Union Station

Union Station
128 W Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 437-0042
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A restaurant deeply ingrained in local history, Union Station invites diners on a journey back to the early 20th century to witness the roots of Harrisonburg Virginia being planted. Diners are guaranteed a traditional American meal with touches of southern cooking; much like Harrisonburg itself.
Located on West Market Street, just outside the heart of downtown, Union Station occupies the second floor of the massive Westel warehouse. Unlike some of the other warehouses scattered around Harrisonburg, Union Station seems to have pursued efforts of expanding the downtown area outwards from South Main by revamping one of the many dark and grungy warehouses into a friendly and welcoming eatery.
As diners settle into their comfortable dark green booths, the inviting décor captivates attention; jump starting an educational experience. Vintage metal signs and yellowed sketches of Harrisonburg in its urban infancy spark interest and conversation, while stories of local history are revealed through pamphlets accompanying photographs at each table. The atmosphere of this distant era is further amplified by Frank Sinatra and big band music playing throughout the room.
An ingenious feature of the Union Station dining room is an old freight elevator renovated to house a table for two, for extra privacy. It reminds diners that the restaurant was once a warehouse from a time when good honest work was the key to success. The value of hard work proves to be a major piece of the town’s history and is close to the hearts of residents.
The servers, dressed in uniforms reminiscent of the time; crisp, white, button down shirts with black bowties are relatively knowledgeable, but it is the management that treats all guests as regulars and comes over to promote interest in the menu and unique theme.
In an eatery dedicated to Virginia history, it is expected to see a selection of burgers and sandwiches. Union Station exceeds expectations by appeasing your inner carnivore with fifteen meat heavy sandwiches and burgers with the spotlight falling on the Cannonball Burger. This not- quite- diet- friendly- monster of a burger, is deep fried and topped with cheddar cheese, barbeque sauce and coleslaw. If you dare attempt this artery clogging monstrosity be sure to save room for the crispy battered fries that surpass any of the other downtown alternatives.
The other burger choices easily fulfill a diner’s cravings; thick, juicy and served on a toasted buttery roll with nearly any topping imaginable. Unfortunately the steak and cheese doesn’t match the quality of the burgers, and the unmemorable prime rib hoagie is better off skipped.
On the lighter side of the menu, the Black Bean cakes with homemade salsa provides an unexpectedly flavorful addition to the menu and whichever fare you choose, the Cajun nachos with zesty queso are a great way to start a meal.
Unfortunately, the interesting interior and satisfying food from Union Station doesn’t translate into a student hot spot. Crowds on the weekends are still relatively thin but seem to be slowly picking up speed as more students are drawn to the eatery for good old fashion American food.
Similar to other downtown restaurants, Union Station has booked some musical acts to generate nightlife crowd, but they appeal to a much older audience. They recently had the Harrisonburg harmonizing quartet; not exactly the ideal spot to get pumped up on a Friday night. For now, Union Station proves to be the ideal location to bring parents or to spend a low key night out with friends.