[ lifestyle ]
In the
Chef’s Corner
Executive Chef
Steven Halliday.
Photo by Tracy Toler.
Smokey’s Steakhouse
MAGGIE MATSKO
Photo by Adventures on the Gorge.
Smokey’s Steakhouse may have opened
as an a la carte restaurant in 2017, but
this memorable dining destination has
a long-standing history nestled above
the New River Gorge. The restaurant,
which is part of Adventures on the Gorge
(AOTG), was originally named after Dana
“Smokey” Morton, bus driver extraor-
dinaire, who came to Class-VI River
Runners in 1979 when the company pur-
chased a bus from Oak Hill City Lines.
Morton passed away in 1988, but his
legend lives on through this Fayetteville
favorite, which is home to delicious food
and breath-taking views.
At Smokey’s Steakhouse, patrons find
a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The
timber frame construction of the building
110
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
gives guests a rustic feel while the seating
available on the outside deck brings out
the natural environment and laid-back
atmosphere.
The views are not the only thing that
draw a crowd to Smokey’s—the gour-
met food combined with friendly service
makes every meal remarkable. Smokey’s
offers a large breakfast buffet with a
house-baked bread display, make-your-
own waffle station and vast selection of
breakfast staples, sure to please even the
pickiest of eaters.
Beginning at 5 p.m., patrons can make
selections from Smokey’s dinner menu.
To begin their meal, guests can choose
from delectable appetizers such as the
Lump Crab Spoon Bread and Fried Pork
Lollipops. With popular entrees such
as the Peach Tea Rubbed Quail, Corn
and Sun-Dried Tomato Crusted Rain-
bow Trout and the restaurant’s signature
bone-in ribeye steak, every guest will
be sure to find something that satisfies
their taste buds. Ending the evening on a
sweet note, the dessert menu showcases
a flourless chocolate torte, apple cobbler
with vanilla bean ice cream and a cheese-
cake of the day. Guests can also enjoy a
glass of wine from Smokey’s diverse wine
list, a classic cocktail or a non-alcoholic
beverage from the full bar.
Another great aspect of Smokey’s
menu is that it caters to Appalachian
cuisine while featuring locally sourced
ingredients such as ramps, morels, maple