The 5 Best Appetizers Around Harrisonburg

It’s the moment hungry food lovers in the Shenandoah Valley have been waiting for—the Best of the Valley contest’s Best Appetizer category. Whether you crave crispy, cheesy, or fiery, area eateries are serving small bites that make a big impact. Let’s take a bite out of the favorites.

O’Neill’s Grill

O’Neill’s Grill kicks off starters with its award-winning appetizers. Known for being voted Gold in Best Appetizers and Best Wings, the spot is beloved for its homemade potato chips—fresh, crisp, and in-house with little turnaround time. Diners rave about these chips, which set a high bar for Harrisonburg’s bar scene.

Mill Street Grill

Mill Street Grill in Staunton offers appetizing creations like its Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato served with pesto—simple, fresh flavors prepared with ingredients cut in-house daily. Their menu also highlights classics like oysters Rockefeller and stuffed artichoke hearts, all crafted with care and local flair.

Rudy’s Diner

Rudy’s Diner brings nostalgic flavor with a broad appetizer menu—from buffalo chicken jalapeño poppers and Rudy’s wings (available in multiple sauces) to onion rings, fried oyster baskets, and southwestern egg rolls. Each dish adds a comforting, local-diner twist to your meal.

Southern Kitchen

In New Market, Southern Kitchen channels Southern hospitality with an appetizer lineup rich in regional tastes. From fried green tomatoes and hush puppies to fried chicken livers and country ham biscuits, the menu offers hearty starters that echo Virginia’s culinary traditions.

Umami

Umami in Elkton brings global flair to appetizers with offerings like Vietnamese spring rolls, edamame, potstickers, lettuce wraps, and seafood pancakes. Fans appreciate the fusion twist, with Cajun and Vietnamese influences popping up at local farmers’ markets too.

Each of these contenders proves that appetizers are more than just an afterthought—they’re first impressions that linger long after the last bite.

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