November 7, 2009Dining guide

HUNTINGTON -- Buffalo Wild Wings is an unlikely story -- a sports bar that managed to grow into a nationwide chain. The idea to open a restaurant came after two friends, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, drove from Buffalo, N.Y., to Kent, Ohio, to judge a figure skating competition. After a busy day, the two had a craving for some wings, but they couldn't find any at the local pubs.

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- The Scioto Ribber is something of a local landmark in downtown Portsmouth.

The Snak Shak of Lavalette takes its name from a historic drive-in restaurant once located in Barboursville.

Founded in 1987, the first store in the D.P. Dough chain opened its doors in Amherst, Mass., near the University of Massachusetts campus. Now the franchise, which dubs itself "the pizza alternative," has locations throughout the northeast, including one in downtown Huntington.

HUNTINGTON -- While many students and staff go to the busy food court in the Memorial Student Center for lunch, the University offers a more relaxed, slightly upscale dining option.

HUNTINGTON -- Located in the historic Frederick building, Club 21 may be one of the best kept culinary secrets in downtown Huntington.

ASHLAND -- First opening its doors in 1995, Rajah's Family Restaurant is a small diner that, despite its exotic name, specializes in serving American food in an old-fashioned way.

SOUTH POINT, Ohio -- If South Point's Rancho Nuevo familiar, it's for a good reason. The restaurant is owned by Renaldo Aguirre who also owns the Huntington locations of Rio Grande.

BARBOURSVILLE -- A local pizzeria chain with 40 years of history, Giovanni's Pizza has been a longtime favorite in the Huntington/Barboursville area.

HUNTINGTON -- The West Virginia Rib Station opened in July as the brainchild of former Le Cook Store owner Shawn Bresnahan.