About

Why Square 5 Public House? (or 'What's in a name?')

The bar originally opened in 1989 as the London Underground Pub by local restauranteurs Joseph (Big Joe Daddy) Slattery and Steve Andrews as a place to indulge their love of darts, camaraderie, and Bass ale. Modeled after old English pubs, featuring fine English ales (this was before American craft brewing was a thing) and traditional English pub fare, located in Blacksburg’s historic original 16 squares, the ‘Pub’ quickly became a favorite of the local bar crowd. After a parting of ways, Big Joe became sole owner and the Pub began its slow evolution from an English bar clone into its own distinctive Southwest Virginia pub. Upon Big Joe’s untimely passing in 2004 the restaurant went into the hands of his widow, Marcia, and continued doing successful business for another 16 years.

Years roll and times change. Amid the turmoil of 2020, Marcia Slattery decided it was time to pass on the bar to her long-time business partner and general manager. This change inspired a facelift in both appearance and approach to how the Pub serves the community. The establishment reopened in April 2021 as Square 5 Public House.

The term ‘pub’ is short for the old English legal definition ‘public house’ which was a private home that had a license to sell beer to the public. The building is in the 5th of Blacksburg’s original 16 squares. We emphasize serving the finest crafted beers, cocktails made as they were intended, and a casual menu utilizing locally sourced and made-in-house products wherever possible. It is our pleasure to serve you.  It is our greater pleasure to know you.  Welcome to our home.