What is it about Sunday mornings that leads us to crave rich, hearty meals? After a fun-filled weekend, we often find ourselves getting up later and growing hungrier. Brunch is the perfect solution. Brunch brings us a time to gather together with our friends and talk about our latest adventures, or to have one last great meal before heading home after a rejuvenating vacation. From smoked sausage links and comforting cornmeal cakes to freshly roasted coffee and flavorful mimosas, Harrisonburg’s brunch locations serve up some of the city’s most satisfying meals.
Many of Harrisonburg’s brunch locations are located within the city’s historic downtown arts and culinary district, offering mouth watering flavors and inventive cuisine. For traditional brunch in a vibrant atmosphere, try brunch at Clementine Cafe. Choices range from shrimp and grits to carnitas & eggs, salmon benedict to low country benedict with garlicky greens. The menu includes a wide variety of less common choices such as Korean-style Bi Bim Bop, hummus plates and tomato basil soup.
Capital Ale House, a regional chain known for its locally sourced fare and regional craft beers, boasts plentiful outdoor seating and an expansive menu and beverage selection. Options range from Santa Fe steak and eggs to bourbon-caramel candied apple waffles.
The Golden Pony, one of downtown Harrisonburg’s most popular entertainment venues, offers high quality, made from scratch comfort foods as well as healthier dining options. Choose from crunchy quinoa cakes and tahini grain bowls, or decadent waffles topped with country ham and melty gruyere. Biscuits and gravy are always on the menu.
Magpie Diner, one of Harrisonburg’s newest restaurants, has quickly become the hottest brunch location in Harrisonburg. Their inventive menu includes flaky European-style pastries and rustic loaves that can be paired with a fresh cup of coffee brewed next door at Chestnut Ridge Coffee Roasters. Everything is freshly prepared.
Looking for a local place with a casual, welcoming atmosphere? Try The Little Grill Collective, serving locals since the 1940s. The restaurant has been worker-owned since 2003. The menu includes vegan and vegetarian options including their famed tofu scrambler. Start the day with a potato boat or fruit-topped cornmeal cakes or your standard two eggs any style. Billy Jack’s Shack offers brunch in a casual atmosphere with tables surrounding the main bar area and offers filling breakfast options ranging from breakfast sliders to chicken and waffles benedict.
For lighter fare, visit Cinnamon Bear Bakery and Deli. This charming mom and pop shop has just the right combination of melty breakfast sandwiches, spicy wraps and delicious baked goods to start your day. Mr. J’s Bagels and Deli is another local favorite for take out breakfast items. Their freshly made bagels come with flavorful cream cheese spreads, jellies, or Nutella. They also offer a wide range of breakfast sandwiches and breakfast platters. Their pastries sell out quickly, so get there early!
Harrisonburg has a number of buffet locations serving breakfast as well. These include Traditions Family Restaurant, Wood Grill Buffet, and Montpelier Restaurant, located within Hotel Madison. From French toast with real maple syrup to turkey sausage links you will find plenty to enjoy.
To see a full listing of breakfast options available in Harrisonburg, visit our dining page.