Flavors of the Eastern Panhandle

From historic houses turned restaurants to modern eateries with Appalachian views, the Eastern Panhandle offers dining experiences as diverse as its landscape. Whether it’s farm-to-table fare in Berkeley County, New York-style bagels in Jefferson County or elevated comfort food in Morgan County, these six local favorites highlight the region’s blend of creativity, community and tradition.

The Cider Press

Located inside Taylor’s Farm Market in Inwood, The Cider Press follows a long history of fresh, local food. Originally built in the 1920s as a horticulture school and a fruit packing plant, which soon grew into a successful fruit growers cooperative, the building succumbed to a fire in 1955. Afterward, it was reconstructed and later became the Inwood Farmers Market. In 2014, Berkeley County local Robert Taylor and his son, Ryan Taylor, took over the market, fulfilling a dream of connecting their community with freshly picked, homegrown fruits. They expanded on this idea in 2016 with the creation of The Cider Press restaurant.

When visiting The Cider Press, guests are met with a rustic and relaxing atmosphere where they can choose from a wide array of hand-crafted, house-made specialties. The all-day menu offers tasty options from sandwiches, salads and soups to hand-pattied burgers, Black Dog coffee, local craft beer and wine and delicious desserts. Guests having dinner at The Cider Press can order off the Supper Plates menu, beginning every day at 4 p.m., that features dishes such as meatloaf, steak, salmon and brisket.

No matter the time of day or dish you’re craving, The Cider Press is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy locally crafted cuisine.

Thai Martinsburg Restaurant

Inside a quaint blue house in Martinsburg, fans of authentic Thai cuisine can enjoy a tasty meal in a casual and traditional atmosphere. Located in the city’s historic downtown area, Thai Martinsburg Restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to every type of guest—whether looking for something sweet, spicy, vegetarian or otherwise, there is something for everyone.

The restaurant’s healthy Thai dishes are cooked on-site with fresh herbs and spices, many offering therapeutic benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also on the menu are tasty drinks like Thai iced tea, Thai iced coffee and different hot tea, hot coffee, juice and soft drink options as well as a full bar and cocktails. Guests can also choose from an array of delectable Thai desserts to finish off their meal.

Thai Martinsburg boasts a simple but welcoming interior, decorated to reflect a traditional Thai space. For those who enjoy eating outdoors, the restaurant contains a lively patio adorned with lights and ample seating, which is open to guests day or night. The many seating options ensure visitors can stop by no matter what setting they prefer or what the weather may bring.

With its delicious, assorted menu options and friendly spirit, Thai Martinsburg Restaurant promises a flawless dining experience with each visit.

Bagel Chicks Bakery

Located in Ranson, Bagel Chicks Bakery combines nearly a century of family baking traditions with a fresh, modern feel. The bakery’s story starts in 1932, when Sam Constantino opened a small bakery in New York City. Decades later, his granddaughter, Jackie Constantino, partnered with Katheryn “Kat” Acker to bring that legacy to the Eastern Panhandle, rebranding the beloved Royalicious Bagel Bakery as Bagel Chicks earlier this year.

The stars of the show at the bakery are the bagels. Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled and freshly baked each morning in true New York fashion, customers can choose from classic flavors like plain, sesame and everything or try tasty twists like asiago, jalapeño cheddar and cinnamon raisin. This list just scratches the surface of everything offered. Each bagel is delicious on its own, paired with the bakery’s homemade cream cheeses or as the base of breakfast and lunch sandwiches full of fresh ingredients.

Bagel Chicks also offers an array of authentic New York pastries, such as flaky croissants, black-and-white cookies, crumb cake and rugelach. All pastries are baked with the same attention to detail and care that have defined the family’s recipes for generations.

From its signature bagels to its delectable pastries, Bagel Chicks Bakery has become a must-have for locals and visitors alike.

The Rabbit Hole

Nestled on High Street in Harpers Ferry, The Rabbit Hole invites hikers, travelers and locals to wander down to its eclectic entrance that leads to a lively gastropub. Opened in April 2019 by longtime landlords turned restaurant owners, the inside is filled with National Park conservationist artifacts while the patio is dog-friendly and offers stunning views of Maryland Heights and the junction
of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

When it comes to the menu, The Rabbit Hole takes a fresh and indulgent approach while accommodating as many dietary restrictions as possible. A standout starter on the menu is the loaded pork fries—smoked, hand-pulled pork butt resting on fries topped with white cheddar cheese, barbeque, Southwest ranch and green onions. Equally tasty are the vegan house hummus, short rib poutine and vegetarian crabless crabcake sandwich. Entrées range from the Blue Ridge burger and Appalachian barbeque sandwich to the fish and chips and Louisiana-style ribs, each served with hush puppies or beer-battered fries.

Whether you’re stopping by after a hike or looking for a casual meal with a view, The Rabbit Hole blends unique decor, comforting food and inclusive hospitality for a memorable dining experience.

Panorama Public House

Located at 3299 Cacapon Road in Berkeley Springs, Panorama Public House pairs creative comfort food with remarkable Appalachian views. The restaurant offers dinner Thursday through Sunday, lunch on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly encouraged for dinner, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

The restaurant’s menu takes a playful approach to classic dishes. Popular starters include various flatbreads, battered and deep-fried pickle chips served with dill ranch, dry rubbed and roasted cauliflower, Appalachian corn and bacon fritters served with chipotle ranch and nearly famous lump crab bites served with remoulade. Entrées range from comforting dishes like homemade pasta, burgers and chicken to lighter options such as soups and salads. Guests can also enjoy homemade desserts, ice cream, sourdough and beignets. For brunch, options include homemade challah French toast, an apple butter gluten-free waffle and various egg dishes.

Panorama also serves as a captivating venue for private events, offering views of the Appalachian ridges and the confluence of the Potomac and Cacapon rivers. The space features original artwork by local artists, and live entertainment from local musicians is often incorporated to enhance the atmosphere.

Whether you’re stopping in for a bite to eat or planning a special celebration, Panorama offers inviting food and a welcoming experience with views worth savoring.

Lot 12 Public House

Part of the charm of Berkeley Springs is the preservation of its original architecture and style from the time the town was established as Bath in 1776. This preservation includes keeping the lot numbers from the first land sale, and on lot 12 sits a charming
house built in 1913 that now hosts the Lot 12 Public House restaurant.

Lot 12 Public House was opened in 1999 by Chef Damian Heath and his wife, Betsy, and has been a beloved local staple ever since. Damian was raised in Berkeley Springs and brings decades of culinary experience to Lot 12. He is largely influenced by his Italian heritage and artistic family background, preparing delicious comfort cuisine using local ingredients.

The menu at Lot 12 offers a myriad of delicious meals and desserts that include options for those on a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. The restaurant also hosts an extensive wine menu as well as craft beer and a full bar. Guests can enjoy their meal in the comfort of the inviting restaurant dining room or bar or sit on the porch and take advantage of nice weather in the open air. Reservations are not required but are strongly encouraged.