The Forks Brings Destination Dining to the Elkins Hills

What the reviews indicate

The Forks has a 4.7 Google rating based on 267 reviews. Across the supplied public feedback, the picture is unusually steady: ambitious American cooking, polished service and a welcoming mountain setting just outside downtown Elkins. It reads as upscale, but not stiff or so formal that a special-occasion dinner becomes uncomfortable.

Reviewers tend to praise the whole evening, not only what arrives on the plate. Presentation, cocktails, service, atmosphere and views all come up favorably. One returning guest said the restaurant was as good as, or better than, it had been before COVID. Another ranked it among the finest dining experiences in West Virginia. Both judgments are subjective, of course, though they help explain the enthusiasm behind that high overall rating.

The tasting-menu draw

The tasting menu gets the clearest and most frequent recommendation. Several diners praise it, and the six-course version earns a direct endorsement. According to the reviews, the kitchen works with classic Appalachian flavors in creative ways. There is a sense of place, along with the deliberate pacing and careful plating expected from a tasting-menu dinner.

Crab-stuffed morels, pesto shrimp and quail are the named dishes in the supplied feedback. All three receive enthusiastic mentions. The review sample is too limited to show whether any of them are permanent fixtures, however, so diners looking for a particular plate should confirm the current menu instead of counting on a past offering.

Cocktails hold their own. Reviewers describe them as excellent or well crafted, with one guest specifically praising a lavender martini. The bar program appears to be part of the reason to visit, not an afterthought, especially for a date night or celebratory meal.

Service and setting

Mountain views are one of The Forks’ most repeated advantages. Diners call the location beautiful and peaceful, while noting that it sits only a few minutes from downtown Elkins. Reviews suggest the setting works particularly well for a romantic evening. One guest also pointed out the convenience of staying at the inn upstairs.

The service reports are just as positive. Staff members are described as friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the menu. One server was praised by name for making a return visit even better, and another review noted how well the staff explained the food. Attentive details come up, as does reasonably quick service. The dining room seems to take hospitality seriously.

Value and verdict

Cost is the only meaningful caution in the supplied reviews. One diner found The Forks a bit pricey, but still considered the expense fair given the quality of the food and service. No verified price level was provided, so the sensible approach is to view it as a special-occasion restaurant and check current menu pricing before booking.

Taken together, the public ratings and reviews put The Forks among the strongest candidates around Elkins for an elevated dinner. The tasting menu leads the case, backed by thoughtful service, cocktails and scenery. It appears best suited to diners after a leisurely, occasion-worthy meal, not a casual stop.