Shenandoah Valley: Food & Drink 2020

Restaurants

Asian Restaurant

1st: Taste of Thai

917 S. High St., Harrisonburg, Taste-of-Thai.com, 540-801-8878

For more than 20 years, Taste of Thai has offered Thai-inspired cuisine and other regional dishes for lunch and dinner. Pair favorites like panang curry, Tom Kha Gai, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice dessert with Singha, a Thai beer, or iced coffee. Taste of Thai also caters.

2nd: Massaki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Staunton, MassakiSteakhouse.com, 540-886-9191

3rd: Napa Thai, Lexington, NapaThai.com, 540-461-8133

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Barbecue Restaurant

1st: Hank’s Grille & Catering

49 Bloomer Springs Rd., McGaheysville, HanksGrilleAndCatering.com, 540-289-7667

Hank’s Grille & Catering is known for its hickory smoked barbecue. Try a salad topped with your choice of grilled meat; a barbecue-themed bowl; a local, grass-fed burger; a taco made with Texas beef brisket; or one of the many barbecue combo plates. Plus, Hank’s offers wedding packages, full-service event catering, and small group services.

2nd: Peck’s Barbecue, Staunton, PecksBBQ.com, 540-886-4647

3rd: The Fishin’ Pig, Waynesboro, FishinPig.com, 540-943-3474

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Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant

1st: Kathy’s Restaurant

705 Greenville Ave., Staunton, Kathys-Restaurant.com, 540-885-4331

For more than 30 years, this counter-wrapped diner has served Southern home cooking breakfast specials all day, like corned beef hash omelets with house-made fries, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, buttermilk pancakes topped with butter, and apple fruit roll-ups topped with hot cinnamon glaze and whipped cream.

2nd: Mr. J’s Bagel & Deli, Harrisonburg, MrJsBagels.com, 540-564-0416

3rd: Little Grill Collective, Harrisonburg, LilGrill.com, 540-434-3594

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Burger Joint

1st: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

80 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, JackBrownsJoint.com, 540-433-5225

Fans love the outstanding 100 percent Wagyu beef burger that Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint uses for every sandwich. Their basic burgers are served simple with no lettuce or tomato, while the signature specials comprise unique and crave-able combinations. Try El Chupacabra, topped with creamy goat cheese and sweet-chili bacon jam.

2nd: Wright’s Dairy-Rite, Staunton, Dairy-Rite.com, 540-886-0435

3rd: Cuban Burger, Harrisonburg, CubanBurger.com, 540-434-1769

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Indian Restaurant

1st: Taste of India

498 University Blvd., Harrisonburg, TasteOfIndiaHarrisonburg.com, 540-433-3320

Founded in 2008, Taste of India offers a wide selection of authentic Indian food. Try the chicken tikka masala, marinated in a blend of ginger, garlic, yogurt, and herbs and baked in the tandoor with tomatoes and cream, paired with a side of garlic naan bread stuffed with coriander.

2nd: Taj of India, Harrisonburg, TajOfIndiaVa.com, 540-615-5888

3rd: Indian and American Cafe, Harrisonburg, IndianAndAmericanCafe.com, 540-433-1177

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Italian Restaurant

1st: Vito’s Italian Kitchen

1047 Port Republic Rd., Harrisonburg, VitosItalianKitchen.com, 540-433-1113

Vito’s Italian Kitchen provides customers with a true taste of Italian cuisine. Visit for the monthly themed five-course wine dinner or stop by anytime to enjoy favorites like chicken marsala with fresh cremini mushrooms over spaghetti or a bruschetta salad with grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic.

2nd: Bella Luna, Harrisonburg, BellaLunaWoodFired.com, 540-433-1366

3rd: Emilio’s Italian Restaurant, Staunton, EmiliosItalianRestaurant.com, 540-885-0102

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Mexican Restaurant

1st: El Charro

Locations in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, EatElCharro.com, 540-433-3189

El Charro has been serving the Valley for 30 years. Try the arroz con pollo, full of seasoned grilled chicken topped with melted cheese dip, sautéed mushrooms, and bell peppers on a bed of Spanish rice. The restaurant plans to expand and remodel several locations, and add patio seating.

2nd: Chicano Boy Taco, Staunton, ChicanoBoyTaco.com, 540-569-2105

3rd: El Puerto Mexican Grill & Cantina, Waynesboro, ElPuertoMexicanVA.com, 540-943-5317

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Pizzeria

1st: Bella Luna

80 W. Water St., Harrisonburg, BellaLunaWoodFired.com, 540-433-1366

Watch chefs craft and bake Neapolitan inspired pizzas in Bella Luna’s wood-fired oven. They follow traditional Italian methods by using intense heat and live flame, fueled by local white oak, and cooking with fresh, organic ingredients. Try the Bella Bianca, roasted with garlic puree, local mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan.

2nd: Shenandoah Pizza, Staunton, ShenPizza.com, 540-213-0008

3rd: Vito’s Italian Kitchen, Harrisonburg, VitosItalianKitchen.com, 540-433-1113

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Seafood Restaurant

1st: Mill Street Grill

1 Mill St., Staunton, MillStreetGrill.com, 540-886-0656

Located in a turn-of-the-century flour mill for more than 25 years, this mainstay offers fresh grilled, sautéed, baked, or fried seafood daily. Try a classic like the crab cakes, or venture to a daily special like the bacon-wrapped monkfish Provençal, pan-fried in olive oil with Roma tomatoes, garlic, lemon, capers, wine, and herbs.

2nd: Blue Stone Inn, Harrisonburg, Facebook.com/BlueStoneInnRestaurant, 540-434-0535

3rd: The Depot Grille, Staunton, DepotGrille.com, 540-885-7332

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Steakhouse

1st: Local Chop & Grill House

56 W. Gay St., Harrisonburg, LocalChops.com, 540-801-0505

Located in a renovated factory originally built in 1908, Local Chop & Grill House has continuously worked to provide chef-inspired cuisine with fresh products. Fan favorites include a variety of steak options, such as filet mignon, ribeye, and even cauliflower. The restaurant recently added off-site catering for events of all sizes.

2nd: Mill Street Grill, Staunton, MillStreetGrill.com, 540-886-0656

3rd: The Depot Grille, Staunton, DepotGrille.com, 540-885-7332

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Restaurant

1st: Mill Street Grill

1 Mill St., Staunton, MillStreetGrill.com, 540-886-0656

Mill Street Grill offers a wide variety of cuisines, as well as an extensive list of wines, beers, and daily specials that cater to all dietary needs. The Grill may be known for its slow-cooked ribs marinated in homemade barbecue sauce, but fan favorites also include a delicious bean burger, crab cakes, and pork chops.

2nd: Local Chop & Grill House, Harrisonburg, LocalChops.com, 540-801-0505

3rd: The Depot Grille, Staunton, DepotGrille.com, 540-885-7332

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Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians

1st: Little Grill Collective

621 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, LilGrill.com, 540-434-3594

Little Grill Collective is a worker-owned shop where members produce goods for the restaurant. It serves breakfast and lunch, emphasizing vegetarian and vegan meals that are locally sourced and ethnically inspired. In 2020, the collective plans to retire several menu items and revamp to offer more breakfast options.

2nd: Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, Staunton, GoCranberrys.com, 540-885-4755

3rd: Food.Bar.Food., Harrisonburg, FoodBarFood.com, 540-433-3663

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Coffee Shop or Roaster

1st: Lexington Coffee Roasters

2345 Lee Hwy., Lexington, LexingtonCoffee.com, 540-462-3990

One of the first craft roasters in Virginia, Lexington Coffee Roasters continually provides new coffee as harvest seasons change; spring options include Burundi Rimiro and Ethiopia Dumerso. The classic cappuccino made with Espresso Giusto is a longtime customer favorite. In 2020, the roaster will expand the menu and seating capacity.

2nd: Greenberry’s, Harrisonburg, Greenberrys.com, 540-434-0111

3rd: Black Sheep Coffee, Harrisonburg, BlackSheepCoffeeHBurg.com, 540-217-5560

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Food Truck

1st: Mashita

716 E. Market St., Harrisonburg, EatMashita.com, 540-810-1875

With a downtown restaurant space now open, Mashita uses its truck for festivals, public events, and private catering. The Korean-inspired, made-from-scratch food includes handmade steamed buns (a fan favorite), the Mashita Bibimbap, and Japchae. Check for weekly specials.

2nd: Grilled Cheese Mania, Harrisonburg, GrilledCheeseMania.com, 540-746-7515

3rd: LexMex Tacos, Lexington, Facebook.com/LexMexTacos

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Dessert

1st: Cupcake Company

39 Burgess Rd., Harrisonburg, CupcakeCompany.net, 540-217-0611

From humble beginnings in a home kitchen, the Cupcake Company is now a full-service bakery. It offers cupcakes, cakes, pies, brownies, cream puffs, and more, including a daily selection of gluten-free options and PuppyCakes—made-from-scratch cupcakes for furry friends. 

2nd: The Split Banana, Staunton, TheSplitBanana.com, 866-492-3668

3rd: Bella Gelato and Pastries, Harrisonburg, BellaLunaWoodfired.com/Bella-Gelato, 540-217-5657

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Ice Cream Shop

1st: Kline’s Dairy Bar

Multiple locations, KlinesDairyBar.com, 540-434-6980

Thanks to the fresh ice cream created daily at each location, Kline’s Dairy Bar is a staple in the Valley. A new flavor, salted caramel crunch, joins the list in 2020, and a new location in McGaheysville opened last spring. 

2nd: The Split Banana, Staunton, TheSplitBanana.com, 866-492-3668

3rd: Smiley’s Ice Cream, Mt. Crawford, SmileysIceCream.com, 540-271-2805

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Sandwich Shop

1st: Lola’s Delicatessen

122 S. Main St., Suite 103, Harrisonburg, LolasDelicatessen.com, 540-908-3253

Lola’s Delicatessen’s most popular sandwich is the classic Reuben made with chef Logan’s house-made corned beef. Founded in 2017, the shop recently doubled its wine shelves. It is also building an online ordering system and a branded app for streamlined and convenient service for customers.

2nd: Mr. J’s Bagel & Deli, Harrisonburg, MrJsBagels.com, 540-564-0416

3rd: Macado’s, Harrisonburg, Macados.net, 540-434-2106

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Outdoor Dining

1st: Byers Street Bistro

18 Byers St., Staunton, ByersStreetBistro.com, 540-887-6100

Byers Street Bistro has Southern-style American fare—think shareable pickles, gourmet pizzas, and shrimp and grits entrées. During the warm months, the Bistro’s patio buzzes with live music as patrons lounge beneath the large yellow umbrellas with specialty cocktails.

2nd: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, Harrisonburg, JackBrownsJoint.com, 540-433-5225

3rd: Stable Craft Brewing, Waynesboro, StableCraftBrewing.com, 540-490-2609

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Food Shopping

Bakery

1st: Heritage Bakery & Cafe

212 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, HeritageBakes.com, 540-564-1200

Heritage’s pastry case is packed with macarons, muffins, and pastries, including gluten- and dairy-free options. Taste the avocado toast for breakfast or the quiche and curried chicken salad for lunch. The bakery offers monthly classes on how to make macarons, decorate a cake, and bake cookies. 

2nd: SweetNanaCakes Bake Shoppe, Waynesboro, SweetNanaCakes.com, 540-569-2365

3rd: Cupcake Company, Harrisonburg, CupcakeCompany.net, 540-217-0611

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Chocolatier

1st: Cocoa Mill Chocolate

123 W. Nelson St., Lexington

114 E. Beverley St., Staunton, CocoaMill.com, 800-421-6220

Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company has been making premium fair trade chocolates for more than 15 years. The company’s confections are all natural and preservative free, and all of the artisanal chocolates—barks, truffles, and pretzels—are handmade and packaged in house. Cocoa Mill hopes to expand and streamline production soon.

2nd: Warfel’s Sweet Shoppe, Dayton, Warfels.biz, 540-879-9598

3rd: Sweet Creations at Valley Pike, Weyers Cave, ValleyPikeFarmMarket.com, 540-453-4168

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Farmers’ Market

1st: Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market

228 S. Liberty St., Harrisonburg, HarrisonburgFarmersMarket.com, 540-476-3377

The Downtown Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market, started in 1979, is a direct source for fresh, locally grown food and crafts. The market is open year-round and accepts EBT and SNAP—matching the first $20 spent for fresh fruit and vegetables. This year it kicks off the Grab a Bag program, giving reusable grocery bags to customers.

2nd: Staunton Farmers’ Market, Staunton, StauntonFarmersMarket.org, 540-448-1937

3rd: The Dayton Market, Dayton, TheDaytonMarket.com, 540-879-3801

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Grocery Store

1st: Martin’s

Multiple locations, MartinsFoods.com, 888-562-7846

Martin’s is the mid-Atlantic region’s one-stop shop for sustainable groceries, pharmacies, reduced emissions fuel stations, online pickup hubs, and grocery delivery services. Martin’s participates in hunger-elimination programs like Meat the Needs, Bag Hunger, and Charity Boxes, as well as donates to regional food banks.

2nd: Aldi, Multiple locations, Aldi.us, 855-955-2534

3rd: Food Lion, Multiple locations, FoodLion.com

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Specialty/Gourmet

Food Shop

1st: The Cheese Shop Country Market & Deli

2366 Tinkling Spring Rd., Stuarts Draft, TheCheeseShopVA.com, 540-337-4224

Since beginning as a back-porch operation in the 1960s, The Cheese Shop has continually expanded both its selection and its space. This year the shop debuts a new sandwich counter and dining room. Among the products, you’ll find sliced cheeses and deli meats, spices, snacks, jams and jellies, old-fashioned candies, and hard-to-find baking ingredients. 

2nd: Friendly City Food Co-op, Harrisonburg, FriendlyCity.coop, 540-801-8882

3rd: Valley Pike Farm Market, Weyers Cave, ValleyPikeFarmMarket.com, 540-453-4168

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Wine Shop

1st: Yelping Dog Wine

9 E. Beverley St., Staunton, YelpingDogWine.com, 540-885-2275

Yelping Dog Wine Shop offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese plates, and cheese by the pound, as well as local and international wines, and craft beers. Stop by every Wednesday evening for wine tastings and every Friday for Yelping Hour. The extensive wine by the glass menu changes weekly.

2nd: Valley Pike Farm Market, Weyers Cave, ValleyPikeFarmMarket.com, 540-453-4168

3rd: Washington Street Purveyors, Lexington, GopherWine.com, 540-464-9463

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Drink

Bar with the Best Atmosphere

1st: Basic City Beer Co.

1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro, BasicCityBeer.com, 540-943-1010

Part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, Basic City Beer Co. began as an homage to the lost Basic City in Augusta County. Its industrial taproom features Hops Kitchen, a beer-cade, and movie-style video screens, and hosts live music. Try favorites like the flagship 6th Lord IPA and Our Daily Pils.

2nd: Local Chop & Grill House, Harrisonburg, LocalChops.com, 540-801-0505

3rd: TAPS at The Georges, Lexington, TheGeorges.com, 540-463-2504

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Cocktails

1st: Zynodoa

115 E. Beverley St., Staunton, Zynodoa.com, 540-885-7775

Zynodoa opened in 2007 and focuses on supporting local farms, dairies, wineries, and breweries. The cocktail program offers seasonal ingredients and classic flavor pairings. The most popular cocktail currently is the “Phoenix,” a refreshing combination of Milagro tequila, Cappelletti Aperitivo, blood orange, and club soda. The bar offers a selection of spirits, such as bourbons, vermouths, and liqueurs.

2nd: TAPS at The Georges, Lexington, TheGeorges.com, 540-463-2504

3rd: Jimmy Madison’s, Harrisonburg, JimmyMadisons.com, 540-432-1000

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Brewery

1st: Devils Backbone Brewing Company

50 Northwind Ln., Lexington, DBBrewingCompany.com, 540-462-6200

Opened in 2008, Devils Backbone is named for the phrase surveyors, including Thomas Jefferson’s father, called this hard-to-summit mountain region almost 300 years ago. The brewery is known for Vienna Lager, its flagship beer. Check the website for an updated events and concert schedule.

2nd: Pale Fire Brewing Co., Harrisonburg, PaleFireBrewing.com, 540-217-5452

3rd: Basic City Beer Co., Waynesboro, BasicCityBeer.com, 540-943-1010

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Cidery

1st: Old Hill Cider

17768 Honeyville Rd., Timberville, Facebook.com/OldHillCider, 540-896-7582

Founded in 2011, Old Hill Cidery is known for its wide variety of ciders, including Betwixt, the Crowd Pleaser, and Off The Press; the last inspired by the freshly pressed sweet apple cider offered every fall. This year the cidery is offering a newly renovated greenhouse as an event space. 

2nd: Winchester Cider Works, Winchester, WinchesterCiderWorks.com, 540-686-7632

3rd: Big Fish Cider Co., Monterey, BigFishCider.com, 540-468-2322

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Winery

1st: Bluestone Vineyard

4828 Spring Creek Rd., Bridgewater, BluestoneVineyard.com, 540-828-0099

Bluestone Vineyard is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery that makes about 5,000 cases of true Bordeaux-style wines. The tasting room offers flights and growlers. Enjoy Toast the Weekend events with live music, food trucks, and select wines, such as Bluestone’s award-winning Meritage.

2nd: CrossKeys Vineyards, Mt. Crawford, CrossKeysVineyards.com, 540-234-0505

3rd: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Fisherville, BarrenRidgeVineyards.com, 540-248-3300