Deep within the rugged, mist-covered mountains of Appalachia lies a profoundly misunderstood region that has been historically exploited and unfairly stereotyped. When Parts Unknown ventured into West Virginia in 2018, the objective was to aggressively dismantle the condescending hillbilly caricatures and listen to the proud, fiercely resilient voices of coal country. The culinary landscape here is a fascinating testament to survival and resourcefulness, deeply tied to the land, the rivers, and the forests long before foraging became a modern culinary trend. The journey highlighted the incredible dignity found in the traditional foods of poverty, fiercely defending them from hipster appropriation. From the pure, unpretentious comfort of biscuits and gravy at a local diner to the wild, communal joy of a potluck featuring snapping turtle and frog legs, the narrative celebrates the true soul of the mountains. It is a masterful, empathetic exploration of a community that continues to endure despite immense economic hardships. To truly understand the heart of Appalachia, you must pull up a chair. Here are the deeply rooted spots that defined this important American journey.
When Anthony Bourdain visited West Virginia on his show Parts Unknown, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is Parts Unknown, season 11, episode 1. It first aired on April 29, 2018.
DISH – Biscuits and Gravy – Anthony Bourdain West Virginia
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had a coffee, biscuits with gravy and fried eggs.
“Works for me, biscuits, gravy, two eggs up and a coffee. I’m a happy man.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
The Coffee Shop
War, WV 24892, United States
West Virginia, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
DISH – Potluck – Anthony Bourdain West Virginia
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had frog legs, snapping turtle patties, barbecued and fried catfish and smoked bass.
“Oh–I’m definitely not missing that.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
King Knob Motorsports Park
Cherry Hill Rd, Philippi, WV 26416, United States
West Virginia, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this area has since closed its doors.
READ MORE: BOSTON: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON NO RESERVATIONS
DISH – Local Beer – Parts Unknown West Virginia
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had a beer.
WHERE IS IT?
Keith’s Bar & Grille
20 Mingo Hwy, Man, WV 25635, United States
West Virginia, United States
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN PHILIPPINES : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
DISH – Local West Virginia Dish – Anthony Bourdain West Virginia
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited Lost Creek Farm located at West Virginia.
He had pawpaw ice cream with candied wildflowers, old-fashioned vinegar pie or “desperation pie”, buttermilk-poached trout with pickled rhubarb, sweet-corn chowder, buttermilk-fried rabbit with maple syrup, venison with a chicory-root rub and chanterelle mushrooms.
“Appalachia has a rich and deep culinary culture, increasingly fetishized, riffed on and appropriated for the genteel tastes of a hipster elite willing to pay big bucks for what used to be and still is in many cases, the food of poverty.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Lost Creek Farm
104 Sunrise Rd, Lost Creek, WV 26385, United States
West Virginia, United States
READ MORE: MIAMI: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
The journey into West Virginia stands as a masterpiece of journalistic empathy, showcasing his unparalleled ability to cross deep political and cultural divides to find common humanity. In the broader scope of his work, it is historically significant for demanding that the coastal elites afford the same respect to rural, working-class Americans as they would to any foreign culture. The profound respect shown for desperation pies, wild game, and the tight-knit communities of coal country elevated the episode into a beautiful, poignant defense of Appalachia. It remains one of the most powerful and important hours of television he ever produced before his passing. Look beyond the stereotypes, explore the stunning mountain roads, and let the genuine, unpretentious flavors of the region surprise you.
