You’re driving down State Park Road, the Virginia sun is hitting the trees just right, and you’re starving. If you've spent any time near Claytor Lake, you’ve seen it. The Mason Jar Dublin sits there looking exactly like the kind of place where you’d find a cold beer and a massive plate of comfort food. But honestly, there is a weird amount of confusion about what this place actually is.
Some people think it’s just a "lake bar" for the summer crowd. Others get it mixed up with "The Jar" over on Wexford Street in Ireland—which, let’s be clear, is a very different vibe involving wood-fired pizzas and Dublin city hipsters.
The Mason Jar in Dublin, Virginia, is a different animal entirely. It’s a Southern-fried, Maryland-influenced bridge between a family restaurant and a late-night hangout. If you’re looking for the spot where the locals go when they’re tired of the chain restaurants in Radford or Pulaski, this is basically the epicenter.
The Maryland Connection You Didn’t Expect
One of the first things that trips people up is the menu. You’re in the heart of Southwest Virginia, miles from the coast, yet you see "Maryland Style Crab Dip" and "The Marylander" crab cake sandwich front and center.
It’s not a gimmick. The owners actually have roots in Maryland, and they brought that specific seafood sensibility with them. You’ve got the Chesapeake Burger, which sounds like a chaotic mess on paper—a beef patty topped with crab dip, bacon, and cheddar—but it’s a local favorite for a reason. The saltiness of the crab dip cuts through the fat of the burger in a way that just works.
What to Actually Order
If you aren't feeling the seafood-on-a-burger vibe, you have to look at the Pork Fritters. These things are basically deep-fried balls of BBQ pork, cream cheese, pepper jack, and jalapeno. It’s heavy. It’s spicy. It’s exactly what you want after a day out on the water.
- Signature Picks: The Southern Burger or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
- The Lunch Deal: They do a $12 lunch special (Tue-Fri, 11 AM - 3 PM) that includes a drink and fries. It’s probably the best value in the New River Valley right now.
- The Curveball: Their Bourbon Glazed Salmon is surprisingly refined for a place that also hosts 8-ball pool tournaments.
A Tale of Two Rooms
The layout here is kinda unique. There’s a physical wall dividing the "restaurant" side from the "bar" side. It’s a simple solution to an age-old problem: how do you keep the families eating dinner with their kids happy while the bikers and boaters are getting loud on the other side?
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On the bar side, things get pretty lively. You’ve got pool tournaments on Sundays and Thursdays, DJs on Fridays, and live bands most Saturdays. It’s got that classic, slightly dark, wood-heavy bar aesthetic. The restaurant side feels much more like a standard Southern diner—clean, bright, and plenty of room for high chairs.
One thing to keep in mind is the smoking policy. In the bar area, smoking is often permitted, which can be a dealbreaker for some. If you have asthma or just hate the smell of stale Virginia Slims, definitely stick to the dining room side or grab your food to go.
Live Music and the Weekend Rush
Dublin isn't exactly a bustling metropolis, so when a live band shows up at The Mason Jar, people come from all over Pulaski County. We aren't talking about quiet acoustic sets here; it’s usually high-energy local acts like Jonathan Sartin or regional rock bands that keep the place packed until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you’re planning a visit on a Saturday night, honestly, get there early. The parking lot might look big, but it fills up fast with trucks and trailers.
The Logistics: Staying Fed in 2026
If you're heading out there this year, the hours have stayed pretty consistent, but they are closed on Mondays.
- Tuesday - Wednesday: 11 AM to 10 PM. (Tuesday is also "Kids Eat Free" night with an adult meal purchase).
- Thursday: 11 AM to 12 AM (Pool tournament night).
- Friday - Saturday: 11 AM to 2 AM (The "late" nights).
- Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM.
The price point is middle-of-the-road. You can get a solid sandwich for under $20, but if you start looking at the 16oz "Big Daddy" Prime Rib (usually a Thursday special), you're looking at closer to $40. It’s not "cheap" bar food, but the portions are large enough that you’ll usually be taking a box home.
Final Advice for Your Visit
Don't let the strip-mall-adjacent exterior fool you. The Mason Jar Dublin is a core part of the Claytor Lake experience. It’s a place where you can wear your camo or your flip-flops and nobody cares.
If it's your first time, go for the Mason Jar Fries. They load them with smoked brisket, spicy queso, and house BBQ sauce. It’s a meal in itself. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait on the weekends—this isn't fast food, and the kitchen takes its time when the house is full.
Pro-Tip: If the weather is nice, check if they have the patio open. There’s nothing better than that fresh New River Valley air while you're digging into a plate of fried pickles.
To make the most of your trip, check their Facebook page before you drive out. They are very active there and will post the daily specials or any last-minute band cancellations. If you're coming with a group larger than six, calling ahead (540-307-5834) is a smart move, especially during the peak summer lake season.