Taste of Downtown

49A West Water Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

With fresh made gelato featuring local ingredients, delicious house-made pastries, artisan breads, and locally roasted coffee, your taste buds will thank you for stopping here.

TOD Special: Bella Gelato is gearing up for Spring with their lavender specials. Enjoy a honey lavender latte or their strawberry lemonade tarts with lavender shortbread crust and lavender Prosecco sorbetto. 

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 7am - 10pm; Fri-Sat: 7am-11pm; Sun: 7am-9pm

Visit Bella Gelato & Pastries

80 West Water Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Located in the historic Livery building in downtown, Bella Luna is a champion of farm-to-table dining. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a wood-fired oven that allows guests to watch as their pizzas are created and baked in the 900-degree oven. In addition to Neopolitan-style pizzas, diners enjoy handmade pastas, fresh seasonal salads and sandwiches, and delectable desserts. 

TOD Special: Introducing a new Spring menu!

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm

Visit Bella Luna

50 W. Water Street

This swanky restaurant brings Asian Fusion flavors to downtown. In addition to tapas, salads, entrees and an extensive Vietnamese menu, Beyond's Sushi Chef Praserth Saesow serves up more than 17 different types of sushi rolls.

TOD Special: Enjoy a 2-course menu with beer or wine for $20 (dinner only). See menu.

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat, 11am-11pm; Sun, 11:30am - 9:00pm

Visit Beyond

92 S. Main Street

You'll find chandeliers made out of Mickey's grenade bottles, suspended lamps over each table made from old school colanders and vintage doors on the walls. The menu features 12 rotating craft beer taps, house-made pub grub items, an oyster bar and a popular weekend brunch with non other than chicken and waffles and mimosa pitchers. 

TOD Special: BJ's is rolling out 4 new burger combos. Check them out here. 

Hours: Mon-Wed, 11am-12am; Thurs-Fri, 11am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-12am

Visit Billy Jack's

217 S. Liberty Street, Ste 102

BoBoKo offers a bright and cozy space with a total of 20 seats and a view of the kitchen. Chef Ridwan creates dishes that use the exotic spices and ingredients of Indonesia. You'll find many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu, including homeade ice cream and French macarons for a sweet ending. 

TOD Special: Four or more diners can enjoy Rijsttafe, which translates to "Rice Table" - a dinner served family style. Rijsttafel consists of many side dishes - spring rolls, beef rendang, and chicken satay to name a few - served in small portions accompanied by rice. Diners can enjoy this Indonesian tradition while trying a wide array of dishes from the menu (10+ items to share). Soda, tea, or coffee and assorted desserts are included. Cost: $25/person. Reservations recommended. 

Hours: Mon & Wed-Sat, 11am-2pm & 4:30-8pm. Closed: Tues and Sun. 

Visit BoBoKo

800 N. Main Street

The Shifflett brothers opened Harrisonburg's first brewery in the renovated Coca-Cola bottling plant in 2012. Ever since, they've been making craft beer fans happy while supporting the community. Events, fundraisers, live music, food trucks, and games are all part of the Brothers experience.

TOD Special: Brothers is teaming up with Prepopsterous to offer a popcorn and beer pairing experience. Sample various popcorn and beer pairings for free, then hang around to enjoy a bag and pint of your favorite picks.  

Hours: Mon-Fri, 4am-11pm; Sat Noon-11pm; Sun Noon-8pm

Visit Brothers Craft Brewing

41A Court Square

Craft beer fans - this is the place for you! An upstairs and downstairs bar offers over 100 draft beers on tap with the choice of table dining, seasonal rooftop patio relaxation or an evening of fun with billiards and darts. Their German-American-inspired menu features sandwiches, entrees, salads and daily specials. 

TOD Special: Choose from their specials (Corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, Irish deviled eggs, and Irish fish chowder) and two local beer flights featuring Brothers Craft Brewing and Pale Fire Brewing.  

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 10am-1:30am; Fri, 11am-1:30am; Sat, 10am-1:30am; Sun, 10am-midnight

Visit Capital Ale House

153 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Located in the old Strand Theater, Clementine is a beautiful fusion of food, art and music. Their menu changes frequently, highlighting seasonal dishes, Southern fare, and interesting international flavors. 

TOD Special: They're launching their new spring menu! Think pimento cheese and house made sausage fritters, pecan crusted pork tenderloin and more. 

Hours: Mon 11am-9pm; Tues-Fri 11am-1:30am; Sat 10am-1:30am, Sun 10am - 9pm

Visit Clementine

70 W Water St, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

You'll feel like you're in Hemingway's Havana. The Cuban-American inspired menu features fritas, tapas, Cuban sandwiches, burgers, and a full-bar with Cuban Cocktails.

TOD Special: Meet the Ropa Vieja (Spanish for "old clothes") - a new dish that you'll find on Cuban Burger's menu during Taste of Downtown. Ropa Vieja is considered one of Cuba's national dishes and consists of shredded flank steak simmered in a tomato and vegetable stew. Served with white rice and maduros (sweet plantains). Cost: $16 

Hours: Sun-Mon,11am.-9pm; Tues-Thurs,11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Visit Cuban Burger

56 East Wolfe Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

You'll find a little slice of Mexico in this bakery. From Mexican sweet bread, cakes, made-from-scratch doughnuts, flan and other assorted pastries, it's a sweet stop. 

TOD Special: You can enjoy several new items at El Paisano this week that you won't usually find at the bakery. 
Mon-Wed: Sweet breads with caramel inside
Thurs &  Friday: Corn, fruit cups and mangos on a stick 
Sat & Sun: Tamales with pumpkin atole 

Hours: Mon-Sun. 6am - 9pm 

Visit El Paisano Bakery

126 W Bruce St. Ste 101, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Food.Bar.Food is a restaurant that isn't afraid to push the boundaries. With an inventive menu that explores a wide-variety of cuisines, cultures, and styles, the restaurant stays close to its roots in the Shenandoah Valley by using fresh, local ingredients and creating a menu that is constantly evolving.

TOD Special: View full menu here
Two Bento Box Lunch Specials $12
Weekend Brunch Special: $11, $5 Sparkling Cocktail Special, & $7 Brunch Cocktail
Special 3 Course Culinary Adventure Dinner: $35 per person

Hours: 
Weekday Lunch: Tues-Thur, 11am-2pm
Happy Hour: Tue-Sat, 4-6pm
Dinner: Tue-Sat, 4 -10pm 
Weekend Brunch Fri & Sat 11am-2pm; Sun, 9am-2pm

Visit Food.Bar.Food

91 N Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Indian & American Cafe is known for serving up authentic Indian cuisine with just a hint of classic Americana. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly options. 

TOD Special: Free Indian chai and rice pudding

Hours: Mon- Sat,11am -2:30pm & 5-9pm

Visit Indian & American Cafe

80 S. Main Street

Harrisonburg is the original location for this cool beer and burger joint, which now has 12 locations throughout the East Coast. The atmosphere is eclectic, the music might be a bit loud, and the staff believes in hospitality. 

TOD Special: JB's is introducing the Happy Box. Each box includes a Jack Brown's Royale, a 1/4 lb wagyu beef patty topped with American cheddar cheese, diced onions, Claussen pickle slices, and their own Royale sauce; fries, and a deep fried oreo. Kids box - includes choice of soda for $10/Adult box - includes 12 oz PBR for $12

Hours: Daily 11am-2am 

Visit Jack Brown's

121 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Jimmy Madison's is a restaurant that seeks to reinvent comfort food as we know it. Taking the classic taste of southern cuisine and putting a modern twist on it, their menu is full of classic soul-food dishes, reimagined. 

TOD Special: Special Combo Platter with your choice of any two house smoked meats. Served with cornbread and two side options to include collard greens, red beans and rice, mac & cheese, and their almost world famous Brussel Sprouts. Dinner only.

Hours: Mon-Sun,11am-11pm

Visit Jimmy Madison's

412 S. Main Street

The Joshua Wilton House is located in a charming Victorian home built in 1888. The fine dining restaurant features refined Virginia cuisine with a French influence. 

TOD Special: 3-course prix fixe menu for $35/person with optional wine pairings

Hours: Tues-Sat, 5pm-8:30pm; Sun 10am-1:30pm 

Visit Joshua Wilton House

58 E. Wolfe Street

In 1943, John Kline started serving ice cream out of the window on the first floor of his downtown family home. Seventy-six years later, the hand-scooped custard-style ice cream is still made fresh daily. 

TOD Special: Try salted caramel crunch - a brand new flavor that features salted caramel ice cream with a salted caramel swirl and chocolate covered pretzels

Hours: Daily, Noon-9pm  

Visit Kline's Dairy Bar

56 West Gay Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

Local Chop & Grill House occupies the former City Produce Exchange building, a fitting location for a kitchen committed to locally produced fruits, vegetables, and meat. Enjoy dinner in the two-story main dining room or in the more intimate bar. You'll find everything from calamari to burgers, but the star is the design-your-own entree. Pick your protein then choose your preparation, sauce and sides. 

TOD Special: Enjoy a 3 course menu for $35/person (dining room only). View menu. 

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 5-9pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10pm
LOCAL bar hours: Mon-Sat, 4-11pm

Visit Local Chop & Grill House

710 S. Main Street

Montpelier Restaurant & Bar is downtown's newest restaurant that just opened inside of Hotel Madison. Enjoy southern-inspired regional fare crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

TOD Special: 
Lunch: Soup, salad, sandwich combo with a non alcoholic beverage for $9
Dinner: Family meal with pot roast & choice of 3 sides - creamed corn, garlic broccolini, fried Brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, or simple green salad. Cost: $29 per person. 

Hours: Lunch Daily, 11am-2:30pm; Dinner 5-9pm (Su-Thurs), 5-10pm (Fri-Sat)

Visit Montpelier

217 S. Liberty Street, Ste 101

Rocktown Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant serving elevated American cuisine. Their ever-changing menu reflects seasonal ingredients, an extensive wine list and local craft beer. The high quality food and service comes without the formal or stuffy atmosphere - no white lines or jackets required here. Just top-notch service from friendly, knowledgeable servers. 

TOD Special: 3-course dinner featuring micro arugula and poached pear salad for the first course; a choice of prime filet of beef tenderloin medallions, onion crusted halibut fillet, or wild mushrooms and sweet vermouth linguini for the second course and a sticky toffee cake to finish. Cost: $39/person. View full menu 

Hours: Tues-Thurs,11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm; Sun,10:30am-2pm

Visit Rocktown Kitchen

34 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Taj of India is an authentic Indian restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly options. Using spices from all corners of India and only the freshest of ingredients, Taj of India prides themselves on the quality of their food, as well as their top-notch service.

TOD Special: Special Taste of Downtown menu includes new items like the Chicken Seekh Kabab or Momo, chicken dumplings with a sesame and tomato base sauce, paired with a variety of Indian beer or wines They will also have a variety of discounts available throughout the week

Hours: Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5-9:30pm

Visit Taj of India

128 W. Market Street, Ste 202

The first thing you'll notice when you step inside is the historic photos, narratives and memorabilia that line the walls. The family-owned restaurant takes great pride in serving in-house smoked meats and hand-cut steaks. They provide quality service and food at a reasonable price while showcasing the history of this beautiful city. 

TOD Special: BBQ Cuban: Smoked Carolina pork, smoked pork tenderloin, bacon, havarti cheese, mustard and dill pickles served on a grilled hoagie roll with beer battered fries - $14 + BBQ potato skins: smoked pork, bacon and mixed cheese loaded on potato skins - $9

Hours: Mon-Thurs,11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm; Sun, 11am-9pm

Visit Union Station

245 East Water Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

One of downtown's newest additions, Urgie's brings a little taste of Philly to the Valley with their delicious cheesesteaks. Now operating out of the newly renovated Carriage House, Urgie's not only has delicious cheesesteaks, fries, and dessert, they have a beautiful new bar as well!

TOD Special: Enjoy any 8-inch cheesesteak, signature fries and soda for $13.99 or 8-inch cheesesteak, signature fries and draft beer for $15.99. Their signature "Philly Special" is also $2 off during Taste of Downtown.

This week, they're also introducing Urgie's Pierogies: Mrs. T's pierogies sauteed in garlic oil and Urgie's seasoning served with a side of sour cream - 5 for $5.99

Hours: Sun., Tues, Wed, 11am-12am, Thurs-Sat, 11am - 2am.

Visit Urgie's