Martinsburg, West Virginia doesn’t usually make headlines for its dining scene — but that changed the moment Drew and Amber Johnson decided their city deserved something to be proud of.
Tucked into a renovated building at 131 North Queen Street in downtown Martinsburg, Brix 27 is the kind of place that makes you do a double take. 🍽️ With its motto of “Taste. Pair. Share.”, this fine dining wine bar brings big-city energy straight to the heart of the Eastern Panhandle — and locals couldn’t be happier about it.
How Brix 27 Won Martinsburg’s Hearts
In 2018, Drew and Amber Johnson took a leap of faith and opened Brix 27 in a city that, by their own admission, “deserved something to be proud of.” The idea started simply enough — they loved the look and functionality of automated wine machines — and from that single spark, a full concept was born. 🍾
The kitchen works closely with nearby farms and CSAs, sourcing everything from mushrooms and microgreens to duck and beef depending on the season. That farm-to-table philosophy isn’t just a marketing line here — it shows up in every dish that lands on your table.
Rather than a rigid, course-by-course structure, the menu leans heavily into small plates meant to be shared, encouraging groups to try more, explore more, and linger longer. Servers are trained to pair food with wine, so even newcomers to the wine world feel comfortable and excited rather than intimidated. 🥂
Word spread fast — and not just among wine enthusiasts. Families, couples, and groups of friends all found something to love here.
Head Chef Hunter Blackford brought a talent for creating “hearty dishes presented and enjoyed in a very delicate way,” as owner Drew describes it — a balance that proved irresistible for diners looking for something more elevated than the usual downtown fare.
The result? A restaurant that quickly became one of the most talked-about hidden gem restaurants in West Virginia — beloved not for pretension, but for the rare combination of warmth, quality, and creativity that keeps people coming back again and again. 🌟
Food Highlights
Brix 27’s menu is a carefully curated showcase of shareable small plates, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Here’s a look at the standout dishes worth ordering:
- Nonna’s Meatballs 🧆: House-made beef and pork meatballs served in a rich tomato-based sauce.
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Smoked Gouda Mac 🧀: Creamy pasta blanketed in a smoky Gouda cheese sauce.
- Cast Iron Baked Brie 🫕: Warm brie baked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for sharing as a starter.
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Pork Belly Sandwich 🥪: Salt-cured pork belly slow-braised with citrus, cremini mushrooms, ginger, and soy, served on a brioche bun with a sesame vinaigrette.
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Salmon with Shiitake & Pea Risotto 🐟: Pan-seared salmon served over a creamy arborio risotto with pea puree and crispy shiitake mushroom chips.
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Day Boat Scallops 🍤: Pan-seared scallops over a bed of creamed corn and chorizo.
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Roasted Pepper and Tomato Basil Bisque 🍅: A velvety bisque of slow-roasted red peppers, tomato, and fresh basil.
- Braised Short Rib 🥩: Slow-braised beef short rib served over truffle potato puree and finished with fresh gremolata.
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crème Brûlée 🍮: Classic crème brûlée infused with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal flavor, topped with a torched sugar crust.
Atmosphere
Brix 27’s atmosphere is the rare kind that manages to feel simultaneously upscale and completely unpretentious.
The building has an industrial-chic vibe — exposed elements, old-fashioned touches, and an open kitchen that puts the chef’s craft on full display the moment you walk through the door.
Amber Johnson designed the space intentionally to evoke a big-city feel with small-town heart, so guests feel transported the second they step inside.
Whether you’re on a first date, celebrating a milestone, or just catching up with close friends over wine flights, Brix 27 wraps you in the kind of warm, lively energy that makes the night feel special. 🕯️✨
Bottom Line
Brix 27 is a can’t-miss dining experience in Martinsburg, WV. The locally sourced menu, shareable small plates, expert wine pairings, inventive desserts, and a genuinely warm atmosphere make it one of the best independent restaurants in the Eastern Panhandle — period.
Address:
131 N Queen St, Martinsburg, WV 25401
📞 (304) 616-1628
🕔 Open Mon–Thu, 11 AM–2 PM & 4–9 PM | Fri–Sat, 11 AM–2 PM & 4–10 PM (Closed Sunday)