BY AL BONNER & JIM ANTONINI
This book is for everyone who has stepped through the front door of Morgantown’s oldest and most beloved neighborhood bar—Gene’s Beer Garden. Over the past eighty years, there have been too many beers and hot dogs consumed to count. But for all the beers poured and hot dogs prepared, there have been just as many laughs—probably more. With this book, we revisit some good tales and memories we hope you enjoy.
170 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2024 by Pump Fake Press
“an entertaining ode to the memorable characters, day-to-day hijinks, and special events that have made one Morgantown beer garden a home away for home…written in a clear, conversational voice, the book is yarn after yarn spun by great storytelling…anyone who’s enjoyed some time at Gene’s Beer Garden will wolf down The Hot Dog Diaries with great delight, and Morgantown history buffs will also find this book a rich source of local color and cultural information from the past eighty years“
Independent Book Review – 05/23/2024
“…Gene’s Beer Garden is more than a place to get something to eat, have a beer, or watch a ball game. It’s a place to gather with friends — to see a familiar face, to share a laugh, to be included. The Hot Dog Diaries is truly a love letter to this wonderful place and the stories and photos shared in the book give it such flavor“
“It’s this blend of good, conversational, humor-laced story telling and reminiscing about the good times” and the bad that make this book shine. It’s an authentic account about running a small, beloved bar in an Appalachian college town for over 40 years. Filled with characters that make Cheers look like a high-falutin’ upper-crust establishment, and the wild, sometime heart-warming shenanigans they get into; this diary is a testament to community, friendship and the way a charming, wonderful, welcoming gathering place can bring it all together (as long as there’s cold beer and hotdogs).”
amazon review – december 2025
