Used to be great place to watch football. Last few experiences with new ownership were not good. Hope it turns around....
Emily P.
We have been coming here for the last few months to enjoy a beer or two while waiting for a family member to finish up a weekly appointment up the hill. They have a great selection of beers and ciders. I can always find something I want to drink! Staff is always super friendly and take care in serving. The menu changes up every once in a while - but you can always count on the food being really yummy. The staff isn't afraid to help point you to the best items, this is a good place to ask what's good. When they say the grilled cheese is bomb (currently not available) it's no joke. Everything the staff has recommended is off the hook! Homemade items and well prepared vegan options too (that exceed expectations for those non-vegans... don't let "vegan" stop you at this place). Love love love this spot. The indoor vibe is chill, outdoor is relaxing (even with a busy street). We bring the dog with us and tie him up to the converse bike rack tables. Lots of cute dogs walk the area too... calling those dog lovers It's a great spot. Worth a visit. Cool for hangout, cool to work at. Nothing but good things to say about Commonwealth.
Vivek Nair
This is a hidden gem. Stopped by for coffee and ended up staying for hours snacking and sipping. Very friendly staff, good booth seating, and great selection of food too. Will be coming back for the pub treatment later. Probably a good place to catch some football (soccer) with some pints later.
Meridithe M.
Really love this place! One of my go to spots when I visit from Seattle. Everything I've tried is scrumptious and the staff are super friendly.
Won Lee
Beer and coffee, great selection. Watched Liverpool game with bunch of other soccer fan crowds, extra fun.
Judith Justice
Love the atmosphere, staff, and drinks. The food selection and draft beers are much more limited than pre-pandemic but I'm just glad they're still open!
Concha Gomez
Love this place. I spent a lot of time here pre-pandemic and after staying away from any indoor dining for two full years, I was happy to see that they had not only survived, but were also very COVID-conscious (beyond local mandates). Under different ownership now, with slightly smaller menu, but Commonwealth still has good coffee and food, great beer, a very warm and welcoming vibe, and wonderful staff.
Hannah R.
I've been coming here for years and love it every time. The coffee is amazing (saving grace latte especially), the food is delicious (hello chicken salad sandwich), and the people are the best. Perfect for a morning pick me up, work spot in the afternoons, and soccer games any time of day. An Oakland staple
Wendell Laidley
Long wait times. I was scolded by the staff for walking to the restroom without a mask. If you’re gonna yell at patrons for not wearing a mask while going to the bathroom, you better provide extra masks for free. Saying “sorry, we ran out” is not an acceptable answer, especially when most other places don’t require them so people don’t carry them.
Terrible customer service as soon as we walked in we were treated like it was a complete inconvenience for us to be there. Didn't even want to spend money here based on the greeting we got. I'd recommend you take your money to Oaklandia Cafe around the corner better coffee and service.
Kevin L.
Wow, the chicken salad sandwich was probably the best I've ever had! Although the chicken was on the dry side, the acids, arugula, and apples were a great balance! Give me more! We also ordered the chicken pot pie. Flavors were spot on but the potatoes were undercooked a bit.
Kh'jeán Khalid Anderson
Love the breakfast sandwich and would highly recommend the lavender latte with oatmilk. Perfect temperature, lovely presentation, friendly staff.
Robert V.
I searched for breakfast restaurants open near me. Found the Commonwealth and was very much looking forward to ordering a sausage roll for breakfast. Checked the hours and menu on the website,. Then, I walked 3/4 of a mile to get there. When I arrived the guy behind the bar demanded my "vax card" then asked if I wanted carry out or dine in. As I went to answer him, he then stated that they were only serving drinks and not food, and asked if that's okay? I said no, I walked here for the food. No apologies or recommendation for next time offered. I had to ask if it this information was posted online anywhere. Then another employee jumped in (who I wasn't speaking to) and flippantly told me that it was in their "Instagram stories" as if I should somehow know that or expect that. Again, no apology or open ear. I don't have an Instagram, so it's blue really an option for me. They seemed glad be rid of me once I left. Frequent patrons may know to religiously check Instagram to find out if a restaurant services food, but new customers will probably be turned off by this practice. I know I was. Communication: 1/5 Attitude/friendliness of staff 2/5 Food ?/5 Who knows? This is a restaurant that decides not to serve food on a whim, apparently. Maybe you have to order through a Tik Tok dance? I'm not sure. I never made it that far.
Larry McCroskey
One of my favorite pubs. Great place for a few pints, a perfectly made scotch egg, and a place to watch a soccer match. The staff is friendly and kind, the ambience is comfortable, and the food great. I highly recommend.
Used to be great place to watch football. Last few experiences with new ownership were not good. Hope it turns around....
We have been coming here for the last few months to enjoy a beer or two while waiting for a family member to finish up a weekly appointment up the hill. They have a great selection of beers and ciders. I can always find something I want to drink! Staff is always super friendly and take care in serving. The menu changes up every once in a while - but you can always count on the food being really yummy. The staff isn't afraid to help point you to the best items, this is a good place to ask what's good. When they say the grilled cheese is bomb (currently not available) it's no joke. Everything the staff has recommended is off the hook! Homemade items and well prepared vegan options too (that exceed expectations for those non-vegans... don't let "vegan" stop you at this place). Love love love this spot. The indoor vibe is chill, outdoor is relaxing (even with a busy street). We bring the dog with us and tie him up to the converse bike rack tables. Lots of cute dogs walk the area too... calling those dog lovers It's a great spot. Worth a visit. Cool for hangout, cool to work at. Nothing but good things to say about Commonwealth.
This is a hidden gem. Stopped by for coffee and ended up staying for hours snacking and sipping. Very friendly staff, good booth seating, and great selection of food too. Will be coming back for the pub treatment later. Probably a good place to catch some football (soccer) with some pints later.
Really love this place! One of my go to spots when I visit from Seattle. Everything I've tried is scrumptious and the staff are super friendly.
Beer and coffee, great selection. Watched Liverpool game with bunch of other soccer fan crowds, extra fun.
Love the atmosphere, staff, and drinks. The food selection and draft beers are much more limited than pre-pandemic but I'm just glad they're still open!
Love this place. I spent a lot of time here pre-pandemic and after staying away from any indoor dining for two full years, I was happy to see that they had not only survived, but were also very COVID-conscious (beyond local mandates). Under different ownership now, with slightly smaller menu, but Commonwealth still has good coffee and food, great beer, a very warm and welcoming vibe, and wonderful staff.
I've been coming here for years and love it every time. The coffee is amazing (saving grace latte especially), the food is delicious (hello chicken salad sandwich), and the people are the best. Perfect for a morning pick me up, work spot in the afternoons, and soccer games any time of day. An Oakland staple
Long wait times. I was scolded by the staff for walking to the restroom without a mask. If you’re gonna yell at patrons for not wearing a mask while going to the bathroom, you better provide extra masks for free. Saying “sorry, we ran out” is not an acceptable answer, especially when most other places don’t require them so people don’t carry them.
Disrespectful to customers
Restaurantji Recommends
Terrible customer service as soon as we walked in we were treated like it was a complete inconvenience for us to be there. Didn't even want to spend money here based on the greeting we got. I'd recommend you take your money to Oaklandia Cafe around the corner better coffee and service.
Wow, the chicken salad sandwich was probably the best I've ever had! Although the chicken was on the dry side, the acids, arugula, and apples were a great balance! Give me more! We also ordered the chicken pot pie. Flavors were spot on but the potatoes were undercooked a bit.
Love the breakfast sandwich and would highly recommend the lavender latte with oatmilk. Perfect temperature, lovely presentation, friendly staff.
I searched for breakfast restaurants open near me. Found the Commonwealth and was very much looking forward to ordering a sausage roll for breakfast. Checked the hours and menu on the website,. Then, I walked 3/4 of a mile to get there. When I arrived the guy behind the bar demanded my "vax card" then asked if I wanted carry out or dine in. As I went to answer him, he then stated that they were only serving drinks and not food, and asked if that's okay? I said no, I walked here for the food. No apologies or recommendation for next time offered. I had to ask if it this information was posted online anywhere. Then another employee jumped in (who I wasn't speaking to) and flippantly told me that it was in their "Instagram stories" as if I should somehow know that or expect that. Again, no apology or open ear. I don't have an Instagram, so it's blue really an option for me. They seemed glad be rid of me once I left. Frequent patrons may know to religiously check Instagram to find out if a restaurant services food, but new customers will probably be turned off by this practice. I know I was. Communication: 1/5 Attitude/friendliness of staff 2/5 Food ?/5 Who knows? This is a restaurant that decides not to serve food on a whim, apparently. Maybe you have to order through a Tik Tok dance? I'm not sure. I never made it that far.
One of my favorite pubs. Great place for a few pints, a perfectly made scotch egg, and a place to watch a soccer match. The staff is friendly and kind, the ambience is comfortable, and the food great. I highly recommend.