James Madison University

Where to dine out in downtown Harrisonburg before or after a performance at the new Forbes Center

Make your outing to the new Forbes Center for the Performing Arts an even more memorable experience with a visit to one of the many fine restaurants in downtown Harrisonburg.

The Forbes Center is proud to partner with members of the Downtown Harrisonburg Dining Alliance and encourages our patrons to enjoy lunch, dinner or dessert at one their member restaurants. See why downtown Harrisonburg has earned the nickname “Restaurant Row.”

Artful Dodger

Located downtown on Court Square, The Artful Dodger uniquely blends an eclectic coffeeshop and art gallery with a vibrant cocktail lounge and nightclub. Enjoy hot coffees, teas, and lattes complemented by a variety of danishes, scones, and baked goodies. Their full menu features sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, quesadillas, and salads will delight the taste buds. Dodger After Dark offers a variety of music, and live entertainment.

Beyond

Beyond is an Asian inspired restaurant with full sushi bar and extensive tapas menu in an eclectic setting with loft and patio seating.

Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack

Billy Jack’s Wing & Draft Shack serves chicken wings, chili cheese fries, and house made doughnuts. House sauces and daily specials are also available. The huge boneless wings, called Leghorns, will be sure to please. Billy Jack’s beer focus is on Craft Beer. Growlers and beer flights are available. There are 12 rotating drafts to choose from, plus the area’s largest can selection. Come sit in front of the open windows and take in the downtown scenery.

Blue Nile

Upstairs Blue Nile offers home-cooked, fresh and delicious Ethiopian food in a relaxed, non-smoking atmosphere. In the cultural dining area guests enjoy a genuine Ethiopian experience served at beautifully decorated Mesobs, wicker hourglass-shaped tables handmade in Ethiopia. During the warmer months, guests enjoy outdoor patio dining. Downstairs offers a full bar and appetizers, with DJ’s and live music seven days a week.

Clementine

Clementine is a locally owned, independent restaurant specializing in quality food, live music, specialty cocktails, local art and community events. Clementine hosts local and regional live music three times a week, over 100 beers and a creative menu based on freshly prepared foods.

Dave’s Downtown Taverna

Dave’s Downtown is located in an award-winning renovated civil war era building. This American Restaurant also offers a wide range of Greek Specialties. Featured are daily food and drink specials, rooftop dining on the “Taratsa,” and live music which adds up to great fun and a great dining experience for all ages.

Earth and Tea Cafe

Earth and Tea Cafe is an international lounge and teashop. They offer Spanish Tapas, served after 5 p.m. every day, plus Russian desserts and Turkish and Cuban coffee as well as specialty beers and a great selection of South American and Spanish wines.

Finnigan’s Cove Seafood Bar and Grill

Finnigan’s Cove Seafood Bar and Grill is the only raw bar in Harrisonburg, specializing in fresh fish and seafood including oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp and crab legs. Enjoy the casual and fun atmosphere of Finnigan's Cove.

Jack Brown's

The childhood dream of two best friends, Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin, Jack Brown’s has over 100 beers in stock and serves a 100 percent Natural American Kobe Beef Hamburger. There are also unique daily specials featuring everything from peanut butter to Mac n Cheese.

Joshua Wilton House Inn and Restaurant

Joshua Wilton House features creative, contemporary cuisine with knowledgeable and friendly service. Five dining rooms, a lounge, porch and patio gives patrons many ways to enjoy an evening out. An award-winning wine list and a focus on utilizing fresh locally sourced ingredients have made them a leader in downtown dining for 22 years.

Kline’s Dairy Bar

Kline’s Dairy Bar has been serving premium ice cream since 1943. Anyone who has tasted Kline’s ice cream knows that it is a treasure of the valley. Kline’s invites you to come and enjoy their unique custard style ice cream while spending quality time with your family. Check out their “Flavor Forecast” for the flavor of the week.

L&S Diner

Everybody knows everybody at the L&S Diner, and everybody knows the diner's famous pan-fried chicken. A newer breakfast favorite is the Garbage Omelet featuring three eggs, cheese, a variety of meats, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. No one ever leaves hungry from the L&S Diner. Open for lunch only.

Little Grill Collective

The Little Grill has been a restaurant in Harrisonburg’s North End since the 1940s, and a worker owned collective since June of 2003. The Little Grill offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy home cooked meals with vegan, vegetarian, and meat options. Stop by on one of their specialty nights, including the renowned Mexi-Nite.

LOCAL Chop & Grill House

Enjoy dinner or drinks with a fresh, innovative twist. They strive to support local farmers and growers by providing freshly prepared dishes utilizing local fruits, vegetables and ingredients. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, small-batch brewery beers and bourbons and wines that are biodynamic, sustainable or organic. They have 18 beers on tap and live music in the LOCAL Bar plus covered outdoor patio seating and free valet parking.

Smokin’ Pig

Come to The Smokin’ Pig for the best barbeque Harrisonburg has to offer. They offer a delicious variety of both pork (Southwest or Caroline style) and chicken (Southwest style) barbeque sandwiches, served with a fried pickle and choice of a small side. They also offer family size meals that can serve up to eight people.

Union Station

Union Station offers new versions of old family favorites that have been recreated to fit modern taste, presentation, and of course budget. Their goal is to create a simple and delicious menu that is accessible to everyone.