Local Dining and Nightlife Guide — Lodgify Page Copy

Wilderness Retreat. Everything Else Minutes Away.

The best of both worlds. Complete wilderness privacy at Hillcrest Retreat — and some of the best bars, wings, pizza, and dining in the tri-state area just minutes down the road.

The Best of Both Worlds

This is the question guests ask us more than any other.

"Is there anything to do nearby? Or is it really in the middle of nowhere?"

The honest answer is both. And that is exactly what makes Hillcrest Retreat special.

Step outside the cottage or the Skyview cabin and you are in 2,212 acres of protected West Virginia wilderness. White-tailed deer at the field edge. Hawks overhead. Complete silence except birdsong and wind. The genuine wilderness experience that most people have to drive hours to find.

Drive five minutes down the hill and you are on Lincoln Highway — surrounded by some of the best bars, restaurants, wings, pizza, and nightlife in the entire tri-state area.

You do not have to choose between wilderness and civilization at Hillcrest. You get both.

Come home to the hot tub. Go out for the best wings in the valley. That is the Hillcrest life.

Chester WV — Your Local Village

Chester is your immediate neighborhood. A small historic Ohio River town with genuine character, loyal locals, and a dining and bar scene that punches well above its size. Everything in Chester is within 5 to 10 minutes of Hillcrest Retreat.

Saddle Ridge Bar and Grill ⭐ 4.3 stars · 666 reviews 2097 Lincoln Highway, Chester WV · (304) 459-3135 Wednesday–Thursday 3pm–9pm · Friday–Saturday 3pm–2am · Sunday 3pm–9pm

The flagship Chester bar and grill and a genuine local institution. Saddle Ridge is bigger and more impressive than you expect from the outside — a full bar and grill with an extraordinary outdoor patio tiki bar featuring fire pits, swinging bar seating, and ice cold tropical drinks.

The food is the real story. Garlic parmesan wings that reviewers call some of the best around. Steak sandwiches that guests drive from Pittsburgh to eat. Pittsburgh salads that the locals swear by. Habanero burgers. Cowboy burgers. A menu that takes bar food seriously and delivers.

Dine in for the full Saddle Ridge experience — especially the outdoor tiki bar patio which is one of the most fun outdoor bar experiences in the tri-state area. Or call ahead and pick up on the way back to Hillcrest — the food travels perfectly for a patio dinner at the estate with the West Virginia hills around you.

Brian's tip — the garlic parmesan wings and a Pittsburgh salad. Order ahead.

Shorty's Place ⭐ 4.7 stars · 238 reviews 1860 Lincoln Highway, Chester WV · (304) 387-2998 Tuesday and Thursday 4pm–10/11pm · Friday–Saturday 4pm–midnight

Do not be fooled by the modest exterior. Shorty's is a Chester institution with one of the most loyal followings of any bar in the valley — because the wings are simply extraordinary. Reviewers consistently call them the best wings in the valley. Cracked pepper in the hot sauce. Extra crispy on request. And the double burger is a thing of genuine beauty.

Wing nights are Tuesday and Friday — arrive early because Shorty's gets packed and the wings are worth the wait. The gravy fries are their own category of experience. The chicken noodle soup is genuinely homemade and genuinely good.

This is a hole in the wall with a restaurant side that many people miss. The food is exceptional and the portions are enormous. Takeout available — perfect for bringing back to the Hillcrest cottage porch.

Brian's tip — extra crispy hot wings on wing night. Call ahead — they get very busy.

White Stallion ⭐ 4.3 stars · 328 reviews 2701 Lincoln Highway, Chester WV · (304) 387-5077 Open daily 10am–1am

The White Stallion is Chester's most legendary wing night destination. 50 cent chicken wings on wing nights draw crowds from across the valley — and for good reason. Reviewers drive half an hour specifically for wing night. The wings are very good. The portions are HUGE. The burgers are excellent.

Open every single day from 10am to 1am — the most reliable hours of any bar in Chester. Cash only. Worth it.

The White Stallion also has a pet deer named Bucky. Karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays. And a completely unpretentious laid back atmosphere that Chester locals love.

Brian's tip — wing night pricing is extraordinary. Call to confirm current wing night days before you go.

Hot Shots on the Hill ⭐ 4.1 stars · Local favorite 1294 Lincoln Highway, Chester WV · (304) 387-2568 Wednesday–Thursday 3pm–9pm · Friday–Saturday 3pm–1am · Sunday 3pm–9pm

A newer Chester bar and grill that has quickly built a loyal following for genuinely outstanding food. The prime rib melt is described by reviewers as the best tasting meat they have eaten in a very long time. The baked cod is exceptional — fresh not frozen. Homemade fries. Great wings at wing night pricing.

Hot Shots sits on the hill overlooking Chester with atmosphere that reviewers call cool as crap. The service is attentive and the food consistently earns enthusiastic praise from first timers who were skeptical and became instant regulars.

Brian's tip — the prime rib melt. Do not miss it.

Mary Jane's Stone Baked Pizzeria ⭐ 4.7 stars · 254 reviews 442 W Carolina Ave, Chester WV · (724) 728-5263 Wednesday–Saturday 3pm–8:30/9pm

The best pizza near Hillcrest Retreat and it is not particularly close. Mary Jane's is a woman owned small business that uses simple clean quality ingredients and makes everything from scratch including their sauces. The stone baked crust is genuinely extraordinary — reviewers say you can taste the difference immediately from chain pizza.

The buffalo chicken pizza has a devoted following. The calzones and Italian subs are equally beloved. The speciality pizzas are creative and executed beautifully.

Mary Jane's is takeout focused — perfect for picking up on the way back to Hillcrest for a pizza night on the cottage porch or in the Skyview gazebo bar.

Brian's tip — order ahead. They are a small operation and sell out on busy nights.

Rebecca's Restaurant and Lounge ⭐ 4.3 stars · 132 reviews 202 N Chester Street, New Cumberland WV · (304) 564-4008 Monday–Saturday 10am–9pm · Sunday 4pm–9pm

New Cumberland is just minutes from Hillcrest and Rebecca's is a genuine hidden gem. The pizza is consistently described as fantastic — a steady stream of takeout pizza orders tells you everything you need to know. The chicken wings are excellent and excellently priced. The grilled chicken salad is the largest in the area.

Boaters pull up to the public boat ramp and walk to Rebecca's specifically for the pizza — that is how good it is. The staff are warm and genuinely friendly in the way that only small town restaurants manage.

Brian's tip — the pizza. Call ahead for takeout. White pizza on the recommendation of the locals.

Squids Brewery — Your Craft Beer Partner ⭐ Local favorite

307 Three Springs Drive, Weirton WV Thursday–Friday 4pm–10pm · Saturday noon–10pm · Sunday 1pm–6pm

Our official craft beer recommendation for Hillcrest guests. Squids Brewery in Weirton uses locally grown malt to craft a rotating selection of beers and seltzers. A small family owned brewery with genuine passion for the craft and a welcoming taproom atmosphere.

Squids is our recommended stop before a standalone pub experience evening at Hillcrest — pick up a growler fill or a mixed selection on the way and arrive at the 1890s manor pub ready for a proper evening.

Tell them you are staying at Hillcrest. They know us.

Weirton WV — 15 Minutes Away

Weirton is your nearest city — just 15 minutes from Hillcrest Retreat — and it has a dining and bar scene that regularly draws people from Pittsburgh and across the region.

Basil's Sports Bar and Grill ⭐ 4.6 stars · 735 reviews 27 Marshaling Yard Drive, Weirton WV · (304) 914-4478 Tuesday–Thursday 11:30am–10pm · Friday–Saturday 11:30am–1am

One of the most acclaimed bars in the entire Weirton area with nearly 750 reviews at 4.6 stars. Reviewers drive 90 minutes specifically for Basil's and say they have zero regrets. The wings are outstanding — very crispy with fantastic sauce selection. The craft beer selection is above average for the area with good rotating taps.

The Swiss and mushroom burger is described as out of this world with flavor. The brisket sandwich and Reuben are both exceptional. Blue cheese chips are called five star dining by more than one reviewer.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. The service is consistently described as perfect. An above average sports bar in every single category.

Brian's tip — the Swiss mushroom burger or the brisket sandwich plus wings. Go hungry.

Kenny B's Bar and Grill ⭐ 4.7 stars · 100 reviews 3569 Pennsylvania Avenue, Weirton WV · (304) 224-1099 Open daily 11:30am–3am

A rising star in the Weirton bar scene with extraordinary food and a genuinely fun atmosphere. The Reuben is described as fabulous. The double smashburger has a devoted following. The crazy mother clucker chicken sandwich dipped in buffalo garlic sauce is the kind of thing people drive across state lines for.

Fresh cut fries. Pickle spears that reviewers specifically call out. And Kenny B's has axe throwing — which makes it genuinely one of the more unique bar experiences in the area.

Open until 3am daily — the latest hours of any bar near Hillcrest. Perfect for the night owl guests.

Brian's tip — the smashburger or the crazy mother clucker. And try the axe throwing.

Bistro 303 Prime Cuisine ⭐ 4.5 stars · 168 reviews 303 Three Springs Drive, Weirton WV · (304) 914-3950 Tuesday–Thursday 11am–9pm · Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm · Sunday 11am–9pm

The finest dining option near Hillcrest Retreat. Bistro 303 is genuinely elegant — one of the most upscale restaurants in the entire northern panhandle — with a menu that would not be out of place in Pittsburgh's best neighborhoods.

The filet wrapped in bacon topped with a crab cake topped with two lobster tails covered in béarnaise sauce on truffle mashed potatoes is the kind of dish that makes people close their eyes when they eat it. The shrimp cocktail features massive and delicious shrimp. The fried guacamole is a revelation. The shrimp pasta and shrimp filet tacos have devoted fans.

The bread and dipping oil is described as something you could drink. The ranch dressing is the best in the area by multiple accounts. The wine selection and cocktail program are both seriously executed.

For anniversary dinners, romantic evenings, and special occasion dining — Bistro 303 is your answer. 15 minutes from Hillcrest. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Brian's tip — call ahead. Weekend evenings fill quickly. Dress up a little. It is worth it.

Route 22 Sports Bar ⭐ 4.3 stars · 528 reviews 307 Three Springs Drive, Weirton WV · (304) 914-4994 Monday–Thursday 11am–11pm · Friday–Saturday 11am–midnight · Sunday 11am–11pm

A full service sports bar with tons of TVs — they serve free popcorn while you wait for your food which immediately tells you something about the kind of place this is. The Asian fusion burger is a genuine conversation piece. The sweet potato fries are excellent. The wings are large and the sauce selection is serious.

Free popcorn while you wait. Good portions. Reasonable prices. Attentive service. If there is a game on and you want to watch it in a proper sports bar environment — Route 22 is your spot.

Brian's tip — the Asian fusion burger and sweet potato fries. Free popcorn while you wait.

Green Acres Cafe ⭐ 4.7 stars · 161 reviews 412 Harmon Creek Road, Colliers WV · (304) 748-0290 Open daily 11am–2am · Sunday 1pm–2am

A genuine local treasure tucked in Colliers just outside Weirton. Green Acres is part bar, part live music venue, part community gathering place. They bring in outstanding live entertainment — reviewers have camped across the creek from their concerts just to get the free music.

The atmosphere is described as awesome. The drinks are excellent — particularly the pudding shots which have a cult following. Sunday is the best day — Funday Sunday with live entertainment that locals say there is nowhere else they would rather be.

If you want live music, a completely unpretentious atmosphere, and a genuinely fun evening out — Green Acres is your place.

Brian's tip — Sunday Funday with live entertainment. Check their Facebook for the music schedule.

Oasis Lounge ⭐ 4.3 stars · 147 reviews 103 S 11th Street, Weirton WV · (304) 797-8443 Open daily 11am–3am

A Weirton institution with a super chill vibe and food that surprises people who come expecting only drinks. The Weirton Famous French Burger is described as genuinely life-changing by reviewers who are not burger people — 16 dollars for essentially three burgers in one with an awesome spicy sauce. Huge portions. Great value.

Open until 3am every single night. The late night option when everything else is closed.

Brian's tip — the Weirton Famous French Burger. Bring your appetite.

Mountaineer Casino Resort — 15 Minutes Away

When you want a full evening of entertainment beyond just dinner and drinks — Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort is 15 minutes from Hillcrest with six restaurants ranging from casual to upscale.

LBV Steakhouse — the finest steakhouse in the region. White tablecloth dining with signature cocktails and a sommelier. The beef is exceptional.

Gatsby Restaurant — friendly sit-down service in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for a leisurely dinner.

The Pub at Mountaineer — pub-style classics on multiple big screens. Your game day dining destination.

Big Al's — quick casual dining when you want something fast between the casino and the races.

Six restaurants plus live thoroughbred horse racing plus a full casino floor plus live entertainment throughout the season. An entire evening in one destination 15 minutes from your hot tub.

The Takeout Option — Hillcrest Porch Dining

One of the best kept secrets of staying at Hillcrest Retreat is the takeout option.

Every restaurant on this guide offers takeout. Order ahead. Pick up on the way back from wherever you have been. Bring it back to the cottage porch or the Skyview gazebo bar. Eat dinner overlooking the West Virginia hills with the hot tub waiting beside you.

Shorty's wings on the Skyview gazebo bar deck as the sun sets over the WMA. Mary Jane's stone baked pizza on the cottage porch with a glass of wine. Bistro 303 leftovers at midnight in the 1890s pub with Brian's real ale.

That is the Hillcrest Retreat dining experience at its absolute best.

Your Complete Local Guide at a Glance

Chester WV — 5 to 10 minutes from Hillcrest:

Venue	Rating	Best For	Hours
Saddle Ridge	⭐ 4.3 · 666 reviews	Wings, burgers, outdoor tiki bar	Wed–Thu 3–9pm · Fri–Sat 3pm–2am
Shorty's Place	⭐ 4.7 · 238 reviews	Best wings in the valley	Tue/Thu 4–10/11pm · Fri–Sat 4pm–midnight
White Stallion	⭐ 4.3 · 328 reviews	50¢ wing nights, open late	Daily 10am–1am
Hot Shots on the Hill	⭐ 4.1 · Local fave	Prime rib melt, baked cod	Wed–Thu 3–9pm · Fri–Sat 3pm–1am
Mary Jane's Pizzeria	⭐ 4.7 · 254 reviews	Stone baked pizza, takeout	Wed–Sat 3–8:30/9pm

New Cumberland WV — 10 minutes:

Venue	Rating	Best For	Hours
Rebecca's Restaurant	⭐ 4.3 · 132 reviews	Pizza, wings, takeout	Mon–Sat 10am–9pm

Weirton WV — 15 minutes:

Venue	Rating	Best For	Hours
Basil's Sports Bar	⭐ 4.6 · 735 reviews	Wings, craft beer, burgers	Tue–Thu 11:30am–10pm · Fri–Sat to 1am
Kenny B's Bar and Grill	⭐ 4.7 · 100 reviews	Smashburgers, axe throwing	Daily 11:30am–3am
Bistro 303 Prime Cuisine	⭐ 4.5 · 168 reviews	Fine dining, special occasions	Tue–Sun 11am–9/10pm
Route 22 Sports Bar	⭐ 4.3 · 528 reviews	Sports, wings, free popcorn	Daily 11am–11pm/midnight
Green Acres Cafe	⭐ 4.7 · 161 reviews	Live music, Sunday Funday	Daily 11am–2am
Oasis Lounge	⭐ 4.3 · 147 reviews	Famous French Burger, open late	Daily 11am–3am
Squids Brewery	⭐ Local favorite	Craft beer, growler fills	Thu–Fri 4–10pm · Sat noon–10pm

Mountaineer Casino — 15 minutes:

Venue	Rating	Best For	Hours
LBV Steakhouse	⭐ 4.4	Fine dining, special occasions	Resort hours
Gatsby Restaurant	⭐ Casual dining	Relaxed sit-down service	Resort hours
The Pub at Mountaineer	⭐ Sports bar	Games on big screens	Resort hours

From Brian and Charlene

We have lived in this community our whole lives. We know every one of these places personally. We know the owners, the cooks, and the best things on every menu.

When you stay at Hillcrest Retreat you get our full local knowledge — not a printed list from a tourist website. If you want a specific recommendation based on what you are in the mood for, what night it is, and exactly how hungry you are — just text Brian. That is part of the hosting experience here.

Wilderness and wings. Sunrise and Bistro 303. Hiking the WMA and Shorty's wing night.

That is the Hillcrest Retreat life.

Book Your Stay at Hillcrest Retreat

[Book The Hillcrest Manor Cottage — From $175 Per Night] [Reserve The Skyview Cabin — From $395 Per Night] [Enquire About The Pub Unit — From $350 Per Night] [Add The Pub Experience — $50 Per Person] [Contact Brian — [email protected]]

HillcrestRetreat.com [email protected]

Hillcrest Retreat · Chester, West Virginia 26034 Surrounded by 2,212 acres of wilderness · Minutes from the best bars and restaurants in the tri-state area 15 minutes from Mountaineer Casino · 30 minutes from Pittsburgh Airport · 1 hour from Pittsburgh Hosted by Brian and Charlene Mahaffey · 4.99 Stars · Airbnb Superhost · Over 100 Five Star Reviews