If you're looking for a place to have a beer in town, your options are pretty limited. Fortunately, the sole bar in Marlinton's city limits offers a wide variety of spirits and gratifying bar food, all at a reasonable price and in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere.

"It's a relaxing atmosphere, a place you can come in and have a drink and enjoy a conversation, no overpowering music or anything like that," said Leslie Shattuck, co-owner of the River Pub.

Co-owners Shattuck and Todd Kahler opened the River Pub in April 2011, after moving here from Charleston, South Carolina.

Kahler says the River Pub is just a mellow place to hang out. It's the kind of place he'd like to go to if he were going out for a beer.

"We try and fit the middle ground; we're not a busy night club, we're not a rowdy roadhouse, we're not a full restaurant, we're a happy medium," said Kahler. "We have more of a pub atmosphere than other bars around here. If you want to come by and have a drink, hang out and talk with people, we're casual. We'll watch a game if it's on. Nothing crazy, no cover charges, no big bands."

The atmosphere has come a long way since Kahler and Shattuck have been running the pub and they hope people realize how much it has changed.

"This bar had a reputation ten years ago. I mean, it was rowdy from what I was told. We've gotten away from that, thankfully," said Kahler.

Now, the River Pub is the kind of place where the you can catch a ride home from the owners if you've had too much to drink.

"Yeah we've done that before, but we're all about our customers. We've got really great regulars here," said Shattuck.

When you walk into the River Pub you'll be greeted with a smile and a wide variety of ways to get your drink on; a variety of wines, craft beers on tap, bottled domestic and imported beer, and a full liquor bar.

The River Pub offers a line of beers from Great Lakes Brewery in Ohio, and has built a small local following.

"I was looking for a good craft beer. It's out of Cleveland. They're getting bigger. It's a really great beer. We've even converted some of the locals," laughed Kahler.

The tempting food at the River Pub is all made to order in their kitchen.

"It's pub grub," said Shattuck.

The buffalo wings are one of the most popular items on the menu, and they're offered 15 different ways.

"Bacon horseradish and Carolina blonde are probably the most popular," said Shattuck.

The River Pub has most of your customary bar fare, but with a homemade spin - chicken and fish tacos, loaded nachos, wings, cheese fries, homemade chips and homemade cheese sticks. There are also some new options on the menu.

"We're doing wraps and pizzas now - little personal pizzas - and the wraps are a healthier option," said Kahler.

The River Pub's most popular night is Wednesday night, trivia night.

"It's something for people to do, everybody gets together. You play, you laugh. We weren't sure how it was going to go. Now it's our busiest night," said Shattuck.

Kahler said they just kind of threw the idea out there and they're pleased patrons enjoy it so much.

"You divide into teams. You can have a one person team or a 10 person team. Usually it's about six. The questions are general knowledge. There's a name that tune section. You get together with your team, write down your answer. It's simple, and it's a lot fun. It's funny; the people that have never played before are the one's that get the most addicted to it," said Kahler.

The River Pub is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., but "we'll run later if there's a crowd or a festival in town," according to Kahler.

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