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THE FORT BAR & GRILL | charleston, wv

  • Writer: WineCheeseScallops
    WineCheeseScallops
  • Apr 18
  • 6 min read

The image shows The Fort Bar and Grill's entrance with a large sign on the window. Outdoor seating includes decorative metal chairs.

After a long Wednesday at work, we treated ourselves to a night out at the newly rebranded The Fort Bar & Grill—formerly Barkadas Filipino. And let us tell you, this place absolutely delivers. With its fresh, modern vibe and open layout, The Fort blends the best of sleek comfort with a true neighborhood feel. The large TVs playing different sports made it feel like the ultimate hangout spot, while the dark wood bar—thankfully unchanged!—anchors the space with a cozy, upscale warmth. That bar? Still a beauty. Still well-stocked. Still the heart of the room.



Address: 100 Cantley Drive, Charleston, WV 25314

Phone: (681) 205-8051


People dine and chat in a lively sports bar with screens showing games. Large windows reveal parked cars. Bright, welcoming ambiance.
Menu for The Fort Bar & Grill featuring dishes like boneless wings, ribeye, and salads. Prices listed. Hands holding the menu.

Tucked at the bottom of Fort Hill in Charleston, WV, The Fort Bar & Grill is in a spot that locals might recognize—right behind Domino’s Pizza and Star Bank. For us, the location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s literally walking distance from our house (which we’re thrilled about… and maybe a little scared for our waistlines 😂). With such easy access and irresistible food, this is bound to become a regular go-to. We’re already planning our next visit!


Despite a crowd that filled nearly every seat in the house, we were promptly seated (one of the last tables available!), and greeted with a warm, energetic smile from our server, Beverly. She was an absolute delight—attentive, upbeat, and quick to answer questions and offer suggestions.


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Let's Talk Food... 😍

We kicked off with two appetizers, and both were phenomenal:


Sliced seared tuna on a bed of mixed greens, garnished with black sesame seeds on a white plate. Bright, fresh, and colorful presentation.

  • Seared Ahi Tuna – Marinated in-house and crusted with sesame, this dish was light, fresh, and gorgeously plated. The flavor was balanced, not overly fishy, and melted in your mouth.


A vibrant salad with crispy fried chicken, cherry tomatoes, and greens drizzled with creamy dressing, set on a white plate.

  • Fortworth Shrimp – A total crowd-pleaser. Crispy, golden, and seasoned to perfection with their special house-made breading. Each bite was a juicy crunch-fest—we almost ordered another round.

Salad with fried chicken, cherry tomatoes, and creamy dressing on a white plate. Set on a wooden table, vibrant colors, appetizing look.

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For our entrées, we went two very different directions:


Salmon Caesar salad on a white plate with crispy croutons and parmesan, set on a dark wooden table. Fresh and vibrant presentation.

Salmon Caesar salad with croutons and grated cheese on a white plate. Bright greens contrast with pink salmon on a dark wooden table.

  • Caesar Salad with Salmon – Crisp romaine, house-made croutons, and grated parmesan dressed in a zesty Caesar dressing. The added grilled salmon was cooked just right—tender, flaky, and perfectly seasoned. A lighter option that didn’t skimp on flavor.



Burger with bacon and cheese, served alongside crispy golden fries on a white plate. Background shows a wooden table and glass.

Close-up of a bacon cheeseburger with melted cheese, crispy fries on the side. Background shows blurred salad and drink. Juicy and indulgent.

  • Triple Bacon Smash Burger – Now this… this was legendary. Three all-beef patties, each one hugged by a layer of melty American cheese and crispy bacon. Then finished with ketchup and mayo. It was juicy, messy (in the best way), and totally irresistible. This isn’t a burger—it’s an event.

    We thought we were full—until dessert.



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A Sweet Ending 🍨


A plate with a serving of bread pudding and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, on a wooden table. The bread pudding is golden brown.

The Sticky Date Pudding was a warm, gooey dream, soaked in rich butterscotch sauce. We added a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and wow. It’s the kind of dessert you don’t share (but we did, reluctantly). A perfect, cozy finish to an already incredible meal.

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What Else Caught Our Eye on the Menu?


Sign with "The Fort Bar & Grill" text in yellow and black on a dark background. Slogan: "Where Everyone Knows Your Name." Simple and inviting.

We couldn’t help but take mental notes for next time. The Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Bites? Yes please. The Black and Blue Smash Burger with blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a house-made black pepper sauce sounds like a flavor explosion. And let’s not forget the Bacon BBQ Smash, Buffalo Crispy Chicken Bao Buns, or the Deep Fried Cheesecake (hello, sweet tooth).


We’re honestly so thankful The Fort Bar & Grill is now part of the neighborhood (and within walking distance—dangerous but glorious). The food was top-tier, the service was excellent, the space is inviting, and the menu? Packed with reasons to come back again and again.


Final Thoughts | THE FORT BAR & GRILL

Storefront of "The Fort Bar and Grill" with large windows and wooden door. White wall features address "100". Black chairs outside.

Whether you're craving a massive, meaty burger, a crisp salad, or just some killer appetizers and a drink at the bar—The Fort Bar & Grill is absolutely worth the visit. It's got heart, flavor, and a laid-back charm that hits just right. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit.

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UPDATED VISIT!! 4-18-2026


Close-up of a white menu featuring "The Fort Bar & Grill" in large, stylized yellow letters, with smaller text listing items.

A Return Visit That Raised the Bar Even Higher


A pint of amber beer next to a glass with lime and straw on a reflective table, with cutlery, in a blurred outdoor setting.

We made our way back to The Fort Bar and Grill today—and somehow, it was even better than our last visit. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant felt alive in the best way: clean, welcoming, and filled with happy diners enjoying their evening. It’s always a great sign when a place is buzzing, and The Fort delivered that warm, inviting energy right away.


Purple iced drink with black straws and a plate of crispy appetizers on greens on a dark background; refreshing and appetizing.

We were immediately greeted by the hosts and seated by a window, giving us the perfect view to enjoy a beautiful Friday evening. Our waitress, Courtney, was an absolute joy—bright, upbeat, and full of genuine smiles. She knew the menu inside and out and was more than happy to guide us through it, making thoughtful suggestions and ensuring everything was just right throughout our visit.


Menus for "The Fort Bar & Grill" with draft list and opening acts. A hand with rings holds one menu. Black background, elegant layout.

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What We Ordered


Crispy brown arancini balls arranged on fresh greens in a white dish, set on a dark background, creating a savory, appetizing display.

Plate of crispy fried chicken pieces on lettuce with a purple drink in a glass. Background has a colorful patterned fabric.

Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Bites


We kicked things off with these, and they set the tone for the entire meal. Each bite had a perfectly crisp, golden crust that gave way to a rich, melty pimento cheese center. The sweetness from the hot honey balanced beautifully with the savory, creamy filling, creating a bold, crave-worthy starter that disappeared quickly.


Pimento cheese has deep Southern roots and is often lovingly called the “caviar of the South.” Traditionally made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos (a type of sweet red pepper), it dates back to the early 1900s and has been a staple at everything from family gatherings to iconic events like The Masters Tournament. The Fort’s take on this classic—paired with a crispy coating and a drizzle of hot honey—feels like a creative, modern twist on a timeless favorite, blending nostalgia with bold, crave-worthy flavor.


Two fried items cut open, revealing creamy filling, on a gray speckled plate. A knife with sauce rests nearby. Warm tones.

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Close-up of a juicy burger with lettuce, red onion, and beef patty on a bun, served on a white plate. Warm, inviting background.

The Honey-Feta Melt Down Burger (Tara’s pick)


This burger was a standout. The smash patty was cooked just right, with those delicious crispy edges, and it was layered with whipped honey-feta that added a creamy, slightly tangy sweetness. The bacon jam brought a deep, smoky richness, while the fresh lettuce, onion, and tomato added balance. All of it came together on Fort Nana’s bread for a truly unique and satisfying bite.


Close-up of a halved burger with beef, tomatoes, lettuce, and caramelized onions on a plate. Background is blurred, creating a cozy vibe.

Side: House Salad with House Vinaigrette

The salad was fresh and crisp, and the house vinaigrette added a light, tangy finish that paired perfectly with the richness of the burger.


Fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, croutons, onion, and carrots on a white plate. Dark dressing in a black cup. Vibrant colors.

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Herb-crusted fish with lemon on greens, surrounded by peppers and a bowl of sauce, with sautéed veggies on a white plate. Vibrant colors.

Parmesan-Crusted Cod


Sauce being poured from a black cup onto crusted fish and greens on a white plate with a lemon slice, in a restaurant setting.

This dish was beautifully executed. The cod was flaky, tender, and mild, just as it should be, while the savory parmesan crust added the perfect amount of texture and flavor. It was comforting yet elevated, and a great option for anyone wanting something a little lighter but still packed with flavor.


Cod has long been one of the most beloved fish in coastal cuisine, prized for its mild flavor and delicate, flaky texture. It’s been a staple in classic dishes like fish and chips for centuries, especially in New England and across Europe. What makes a parmesan-crusted version so special is how it elevates that simplicity—the nutty, savory richness of the cheese creates a crisp outer layer while locking in the cod’s natural moisture. It’s a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can transform a humble, traditional fish into something truly memorable.


Bowl of creamy spinach on a dark table, surrounded by a fork and a partial view of a white plate. Rich green and white contrast.

Sides: Sautéed Spinach & Brussels Sprouts

The sautéed spinach was simple and flavorful, cooked just right without losing its freshness. The Brussels sprouts were a standout side—perfectly cooked with a delicious balance of crispness and tenderness, bringing a rich, slightly caramelized flavor to the plate.


A white dish filled with colorful sautéed Brussels sprouts and vegetables. A black bowl is partially visible on the side.

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Whiskey Bourbon Smash Burger (To-Go for Our “Garbage Disposal” Teenage Son)


Burger with melted cheese and lettuce on a bun next to a pile of fries in a black container, set on a light countertop.

We couldn’t leave without grabbing something for our always-hungry teenage son. He chose the Whiskey Bourbon Smash—stacked with a smash patty, white American cheese, Dijon mustard, lettuce, tomato, and whiskey bacon jam. We’d have better pictures of this one, but it vanished almost instantly the second it hit his hands! 😂 Based on the speed it disappeared, we’re calling that a huge success.


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Menu for "The Fort Bar & Grill" with sections: Opening Acts, Show Stoppers, Entrées, Fist-Fulls, and Reinforcements. Tan background.

Jars filled with sliced lemons, cucumbers, and herbs line a wooden counter. Warm ambient light and soft bokeh create a cozy atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

It’s always exciting to revisit a restaurant and see consistency—but it’s even better when the experience somehow improves. The Fort Bar and Grill continues to impress us with its welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff, and thoughtfully crafted menu. We’re so thankful to see this restaurant thriving, and we can’t wait to come back again soon.


People sit at a bar with drinks, watching sports on multiple TVs. The setting is casual with a red, white, and blue theme.

 
 
 

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