Common Ground Bar and Eatery - Sylvan Park

Our experience started off wonderful with a surprise that we were still in time for happy hour. Our waitress was wonderful and made sure that we understood everything on and off the menu. Drinks and food were fabulous and the ambience of the restaurant was very nice for talking. We are going to add this restaurant to our my flea rotation.

Loved every detail. Food and cocktails on point. Owner Wes and Megan who gave us the best service - FANTASTIC. Bunch of adults met here for the kick-off to a weekend - we stayed for hours, made our way through the cocktail list - never rushed. Loved every moment.

My boyfriend and I went to Common Ground last night (Friday), and while it was unusually quiet for a weekend, the staff immediately made us feel welcomed. We were seated right away, and the service was exceptional from start to finish. Our waitress (whose name I wish I'd gotten) was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for us. I ordered the Steak and Potatoes, and it did not disappoint! The portion size was just right, the flavor was incredible, and I actually cleaned my plate (which is rare for me). The entire experience felt personal and thoughtfully tailored to us. I can't recommend this place enough. We'll definitely be back!

We had a yummy early lunch on Saturday. Took my sister in law for the first time. I'm sure she will be back as will I. Between us we had salad, the lox plate and the frittata. All very good.

I loved the ambience of Common Ground. I felt extremely comfortable and relaxed while sipping my delicious caramel latte. The lox with salad was very tasty and satisfying. I will probably return to try another dish on the menu. The server was very gracious and attentive.

Love the menu which has something for everyone and so yummy. Nicest waitress and so patient with our two children. Will definitely be back!

My husband and I dined here and thought it was fantastic! Our food was amazing - I ordered the chicken katsu and it's one of the best meals I've had in a long time. My husband ordered the pasta special and loved it. The sourdough bread was to die for and we had plenty to take home for the next day. Service was also stellar. It was not busy at all and I can't understand why. This restaurant is wonderful. I hope it lasts!

Despite being what appeared to be short staffed tonight, the service was exemplary and warm. Thanks so much!

The service was great. The place looks fine, but the plants were fake, tacky. The beef lettuce wraps were delicious. Other
dishes were well conceived, yet execution had some wins and mostly bigger fails. Scallops were seared fine, but there were only 4 small pieces. Pablano corn succotash was overcooked, heavy and thick sauced, bland in flavor with no acidity or natural corn sweetness...hoped for a lighter, brighter, fresher side dish. The waitress brought some good carrots out to replace the corn. Chicken Katsu was cooked well but had no seasoning, and the vinegar cabbage was no match for the large amount of marmalade. The rice was a dense pile of mush and no detectable furakake. Salads could have been saved if the peaches had some help with perhaps a candied spiced pecan to balance the super salty black cherry vinaigrette which had no cherry flavor..maybe a touch of honey in the vinaigrette would help. It wasn't hard to get a reservation on a Saturday, and I don't see this place lasting much longer. Seems like the owners have just stopped checking in. We went to Hugh Babys across the road afterward for some satisfaction. I paid 36 for the 4 scallops and some carrots.

The server was nice but not super attentive. Food and drinks were delicious and the atmosphere was very nice. This place is really good but it's overpriced.

The service was great. The place looks fine, but the plants were fake, tacky. The beef lettuce wraps were delicious. Other dishes were well conceived, yet execution had some wins and mostly bigger fails. Scallops were seared fine, but there were only 4 small pieces. Pablano corn succotash was overcooked, heavy and thick sauced, bland in flavor with no acidity or natural corn sweetness...hoped for a lighter, brighter, fresher side dish. The waitress brought some good carrots out to replace the corn. Chicken Katsu was cooked well but had no seasoning, and the vinegar cabbage was no match for the large amount of marmalade. The rice was a dense pile of mush and no detectable furakake. Salads could have been saved if the peaches had some help with perhaps a candied spiced pecan to balance the super salty black cherry vinaigrette which had no cherry flavor..maybe a touch of honey in the vinaigrette would help. It wasn't hard to get a reservation on a Saturday, and I don't see this place lasting much longer. Seems like the owners have just stopped checking in. We went to Hugh Babys across the road afterward for some satisfaction. I paid 36 for the 4 scallops and some carrots.

Stopped in to grab brunch on our drive through Nashville to Indy. Can’t say enough about the experience. Great service, cool laid back atmosphere, and food was amazing. They take simple foods and turn them into a next level flavor experience. This IS an absolute must try destination.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Common Ground was an amazing experience! We went for burger week, which was phenomenal, and really enjoy the fingerlings and asparagus! The restaurant was packed and only had one server but he crushed it, can't wait to be back :)

Both times I have been here everything has been great and the servers/bartenders are awesome!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

As a professional chef with two Michelin stars to my name, I approach dining out with an open mind and a deep respect for the craft. That said, here’s my honest take on my recent visit:

The service, while friendly, was noticeably absent throughout the meal. Our server greeted us warmly but rarely checked in—a detail that shouldn’t be overlooked in any hospitality setting.

The Bloody Marys, while possessing a balanced flavor profile, were disappointingly small. More critically, the pour was so light it barely registered—even for someone like me who doesn’t require much to feel the effects. Cocktails should be consistent not only in flavor but in potency, and this missed the mark.

The appetizers had thoughtful seasoning, and I can appreciate the intention behind them, but the portion-to-price ratio is simply off. At $13, I expected either a more generous serving or a dish that offered something I couldn’t replicate at home.

Unfortunately, the entrées were even more underwhelming. Every dish we ordered could be replicated in a standard home kitchen within 20 minutes. As someone who has spent years in professional kitchens, the goal of dining out is to experience something distinct, something that reflects a chef’s unique vision or technical mastery. Here, I found neither.

Bottom line: if you’re looking for elevated cuisine or a dining experience that inspires, this isn’t it. While I respect the effort behind the menu, most guests with basic cooking skills could recreate these dishes at home with ease.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3