Sometimes, it may seem we’re always featuring restaurants in the bigger towns and cities in the Mountain State but not today. The Sterling Drive-In Restaurant in the small southern West Virginia town of Welch (population estimate, about 1,800) is a hidden gem that’s soon to be 75 years old. It’s a roadside eatery worth the drive from any corner of the state to have taste of their famous fried chicken and a look at their famous sign.

Sterling Drive-In opened in the 1940s along WV-16, also known as Stewart Street, and has been dishing up delicious fare to generations of local families for decades.
Google/Brian K.
On the approach, the old spot may seem a bit worn down, but that old-school sign will pique your curiosity enough to pull over. Pick a shady spot under the old awning and step inside.
You're sure to wow'd by the 50's theme interior and by how nice and new everything looks.
Google/Crystal Brewer
As bright and crisp as it looks, the staff is even more impressive! Folks around here stick together like family — especially since this once booming town has dwindled so much in the last 75 years. (The population dropped from 6,500 in 1950 to about 1,800 in 2017.)
But you'd never know it if you stop by at breakfast, lunch or dinner time!
Google/Richard Klimovitz
The place is always packed with locals and people passing through who are "in the know" about the delicious food found inside the unassuming roadside eatery.

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Among the most favorite dinners is the Southern Fried Chicken dinner! Yum!
Google/Crystal Brewer
Chicken dinners are affordably priced and served with two side options that include slaw, a side salad, macaroni salad, green beans, baked potato, french fries, curly fries, and more!
The next time you're traveling through or near Welch, pop on over to the Sterling Drive-In Restaurant.
TripAdvisor/DrStephyP
And be sure to get a photo of their iconic sign!
This map shows how conveniently located the Sterling Drive-In is to Interstate 77. The distance from I-77 to Welch is approximately 45 miles from exit 9, Princeton.
Google / maps

What are we waiting for? Let’s eat!

The Sterling Drive-In is located at 788 Stewart St., Welch, WV 24801. It’s open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday/Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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