BACKYARD PIZZA AND RAW BAR | huntington, wv
- WineCheeseScallops
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Sometimes a single visit to a restaurant just isn’t enough. That’s exactly how we felt after our first incredible experience at Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar in downtown Huntington, WV. So naturally, we came back for round two—strictly for research purposes, of course. 😉
Address: 833 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: (304) 241-2958
Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar is the brainchild of local chef and restaurateur Drew Hetzer, who, along with his wife Megan, opened the restaurant in 2012 in the heart of Huntington, WV. Known for its signature wood-fired oven and grill, Backyard brings a bold, rustic flair to every dish—true to their "backyard" style of cooking. Whether you're there for fresh oysters, artisan pizzas, or fire-kissed seafood, the experience feels both elevated and approachable.
Drew and Megan are also the owners of The Peddler, another beloved Huntington spot, continuing their tradition of bringing inventive, high-quality dining to the community.
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From the moment we walked in on a Thursday afternoon, we were met with warm hospitality and seated quickly near the large front windows that framed a lively street view. The atmosphere was instantly welcoming: tall ceilings gave the space an airy, open feel, while eclectic light fixtures danced overhead, casting a warm, modern glow. The main dining area features generously spaced tables, perfect for groups or families, and deeper inside you'll find a long rustic wooden bar, booths along the side wall, and—best of all—a stunning open view of the back kitchen and its wood-fired pizza oven. You can smell the smoky, cheesy magic as soon as you step through the door.
We wasted no time browsing the menu, and before we knew it, two appetizers and a pizza were on their way.
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A Feast of Flavors – Round One
Chimichurri Grilled Oysters
These oysters came out sizzling on the half shell, kissed by fire and bursting with vibrant green chimichurri. The bold herbaceousness of the sauce paired beautifully with the briny, smoky oyster meat. Each bite was silky, savory, and just slightly spicy—like a coastal vacation in a single shell.
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Hickory Ahi Tuna
Next up was a stunning plate of rare Ahi tuna, lightly grilled over fragrant hickory wood. It was served simply, with a delicate ponzu sauce that added a citrusy umami punch without overpowering the fish. The edges were perfectly seared, giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth center. This dish was light, elegant, and unforgettable.
The Tenderness Pizza
Now this one stole our hearts. Imagine a golden, crackly wood-fired crust topped with tender scallops, savory applewood-smoked bacon, and a dreamy garlic cream sauce. Then add bubbly mozzarella, a sprinkle of sharp parmesan, and a fresh squeeze of lemon to tie it all together. The result? An insanely good pizza that hit every note—rich, tangy, creamy, and just a touch sweet from the scallops. It was love at first slice.
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Just to Be Sure… We Came Back!
We couldn’t let one visit be the whole story. So on Sunday afternoon, we returned to Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar to see if lightning could strike twice. Spoiler alert: it did.
Lobster Cheese Sticks
Picture cheesy breadsticks taken to the next level—loaded with luscious chunks of lobster and served with not one, but two incredible dips. The melted cheese pulled just right, the lobster added a touch of luxury, and the dips? We’re pretty sure the marinara had a little Old Bay magic happening. Add in a rich butter sauce and it was hard not to lick the ramekin clean.
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Woo-Tang Pizza
This bold and spicy pie brought the heat! Hickory grilled chicken, tangy bleu cheese crumbles, melty mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, diced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, all drizzled with their signature Schwing Sauce—a zesty, smoky, slightly sweet concoction that tied the whole thing together. This pizza had a kick and a ton of personality. We’d order it again in a heartbeat.
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A Big Thank You to BACKYARD PIZZA AND RAW BAR 🍕
Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar has officially won us over—twice! From the top-notch service to the unforgettable dishes, we were blown away by their creativity and quality. Whether you're in the mood for oysters and tuna or feeling like a daring new pizza adventure, they deliver with style and flavor. We're so grateful for the kind staff, the welcoming vibe, and of course, the mouthwatering food.
Huntington is lucky to have them—and now we know exactly where we’ll be heading the next time we’re craving something exciting, fresh, and full of flavor.
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