Grab an affordable bite in one of Harrisonburg’s famous diners
With traditional diner fare, L&S provides quick, welcoming service
By Owen Hutchinson, contributing writer
Posted on February 19, 2007

The L&S Diner is a friendly reminder that there is more to Harrisonburg than what lies between Port Republic Road and South Main Street.

Opened in 1947 by Frank Lee and Ike Simmons as a small steak-and-beer eatery, the diner remains as one of the oldest restaurants in Harrisonburg. After exchanging hands several times over the years, the diner was purchased early last year by Dave Miller, owner of Dave’s Taverna, who gave it a full renovation.

The diner’s classic train-car design belies a retro interior, with bright red and white colors adorning the walls and counter, in front of which sits two dozen bar stools in typical diner fashion. Framed photos of the diner and its varied appearances throughout the decades decorate the walls, giving customers something to look at while they wait for their meals.

More than just a meal, the L&S Diner is favored by locals of various walks of life in Harrisonburg, who come in to discuss the weather, politics and local happenings in and around Harrisonburg.

“It’s just a nice little family place to go and get some affordable, good food,” said Carol Kaiser, a server at L&S.

The menu consists of traditional diner fare, with the welcome addition of several comfort foods, including macaroni and cheese made from scratch, pork barbecue, hamburger steak, and its signature offering, pan-fried chicken. The diner also serves a wide variety of breakfast entreés, including the popular garbage omelet. Even better, the entire breakfast menu is offered from open to close.

As good as the food is, the service is even better. The staff is friendly and ready to strike up a conversation with anyone in the restaurant. They are very attentive to customers’ needs, and because of the limited number of seats available, your server is never more than a few feet away with that next refill or bottle of ketchup.

Orders are rung up immediately, so even steaks or burgers will be ready in a matter of minutes. L&S is sure to satisfy even the most fickle customers, as a variety of sides and additions are available to almost any meal. To top it off, it is unbelievably affordable. A full meal can be purchased for under five dollars, or if you’re feeling especially hungry, a bowl of its daily soup specials, a sandwich, chips, a drink and a slice of fresh pie for dessert would run around eight bucks.

All in all, the L&S Diner provides a convenient and affordable —  not to mention delicious — alternative to the dining halls and fast food drive-thrus that come to dominate many college students’ diets. The L&S diner is located at 255 Liberty St.