Fall Flavors in Downtown Staunton

Autumn in Staunton isn’t just about colorful leaves and cozy strolls — it’s also the season of pumpkin spice, hearty dishes, and creative cocktails. From savory short ribs to apple-spiced drinks and fall-forward pastries, downtown restaurants and cafés are serving up plenty of ways to taste the season. Here’s where to find the best of fall flavors in Staunton.

Fall-Inspired Cocktails

Staunton’s bars and restaurants are bringing the flavors of fall straight to your glass with seasonal cocktails. At Byers Street Bistro, you’ll find six new options on the menu, including:

• Jack-O-Latte
  Pumpkin spice meets cold brew in this spirited latte — perfect for cozying up with friends. 

• Harvest Mojito
  A refreshing twist on a classic mojito, layered with crisp apple flavor and autumn spice 

• Bee Hive
  Sweet, tart, and bold — a cocktail that captures the richness of the season.

Fall-Inspired Dishes

When the temperature drops, hearty comfort foods hit the spot.

• Byers Street Bistro

• Rigatoni Di Parma: Rigatoni pasta tossed in a Parmesan garlic cream sauce with prosciutto, ham, spinach, ricotta cream, and toasted breadcrumbs.

• Primavera Gnocchi: Potato dumplings with grilled chicken breast, yellow squash, zucchini, and kale in a lemon-herb broth.
  

• Zynodoa
  Known for its farm-to-table menus, Zynodoa is leaning into fall with a comforting short rib plate:
  Burner’s Beef Short Rib | Mashed Potatoes | Garlic Green Beans | Pan Jus | Poplar Ridge Farms Shishito Peppers
  A dish that tastes like autumn on a plate — rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.

Fall Pastries

Local bakeries are baking autumn right into their pastries:

• Reunion Bakery

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cruffin — flaky, spiced, and indulgent.

• Apple Pie Danish — buttery layers filled with classic apple-pie flavor.

Pair these with a coffee from The By & By or Crucible Coffee Roasters or a cozy latte from one of downtown’s cafés for the perfect fall morning.

Soup Season

When the air turns crisp, a warm bowl of soup is always in season. Downtown Staunton is full of comforting options to keep you cozy:

• Blu Point Seafood Co. – Creamy New England Clam Chowder and rich She-Crab Soup, served by cup or bowl.

• Bijou – Known for its ever-changing, seasonal soups like Beer & Cheddar with Bacon, White Bean & Kale with Sausage, or Carrot & Pear.

• Pampered Palate Café – Their Beef Chili is served daily, paired with a rotating Soup of the Day — often hearty classics like Potato Leek or Autumn Vegetable.

Craft Beer

Fall is also beer season, and Staunton’s breweries and cideries are rolling out seasonal flavors perfect for cooler evenings.

Redbeard Brewing Company is once again releasing its highly anticipated Moriarty series this fall. Mark your calendars — this year’s lineup is bigger and bolder than ever:

• John J. Bowman Aged

• Bowman Brothers Sazerac Barrel Select Aged

• John J. Bowman Aged Nutella S’mores

Available on tap in the taproom and in 16-oz cans to go, these rich, complex brews are a highlight of Staunton’s craft beer calendar.

Pair your pint with an evening in Redbeard’s beer garden or stop in for a 4-pack to enjoy at home.

Taste Fall Downtown

Whether it’s a pumpkin cruffin with your morning coffee, a bowl of chowder on a chilly afternoon, or cocktails, short rib, and barrel-aged beer for dinner, Staunton’s downtown restaurants and cafés are serving up the very best of fall flavors. Make time this season to sip, savor, and celebrate autumn in the heart of the Queen City