This West Virginia Mountain Diner Serves Fried Fish So Good, Locals Say It’s Pure Appalachian Comfort
Driving through the mountains of West Virginia, I never expected to find fried fish that would make me rethink every coastal seafood joint I had ever visited.
Company’s Comin’ Murray’s Downhome Diner sits at 4244 George Washington Hwy, Tunnelton, WV 26444, tucked into the hills where the air is clean, and the hospitality feels as warm as the kitchen.
The first time I walked through the door, the smell of hot oil and perfectly seasoned batter hit me like a welcome hug from an old friend.
I ordered the fried fish on a whim, mostly because the table next to me had plates piled high with golden fillets that looked too good to ignore.
One bite in, I understood why locals drive from neighboring counties just to get their hands on this Appalachian comfort.
The crispy coating gave way to tender, flaky fish that tasted like someone had poured generations of mountain cooking wisdom into every single piece.
I have been back more times than I care to admit, and each visit reminds me that sometimes the best food is found far from the ocean, right in the heart of the mountains.
This place has earned its reputation, one perfectly fried fillet at a time.
The Fried Fish That Started It All
Murray’s fried fish is the reason people set alarms on Wednesday mornings and plan their weeks around this diner’s limited hours.
The batter clings to each piece with a crunch that echoes through the dining room, while the inside stays moist and tender in a way that makes you slow down and savor every forkful.
I watched the kitchen work through order after order, each plate leaving with the same golden perfection.
The seasoning is subtle but present, letting the fish shine without overwhelming it with spice or salt.
Locals tell me the recipe has been passed down and tweaked over the years, but the core technique remains the same.
I have tried to replicate it at home, but there is something about the way Murray’s does it that I cannot quite capture.
Maybe it is the oil temperature, maybe it is the batter ratio, or maybe it is just the magic of eating it fresh in the mountains.
A Diner With Mountain Roots
Company’s Comin’ Murray’s Downhome Diner did not appear overnight with a corporate plan and a marketing budget.
Murray built this place from the ground up, creating a spot where neighbors could gather and eat the kind of food their grandmothers made.
The name itself hints at the philosophy behind every plate.
When company comes to visit in Appalachia, you cook your best, you set the table with care, and you make sure no one leaves hungry.
That same spirit fills every corner of this diner, from the handwritten specials board to the way Murray greets regulars by name.
I have heard stories about how the diner started as a small operation, word spreading one satisfied customer at a time.
Now people travel from hours away, guided by recommendations and online reviews that all say the same thing: this is the real deal.
Hours That Keep You Guessing
If you plan to visit Murray’s, you better check the calendar first because this diner only opens Wednesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM.
The short hours might frustrate travelers passing through on a Tuesday, but locals know that good food takes time and energy, and Murray is not interested in stretching himself thin.
I made the mistake once of showing up on a Monday, staring at the locked door like it might magically open if I wished hard enough.
Now I plan my trips to Tunnelton around the diner’s schedule, treating it like an event rather than a casual stop.
The limited hours also mean the kitchen can focus on quality instead of quantity, prepping fresh ingredients and giving each order the attention it deserves.
You will not find frozen shortcuts or reheated leftovers here, just food made right when you order it.
More Than Just Fish
While the fried fish steals the spotlight, Murray’s menu offers plenty of other downhome dishes that deserve attention.
Breakfast runs strong here, with eggs cooked to order, crispy bacon, and biscuits that crumble in all the right ways.
I have watched people order the breakfast platters and leave with smiles that last well into the afternoon.
The lunch side of the menu features sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials that change based on what Murray feels like cooking.
One Saturday I tried the country-fried steak, and it reminded me why Appalachian comfort food has such a loyal following.
The gravy was thick and peppery, the steak was tender beneath its crispy coating, and the sides felt like someone had raided my grandmother’s recipe box.
Even the simple dishes, like grilled cheese or a BLT, come out tasting better than they have any right to, probably because Murray treats every plate like it matters.
The Atmosphere of Home
Walking into Murray’s feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into someone’s kitchen during a family gathering.
The decor is simple, with tables that have seen years of use and walls that do not try to impress with trendy art or fancy lighting.
I appreciate the lack of pretense because it puts all the focus on the food and the people.
Conversations overlap as regulars catch up on local news, and Murray moves between the kitchen and the dining room with the ease of someone who has done this a thousand times.
The space is small, so during peak hours you might wait a few minutes for a table, but that just gives you time to smell what is cooking and watch plates go by.
I have never felt rushed here, even when the place is packed, because the whole vibe encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
A Budget-Friendly Feast
In an era where a basic meal can drain your wallet, Murray’s keeps prices refreshingly low without sacrificing quality.
The fried fish plate costs less than what you would pay for a fast-food combo, yet it delivers a homemade experience that leaves you satisfied for hours.
I have brought friends who expected typical diner pricing and watched their eyebrows lift when they saw the bill.
The affordability makes it easy to visit regularly without guilt, and it also means families can eat out together without worrying about the cost.
Murray is not trying to get rich off this place.
He is trying to feed people well and keep the tradition of honest, affordable cooking alive in the mountains.
Every time I leave, I think about how rare it is to find a spot that values both quality and accessibility, and I feel grateful that places like this still exist.
Tips for Your Visit
If you want to experience Murray’s at its best, arrive early on a Saturday morning when the kitchen is firing on all cylinders and the dining room buzzes with energy.
Weekdays tend to be quieter, which gives you more time to chat with Murray and enjoy a relaxed meal.
Bring cash if you can, as small diners sometimes have limited payment options, though it is worth calling ahead to confirm.
Do not be shy about asking for recommendations because Murray knows his menu inside out and can steer you toward whatever is especially good that day.
If the fried fish is your main goal, order it as soon as you sit down, especially during busy hours when it can sell out.
Finally, leave room for seconds or at least plan your next visit before you leave, because once you taste what Murray’s has to offer, you will be counting the days until you can return.