Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia tradition. They started as a lunch option for coal miners of the north-central part of the state during the first half of the 20th century. They don't need to be refrigerated for storage, so miners could easily pack them in their lunches. Italian immigrant Giuseppe "Joseph" Argiro, who is credited for inventing them, first sold them at the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont in 1927. These days, they can be easily made at home or picked up at several local gas stations. But if you really want the best pepperoni rolls in West Virginia, here are some great bakeries and restaurants to try.

1. Country Club Bakery, Fairmont

As I said, Giuseppe "Joseph" Argiro, who founded the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, was the inventor the pepperoni roll which quickly became one of the most famous foods in West Virginia. Today, this family-owned business is still THE place to go to get one. They turn out hundreds of rolls a day and ship them nationwide. For more information or to place a pepperoni roll order, visit the Country Club Bakery website.

2. Chico Bakery, Morgantown

Chico Bakery in Morgantown is home to the legendary Julia’s Pepperoni Roll and they still use the recipe that Julia used in 1925. They come in three varieties at this bakery: hot pepper cheese, double stuffed and cheese.

Visit the website for more information.

3. D'Annunzio's Italian Bread/Health Bread Company, Clarksburg

Don't let the looks of this bakery's facade deter you, reviewers seem to swear by the bread and pepperoni rolls it produces. One reviewer said "I crave these hot pepperoni rolls nearly every Sunday morning and imagine the smell."

4. Colasessanos World Famous Pizza and Pepperoni Buns, Fairmont

Pepperoni rolls started in Fairmont, so it would make since to go to this Fairmont bakery to have them. Plus they like some others ship to anywhere in the US, for all those West Virginia ex-pats who might get a craving for home. Visit the Facebook page for more information.

5. Kitchen Creek Bakery, Gap Mills

You can’t beat made from scratch pepperoni rolls like the ones you get at this Mennonite-run Monroe County bakery. You can read more about Kitchen Creek Bakery in our previous coverage.

6. Tomaro's Bakery, Clarksburg

This Clarksburg bakery, which calls itself the state’s oldest and finest Italian bakery, has been operating for more than 100 years. They specialize in pepperoni rolls and ship nationwide. It’s been open since 1914 and reviewers seem to love it. For more information, visit the Tomaro's Bakery Facebook page.

7. The Donut Shop, Buckhannon

Reviewers of this bakery say the donuts are good but the pepperoni rolls are also worth stopping for. Visit The Donut Shop Facebook page to learn more.

8. Greco’s, Wheeling

This Italian restaurant in Wheeling makes great pepperoni rolls. One reviewer said "I especially like the pepperoni rolls that are always fresh and a better deal than buying them separate. I will always return to this place for that West Virginia secret." For more information, visit the Greco's website.

9. Kings NY Pizza Italian Restaurant, Martinsburg

In addition to delicious pizza and sandwiches in West Virginia, this Martinsburg restaurant also serves great pepperoni rolls. (Note: the picture shows the pepperoni rolls sliced up, but they don't come that way). For more information, visit the Kings NY Pizza website.

10. JR's Donut Castle, Parkersburg

This Parkersburg institution is known for their donuts, as the name suggests, but they also make delicious fresh pepperoni rolls. Don't these look good? Visit our previous coverage to learn more about JR's Donut Castle.

Have you tried some of the best pepperoni rolls in West Virginia? Where is your favorite place to get the Mountain State's favorite food?