Aquarium Lounge

If you are looking for a place with a soulful atmosphere and excellent cuisine, the Aquarium Lounge is a great discovery. This cozy restaurant and lounge, located in Fairmont, West Virginia, USA, has long been recognized for its culinary traditions.

Despite the building's rather modest exterior, guests will find a relaxing environment inside with comfortable tables and a welcoming bar. The establishment specializes in classic American cuisine with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and a variety of pasta dishes.

Visitors especially appreciate the Aquarium Lounge for its generous portions and consistent quality. It is a quintessential neighborhood bar—a friendly spot that is equally suited for a romantic date, a warm get-together with friends, or a family dinner.

You can contact the staff or check menu details by phone. Below is the up-to-date contact information for visiting Aquarium Lounge.

The main reason to visit the Aquarium Lounge is for the full gastronomic experience. Be sure to try the signature crab cakes, seafood linguini, or blackened tuna. For meat lovers, they prepare excellent steaks, such as the filet topped with crab meat, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they offer a special—juicy prime rib.

You can start your evening with exquisite appetizers: oysters on the half shell, calamari, or fresh salads with their signature sweet and sour dressing. To complement your main course, the bar offers a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Don't forget to save room for dessert—the local cheesecake with various toppings or homemade cobblers with ice cream are the perfect end to your meal.

You can choose a spot that suits your mood: either take a table in the quiet zone for a peaceful conversation or sit at the lively bar. During the warmer months, an outdoor terrace is open for guests. Given the popularity of the place, especially on weekends, it is recommended to book a table in advance.

The Aquarium Lounge is located at 620 Gaston Ave. The most convenient way to get here is by car. If you are coming from nearby cities, such as Morgantown, the drive via I-79 takes about 30–40 minutes (a distance of approximately 30 km).

Within the city, you can walk from the center to the venue in about 10–20 minutes. However, due to limited public transport in smaller American towns, most visitors prefer taxis or personal vehicles. Guest parking is available near the restaurant.

The history of the Aquarium Lounge began back in 1972. Initially located in or around Clarksburg, it later moved to its current location in Fairmont. Over the decades, the restaurant has become a staple of the West Virginia culinary landscape.

The establishment recently experienced a "rebirth" under new ownership and management. Notably, the new owners have carefully preserved the heritage, keeping legendary recipes from the previous owners on the menu, including the famous roasted red pepper chicken soup and signature seafood dishes.

With more than 50 years of history, the venue has solidified its status as a reliable and high-quality destination. Despite changing eras, the Aquarium Lounge manages to maintain the classic American lounge atmosphere, focusing on fresh steaks and pasta, for which it has been cherished by generations of locals.

For a standard dinner including main courses, drinks, and dessert, you will need approximately 1–2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy the cuisine and the cozy atmosphere.

If you are planning a visit with a large group or visiting during popular evening hours (Friday and Saturday), it is worth setting aside about 3 hours. During peak periods, there may be slight delays due to high demand for special dishes like prime rib, and the overall lively atmosphere encourages long conversations over a glass of wine.

The establishment opens its doors in the late afternoon, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

The schedule for the remaining days is: Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. It is recommended to check for up-to-date information on official resources before visiting, as hours may change during holidays.

A stroll around the area surrounding the Aquarium Lounge will help you get to know the city's history and architecture. There are interesting historical sites and leisure spots nearby that will perfectly complement your visit.