Even though it isn’t a Morgantown original, it’s a good choice for anyone in a hurry to find a good place to dine on the way into town or through the area. We frequently make it our stop on the way to downtown theaters because it’s so easy to get into and out of. For out-of-town visitors, the Westover exit from I-79 is just down the slope from Morgantown Mall driveway. Anyone visiting from a state where there is no Garfield’s should relieve his deprived condition right here! This is a small chain always located at malls, and they have the stated goal of providing delightful food "in a fun atmosphere." From the violet neon to the Fiesta tableware, every Garfield's is colorful, right down to their large coral-and-turquoise-colored plates of brightly-hued food.

Garfield’s makes Southwest choices as tantalizing as they can possibly get. I’m a fan of their veggie quesadillas, which are stuffed with yellow squash, among other goodies, and I believe they are slightly superior to the chicken variety, also offered. When I’m really famished, I order the Fiesta Platter, a combination with two chicken enchiladas, four quesadillas, rice, and refried beans, plus a little salad and salsa. For dessert, I recommend cheesecake or apple crunch with caramel sauce and ice cream. Their sinful brownie concoctions would reawaken the child in the most serious adult. My partner is a fan of their salads and pasta dishes, all of them Mexican or Southwest or blackened Cajun or Italian in theme, and we agree that their burgers, Philly cheese steaks, and French dips are among the best. I could go on for the benefit of anyone who hasn’t yet been introduced to this American-ethnic feasting menu.

Good management (and many on hand at the Morgantown location) must ensure good service, and the supply of alert help from the university community keeps tables turning over smoothly and quality dependably consistent from the kitchen. One word of warning, though, should suffice: one evening last Christmas, we encountered a 45-minute wait time for a table and were forced to go to the food court or be late for the theater.