Since its founding in 2005, Mountain State Brewing Co. has grown from its original location in Thomas to multiple sites across West Virginia and even Deep Creek, Md. The ongoing popularity of the MSB taproom in Morgantown’s Wharf District for almost 15 years seemed to call for an additional Morgantown location. The MSB leadership team, headed by founders Brian Arnett and Willie Lehman, found the perfect spot to grow.
The former Texas Roadhouse on Monongahela Boulevard in Star City had been sitting vacant since the steakhouse moved to a new location in Westover’s WestRidge development in September 2022. After over a year of speculation about the fate of the expansive building, MSB announced its intention to take over the space in early 2024.
But first, the restaurant underwent a refresh with custom woodwork, booths and tables. The rustic vibe is reminiscent of other MSB locations, and the steady stream of patrons walking through the doors since the soft opening in mid-August will soon lend it a home-like atmosphere as well. The location is so close to the I-79 corridor that it is convenient to visit from the greater north-central West Virginia area and beyond.
While beer is obviously a big part of the business, a cocktail or margarita is a great option for those who aren’t fans of hops and barley. The caramel apple margarita is a delicious way to ring in the fall season, and the Star City Sludge — perhaps a wink at the notorious, now-remediated Star City Sinkhole — features a double shot of Pinnacle whipped vodka, Hershey’s syrup and chocolate milk. The menu in Star City mirrors the tried-and-true woodfired flatbreads (and sandwiches, too) that have made MSB so popular — and which are also my personal reason for visiting. The Northcamp, topped with spinach, roasted chicken, cheese and cranberries, is a delight that can’t be found anywhere else — except MSB’s other locations, of course.
Hours for Mountain State are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Eva Murphy is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city. To suggest a topic, email her at DPNews@DominionPost.com.
