- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Tamarack-the Best of West Virginia
Categories: Restaurants Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Restaurants, Performing Arts [Edit]
1 Tamarack PlBeckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-6843
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Tamarack-the Best of West Virginia
Review Highlights
-
"There are a lot of local arts and crafts for sale there." In 9 reviews -
"It is quite unique to walk around." In 4 reviews -
"...the pan fried trout, braised kale, and fried green tomatoes." In 2 reviews
Loading...
25 reviews in English
-
Review from Dick S.
1/4/2012
At one time in my life I was a volunteer at Turkey Run Farm in McLean, Virginia. It accurately portrayed the daily life at a small tobacco farm in 1773. Our clothes and shoes were hand stitched. We cooked at a fireplace. The only deviation we took from history is we refused to kill chickens or slaughter pigs rather we befriended a piglet we called Georgina.
I learned to make bread, spin, use natural dye stuff, weave both fabric and baskets, make soap, dig latrines and simply live as a settler on the other side of the Potomac from Mt. Vernon. I gained a life long love for things simple and handmade.
Slowly I expanded my fundamentalist views of hand work and grew to appreciate those who take handcrafts to the level of art. Many of my travel destinations have been to areas where local crafts are on view. Usually I purchase the more practical so that I may use and enjoy them daily rather than the decorative.
I regret I had not heard of Tamarack before. This stunning architectural surprise in the water color hills of West Virginia has a vast and varied selection of beautifully made crafts. In the modern sprawling building are housed craft departments, rooms where artisans work, and a cafeteria that serves the local mountain food. I was in transit and heard that snow awaited me in northern Ohio, so I did not spend the amount of time I would have desired. I am talking at least a half day here. This is the Cathedral of Applied Art. -
Review from Roger H.
Asheville, NC
Gets four stars for having expensive crafts...but they are HIGH quality artists. GREAT place to stop and unwind and get a gift. Local products from West by god Virginia. and dont miss the food from the chefs of the Greenbrier Hotel.
They sometimes have artists and musicians at work that you can watch too.
Pick up a coal miner made of coal! -
Review from Rebecca H.
Durham, NC
12/14/2011
Tamarack is awesome. The food is delicious, the gifts are unique, and it makes me proud to be a West Virginian.
I recently moved to North Carolina and looked forward to visiting Tamarack again. HOWEVER, I was disappointed. There was one thing lacking in quality: staff. It was noticeable that the staff was snobby. I really don't get it. Yes, you are working in a speciality shop with expensive gifts and foods, but you are probably making minimum wage--get over yourself. When we went to eat one of the cooks was extremely rude to my father. The cuisine at Tamarack is supposed to be Greenbrier-ish. This cook reminded me of a lunch lady at a middle school. My Father could not enjoy his meal after the chef was rude to him. I approached the cafe manager and told her and she did not say much to me. She did storm off to the kitchen but did not come to apologize. I find this to be bad customer service.
Other than the customer service I love looking at all of the WV made, beautiful crafts. It makes me proud to know that when out-of-staters drive through and stop at Tamarack they will see the nice display.
I also love the art gallery. They switch out themes and feature only West Virginia artists. -
Review from Miriam W.
11/25/2011 6 photos
We pass through Beckley on the WVA turnpike a few times a year heading for points south, and we almost always stop at Tamarack to grab a bite and check out the beautiful handmade wares. The restaurant alone would be worth the visit here, as it's so much better than what you normally find on the road. I've been in a rut for the past couple of years and always get the locally sourced trout, which is cornmeal dusted and lightly fried on the flattop grill. Sometimes they go overboard with the butter here, but yesterday the food was perfect. Doug went for the turkey and stuffing with gravy, as it was Thanksgiving, and he was most impressed with his lunch. They always have sandwiches, salads and pizza on the menu, and drinks are self serve. I like that it's cafeteria style, so it's quick and easy, and I also like dining in the beautiful surroundings.
Tamarack showcases the work of local artists,with everything from quilts to pottery, from gorgeous hand carved wooden bowls to hand crafted furniture, lovely jewelry, glassware, musical instruments, local food and wine and more. The bookstore is a fun stop to learn about West Virginia history (ever wonder what really happened between the Hatfields and McCoys?) and hear some traditional Appalachian music.
The building itself is wonderful too; circular in design, so wherever you start from you'll not miss anything, with high windows that let in lots of natural light. There's a theater here too with an interesting mix of musical performances and plays. West Virginians have much to be proud of in this terrific center for the arts. -
Review from Cherie R.
10/24/2011
Food was a decent and a change from fast food on the road. The reason why it's a 4 instead of 3 is because in comparison to everything else around there, it is definitely your best option.
The guy behind the hot food counter was incredibly surly, though. My husband thinks I'm just being silly. -
Review from Kristine C.
Eastpointe, MI
2/9/2012
Northerner here. Had the fried green tomatoes, braised kale and sweet onions, pan fried potatoes, fruit, and sweet tea. By far the best meal I have had in a long time. Will be stopping here on the way home!
-
Review from Bill J.
Uniontown, OH
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are considering Tamarack, you are traveling the West Virginia Turnpike, so you probably have a long way to go to your destination.
There is an Exxon at the neighboring service plaza, so you can fuel up on this stop. There is a cafeteria inside Tamarack with better than average road food, although the line can be long if you are arriving on a peak travel day. We usually just hit the ice cream counter and then continue on our way.
Next to the cafeteria is a tiny bookstore. Walk in there and buy any CD by West Virginia story-teller Bil Lepp. The $12 that you spend will amuse the kids long enough to get you into Virginia or half-way to Ohio. We now have a large collection of the humorous CDs from annual trips past Tamarack.
There are plenty of other artisan wares available as you walk around inside the circular Tamarack building. If you are looking for an interesting place to stretch your legs before continuing on I-77, this is an interesting place to stop. -
Review from David B.
Fremont, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
The cafeteria at the Tamarack is probably the only decent food in Beckley. Family tells me that it's run in part by the world-famous Greenbriar restaurant. I make it a point to eat here every time I visit West Virginia.
-
Review from Nate L.
Findlay, OH
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Several times I've stared at the Tamarack building, as it sat in the distance of the travel plaza nearby. I never knew what to make of it and didn't feel like sticking around. Traveling can be tedious at times, and I've always wanted to push forward with my trip. It was a little different this time. I made a resolution to drive up and take a look around.
There are a lot of local arts and crafts for sale there. That didn't strike me as something up my alley, but they did have a stage where musicians were playing. That wasn't too bad. I wasn't able to try any of the food though. The lines were just too long for me to stay. After reading some of the comments, however, I might have to give it a whirl the next time I'm in the area. -
Review from Laura J.
Denver, CO
5/9/2011
The cafeteria has good food, and the pie is excellent. Get some pie. I had the coconut orange pie and it was fabulous.
fine arts, crafts, tchotckeys are fun to look at, but pricey. -
Review from Teresa B.
Midlothian, VA
11/23/2011
I just visited the Tamarack for the first time and was pleasantly surprised with this roadside "gem". For starters, the eats were a very nice alternative to the traditional fast food that is typically found on the roadside stops. Apparently, the food is sourced by the same folks who manage the Greenbrier Resort. The cuisine appears to be Southern in style but there is certainly something for everyone.
Hats off to the West Virginia tourism folks for providing the local artisans a great way to display and sell their work! Unfortunately, I didn't have as much time as I wanted to browse, but there is always the trip back! I will definitely visit again and would highly recommend. -
Review from Nina P.
9/4/2010
The best food and art of West Virginia! I will ALWAYS stop here if I'm in the area!
Friends recommended this stop so we checked it out. This center for the best of West Virginia could initially make one scratch their head and make a bad joke BUT it's the truth!
Amazing arts and crafts are on display and available for purchase - some more expensive than others! And then theirs the food...
Greenbrier chefs cook for a cafeteria style eatery within the center. Their offerings are classic homestyle southern cooking elevated to elegance...almost a contradiction considering it's cafeteria model. Taking this into consideration - you're having an amazing meal roadside for $15 or less!
We stopped both to and from a road trip - and I ate a MASSIVE amount of food - I won't lie - I went ape shit - it was soooo good!
I had a steak salad (tasty marinated flank steak) for a lighter lunch. On our way back we stopped for dinner and I ate everything I could get my hands on! I had salmon with whipped mash potatoes and sauteed green beans. I also had AMAZING braised greens, corn and tomatoes, BBQ beans and pulled pork, and roasted new potatoes. I mean - I'm a girl and I'm ashamed to say I ate like a beastly animal!
Now that I'm aware of this wonderful place I'm considering making a mini vacation of Pipestem and New River Gorge Parks.
EAT HERE BOTTOM LINE - IT REALLY IS THE BEST OF WEST VIRGINIA! -
Review from Michael L.
Philadelphia, PA
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
In terms of truck stop-esque places, it can't be beat.
The food was fine. Got grilled chicken with green beans and fried green tomatoes. The chicken was well cooked, and the sides were a little soggy but fine.
It was just nice to go to a place where people were actually making food and not heating it up from being frozen. -
Review from Leila C.
Nashua, NH
9/25/2007
Quilts, pottery, artwork, all made by local artisans throughout WV.
Lots of little old ladies.
The food court was tasty, though I was slightly disappointed by their lack of vegetarian offerings. I ended up eating green beans and kale for lunch although they DO have a full range of homemade desserts (peach cobbler was yummy) which totally made up for it.
Mmm peach cobbler. -
Review from Bill M.
Canfield, OH
5/1/2008
A friend of my wife told us about this place. I travel south from OH down I-77 at least three times a year and for years never stopped. Now this place is a regular stop. The food is the reason, hands down. The chef's are in training for the Greenbriar Resort in White Sulphur Springs, so you can expect top quality chow. The prices are cafeteria rates. That's a good deal no matter how you measure. Plus, once you've stuffed yourself, there's the cultural experience of the shopping for local arts and crafts.
Get the garlic mashed potatoes and the bass. -
Review from Shannon R.
Morrisville, NC
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beckley is a great stopping place for us- exactly halfway on our 9 hour trip. Sometimes we choose to stop at Tamarack and browse the local artistry. A nice opportunity to stretch your legs (and very nice restrooms, too!) They have a wide variety of gift offerings (art, clothing, books, etc). The prices are rather high, so we rarely buy anything. Nonetheless, a refreshing gem along the West Virginia Turnpike.
-
Review from Mike B.
Matthews, NC
12/19/2009
A must stop if you are driving down 77. The food inside is outstanding (Greenbrier chefs) and the shopping is local/rustic variety. All the items inside are by local people. It is quite unique to walk around. You may actually find something you like.
They all thinks of places to take a break. A small play area for kids is around the back outside. So if the kids need a break and so do the parents stop inside do some shopping and and then let the kids play and run outside. -
Review from Garret N.
Bishop, CA
12/25/2009
The Tamarack offers excellent travel food, with the majority of the offerings being straightforward Southern American style dishes. You probably won't find anything here you couldn't get somewhere else but it's almost certainly the best thing you'll get directly off of an exit in West Virginia.
The crafts are sourced from quite a few different areas in West Virginia so they vary a lot. Some very nice pieces and some very 'meh' stuff. If you're looking for a gift though they've got a pretty solid selection of knick-knacks.
The prices for food are generally under $10, the prices for crafts can be anywhere from $5-500, depending on what you're looking at. -
Review from Pearl F.
Santa Barbara, CA
11/20/2011
Tasty, comfort food, served cafeteria style. Good portions, good prices. Lovely setting. I recommend.
-
Review from Dan W.
Leitchfield, KY
8/14/2010
Close to the best cafeteria food I have ever had. (Best is Rough River State Park in KY). Traditional, yet innovative. Old fashioned, yet modern. Don't miss this place. I had the pan fried trout, braised kale, and fried green tomatoes. Plus you are surrounded by WV arts and crafts.
-
Review from Jeremy H.
Powell, OH
7/27/2011
Tamarack is a cultural center for WV located along a major interstate for north/south travel. I feel a lot of pride for my home state and I know artists, artisans, and craftsmen all need to eat but some of the prices for the locally made items are just ridiculous. You'll find all sorts of arts and crafts from paintings, carvings, statues, glass, textiles, photography, wood, literature, and even some locally made food. In fact the food court is decently priced with a good selection and the other foods found throughout the center are priced better than most other items at Tamarack. I always find things that I would love to own, tables, knives, knick-knacks, maybe even clothes, but I usually pass due to the prices. But even if I don't buy I like to stop, take a break and walk around to see what's new and maybe pick up some WV Honey, Blue Smoke Salsa, or some locally made Blackberry wine.
-
Review from Amanda D.
Morgantown, WV
3/17/2009
The food is pretty good but the rest of the stuff seems like it for old timers.
-
Review from Emily N.
Miami, FL
8/22/2010
The food was cheap and good.....The dessert is a must have!!!
-
Review from Neil S.
Chapel Hill, NC
7/4/2010
We come by here roughly three times a year; have for years. I deeply regret not knowing about it the first few of those years; this is a gem. The arts and crafts vary from common to very nice, but the food is excellent.
As others have pointed out the chefs are from Greenbrier and, while the food isn't real imaginative it is really good. There's a great variety of West Virginia-type foods at excellent prices for the quality.
I would urge anyone to stop and try it. I think you'll become a regular too. -
Review from Adam M.
New York, NY
9/25/2007
Makes a great pit stop if you're driving through. A spacious and frankly beautiful building to walk around, where you can survey great WV crafts and gifts. Also have a great food court...I recommend the cobbler...mmm. It's very good. Surprised there's been no mention of this place yet.
