Special occasions sometimes call for special venues for a celebration dinner - and you'll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant in West Virginia more elegant and located within such a rich historical building than Laury's in Charleston. Located in the old C&O Railroad Depot (circa 1901), the luxurious dining room at Laury's doles out nostalgia by the spoonful while giving visitors a front row view of downtown Charleston across the Kanawha River.
The restaurant is found within this building, the old C&O Depot. The historic structure is now neatly preserved next to the South Side Bridge and the tracks it once served.
Until the 1970s, when Amtrak launched (1971), passenger service on the C&O ran from this building. Now, Amtrak runs from an adjacent structure. But those old C&O tracks are still right outside the old depot — and still active for daily Amtrak trains.
Once inside Laury's, first-time visitors immediately get a sense of the great things to come.
Laury's is widely known as one of the best fine dining establishments in the city. Their American dishes infused with just a touch of French flair are enough to make you forget the price tag (it IS a special occasion, after all), and just enjoy the splurge.
Open since 1979, Laury's has an extensive menu that begins with a full array of appetizers and salads; each one is absolutely delightful.
Entrees include hearty, generous portions of such items as a rack of lamb, steak made several ways (think Diane, Au Poivre), duck, sea bass, lobster, and more.
And the desserts?
Let's just say you'll be bringing home a to-go bag! From start to finish, the entire meal (and experience) at Laury's is a memory neither you nor your taste buds will forget.
Laury's is located right on the (right side of) tracks.
And, if you're lucky, you'll get to feel that full-bodied rumble at some point during your meal. It's an old train depot, so why not?!
Ready to add this one to your next special occasion?
Laury's is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups. Learn more from the official website.
Address: 350 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV, 25314
Looking for more things to do in the Charleston area? Head to the state's only underground museum!
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