Dougherty's Tavern

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

New to area from Maryland and not knowing a soul, I looked for a good place to go to eat, listen to some music and meet other people in the area. Dougherty's filled the bill and then some.

So far, I have only been twice, but already have made some very nice new friends and am totally comfortable there.

The first time I went for lunch I had the crabcake platter that was very good. Last visit I had the hamburger that was large, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented with a generous side of fries and a very cool steak knife holding it to the plate. Great selection of drafts, beer and mixed drinks very reasonably priced. It was fabulous!

The environment is vintage tavern, with a distinctive imprint of the owners. Many bikes in parking lot. Daytime has light streaming through abundant well tended plants, so your can read your paper or work on your computer (as they also have WIFI!) as you eat. Evening is deliciously dark, with strings of little white lights hanging merrily from the ceiling and plenty of TV Screens and Jukebox. They even have a big screen Superbowl party!!! The acoustics are surprisingly good and the band that played that evening was very good playing rock to Van Morrison, and customers often got up and danced. As a woman, I loved the cleanliness of the ladies room and the quirky decoration with a large framed copy of the famous pose of George from Seinfeld (The art of seduction).

This 52 year old felt right at home and made some new friends. Many of the customers have been loyal since the tavern's inception. Richard, the owner is often in back cooking, but often pops out to chat. The bartender (his wife, Arlene) has full command of the service and skillfully accommodates customers from embracing newbies like me to artfully handling some that may have imbibed more than they probably knew. Note: She is also works to raise money for local charities and donates a lot of her time and resources and definitely makes Stafford a better place.

The only downside, is smoking is still legal in restaurants in VA until December, so the smoke can be rough if you are a nonsmoker. They do have patio seating, so don't let that be a show stopper. All in all I would give them 10 stars if I could. Go there, you won't regret it.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

We've been going to this pub since they moved from Courthouse Pizza...GREAT spot for a nice drink and
great cheap eats! The bands on the weekends are usually top notch classic rock...something we greatly enjoy. Wednesday nights are the best with the 1/2 price seafood and blues jam. The improv night is just great to listen to and enjoy. Check it out you won't be disappointed! The crab cakes they make with Richards own recipe and they are the BEST! Enjoy! Pasta dishes and chili are good too...meatloaf...mmm..I know where I'll be tonight!

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

i love the tavern. given i'm only 21.. and it is for a slightly older crowd.. my parents chill there for drinks alot.. the people are really friendly.. its laid back and the service is great.

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