Poky Dot, Fairmont, WV, Dec, 2025. Of course, everyone goes to an ice cream shop in the dead of…read morewinter, right? We had just walked around Valley Falls Park (20 minutes away), and the West Virginians in our group told us that we HAD TO go to Poky Dot for lunch as our 18-month-old granddaughter would surely enjoy the atmosphere.
Poky Dot is far more than an ice cream shop, though it's that as well. Our hungry group wanted lunch, and the 50s-style diner did not disappoint! Their food menu is extensive and includes breakfast items, all-day omelets and Benedicts, stacked breakfast sandwiches, munchies (wings, quesadillas, nachos, tater tots), salads, burgers, wraps, croissant sandwiches, hot dogs, big bites, super suppers, soups, and more.
Surprisingly, given the diversity of options, four of the five adults in our group ordered burgers (or similar) -- (1) my choice was the Raspberry Kiss Burger ($12.99), which I split with my husband. (Our rating: 5/5). The burger was topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, spring mix, and an amazing raspberry chipotle sauce. I selected the Mac N Cheese as my side. The food was tasty and fresh, the burger was cooked as we like it done, and the quantity was generous. (2) my husband ordered the Cowboy Burger ($13.99), which we also split. (Our joint rating: 4/5). Per the menu, this burger features mushrooms, onions, BBQ sauce, and Swiss cheese -- and topped with a jumbo onion ring. For his side, my husband selected (more) onion rings. Unfortunately, they were out of onion rings, so his burger didn't have the onion ring and he substituted French fries for his side. Overall, the burger was tasty, fresh, and cooked well. However, both of us preferred the raspberry chipotle that was on my burger, and his burger was light on the mushrooms for our tastes. The fries were also weren't crisp. Burger #3 was an Original Poky ($10.99), served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, served with French fries. (Rating: 4/5. The eater found it a bit dry without a sauce on it; fries also not crispy). #4 was the Giovanni ($12.99) from the Big Bites Menu. The Giovanni is half-a-pound of Angus beef, topped with American and provolone cheese and Oliverio peppers, and served on Texas Toast. All Big Bites are served with French fries. The eater rated this dish as 3.5/5, being disappointed that the toast was too small given the size of its meat and peppers topping. Finally, the 5th adult ordered the Chicken Alfredo ($14.99), their fresh grilled chicken served over spaghetti, with their homemade Alfredo sauce. She also got green beans for a side dish. (Not sure of the eater's rating). While the restaurant has a Kids Menu, we brought along cheese, fruit, and other snacks for the baby to happily munch on.
Dessert. I'm not sure where to start about the desserts. To say that they're over-the-top is an understatement! Imagine that a single scoop of ice cream weighs one pound. Or that the menu offers a sundae that features 16 scoops of ice cream! We were all quite full but decided that we needed to share some type of dessert. The winner was the Cookie Shake ($14.99), served in a 32-ounce mason jar with your choice of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream, topped with a Fudge Round, Nutter Butter, Nutty Buddy, chocolate chip cookie, crushed Oreo's, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. The adults in the group averaged to a 4/5 rating, with some feeling that the shake could've been thicker and/or had some cookie or candy add-ins. The toddler though rated it 10/5!
The ambiance (5/5) is quirky and fun, with bright colors everywhere, fun booths to sit in, and fun wallpaper in the restaurant AND in the restrooms. It's worth a visit if only to see the atmosphere.
Service (5/5). Our waitress was attentive and friendly, with exactly the personality needed for this environment.
Parking was easy and free, just off Fairmont Avenue.
All told, our overall rating is closer to 4.5, but I'm rounding it up to 5.0 because it was a fun experience, the food and milkshake were good, and the waitress was attentive. I wish that this restaurant were closer to home!
