaurants in Maryland, this one has deep roots.
Colonial Bar & Grill – Hagerstown, MD
📍 14130 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD
Type of cuisine: Steakhouse
Colonial Bar & Grill blends hearty comfort food with a laid-back hometown vibe.
Known for their loaded platters, crispy wings, and juicy burgers stacked high, this spot has become a go-to for locals looking to unwind. With its rustic-meets-modern interior and welcoming staff, Colonial serves up more than just great food — it delivers a neighborhood feel where everyone knows your name.
Whether you’re catching the game, enjoying live music, or digging into their famous steak night, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back.
Antietam Brewery – Hagerstown, MD
📍 140 Western Maryland Pkwy, Hagerstown, MD
Type of cuisine: Craft brewery with pub fare
Antietam isn’t just Hagerstown’s favorite craft brewery, it’s part of the town’s identity. You’ll find hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and seasonal brews on tap, alongside elevated bar food that hits the mark.
It belongs on any list of best restaurants in Maryland for its perfect blend of local beer and scratch-made food. When discussing the restaurants in Maryland that really matter to locals, this one comes up often.
Walker’s Tap & Table – Glenwood, MD
📍 2465 Route 97, Glenwood, MD
Type of cuisine: American Cuisine
Walker’s Tap & Table feels like a hidden treasure in Glenwood. With a focus on local ingredients and from-scratch cooking, it’s a cozy tavern-style spot where burgers, craft beers, and comfort food all shine.
People consider it one of the best restaurants in Maryland, even though it’s tucked away. If you’re building your personal map of restaurants in Maryland to revisit, add this one.
📍 137 N Market St, Frederick, MD
Type of cuisine: Indian & Mediterranean
Clay Oven serves up bold, rich Indian and Mediterranean flavors in a laid-back setting. Think sizzling tandoori, fluffy naan, slow-simmered curries, and garlicky hummus.
It’s earned its spot on any shortlist of best restaurants in Maryland. Among the many restaurants in Maryland, this one feels especially personal and well cared for.
The Crabby Pig – Cumberland, MD
📍 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD
Type of cuisine: Seafood & BBQ
Crabby Pig is a great example of the low-key, unpolished gems that represent the best restaurants in Maryland. It offers waterfront dining, big portions, and no-nonsense BBQ and seafood.
For locals looking for authentic seafood restaurants in Maryland, this is the kind of place that defines the region.
Madrones – Frederick, MD
📍 7810 Wormans Mill Rd, Frederick, MD
Type of cuisine: American, wood-fired
Madrones is another strong contender on the list of best restaurants in Maryland, known for its wood-fired menu and generous portions. From cocktails to pork chops, it reflects what people want from their favorite restaurants in Maryland, great food without the fuss.
The Broad Axe – Hagerstown MD
📍 28 W Franklin St, Hagerstown, MD
Type of cuisine: American Pub
The Broad Axe draws is an older-style pub with brick walls, a long bar, and the kind of no-frills menu that still delivers.
Their burgers are thick, the nachos pile high, and there’s a reliable draft list that keeps regulars coming back. Sports on the TVs, trivia nights, and familiar faces at the bar, it’s the kind of place you land after work without needing to make plans.
Pennsylvania
Norland Pub – Chambersburg, PA
📍 454 Norland Ave, Chambersburg, PA
Type of cuisine: American Pub
Norland Pub has been a regular stop for people in Chambersburg since the early 2000s. It’s locally owned, family-run, and built around the basics: reliable pub food, cold beer, and a space that’s just as good for catching up with friends as it is for catching the game.
Their wings, burgers, and hoagies get a lot of attention, and the service is consistent. There’s nothing flashy about it, and that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of place where regulars keep their same table and the bartenders know what you’re drinking.
GearHouse Brewing Co. – Chambersburg, PA
📍 253 Grant St, Chambersburg, PA
Type of cuisine: Brewery with elevated pub food
GearHouse is known as a good spot for both food and beer. It’s inside an old brick building that still shows its age in a good way, lots of exposed beams, wide-plank floors, and a casual layout that fits everything from group dinners to solo stops at the bar.
The brewery does small-batch beers with a lot of personality, and the food menu holds up on its own. People talk about the pork belly tacos, house pretzels, and brisket sandwiches as the kind of things you come back for. It’s local, it’s easygoing, and there’s no rush to leave.
Bistro 71 – Chambersburg, PA
📍 71 N Main St, Chambersburg, PA
Type of cuisine: French-American
Bistro 71 is a sit-down spot for when you want something a little slower-paced and well-prepared. It doesn’t feel like a chain and it doesn’t try to impress with decor, it just puts the attention where it belongs: on the food.
Their crab cakes, steaks, and daily specials change with the season. The bar has a serious bourbon lineup, but the kitchen is just as strong. It’s popular with locals celebrating something, or just looking for dinner that tastes like someone really cooked it from scratch.
INKA Kitchen – Chambersburg, PA
📍 460 Wayne Ave, Chambersburg, PA
Type of cuisine: Peruvian
INKA Kitchen stands out not just because it’s one of the only Peruvian places around, but because it’s genuinely good.
The chicken, pollo a la brasa, is cooked in a special rotisserie oven and comes out juicy and loaded with seasoning. They also do a solid ceviche, and their rice dishes are heavy on garlic, cilantro, and bold flavor.
The space is bright, the owners are friendly, and the food feels like something you don’t get just anywhere. It’s been a quiet favorite for people who like a break from the usual takeout routine.
Virginia
Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant – Front Royal, VA
📍 328 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA
Locally owned and operated, Castiglia’s is where locals go for hearty portions of Italian favorites. From stuffed shells to veal marsala, it’s all made fresh. Bonus: They also offer delivery and takeout
Claudio’s Pizza – Winchester, VA
📍 1328 Winchester Ave, Martinsburg, WV
Type of cuisine: Italian-American
Claudio’s Pizza in Martinsburg is one of those old-school, family-run places where the sauce is made fresh, the dough is hand-tossed daily, and the menu hasn’t needed to change in years.
Locals have a deep loyalty to Claudio’s, not just for the crispy, brick oven pies or the classic meatball subs, but for the friendly service and generous portions that remind them of family dinners.
It’s the kind of spot where kids grow up ordering the same favorite slice every time, and grownups call in big orders for Sunday football or graduation parties. Try their signature Claudio’s Special pizza or the beefy cheesesteak.
Blue Wing Frog – Strasburg, VA
📍 219 W King St, Strasburg, VA
A quirky café with a commitment to local sourci
ng and homemade everything. Expect a rotating menu with bold flavors, from global soups to pulled pork tacos. Their creative take on comfort food makes it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
The Restaurant at Edinburg Mill – Edinburg, VA
📍 214 S Main St, Edinburg, VA
Set in a restored 1840s gristmill, this restaurant serves “rustic American” cuisine made with local meats and ingredients. Think house-made pickles, seasonal vegetables, and slow-roasted entrees. The setting alone makes it worth the trip
Woodstock Garden Café – Woodstock, VA
📍 1175 Hisey Ave, Woodstock, VA
Fresh, bright, and nestled within a garden center, this café celebrates ingredients from local farms. Soups, salads, and sandwiches are crafted seasonally and served with care.
Woodstock Café – Woodstock, VA
📍 117 S Main St, Woodstock, VA
Charming and casual, this downtown café offers scratch-made breakfast and lunch, plus coffee, local goods, and wine. It’s the kind of place where people linger with books or meet for low-key brunch.
📥 Send in Your Picks
If you’ve got a favorite local spot that didn’t make this round, we’re still collecting recommendations.
📬 Submit your suggestions by filling out the form at ulivewv.com/4-state-eats
Conclusion
All of the restaurants mentioned in this guide are locally owned. They’re not part of franchises, and they’re not trying to be trendy. What they are is dependable. Familiar. And often run by the same people who greet you at the door, cook your food, and live down the road.
That’s what 4-State Eats is here for, to give these places a little more attention and help more people find them. No promotions, no gimmicks, just good restaurants that people already trust.
Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Maryland, exploring low-key gems near Chambersburg, or comparing Bedford PA restaurants, this list is a solid place to start.
Thanks to everyone who sent in their recommendations. We’ll keep adding to the guide as more come in.
📍 You can always find the full list and submit new favorites at ulivewv.com/4-state-eats
Next time you’re hungry, pick one from the list and go. That’s the whole idea.
