Down Under Tavern

I’ll preface this review by stating that I am not a local. I had been in this bar less than half an hour and had only consumed one or two drinks that night (I shouldn’t have to state that part, but I will) when a few guys started talking to me. One of them stuck his hand between my legs (I was wearing a skirt) and grabbed up into my crotch, laughing. I instinctively struck him to get him off of me. The bartender (large, female) came over and started yelling at me to get out, and that she would call the police on ME. I was outraged and told her that the guy had sexually assaulted me, to which she responded «yeah right, I know him and his friends, get out!»
I called the police on my way out and told them, «for the record», about what had happened. I did not press charges.
I’m writing this review to warn others. This is not a safe place for women or people who the lunatic bartender does not know/​like.

Been in search of a great dive in NoVa, have finally found a great place while back in town. Mel treats you like royalty.

Struggling with a review on this quintessential dive bar because it is exactly that. Co-​located with the Virginia Inn in Occaquan it’s a little (in size) bar in a basement type location (hence the name Down Under).
Anyway, the people are super friendly and they offer a full bar and a variety of beers on tap — probably a very limited to non-​existent selection of craft beers — but I’m not sure about that. They don’t offer live music anymore — that stopped about three years ago.
So, friendly service and very nice people. Here’s my conundrum. This place seems filthy, perhaps it’s just old but, I felt «ick». But it’s a dive bar, and that’s what a dive bar is? …Right…
so giving them 3 stars as compared to other dive bars.

The quintessential dive bar. Loved this place.

I am a musician that plays there occasionally. I love the place. The customers and staff are friendly and we can play any kind of music. Even when we sound bad as a band, the customers seem to be appreciative of everything we do.

Not much room to move around and poorly lit. Local talent musicians give it there best. Have to go outside to smoke. The tables aren’t level. The chairs are uncomfortable. Now with all that said — this is one of the greatest places to hang out. The staff, musicians and patrons are absolutely GREAT ! It doesn’t get any better than this.

I will start with a disclaimer: This is a dive bar. A teeny, tiny, dark, dank, basement of a dive bar where the avg. patron age is like 60. And… I love it. Always live music on wknds, no covers, all kinds of interesting people, nice staff. I have never had a bad time here, and quite often have a GREAT time. (My hubby, on the other hand, hates it there. It may be an acquired taste.) Beer selection is just ok, & a bit overpriced, but again, no cover for live music, so guess that equals out. Best of all (for me)…they are TRULY non-​smoking. Unlike many Woodbridge bars, they are not trying to skirt around the non-​smoking rules by glassing in the entire bar. Of course, in this place that wouldn’t leave much. :) For that, I’ll pay an extra buck for my Star Hill.

Great music, colorful locals, and surprisingly good live music. Nuthin’ fancy.