Tucked just outside the heart of Barboursville, the Martha neighborhood has quietly emerged as one of Wayne County’s most enticing food destinations. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a family-friendly eatery, or a surprising hole-in-the-wall, Martha’s dining scene blends Appalachian tradition with modern flavors. Here’s a local’s take on the best eats to find in this charming corner of Barboursville.
The Main Street Experience: Home-Style Eats and Southern Comfort
Martha’s culinary charm begins along Farmdale Road and the intersections near Little Seven Mile Creek. Here, longtime favorites and newcomers alike draw regulars from across the region.
- Martha’s Family Table – Known for its welcoming, homey vibe, Martha’s Family Table serves classic comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include their fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and homemade pies. The breakfast crowd swears by the hearty biscuits and sausage gravy, making this a weekend staple for many. Prices are moderate; expect to pay around $12-15 for most entrées.
- Creekside BBQ & Grill – Smoked meats and Appalachian sides are the calling card here. Located at the bend where Martha Drive meets Little Seven Mile Road, Creekside’s pulled pork and tangy slaw are local legends. Regulars recommend the sampler platter if you can’t decide between brisket, ribs, and sausage. With main dishes under $20, it’s a go-to for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Café Culture Off the Beaten Path
Coffee lovers and early risers will find themselves right at home with Martha’s small-but-mighty café scene.
- Beans & Blooms Café – Nestled near the intersection of Martha Road and Farmdale, Beans & Blooms offers the best pour-over coffee in the area, along with fresh-baked pastries sourced from local bakers. Their ham and Swiss croissants and cinnamon buns alone make it worth a drop-in. Prices are modest—most pastries under $4 and coffee drinks under $5.
- The Redbird Roost – With eclectic décor and a rotating menu of lattes, teas, and noshes, this is the artsy corner café at the heart of Martha. They’re also beloved for brunch specials like avocado toast with heirloom tomatoes and peppered honey. It’s a favorite for students, artists, and anyone seeking a quiet spot to unwind.
Sweet Treats and Bakeries
No food lover can overlook Martha’s sweet side—and the neighborhood bakeries and dessert spots deliver in spades.
- Martha Bakehouse – On Saturdays, find queues at this renowned bakery, celebrated for melt-in-your-mouth donuts, seasonal fruit turnovers, and wild blackberry cobbler. Their centerpiece cakes, especially the hummingbird and red velvet, have a loyal following and frequently appear at family gatherings throughout Barboursville. Most treats are under $3, with custom cakes priced to order.
- Rosie’s Ice Cream Cart – While not a brick-and-mortar shop, Rosie’s is a beloved food truck that sets up along busy Farmdale intersections on summer weekends. Their flavors—like salted caramel, honey-lavender, and fresh peach—are a must-try, especially when topped with their homemade waffle cones.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Map Culinary Finds
It’s the tucked-away spots that truly give Martha its character. These eateries might not get as much buzz as downtown Barboursville, but they’re favorites for those in the know.
- Lucio’s Taverna – Craving Italian? Step off the main stretch and discover Lucio’s, an unassuming spot nestled on the eastern edge of Martha Drive. With scratch-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, Lucio’s is the place for Italian dining without the downtown crowds. The gnocchi with roasted mushrooms is a standout. Entrees range from $14-22.
- El Molino Taqueria – Tucked in a tiny strip plaza near the intersection with Little Seven Mile, El Molino is a delicious detour into Mexican street food. Authentic tacos, homemade salsas, and crispy chicharrón have earned it cult status among locals. It’s affordable too, with most taco plates well under $10.
- Sunrise Diner – A classic “greasy spoon” just off Martha Road, Sunrise is open early for breakfast and late for dinner, perfect for night owls and shift workers. Try their chicken-fried steak or, for the brave, the “Martha Mountain”—a towering breakfast platter that locals dare each other to finish.
Seasonal Foods and Local Traditions
Martha’s food scene isn’t just about restaurants; it’s about the fabric of neighborhood traditions.
- The annual Martha Harvest Festival, held each fall near Martha Elementary, brings together food trucks, local bakers, and farm-to-table stalls. Here you’ll find Appalachian specialties like brown beans and cornbread, apple stack cake, and jars of locally canned jams and pickles.
- Several neighborhood churches host monthly community suppers—open to all, often featuring Appalachian favorites and generous portions served by volunteers. Keep an eye out for signs near Martha Road and neighborhood bulletin boards.
When and Where to Eat
While Martha isn’t a late-night hub, most restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with bakeries and cafés busiest in the mornings and on weekends. Food truck pop-ups and festival stalls often appear along Farmdale and at local parks, especially in warm months.
Must-Try Martha Food Day
If you’re planning to eat your way through Martha in one day, here’s an itinerary:
- Breakfast at Martha’s Family Table or Sunrise Diner
- Morning coffee and pastry at Beans & Blooms Café
- Lunch at Creekside BBQ & Grill or El Molino Taqueria
- Afternoon treat from Martha Bakehouse or Rosie’s Ice Cream Cart
- Dinner at Lucio’s Taverna
Why Martha’s Food Scene Shines
What sets Martha apart isn’t just the variety or the affordability, but the feeling that you’re welcomed like family—whether you’re a regular or a first-timer. These kitchens serve up more than food; they dish out stories, traditions, and the unique warmth of a Barboursville neighborhood that eats and celebrates together.
Next time you find yourself near Barboursville, don’t just follow the crowds. Take the turn toward Martha and let your taste buds discover one of West Virginia’s sweetest hidden gems.