Morgantown boasts a variety of eateries

As West Virginia University students make their way back to Morgantown, so do their appetites. Morgantown has restaurants to cater to any craving incoming students, parents and family members could have.

Here is a breakdown of some of my favorite local places to satiate even the most ravenous appetite.

Where to go eat with your roommate

Undoubtedly as a college student you are on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some local fare with your roommate. The Boston Beanery has locations in Evansdale and downtown Morgantown. The pub-style restaurant has moderately priced food such as burgers, wings, and sandwiches as well as a full bar. The Boston Beanery provides a casual place to grab lunch or dinner any night of the week.

Another Morgantown favorite is Carmona’s Cochina Mexicana, located in the Suncrest Towne Centre. Carmona’s serves homemade Mexican food available for takeout or eat-in. Authentic quesadillas, burritos, tacos, homemade cheese sauce and fresh pico de gallo are items you will find at Carmonas. The restaurant’s cafeteria style serving technique also makes it a quick place to get food if you don’t feel like waiting. Both the Boston Beanery and Carmona’s average meal price is around $10.

Where to take a date

Morgantown has a host of places to take a potential boyfriend or girlfriend for a romantic dinner. Oliverio’s Italian Restaurant, located in the Wharf District, offers a big-city style dining experience paired with homemade Italian cuisine. During the warmer months, Oliverio’s has outdoor seating on a covered deck overlooking the rail trail and Monongalia River.

Italian food isn’t your thing? Sargasso is located just a short drive from Oliverio’s and takes you from Old World Italian food to a fusion of several cuisines. Sargasso has a modern interior as well as an open kitchen. It gives you both dinner and the show of seeing your food being prepared in the kitchen. Both Oliverio’s and Sargasso’s average meal price is around $25.

So, you have the late-night munchies?

If you have stayed up late studying or are just getting in from the bar, it doesn’t have to mean bologna sandwiches and ramen noodles for you. If there is anything Morgantown accommodates, it is late-night appetites. Casa D’Amici, located on High Street, is open until 3:30 a.m. on the weekends. Dining in, delivery and takeout are all options at this Morgantown favorite. Casa has menu items such as pizza, salads and garlic knots.

Another late-night favorite is Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, also available for takeout, delivery or dine-in Jimmy John’s keeps the "freaky fast" sandwiches going out from locations on High Street and the Suncrest Towne Centre. Jimmy John’s offers submarine sandwiches made quickly, and they stay open late. This is a student favorite for delivery during late-night study sessions or after a long night of work.

Another late-night staple in Morgantown is "The Hot Dog Man." This street vendor can be seen on High Street both day and night in Morgantown. He makes it easy to grab a hot dog on the way home from the bar scene, but remember – cash only.

Where to get your morning buzz

If there is going to be a shortage of anything in college, caffeine is not one of those things. Whether you came to college loving coffee or fell in love with the potent beans after a late-night study session, Morgantown has a place for you. Wild Mountain Bakery, located on High Street, brews locally roasted coffee and espresso beans from Elkins, W.Va.

They offer free parking and are easily accessible for both walkers and drivers. With a focus on local and high-quality ingredients, Wild Mountain is a great place to stop and get coffee and a pastry or a pepperoni roll before or after class.

Feel like sitting down? The Blue Moose, located on Walnut Street, is a Morgantown staple. They offer freshly made food, organic choices and a slew of espresso and coffee beverages. The Blue Moose also takes an interest in community creativity with local art and live music.

Want to catch the WVU away game with your friends?

There are several sports bars that cater to those wanting to catch both the game and some great game day grub. Keglers, located in Suburban Lanes Plaza, offers an oasis of award-winning chicken wings, strong drinks and no shortage of televisions. If wings, burgers, beer and a good time are your thing, Keglers is the place to be.

On the downtown campus? Buffalo Wild Wings, located on High Street and Suncrest Towne Centre offers an open atmosphere with many televisions and is within walking distance from WVU main campus. Serving wings, sandwiches and appetizers, this is another great option to catch what’s going on in the world of sports.

Catching Sunday brunch with your parents before they leave town?

Maxwell’s Restaurant, located on Wall Street in downtown Morgantown, is famous for their Sunday brunch. Walking down the stairs into what you think will be a dark basement is a bright, diner-style restaurant. With home-style favorites like french toast, freshly made omelettes and fresh coffee, this is a great place to visit with your parents before they made the journey back home.

Another great option for Sunday brunch is The Golden Finch, located on High Street.

This locally owned eatery puts a gourmet twist on home-style favorites. With menu items such as stuffed french toast and salmon eggs benedict, The Golden Finch offers an intimate environment to bid good morning or afternoon.

No matter what you are craving and when, Morgantown has a dining option for you.