Faculty/Staff Community Guide
By way of introduction, this community guide is designed with new faculty/staff in mind, but we hope that longer-term residents of our community will discover new places to investigate. We’ve listed those places you learn about by stumbling across them or by word of mouth. By sharing local wisdom we have oriented this guide to places that don’t normally advertise. We know that Costco and Walmart can finance their own advertising and that local chains will offer you the comfort of predictability. Consequently, unless someone has offered “local wisdom” about a “local chain” we’ve let the big box stores and chains speak for themselves. We’ve provided links when available, but we also recommend checking out: as well as issues of Rocktown for restaurant reviews and other local events.
Table of Contents
Restaurants......
American Fare......
Asian......
BBQ......
Cuban:......
Central and South American Cuisine:......
Mexican: There’s a big difference between Mexican-American food and authentic Mexican cuisine, but members of the community love both.
Diners......
Ethiopian......
Fine Dining......
German......
Indian......
Italian......
Vegetarian......
Coffee & Tea Shops......
Ice Cream......
Misc. Items of Interest......
Bookstores......
Best Mechanics......
Thrift Stores......
Nursery’s......
Movie Theaters......
Backpacking and Hiking Supplies......
Supermarkets......
Upscale Chain Groceries......
Specialty and/or Mom and Pop Groceries......
Bakeries......
Wine Shops and Breweries......
Farm Stands, Markets and Food Coops......
Indoor Year-round Farmer’s Markets......
Seasonal Farmer’s Markets and Farms......
FOOD COOPS & Community Supported Agriculture Farms......
Fun Around Town and Farther Afield:......
Bridgewater’s Local Environs:......
Harrisonburg’s Local Environs:......
Staunton’s Local Environs:......
Charlottesville’s Local Environs:......
Further A Field:......
Restaurants
American Fare
Thomas House: If it’s a taste of the Valley you seek then try this restaurant in downtown Dayton (on Main Street) for “a cheap, easy, filling meal quick.” “When we are too tired to fix food, this serves... Not for the one who prefers 'fine dining.' It is not that. It is what it is. Mostly locals.” You’ll find a white board with the daily specials listed, including all the sides (vegetable plates with three sides is always an option). A basket of bread and corn muffins to start and a host of pies to cap off your meal.
Mill Street Grill: There’s much that sets this restaurant apart from other American-fare restaurants, from the atmosphere in the old mill building to the flower pots with three types of home-made breads served with your appetizers. And then there’s the lovely small bowl of peppermint ice-cream that comes as a compliment when your meal is over. The menu is broad enough to serve a number of palates and tastes and if you dine on Wednesday’s you’ll get the added treat of live jazz.
1 Mill Street, Staunton, VA
540-886-0656.
Mockingbird Restaurant: The Mockingbird restaurant is described as “artisan casual fare” in which the owners strive to bring in locally grown and organic foods which are presented in a simple yet delectable way. The Farmer’s Brunch is well worth a weekend visit. However, the Mockingbird also contains the Roots Music Hall in which they feature great “roots music”, dinner theatre, and a thought-provoking monthly Thursday movie series.
123 W. Beverley Street, Staunton, Virginia
540-213-8777
Clementine: We don’t want to describe Clementine as the Harrisonburg version of the Mockingbird, but there’s bound to be some comparisons made. The restaurant’s website notes their mission “to provide quality food, music, drinks, art, films and community events in an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and accessible to everyone. We invite you to join us in reclaiming our cultural integrity....” Some folks have had better luck with the lunch menu, as opposed to the dinner menu. On nights when there is music, go early to ensure you get a table.
Open every day from 11am-midnight
153 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia
540-801-8881
Blue Stone Inn: in Lacey Spring “where you can always eat under a buck.”
This is a casual country lodge that specializes in rainbow trout and rib-eye steaks, although there’s more on the menu than just these two items. Entrees average about $18-$24, (when they say that you “can eat under a buck” they are talking about the mounted head over the fireplace, and left wall, and right wall and…) but the atmosphere and excellent food found at this family owned restaurant make the eleven mile excursion up North Rt. 11 well worth it!
9107 N Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA
540-434-0535
Open Tues-Sat
Steaks and seafood
Open Tues-Sat 4:30-8:30pm for dinner only.
Cranberry's Grocery and Eatery: A morning and mid-day café that offers a juice bar, smoothies, Lester's gourmet coffee, wraps, salads & desserts. Both breakfast and lunch offer vegan and vegetarian entrees, and soup are served in the wintertime. The shop also includes gift items such as, organic and natural foodstuffs & an apothecary.
7 South New Street, Staunton, VA
540-885-4755.
OpenMonday through Saturday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Depot Grill: Located in the old freight depot of the Staunton Train Station. Fresh seafood & steaks. Daily specials. Kids' and lite bites menus.
42 Middlebrook Avenue, Staunton,Va
540-885-7332
Open daily 11:00 am-10:30 pm.
Panera Bread: Yes, a chain, but good food, good college atmosphere, and a good chance of bumping into at least one of your students (current or former) at any given time! Located in Harrisonburg Crossing, the loaves of bread for take out are wonderful too! Open daily at:
295 Burgess Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-433-6333
Dave's Taverna: Located on Rt 11 north in Harrisonburg just before you arrive at Court Square – Dave’s serves everything from burgers to pizza, and up until recently was the only place to get Greek food. One colleague cites Dave’s as having “the best French fries in town!” The food is great and this is an excellent place for a weekday lunch where you’ll be rubbing elbows with other business folk. As one colleague points out however, once school is in session, “this is a JMU hangout so Fri/Sat night can be a meat-market zoo!” It does have roof-top seating that is quite nice….and they often have live entertainment which can be fun.
121 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-561-1487
Pennybackers Restaurant:on Water Street, Downtown – newly opened to great reviews, this is a great stop for sandwiches and casual dining. They even offer “picnic” take-out if you are heading over to Friday’s on the Square.
14 East Water Street, Harrisonburg, VA
540-432-3360
Traditions:Across from EMU – this is family style eating with a “home-cooked” buffet style service. Call ahead to check the hours before you make the drive.
625 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA
540-438-0301
Union Station:Downtown in the recently renovated Wetsel Seed Building, this restaurant is tasty American-fare. Union Station is at the corner of West Market and Liberty Streets, and they bill themselves as having “new versions of old family favorites,” with a historic feel and creative menu.
128 West Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA
540-437-0042
The Wood Grill Buffet:on University Ave. near Costco – Okay, maybe this is a chain, but it was recommended by a number of folks who state “that it is just the best buffet dinner around for $9.95 and lunch is the same food but a buck or so cheaper.” Recommendations: a good place to take the kids and enjoy an excellent salad. Go early or sometimes you won't be able to get in!
1711 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg, VA
540-432-9303
Asian
Taste of Thai: By far the most highly recommended restaurant among our community sample. You’ll want to eat here just to find out what the buzz is about! “Taste of Thai on Rt 42 north in Harrisonburg is the best Thai around.” “The spring rolls which are not deep fried are amazing, the pad thai a delight, and for the adventurous, try the country style curry with string beans and your favorite meat - hot hot hot! They will tone down any dish if you ask.” Word has it that this is the official restaurant of the History/PSci Department. As reported by one colleague… “Careful, the flavor and spice is addicting!”
919 S High St, Harrisonburg, VA
540-801-8878
Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm
Saigon Café: Vietnamese cuisine on Rt 33 just west of I-81 in Harrisonburg - another lunch buffet (served Mon-Fri, but not on weekends) that is not to be missed if you want to try the dishes! The owners of this restaurant are magnificently warm and dedicated to the community. They have an annual open house in which all proceeds from the day go to a specific local charity.
787 East Market St, Harrisonburg, VA
540-434-5750
Pho Ha Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant
1015 Port Republic Road, Harrisonburg, VA
540-438-0999
Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm
Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-8pm
Café Jako: Searching for Sushi? While there are others places in town that serve sushi, this Japanese/Korean restaurant offers a an extensive sushi menu, “happy lunch boxes” served M-F from 11:30am-2:30pm, and comfortable atmosphere.
182 Neff Avenue #W 10, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-434-7278
Beyond: Another great location for Sushi, but offering a whole different atmosphere. This is an evening out with friends, a place to get a drink and enjoy appetizers. In sum, this is Asian-Fusion with a flair for tapas.
50 West Water Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-432-0105
Open Monday-Thursday, 11-2:30 and 4:30-10:30pm
Fri 11-2:30 and 4:30-12
Saturday, dinner only 4:30-12; Sun closed
BBQ
The Bar-be-Que Ranch: Let’s start by acknowledging that people can get pretty serious about their barbeque. But as one colleague put’s it “The Bar-be-Que Ranch” has “the best pork barbeque sandwich in the Valley.” Other advantages to getting your barbeque here? You can dine-in and they are one of the few locations where you can top your barbeque off with a malt!
Rt. 11 north of Harrisonburg,
3311 N. Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
540-434-3296
The Smokin Pig: Here you can choose between Carolina vinegar barbeque and southwest style. They’ve also expanded their menu to include deli sandwiches, which may not be what you are looking for when you are out searching for great bbq, but if you eat meat and your spouse is a lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarian (such inter-dietary couples are becoming more common) than your spouse can get a tuna sandwich and sides while you enjoy the bbq. That way, you keep the whole family happy. Oh, and remember the part about getting malt’s at the Bar-be-Que Ranch? The Smokin’ Pig has the added benefit of being next to Kline’s Diary Bar.
56 E. Wolf St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-433-3917
Hank’s Smokehouse: There are two locations at which you can enjoy Hank’s barbeque, the larger restaurant in McGaheysville, or the smaller location at the Dayton Farmer’s Market. The thing to know about Hank’s is that they serve more than hand-pulled pork bbq. At the Farmer’s market they have soups, roll-up sandwiches, grilled vegetables, and traditional sides. They are also excellent caterers for any large event. Rumor has it that Betsy Hayes once served an entire Thanksgiving meal to her extended family via Hank’s fine catering. (Okay, it’s not just a rumor, it’s a true story, but nobody wants a vegetarian cooking their turkey dinner—and according to the meat eaters, the turkey was great!)
The Dayton Farmer’s Market on Rt. 42 and/or
49 Bloomer Spring Rd., McGaheysville, VA 22840
540-289-7667
Wildwood BBQ: This is a new BBQ joint just down the road from the college. They serve traditional barbeque as well as chicken, burgers, and a variety of sides.
610 N Main St Ste C, Bridgewater, VA 22812
(540) 828-2277
Cuban:
Artiles Restaurant and Buffet: Way up Rt. 42 and past the turn to EMU, this site has housed a number of restaurants! Its current incantation is a Cuban themed buffet! The buffet offers different items 'prepared fresh daily', including pork ribs, tilapia, chicken, garbanzo beans with pork, black beans and rice, steak and onions, pork and yellow rice, fried plantains, fresh salads and fruits. All day adult buffet is $8.50. Children 4-8 $1.98; children 8-12 $2.99. Students with ID lunch $7.99 and dinner $8.10.
Open every day 11am to 9:30pm
1251 Virginia Avenue or Highway 42 North, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
(540) 432-3316
Central and South American Cuisine:
Mexican:There’s a big difference between Mexican-American food and authentic Mexican cuisine, but members of the community love both.
Authentic Mexican:
El Paisa: Close to BC in downtown Dayton, El Paisa is listed by several community members as “the best” Mexican food in the Valley. Homemade chili sauces with a real zing, gorditas, tamarindo, and daily specials. Primarily a lunch spot for Cargill employees, you are guaranteed large portions at a reasonable price. Entrees range from $5-7.
270 Dingledine Lane, Dayton, VA 22821
540-879-9798
Guzman’s Mexican Restaurant: Also rated highly, Guzman’s Mexican Restaurant is a family oriented restaurant that serves lunch and dinner.
928 West Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone:540.432.1094
Mexican-American
El Charro: This family restaurant has two locations in town and is popular with family and college students alike.
1580 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-433-3189
OR:
1570 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-564-0386
Baja Bean: Probably best described as Cal-Mex this Staunton restaurant is cheerfully decorated in bright colors, making it a kid friendly restaurant. Baja Bean also works directly with the Visualite Theater and offers a dinner and a movie special on Monday nights. (see information on the Visualite below).
9 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-9988
Sub Station & Ricos Tacos: They do both subs and tacos and they do them quite well. The restaurant looks a little more like an American diner than a Mexican taqueria. But don’t let that fool you, the mexican food here is authentic Mexican cuisine. Great place to have a quick lunch during workdays.
3257 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 432-3317
El Salvador:
Pupuseria Salvadorena:Thissmall café is tucked away in Dukes Plaza on South Rt. 11, and if you weren’t looking for it you might miss out. This is authentic El Salvadorean cuisine. Pupusas are addicting corn tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese, beef, pork and other combinations. There’s more on the menu, of course, including plantains and cassava. Succinctly put by one colleague: “YUM!”
2241 South Main St, Harrisonburg, VA
540-432-6262
Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 10am-9:30pm Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm Closed Tuesday
Peruvian:
A&T's Chicken Peruvian style Char-Broiled Rotisserie chicken and salads. You can make a lunch out of the fried plantains alone! ($1 for a basket!) Outstanding home-made Peruvian sauces are what make the meal at this restaurant.
182 Neff Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA
540-438-5813
Open 11am-2pm; 4pm-8pm
Closed Wednesday
Inca's Secret
Another treat is the rotisserie chicken from Inca’s. Make sure to order the yucca too.
182 Neff Avenue #W3, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-432-1313
OpenSunday-Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm
Diners
Southside Diner: You wouldn't think it but the Southside Diner (Truck stop) on South Rt. 11 has amazing food and it has recently been remodeled so it has a fun retro diner feel. One colleague remarks: “It's not scary or smoky like you'd expect for a truck stop. Great pork BBQ and fries!” There are always daily specials and if you love to go out for breakfast, you can’t beat the prices!
3555 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-437-0061
The Galley This isn’t a “diner” in the retro sense of the word, but it’s certainly a diner in every other way. This is where the locals eat and where the waitresses will quickly learn your “regular” order. Close enough to BC that you can get lunch in under an hour. Trust us: the Dean’s gotten her lunch here after an 11:50am class and still made it back to campus in time for her golf class at 1:00pm with Mike Clark. Though not listed in the “Greek section” of our guide, the Galley also servesgyros and Mediterranean salads.
2430 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA
540-434-3518
Open Mon-Sat 11am-2pm; 4pm-10pm; Closed Sunday
Hamburgers, subs, and pizza
Thunderbird Cafe: This is definitely a diner in the “retro-style”. You’ve got breakfast 24/7. Pon Hoss, Sausage Gravy, and Turner Country Ham, and home-style cooking for lunch and dinner.
Rt 33 and Island Ford Road, McGaheysville, VA 22840
540-289-5094
Wright’s Dairy-Rite: Authentic 1950’s drive-in diner, and a Staunton “institution.” This is worth telling your students about so that they too can enjoy the dine-in or curb-service while placing their order via speaker from their car or table. Special updated perks included a pet walking area and free wireless internet access. You’ll find burgers, subs, ice-cream and dinner specials.
346 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA
540-886-0435
Open Monday-Thursday 10:00am-10:00 pm, Friday 7 Saturday 10:00 am-11:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am-10:00 pm.
Ethiopian
Blue Nile Ethiopian: This fantastic Ethiopian restaurant is downtown just north of Court Square. Gorgeous inside with amazing food! You’ll find injera and all the delights of eating with your hands - order the mushroom with tomato off the vegetarian side, an awesome dish!
181 N. Main Street (Rt. 11 North); Harrisonburg VA
(540) 432-NILE
Fine Dining
The Joshua Wilton House:You’ll get mixed reviews from folks on this one. On the one hand, it’s been a standing choice for celebrating anniversarys, birthdays, or special events that deserve elegant dining. They have an excellent wine list and the atmosphere in this Victorian bed and breakfast provides a graceful setting. The food is good, but the debate sets in when you ask people whether the food is worth the higher prices. If what you are seeking is a refined setting or romantic mood, than this is the place to go. If you are a foodie in search of a gourmet meal with the price to match, you might be disappointed. Sean, a co-owner, also runs a wine of the month club – 3 bottles with descriptions for $35. Many months, the individual bottles are worth more than the $35 charge. If you like to taste wines, this is a fantastic deal!