19 Restaurants in Harrisonburg, VA That Never Disappoint

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Whether you hail from the Harrisonburg, Virginia area, are visiting because of family, or have temporarily relocated to the area for the time being, it’s important you know the best places to grab a bite to eat. Food and home go hand-in-hand, so as long as you have good food to turn to, you will be able to fit in just about anywhere. We went ahead and put together this list of beloved restaurants in and around Harrisonburg, Virginia for visitors and longtime residents alike to benefit from. While the menus aren’t insanely diverse, there is a little something for everyone here. 

1. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

Great place in Harrisonburg for a hot meal and a cold beer

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint gets the number one spot on my list for a few reasons. First of all, their customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Which means they are delivering for customers every time they order. They aren’t just fantastic once in a while.

Another thing that brings them to the top of the list is that although they serve plenty of traditional American cuisine, they really specialize in burgers and beers. And I figure what’s more American than a hot burger and a cold beer? I think the accessibility of their menu makes them a great choice for anybody who is looking to have a couple of drinks on a night out, but still get to enjoy some incredible food while they are at it!

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

2. Ben’s Diner

Homemade, country-style meals that will warm up your heart 

You can purchase a Ben’s Diner gift card and send it to anyone in seconds with GiftYa!

Close by Harrisonburg is Woodstock, where Ben’s Diner is located. While it is fairly unassuming on the outside, you will find yourself quickly pleased with the assortment of homestyle cooking and classic American cuisine options available at Ben’s Diner. 

There are lots of scrumptious country-style meals on the menu at Ben’s Diner, so it’s hard to be disappointed with your choices. Whether you wish to enjoy a late breakfast or brunch with your family in the morning, need a convenient place to grab a quick lunch, or just want to go somewhere with low prices and quality bites, Ben’s Diner is a great place to visit. 

3. Clementine Cafe

Great place for great food and live music

Clementine Cafe is fun because they serve a traditional menu of classic American entrees. But unlike the other restaurants on the list they feature plenty of live music and a lounge-style dining room, which really makes Clementine stand out as a unique spot to grab a bite to eat among other contemporary restaurants. There aren’t too many restaurants that feature a relaxing lounge-style atmosphere on top of having live musical performances. They are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day, so you can expect everything from brunch to dinner to be on the menu!

4. Rocktown Kitchen

Great restaurant for lunch or dinner in Harrisonburg

Rocktown Kitchen rounds out the top three on my list of best restaurants in Harrisonburg for a few reasons. First of all, they have a four and a half star rating with previous customers which means they deliver excellent food and service on a consistent basis. But additionally, I like Rocktown Kitchen because although they serve a full menu of classic American cuisine, they really specialize in salads and sandwiches.

Which I think makes them readily accessible to most people. And if you have anybody with dietary restrictions like being vegetarian or vegan, then Rocktown Kitchen has them covered too with a wide variety of fresh salads. Overall I think Rocktown Kitchen makes for a great choice for anybody who is looking for a great meal at a fair price.

5. Jimmy Madison’s

Great southern-style dinner restaurant

If you want to enjoy classic Southern style cuisine while you are in Harrisonburg then Jimmy Madison’s has you covered. They serve a wide variety of southern style meals in a more upscale and fashionable manner than you might get elsewhere. Trust me, this is going to be the fanciest plate of chicken and waffles you have ever had. And it continues that way across the board. 

They take everything from fried chicken to fried greens and really elevate it to another level making for an out of this world dining experience! So if you are looking for something familiar, but interesting and new all at the same time then definitely give Jimmy Madison’s a visit next time you are in Harrisonburg.

6. Benny’s

Some of the finest pizza slices in all of Virginia 

You can buy a Benny’s gift card when you follow the link!

Happen to find yourself in the Harrisonburg area of Virginia and craving really good slices of pizza like nobody’s business? Well you are certainly in luck, because Benny Sorrentino’s has all the delicious pizza you could ever ask for. 

This straightforward pizzeria doesn’t put on any frills for show–it’s all about the thin-crust pizza pies in a casual atmosphere. With fresh, hot slices of pizza filled with your favorite toppings and ice-cold beer to help wash it all down, Benny’s is the perfect hole-in-the-wall joint for folks who prefer to skip the pomp and circumstance of typical restaurant settings. Get your pizza, get comfortable in a booth, and chow down!

Benny’s

7. Local Chop & Grill House

Best steakhouse you can find in Harrisonburg

If you are looking for your stereotypical “best restaurant” while you are in Harrisonburg then I’m guessing you are probably looking for a steakhouse. And if you are, then you are in luck because Local Chop & Grill House is the best steakhouse you can find in Harrisonburg. And like most modern steakhouses they also feature a full menu of traditional American style dinners in case steak isn’t what everybody in your dining party is in the mood for. But if steak is what everybody is in the mood for, then they are in for a real treat at Local Chop & Grill House.

Local Chop

8. Magpie Diner

Great place for breakfast and brunch in Harrisonburg

If you are looking for a great breakfast or brunch while you are in Harrisonburg, but want it to have more of a local flair then the Magpie Diner is going to be just the spot for you. They specialize in breakfast, brunch, bakery items, and coffee. But they serve their breakfast and brunch up with a southern style. Which means that you can get a more memorable experience than you would get somewhere that just serves the same old breakfast menu you are used to. It’s hard to really encapsulate their style so I highly recommend checking out their webpage and looking through the menu yourself to make sure it sounds like something you would enjoy!

9. Pale Fire Brewing

Best brewery you can find around Harrisonburg

Pale Fire Brewing is going to be the number one place in Harrisonburg if what you are looking for is great craft beer and good food. They stand out as the best brewery in the area for a few reasons. First of all they feature a large tap room indoors and a large patio conveniently located in downtown Harrisonburg for outdoor seating. They always have a cycle of at least ten beers on tap. And on top of the drinks they also specialize in all kinds of traditional pub food as well as pizza. 

They have an early happy hour from 3-5PM Monday through Friday. And on top of all of that, they also feature plenty of live events like live music and trivia competitions! So you can really get a great night out all from one location at Pale Fire Brewing!

10. Buffalo Wild Wings

Popular sports bar with a nearby location

Grab a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card

Buffalo Wild Wings makes a great choice for anybody whose idea of a nice night out at a restaurant involves plenty of cold beer, hot wings, and sports on multiple big screen tvs. If that sounds like a good night out to you then BWW is going to be just the spot for you in Harrisonburg. You can get all the sports bar classics like wings, burgers, and appetizers all served up with plenty of cold beer! And regardless of the time of year, you can expect the most important sporting events to be broadcast on one of the massive tvs they have around the dining room. 

11. Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant 

Stay for the night and enjoy an in-house meal too

Send someone a gift card for Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant with the link!

If you want a truly unique experience while visiting Harrisonburg, then look no further than Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant Inn. Imbued with elegance and charm, this timeless establishment transports visitors into a rich Victorian setting abundant with history and authentic Thai cuisine. 

A good, hot meal is not all Ubon has to offer. With four beautiful rooms available to guests for overnight stays, you can enhance your time in Harrisonburg by booking a room here rather than at a basic hotel. The tranquility and regal beauty of the building combined with succulent Thai food options will be certain to leave you feeling like royalty. 

Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant

12. Olive Garden

An Italian chain restaurant that is popular across the nation

Grab an Olive Garden gift card

If you are looking for some Italian cuisine at an affordable price then it’s hard to go wrong with Olive Garden. For those of you who don’t know, Olive Garden is a chain of Italian restaurants that is popular all over the country. While it’s not going to be the absolute most authentic Italian food you can find anywhere, they do have plenty of pasta, salads, and breadsticks to keep the whole table happy.

13. Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza

Homemade food that is farm fresh

Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza  serves farm-fresh food that is hand-crafted. They serve woodfired pizza, handmade pasta, and amazing desserts. They offer a wide selection of beers from local brewers along with hard ciders on tap, and that comes on top of the hard ciders, wines, and artisan cocktails you can enjoy there. You can also enjoy meatballs, pesto verde, and soppressata. 

14. O’Neill’s Grill

Fresh, homemade food in a comfortable setting

O’Neill’s Grill Restaurant & Bar serves fresh meals that are never frozen. They specialize in comfort food and brews. Their fresh meals are also made with local ingredients. This restaurant is most known for its cookie skillet dessert, so you’ll definitely be in for an amazing dessert, but they also make lots of amazing food. 

You can try their in-house smoked BBQ, grilled burgers, prime steaks, and one of 11 homemade sauces. The menu has options like fajitas, bacon mac and cheese, and Texas BBQ smoked beef. They also offer vegetarian and gluten free options, so whatever your diet, you are sure to have great options at O’Neill’s!

15. Capital Ale House

A fully stocked bar alongside a delicious menu

Capital Ale House is a bar and restaurant that is open late for late night revelers. This is where you go for a lively night out with a group of friends. They will even help you plan a party! Bring a group and pick out meals from the banquet menu. You get to choose a starter, an entree, and a dessert for everyone, and the choices include goat cheese salad, pan seared mahi mahi, and chocolate fudge cake. 

And if you come in for a regular night out, you get access to tons of great options on their daily menu like calamari, white chicken chili, tacos, and much more. They even offer great specials, one of which is the game day bundle that includes jumbo chicken wings, Bavarian pretzels with mustard, and your favorite draft beer. Aside from all of that, their bar draught list is incredibly long and you’ll get to try unique creations like hazelnut brown nectar, watermelon cider, and Duchesse chocolate cherry. 

16. Wood Grill Buffet

Homemade foods served buffet style in Harrisonburg

Wood Grill Buffet has a long history of pleasing their customers, and if you visit, you’ll come to understand their reputation. They are a buffet that is known for a wide selection of foods and exceptional customer service. They even have an open cooking area right at the buffet where you can see your food being made right in front of you. 

The buffet is completely stocked with several delicious homemade foods. They have casseroles, fresh baked bread, country style vegetables, fruits, and salads. They also offer more high quality meats than any other buffet, and have a great selection of desserts that will be perfect to top your meal off with

17. Vito’s Italian Kitchen

Casual Italian eatery with great food and craft beverages 

Vito’s Italian Kitchen is a casual family-friendly restaurant where people can get together to relax while enjoying some top notch Italian food. Vito’s menu offers classics like lasagna, chicken piccata, and chicken marsala alongside unique creations like cinnamon carbonara, Gianni’s baked rigatoni, and Gabby’s vodka sauce. 

They have a large menu that offers lots of options, and they serve their food in a comfy dining space that almost reminds you of a family kitchen. You will even have the option to build your own pizza! Simply decide on your size, your base, and your toppings, and you’ll be on your way to eating great pizza. 

18. Outback Steakhouse

Get a taste of Australian-style steaks and other hearty picks

Purchase an Outback Steakhouse gift card

When you’re traveling and away from home, it’s always comforting to dine in at a familiar spot that makes classic American fare just the way you like it. Outback Steakhouse somehow blends bold and invigorating with homely and hospitable, creating the ideal casual dining setting for patrons to relax and enjoy each other’s company. 

There are way too many unique, small-scale steakhouses spread throughout every corner of the globe–let alone the country–that visiting every single one is a pipe dream. However, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this beloved Australian-themed, family-friendly chain restaurant the next time you get the chance. From their juicy prime steaks and fresh seafood dishes to deep-fried appetizers and housemade sides like dressed baked potatoes and steamed seasonal veggies, Outback Steakhouse has something for everybody on their menu.  

19. Kabuto Sushi and Teppanyaki 

Good sushi should always be readily available anywhere you go

Get a Kabuto Sushi gift card

Alright, you got me–technically Kabuto Sushi and Teppanyaki is located in Charlottesville, not Harrisonburg. But it’s not too far of a drive away from the city that it deserves to be entirely overlooked, especially if sushi and Japanese restaurants are on your radar. 

Kabuto Sushi and Teppanyaki delivers fast service, high-quality sushi, and is always fairly priced. From veggie sushi rolls and hibachi selections to raw and cooked fish including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and lobster, there’s a lot to unpack on the menu at Kabuto. Grab a small plate for a light lunch or fill up on as much sushi as you can possibly scarf down–the choice is yours!

And there it is, you finally have it. A list of all the great restaurants you can find around the Harrisonburg area of Virginia. I hope you were able to find just what you were looking for on the list. I wasn’t able to get a ton of out there choices onto the list today, but I think I covered all the staples. Breakfast & brunch place? Check. Brewery? Check. Steakhouse? Check. Restaurants with a local flair? Check. Luckily the restaurant scene in Harrisonburg is a thriving one so I was still able to get most of the classic locations covered.

This article originally appeared on Giftya.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org

Kabuto Sushi

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8 Relaxing Restaurants in Los Angeles

8 Relaxing Restaurants in Los Angeles

Los Angeles can be a hectic place. Sure, it’s a fun place to sightsee and check out all the fun shops, but after a busy day, you’ll want to decompress at a relaxing café or deli and enjoy some comfort food. Luckily, there are plenty of great eateries specializing in just that across LA, and we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites. Check out some of these places the next time you’re hanging out in the city.

comoncy

You can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day at Comoncy, a modern café that’s been delighting diners in both Los Angels and Arizona. Described as “a cross between an espresso boutique and a European-style breakfast and lunch place,” Comoncy uses fresh, local sustainable ingredients to make its delicious dishes. And you can purchase a Comoncy

Start your day with their Eggs Benedict or Breakfast Burrito. Vegans can snack on their Sunrise Vegan Tacos or Vegan Avocado Toast, served with poppy seed bread, fresh avocado mash, oven roasted tomato, radish, and Maldon salt. Ready for lunch? Comoncy serves a nice selection of salads and sandwiches including a classy Cubano Sandwich served on a baguette with braised pork, pickles, garlic aioli, and mojo sauce.

You can also sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee, from classic freshly brewed drip coffee to a fancier cappuccino or macchiato. If you like a touch of elegance at your cafes, Comoncy is the place to come and unwind.  

“We came for a quick brunch before a school event last Sunday. It was our son’s idea to go to Comoncy and we were so glad we listened to him.” — Yelp Review

Comoncy

If you like hanging out at neighborhood delis with a lot of history, come on down to the Eastside Italian Deli in Chinatown. Established in 1929 by the Pontrelli & Larrichia family, Eastside still sells and uses their original Maestro Italian Sausage in their sandwiches. You’ll also find a host of other authentic Italian sandwiches here, from their spicy Italian Cold Cuts to their Caprese Sandwich to their mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan. You can purchase a Eastside Italian Deli

Sandwiches are served both hot and cold and you can add specialty items like Green Castelvetrano olives, pepperoncini, and their special Cento Hot Hoagie Spread. Italian food lovers will also want to order their lasagna & pasta special — and be sure to save some room for their amazing cannoli, tiramisu Italian cake, and Galletti Italian Cookies.

Vegan? Eastside Italian Deli has a selection of vegan options, including a Veggie Sandwich, Eggplant Parmigiana & Cheese, and vegan Caprese Sandwich. You’ll also be able to order from several salad dishes. Whether you’re just stopping by for a quick sandwich or looking for a place to cater your next event (they offer a special sandwich and salad catering menu), Eastside has what it takes to please your tastebuds.

“Everytime in the downtown area I gotta come here either sandwiches, hot plates, and Tuesday or Thursday their famous lasagna.” — Yelp Review

Eastside Italian Deli

In the mood for some American comfort food? Plain Check Kitchen + Bar has been providing the Little Osaka neighborhood in west LA great meals and drinks since 2012. Order up some specialty hamburgers like the Chef’s Favorite Burger, Plan Check Burger, or Truffle Burger. Their Short Rib Pot Roast also makes a hearty meal that will fill your belly while the baked crab offers something for seafood lovers.

Plan Check Kitchen + Bar also provides an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like coffee, tea, juices, and sodas. Find your favorite ales and craft beers here, along with some hard kombucha and cider. Happy Hour generally starts at 3pm and lasts until 6pm (check their website for exact times).

Need more incentive? Plan Check Kitchen + Bar offers a dog-friendly patio and a great venue for your next private party. You can also have them cater your events by filling a form on their website.

“Plan Check is arguably the best burger spot on the West Side. They use a ketchup leather that I’ve never seen before, and along with superb ingredients and a hefty burger, this place is on another level” — Yelp Review

Plan Check Kitchen

“Momed” stands for “Modern Mediterranean,” and since 2010, Momed Atwater Village has been living up to its name by providing customers with a new interpretation of the classic Mediterranean cuisine from the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Hang out in their classy patio space and order their amazing Momo Chips and Avocado Hummus. Or treat your tastebuds to some Fig and Arugula Flatbread. You can purchase a Momed Atwater Village

Ready for the main course? Momed offers some great new twists on dishes you only thought you knew. Feast on their Lamb Burger or order some Duck Schwarma. Your entire party will love sharing the Greek meatballs and Manti (beef and lamb dumplings with garlic, yogurt, and fresh tomato sauce. There’s also a tasty Lobster Linguine and Vegetable Tajine with chickpea, kale, fresh harissa, piquillo peppers, herb yogurt, preserved lemon, and couscous. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner, Momed Atwater Village guarantees a unique and amazing experience.

“I saw Momed on the list of best restaurants in Atwater Village and it lives up to its hype! The vibes, the interior, the food and service were all amazing. I came here to celebrate a friend’s birthday and we were IMPRESSED and also so satisfied with all the delicious dishes.” — Yelp Review

Momed Atwater Village

Love cheese? Then head out to Silver Lake where the Say Cheese café and cheese shop serves all your favorite cheese dishes. Naturally, you’ll find the classic tuna melt sandwich and cheese omelet here, but there are also plenty of more exotic choices, like the Donatello Sandwich served with mozzarella, Prosciuttio di Parma, tomato, and basil on ciabattini or the oven toasted Barcelona with jamon serrano and manchega cheese. You can purchase a Say Cheese

Say Cheese also offers a brunch menu, salads, and plenty of your favorite coffee drinks (yes, you can enjoy your cheese with a macchiato or chai latte here). And if you’re really serious about cheese, Say Cheese sells specialty cheeses from around the world. Try some of Spain’s Cabrales Pastor Cheese, Switzerland’s Aged Appenzeller Cheese, and France’s Bucheron Cheese. You can even find Irish, Italian, and Greek cheese here, giving your palate quite the workout. Still want more? You can purchase fine chocolates and champagne here, letting you relax in style!  

“I am so pleased to have found this wonderful gem of a spot. The cheese is a delight. The owner is very knowledgeable, but not elitist, and will answer any questions you have.” — Yelp Review

Say Cheese

Ready to taste some of the most gorgeous American and Southern-inspired comfort food you’ve ever seen? Poppy + Rose puts its own California twist on a nostalgic comfort kitchen. Taste fried chicken & waffles made with buttermilk-brined chicken and vanilla brown butter waffles. You can also order pulled pork hash, eggs benedict, and an entire pancake breakfast here, alongside cobb salads, avocado toast, and lox bagel sandwiches. You can purchase a Poppy + Rose

Ready for more? Poppy + Rose’s biscuits are made from scratch every morning with real butter. You’ll also be able to order breakfast classics like the Cobbler French Toast, Steak + Eggs, and breakfast burritos. There’s also a great selection of sandwiches for the brunch crowd. If you’re looking to start your day off right, be sure to try Poppy + Rose!

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food and were talking about returning after.” — Yelp Review

This article originally appeared on Giftya.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

Poppy + Rose

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Featured Image Credit: Jimmy Madison’s.

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Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator who specializes in smart shopping, personal finance, parenting, and retail. Trae has been named a Top Voice in Retail by LinkedIn and a top personal finance expert by GoBankingRates and Flexjobs. She is a contributor at Millie Magazine and CNN Underscored, and her writing and expert commentary have appeared in Newsweek, Woman's Day, Forbes, USNews.com, Kiplinger, Marketwatch, MSN.com, Yahoo Finance and numerous others. She has also appeared on TV hundreds of times; including Good Morning America's GMA3: What You Need to Know, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Inside Edition, CNBC and local network affiliates nationwide.