LGC for You and Me/Damn Hippies

In Harrisonburg, and only Harrisonburg, can one can bliss out to the tune of a tall stack of Blue Monkeys (even at night!), while admiring an impressive Star Wars figurine collection (“We were kind of going for a juxtaposition thing,” said worker owner Josh Vannah, in reference to the Jabba the Hutt’s guards relaxing in the Ewok fort.) and listening to a CD of the restaurant’s own band, the Dish Dogs.

“Where?” some you ask. “Does this magical location truly exist? Can I really do all these wonderful things? Tell me the name of this place!”

Yes you can actually go there, it is called: The Little Grill Collective. The address is 621 N. Main St. Harrisonburger Not VA. The phone number is 434-3594. Now is your chance. Go forth my children.

Now that the weirdos have left their computers and sprinted out the door, the rest of you are saying “Sounds like a hippie dump with bizarre paintings and dirty floors.” Bear with me and I will try to address these concerns and others.

First, not a dump but yes, hippies are allowed to enter in the spirit of equality. BUT the LGC hasn’t gone completely insane, displayed prominently in the front window is a sign reading: “HIPPIES USE SIDE DOOR”, a rule that is strictly adhered to. So at least you don’t have to walk in with them. (Unfortunately the restaurant does not yet have separate bathrooms for hippies.)

Bizarre paintings are in evidence, but not overbearingly so.
And dirty floors…. yes.

The Grill (as it is casually referred to) is probably best known, at least at Harrisonburger Prep, for its quality breakfast menu, including the classics: pancake, breakfast burritos, omelets. As well as more unique dishes like the Grinder (a funky breakfast sub, my favorite), Tofu Scrambler (spiced tofu and peppers) and vegetarian Groovy Gravy to go with your homemade biscuit.

Lunch and dinner are not to be overlooked though, with excellent plates like the Greek Pasta, Tempeh Rueben (sauerkraut, rye etc. but with tempeh, look it up), Sautéed Portobello Sandwich and locally grown beef hamburgers (not going to mention the price) for lunch and daily special “Nite” for dinner, the schedule is as follows: Mon. Closed, Tue. all-you-can-each Mexi, Wed.
Chef’s Special and Bingo, Thur. Breakfast and Open Mic, Fri. Down Home (fried catfish, mashed potatoes, greens etc.) Monday is the only one I can’t recommend.

Although the Grill has received a lot of press for its abundance of vegetarian and vegan options it’s both very easy to get meat and hard to tell when you don’t

The Open Mic feature of Thursdays deserves mention. MCed by Chris Howdyshell (who is progressively funnier as the night goes on, can’t figure out why…) the event is open to all local talent. Anyone can perform any (within reason) stage act, night’s festivities usually draws a decent crowd and can be an either terrible and boring time or a very cool community event, just depends.

“Wow. What can I say?” said worker owner Ken Gibson, when asked to comment on the restaurant.

Final note: Leaving food on your plate for the dishwasher is considered good taste by the dishwasher.