We think soup should be its own category on the menu.
Photographed by Carla Witt Ford
When winter winds come whistling, sometimes the only thing that will do is a bowl of steaming liquid comfort. Whether you go for a clear broth or a thick and creamy puree, a soulful vegan combo or a rich, meaty stew, there’s a pot simmering in Morgantown just for you.
Hearty Elk Stew
The Wine Bar at Vintner Valley
From time to time you’ll find dishes at The Wine Bar featuring Appalachian game like venison, rabbit, or even bison, long gone from the region. “Elk were indigenous to West Virginia—they were wiped out in the 1800s and were recently reintroduced into the state,” says owner Duka Esguerra. The Wine Bar’s Hearty Elk Stew, served with a puff pastry on top, is back by popular demand, at least through the end of 2025. The elk is slow-cooked into a classic stew with carrots and potatoes and seasoned with sage and rosemary. Don’t worry—it’s not West Virginia elk, but free-range from New Zealand, where elk are farmed. Pair the stew with a big red from The Wine Bar’s cellar or with a malty stout for a satisfying cold-weather meal. Pictured above. 510 Burroughs Street, @vintnervalley on FB
Sweet and Spicy Carrot Soup
AntiquiTea House
Forty scratch-made soups on rotation with two available on any given day means AntiquiTea House is always ladling out something new and delicious. We love the Sweet and Spicy Carrot Soup: a creamy puree of carrots and coconut milk with fresh ginger and a dash of hot sauce. “It’s very reminiscent of Thai food,” says tea house owner Traci Stead, “so I like to serve it with ginger tea.” Get it in a mug or a bowl garnished with sunflower or pepita seeds depending on the season, with oyster crackers on the side if you like. For a heartier meal, get the Garden Steam sandwich on the side: egg, feta cheese, spinach, black olives, carrots, red onion, and sweet peppers drizzled with ranch in a tortilla pocket. 2885 University Avenue, @antiquiteahouse on FB
Italian Wedding Soup
Café Oliverio
Brisk weather is the perfect time to celebrate the marriage of meats and vegetables in this classic Old World soup. Café Oliverio’s take on it begins with an aromatic, slow-cooked mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery, then adds pastina, chicken, and bite-sized house-made meatballs. It’s like a heartier chicken noodle soup, says manager Carter Kings. It can bless your marriage, he says—or it can just bring good fortune to your day. 200 Fort Pierpont Drive, “Cafe Oliverio” on FB
Sausage and Tortellini Soup
The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center
For a mid-day warm-up, head over to The Tea Shoppe for a serving of Sausage and Tortellini Soup: spoon-sized chunks of sweet sausage and plump cheese-stuffed tortellini simmered in a rich chicken broth. Served by the cupful or the bowlful, it’s topped with spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Order it with the quiche of the day for a satisfying winter meal. 709 Beechurst Avenue, theteashoppewv.com
Fire-Roasted Corn ’n’ Crab Chowder
Gray Fox Kitchen & Cocktails
When nothing but a rich and creamy seafood bowl will do, head over to Gray Fox Kitchen for the Fire-Roasted Corn ’n’ Crab Chowder. A rue-thickened base is loaded with corn roasted on the wood grill, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, and a combination of claw and jumbo lump blue crab meat. Bacon and sherry tie the flavors together in a cross between a traditional Maryland cream of crab soup and a corn chowder, and you will want the baguette that’s served on the side to soak up every drop. Owner Chris Fox suggests a chardonnay for a light accompaniment—or go darker with an old fashioned. 2232 Cheat Road, grayfoxkc.com
Tomato Soup
48 Donley
There are as many versions of this classic comfort food as there are cooks who make it. 48 Donley’s is a creamy, bacon-infused delight. A stock of tomatoes, onions, and bacon is strained, then thickened with flour and cream. “We have a cult following for it,” says general manager Paris Russell. “It goes best with the Triple Grilled Cheese, made with Parmesan, cheddar, and fresh mozzarella on sourdough—especially on a rainy or cold day.” Often served with a garnish of micro-greens, it comes in a small or large bowl. This is a midday treat—lunch menu only! 48 Donley Street, 48donley.com
Classic Chicken Noodle
Apple Annie’s
Apple Annie’s take on this classic winter warmer tastes like you wish your mom’s did. It builds from a mirepoix base—onion, celery, and carrot—with house-made chicken stock, diced chicken breast, egg noodles, “and our top-secret Apple Annie’s chicken noodle seasoning,” says General Manager Ryan Barrett. Get it in a big steaming bowl with two packs of crackers, the way nature intended, and add the half daily sandwich on the side if you’re ravenous. Just want to savor the ultimate comfort food at home? No problem—you can get it by the quart to go. 6120 Mid-Atlantic Drive, apple-annies.com
Kway Teow
Chaang Thai
A Thai staple, Kway Teow is the epitome of the cuisine’s irresistible balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. At Chaang Thai, this rice noodle soup in a warming, fragrant broth is most popular with chicken or steak, says owner Raj Sundaram—but you can also get it with pork, roast duck, shrimp, or vegetables and tofu. Customize it with optional condiments, and order it with Crispy Vegetable Rolls or Fried Dumplings for a perfect winter meal. 361 High Street, “Chaang Thai Restaurant” on FB
READ MORE STORIES FROM OUR WINTER 2025 ISSUE
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