When you're visiting the massive Cabela's retail hub at The Highlands in Triadelphia just outside Wheeling, West Virginia, hunger usually hits hard after hours of browsing gear. Finding a great meal nearby doesn't mean you have to settle for generic highway fast food. The surrounding Ohio Valley area offers a mix of national favorites and distinct local gems that satisfy any craving, from hearty steaks to regional pizza styles.
Finding the right spot depends on whether you want to stay right on the strip at Cabela Drive or take a short ten-minute drive down toward historic downtown Wheeling or Centre Market. Local options range from casual sports bars to sit-down family dining. Here is a guide to the top eating spots located right near the Cabela's retail center and across the local Wheeling landscape.
Top Restaurants Directly on Cabela Drive
If you want to park your car and walk or make a minimal turn out of the Cabela's parking lot, the immediate complex features several dependable choices. These spots work well when you're pressed for time or traveling with a large group that can't agree on a single type of cuisine.
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
Located right at 255 Cabela Drive, Primanti Bros. brings its famous Pittsburgh tradition straight to the West Virginia panhandle. It's built for hungry shoppers who want a massive meal. Further journalism by National Geographic Travel delves into related views on the subject.
- The Signature Style: Every sandwich comes stuffed with grilled meat, melted provolone cheese, tangy coleslaw, and thick-cut French fries right inside the Italian bread.
- Atmosphere: Casual, loud, and packed with sports memorabilia on the walls. It's an easy place to grab a cold draft beer and watch a game after a long shopping trip.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Situated at 230 Cabela Drive, LongHorn provides a reliable sit-down steakhouse experience without straying from the retail park.
- What to Order: Their bone-in Outlaw Ribeye or long-cooked prime rib paired with loaded baked potatoes and fresh-baked bread.
- Crowd Factor: It gets busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, so plan for a short wait or use their online check-in if available.
Fusion Japanese Steak House
For a change of pace from traditional American bar food, Fusion Japanese Steak House at 425 Cabela Drive offers both sushi and hibachi tables.
- Experience: You can sit at the sushi bar for rolls and sashimi or gather around the teppanyaki grills to watch chefs cook your meal with fiery flair. It's a fun stop if you're feeding kids or celebrating a successful day of shopping.
Quick Bites and Casual Stops Near The Highlands
When you need something fast, sweet, or casual before hitting the highway again, the immediate Cabela's perimeter has several quick-service stops that locals frequent.
- Crumbl: Located at 410 Cabela Drive, this spot rotates its massive, gourmet cookie flavors weekly, making it a popular choice for dessert lovers.
- Jersey Mike's Subs: Found at 211 Cabela Drive, it serves fresh-sliced sub sandwiches right on the main retail strip.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Positioned at 225 Cabela Drive, offering customizable burritos and bowls for a quick lunch turnaround.
Venturing Beyond Cabela's: Local Wheeling Favorites
If you're willing to make a short ten-to-fifteen-minute drive west down I-70 toward downtown Wheeling and Centre Market, you unlock the historic culinary identity of the Ohio Valley. Local independent kitchens offer flavors you won't find at a standard shopping plaza.
DiCarlo's Pizza
You can't talk about Ohio Valley food without mentioning DiCarlo's. Known for its distinct style of pizza, the crust is baked first with sauce and cheese, and then a generous handful of cold, shredded provolone is piled on top right as it comes out of the oven, melting from the heat of the pie. Check out local spots like DiCarlo's Pizza for a taste of regional history.
Centre Market Dining
The Centre Market square in Wheeling houses unique food vendors and historic architecture. Coleman's Fish Market is legendary here for its simple, fresh fish sandwiches served on plain white bread with mustard and onions. It's a local institution that draws crowds from all over the tri-state area.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Where to Eat Near Cabela's
Visitors often run into a few common pitfalls when trying to grab a bite around The Highlands. Avoiding these mistakes saves time and prevents empty stomachs.
- Underestimating Weekend Wait Times: The restaurants directly on Cabela Drive draw heavy weekend crowds from shoppers across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. If you arrive between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on a Saturday, expect waits of 30 to 45 minutes at popular spots.
- Confusing Plaza Locations: The Highlands is expansive. Walking between distant corners of the shopping complex can take longer than you think. If you want to eat closer to downtown Wheeling, it's smarter to drive your car down the hill rather than trying to walk off the retail property.
- Ignoring Local Options: It's easy to default to familiar national chains that sit right outside the store. Exploring nearby spots like Centre Market or local taverns gives you a much better taste of Wheeling's actual culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good vegetarian options near Cabela's in Wheeling?
Yes. While many nearby restaurants lean heavily toward steaks and burgers, spots like Panera Bread, Chipotle, and various Asian restaurants on and around Cabela Drive offer solid vegetarian bowls, salads, and meatless alternatives.
How far is downtown Wheeling from the Cabela's at The Highlands?
Downtown Wheeling is roughly a 10 to 12-mile drive west down Interstate 70, which typically takes about 12 to 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Can I find local West Virginia craft beer near the shopping center?
Most sit-down restaurants on Cabela Drive carry a selection of regional brews, but if you want a deeper dive into local craft beer, heading into downtown Wheeling or Centre Market exposes you to spots that feature Ohio Valley microbreweries on tap.
Is parking free at restaurants near The Highlands?
Yes. The entire Cabela's and Highlands retail development features expansive, free surface parking lots surrounding every restaurant and store.
