Downtown 56 Closes, Cat’s Cradle to Open

Downtown 56 became the latest business to succumb to the slumping economy, closing its doors at the City Exchange on W. Gay Street Saturday. Their lease will likely be picked up by another business – more details to be released as they become public.

In other news, the non-profit Cat’s Cradle is planning to open in the Keezell building on Main Street in the vacant store front where the Obama campaign headquarters was temporarily located. The non-profit organization services four local counties and offers spay and neuter assistance of cats and dogs for low-income citizens, foster and adoption of cats, and trapping/neutering of feral cats.

“Taste of Downtown” Offers Major Discounts to Favorite Restaurants

THE week to eat out is next Tuesday through Thursday, August 12-14.  The first-ever “Taste of Downtown”  showcases Harrisonburg’s favorite restaurants with reduced prices on prix fixe dinners.  Complete menus are available at downtownharrisonburg.org.

All these great dinners are offered only in the evening and no reservations are required (unless otherwise noted). Please note that taxes and tips are not included.

The Artful Dodger
Choose one of three summer special entrées, dessert and signature cocktail. ($15)

Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine
Entrée, dessert, and one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. ($15)

Cally’s Restaurant and Brewing Co.
Sampler meal of appetizer, entrée items, desserts, and microbrews. ($25)

Clementine
“Chef select” appetizer, entrée, and glass of wine. ($20)

Dave’s Downtown Taverna
Salad, Greek sampler entrée, and dessert. ($14.75)

Downtown 56
Appetizer, entrée, and dessert. (Vegetarian option $27.56, regular menu $42.56)

Finnigan’s Cove
Seafood appetizer and entrée with dessert. ($19.99)

Joshua Wilton House
3-course meal featuring locally-grown produce and glass of wine. (reservations requested; $35)

Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room
(3:00 to 5:00pm only)
Afternoon Tea. ($10)

For more information, contact Alexis at 540.432.8922, or alexism@harrisonburgva.gov

Eightyone Readers Heap Praise on Downtown Restaurants (March 2008)

Dear Eddie: Why are downtown Harrisonburg restaurants so popular?

EB: The simple answer is because local people and tourists like what the downtown restaurants have to offer. Our restaurants have unique menus, interesting architecture, great service, local ownership and outstanding food. Eightyone magazine readers rated The Joshua Wilton House – the Best Fine Dining, Downtown 56 – tied for Best Rookie, The Little Grill Collective – the Best Breakfast, Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Co. – the Best Bar, Earth & Tea Cafe – the Best Cozy Cafe, The Artful Dodger – the Best Coffee Shop, Dave’s Downtown Taverna – the Best French Fries, Jess’ Lunch – the Best Hot Dog, L&S Diner – the Best Diner, Shank’s Bakery – the Best Bakery, and Downtown Wine & Gourmet – the Best Wine Shop. Several restaurants received multiple awards (not mentioned here). The competition included the remainder of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton. Congratulations to the winners!