Everything’s waiting for you Downtown
Harrisonburg’s classy new addition, Downtown 56, brings upscale dining, martini bar to historic downtown
By Kelly Fisher, a&e editor
Posted on January 18, 2007

Take a break from seedy bars and chain restaurants by grabbing dinner and drinks at Harrisonburg’s classiest addition to the local social scene at Downtown 56.

Located downtown in the City Exchange building, Downtown 56 provides the community with not only an upscale dining experience, but also an adjacent martini bar to match.

The historic building, which was built in 1908, was bought in 2005 and converted into upscale apartments and offices as a part of the ongoing renovation and revitalization of downtown Harrisonburg.

The Scene
Owned and operated by Stephen Flack and Cookie Lam-Flack, Downtown 56 sets a scene like nothing Harrisonburg has seen. High ceilings with beams make what used to be the freezer area of the old building seemed regal. Diners eat on ground level, as well as up in an elegant loft.

Walls of exposed brick give the restaurant an urban feel, perhaps making patrons believe they are dining in a busy metropolis instead of the Shenandoah Valley. A single red rose in a vase sits on each table, adding to the restaurant’s sophistication.

The Menu
The menu has several different options, all prepared by local chef Caleb Noel. While they won’t empty anyone’s wallet, the prices at Downtown 56 fit the upscale ambiance.

Appetizers, such as teriyaki chicken satay  and stuffed smoked Portobello mushrooms, cost on average $9 to $10.  Several salads, from the classic Caesar to a calamari salad, are also offered, as well as soups for around $4.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the wide selection of seafood, such as crab cioppino, mussels in an apple cider sauce, pan-seared trout, and many other selections. A fresh “catch of the day” is also offered. Several pasta dishes, including mushroom ravioli, are also available.

As for entreés, a number of different cuts of steak, including a New York rib-eye with a mushroom medley and a delicious filet mignon are offered, as well as a chicken tarragon dish and pork chops. The prices range from about $14 for chicken to $22 for certain steaks. Offered with a choice of a side, the portion sizes are small, yet very filling. A dessert menu is also available for those patrons with a sweet tooth.

While the food is satisfying, the service is not conducive to eaters on the go. Customers should be sure to allow an ample amount of time to enjoy their meals at Downtown 56. However, this only provides more time to spend socializing with companions.

The Bar
Tini’s is located in a separate area of the restaurant. It features a variety of drinks and beer on tap, as well as live music every Friday and Saturday night. Tini’s offers a more chic and fashionable alternative to a typical college-town bar. The cool, dark atmosphere paints a scene reminiscent of a smooth jazz club in an exotic location, rather than an old building in Harrisonburg.

Grab some friends or a significant other for a night on the town and see what Harrisonburg’s newest gem has to offer.

Downtown 56 is located at 56 W. Gay St. Since there is limited seating, it is advised to make reservations, but is not necessary. To see its menu, hours of operation and contact information, go to downtown56harrisonburg.com.