Reviews
7 Reasons Why the Artful Dodger Should Be Your Next Harrisonburg Brunch Spot
It’s Sunday morning, you feel like you’ve just been crapped out and all you want is some cheesy meaty carbs and the hair of the dog that bit ya. Nothing sounds worse than waiting 45+ minutes in a small, cramped lobby while watching families exit with their children while simultaneously judging you.
Cut the crap and get over to the Artful Dodger for brunch.
1. Service
Dear Abby, you and coffee make Mondays better ☕ #harrisonburg #artfuldodgercafe #manicmonday
A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Oct 26, 2015 at 8:50am PDT
Never have I ever…. had to wait more than about 20 minutes to be seated at the dodger. Plus, once you’re seated the staff is friendly and attentive.
You may have three different people taking your order, delivering your food, or busing your table. At the dodger, they all help each other out, which makes being a guest there feel more like being a part of the hipster in-crowd.
2. Drink Specials
Brunch! 10am-3pm every Sat & Sun! Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and good food for great prices. Join us on our sunny patio ☀️ #dodgerdays #brunch #dodowntown #eatlocal #harrisonburgva #putaneggonit A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Aug 22, 2015 at 8:59am PDT
$2 mimosas, $4 bloody mary’s. From 10AM-4PM. What does this mean for you? This means you can wake up at noon, take an hour to get ready, and still pretend like you’re a functioning adult drinking breakfast drinks for the next three hours.
3. Food Prices
#brunch #bacon #egg oh my!Come get your brunch.
A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Oct 11, 2014 at 8:05am PDT
As college students, we are both broke and desperate for delicious breakfast food following a night of binge drinking and bad decisions. The dodger is hooking you up with menu items that make even the most decisive customers take a second look, at prices that won’t make you want to cry. Talk about getting bang fo’ yo’ buck.
4. Atmosphere
Break out those rain boots folks, First Friday is here! Our featured artist this month is Davion Birdsong, an insanely talented #jmu art major doing his first solo show downtown. Stop by and show some love! The show is up all month as usual, but there’s nothing like #firstfriday! #harrisonburgva #art #localart #vaartist #dodowntown #dodgersupports A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Oct 2, 2015 at 2:48pm PDT
If you’ve only experienced the dodger in the low-lit fog of $2 Tuesdays, you haven’t really experienced it at all. Grab a table when there’s actual daylight and there isn’t a DJ bumping the tunes of regret and cheap liquor drinks.
You’ll find walls that are decorated with unique art presented auction-style, and the entire place is glittered with vintage treasures that definitely beat the greasy tiled walls of the waffle house (just sayin’).
5. Outdoor Seating
A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Aug 8, 2015 at 9:56am PDT
The unmistakable rainbow awning is just the beginning. Outside the front doors of the dodger, you will find additional seating for those who choose to enjoy brunch in open air. The walls of the patio have been painted over with murals that will make you feel artsy af while you’re sipping your morning (or afternoon) Joe and enjoying the view of court square.
6. Quality
Join us for #breakfast everyday 8:30a – 10p and #brunch every weekend 10a – 3p #eatlocal #artfuldodgerva #dodowntown #harrisonburgva A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Dec 26, 2015 at 8:07am PST
Some would say that the most impressive detail the Dodger provides is the clever and satisfying presentation of their dishes. Add in the fact that all their coffee mugs are unique (my favorite of which sporting a Native American chief riding horseback in the mountains) and you’ve got the ultimate hole in the wall experience.
7. Variety
You can have this. All of this. Every single day! #dodgersupports #jmuhomecoming #getup4gameday #dukesdodowntown #eatlocal #harrisonburgva A photo posted by Artful Dodger Lounge (@artfuldodgerlounge) on Oct 23, 2015 at 7:37am PDT
Feelin breakfast? Feelin lunch? Either way, you will be feelin the love at the Dodger. The Morning Glory checks all the breakfast boxes with mini pancakes, toast, made-to-order eggs, and your choice of sausage or bacon.
If you’re ready to kick it into lunch mode, try the Gobbler sandwich that slays the game with turkey, bacon, avocado, and smoked gouda stacked on sourdough.
Want the scoop on other downtown Hburg spots? Peep these: