By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
In a town known for fantastic food, even the hotel bar & grill is a dining destination. “People tell us all the time, ‘This is the best burger I’ve ever had,’” says Chef Abel Nobel.
Owned by Gary and Rosalie Ambler and located inside The Brier Inn just off Interstate 64 in Lewisburg, The Brier Patch Bar & Grill is “a hidden gem” according to locals who frequent it for the food and atmosphere.
Chef Nobel came to the restaurant almost three years ago and transformed the menu from fine dining to what he calls “an Irish pub with a clean kitchen.” Born in San Diego, he has worked in hospitality across the western hemisphere.
Their primary clientele includes law enforcement, first responders, and blue collar workers. Dinner is their busiest time, with a mix of local workers and traveling workers. It’s important for Nobel to listen to his clients and deliver what they want. “I want the workers, especially those that are away from home, to feel like they can have a home-cooked meal here,” he reflects. “It’s a home away from home.”
The menu includes appetizers, burgers, wings, sandwiches, pizza, and salads. Items are reasonably priced, with burgers ranging from $9 to $15. You can play music on the jukebox, get a drink at the bar, eat, and play pool. On Tuesday nights, they hold a pool tournament at 8pm. There’s also a party room which can be rented for parties, events, and big games. It features multiple TVs, a bar, and food service.
In the coming weeks, the menu will get a refresh. They will feature seven new burgers (for a total of 20 different burgers). They double fry all of their fries, and let me tell you from personal experience–it makes a difference!
Chef Nobel is proud of what he and his staff have built together. “We want people to be comfortable knowing where their food comes from, and they tell us all the time how much they love it.” They faced the same challenges others faced during the pandemic–rising food prices and workforce shortages–but they found a way to make it work. According to Nobel, “We just kept pushing forward. I think we are on the other side now.”
The Brier Patch Bar & Grill is located at 178 Coleman Drive in Lewisburg. Enter through the main door of the hotel. They are open Monday-Saturday from 11am-11pm.
