Common Ground Bar & Grill
| Address: | 319 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474, USA |
| Phone: | +1 781-728-0060 |
| Site: | commongroundarlington.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
JU
Jules Paulk Procopio
Nice to have a good burger in the hood. Theirs is a thick burger. It is charred on a grill and seasoned simply. The toasted bun is a soft, thick, golden, brioche, egg bread that stands up well to the juice and heft of the burger itself. It is served with a crisp leaf of lettuce, a fresh, thick slice of tomato (good enough to eat on its own) and above average pickles. The cooks do a great job at getting the temperature right (I like medium, which is actually really hard to do with a burger). Weve been there for a burger 15 or more times since they opened and all but once it was delicious and satisfied that craving for a reasonably priced meaty burger. This is actually a really difficult thing to do - Im picky. Most places fail - even the mythical Craigey burger has failed us at times. The fries at A-towns Common Ground are from fresh taters and quite tasty - obviously not from frozen. For an additional price you can sub out tater tots for the fries, and they are perfectly executed. Crispy, salty, glassy crunch on the outside and soft, hot, potato pulp on the inside. You can also get a basket of truffled tater tots if you choose. On the down side, a burger can go horribly wrong if the grill cook is having a bad day or simply gets the burgers on the grill mixed up which did happen one time. That one time the burger was dry and tasted like creosote from a dirty grill. That was months ago and like I mentioned only happened once. Who knows what happened that time but all other times its has been 2 thumbs up. The management has been very attentive, gracious, and responsive. They want to get it right. There is one waitress whose name I should recall who is amazing at remembering people and their orders and is very friendly - all around excellent ambassador and waitress. Weve done casual business entertaining there with great success. Although, I cannot resist the burger, others have ordered different items ranging from bbq ribs, pasta, buffalo chic macaroni and cheese, salmon and so on and all tastes have been pleasing. When desserts are fresh they are yummy - sadly sometimes they taste of the refrigerator. The lemon trifle with fresh berries was recommended by the manager and delicious the first time but stale the 2nd time. They need to work on delivery and quality control on the desserts - which again is hard in a restaurant of this size and sporadic volume. On Sunday nights they have live music, no cover charge - yay live music! And they have a large backroom that can be used for private functions. The decor is straightforward pub/bistro. The only thing that bothers is the attempted decor humor of the front podium lamp - a replica of the leg lamp from the movie A Christmas Story. Its not welcoming or inviting. Best thing that could happen to Common Ground is for them to have enough business to thrive. Restaurants tend to serve best when they have a bustling rhythm, which is still being found and worth supporting. Ideally theres enough business to support the neighboring Madrona Tree next door too, which is yummy and does a good business with a different slant (grass-fed beef burger, farm to table). Try Madronas Mint Chocolate Chip Frappe for dessert omg good!
DA
David Bortone
Overall really enjoyed my first visit. Sat all the way down the far end of the bar. The bartender was busy and was not particular friendly and did not really greet us even as he cleared the spots but he eventually came around. Service was a bit slow but ultimately worth the wait. After a couple of margaritas we went all-out for the comfort food -- the "disco fries" (with cheese and gravy) are a must and Id probably go back just for those.. The mac & cheese was good, as was the cranberry salad, grilled cheese and yummy tomato soup. They have great beers on tap and the highlight (for me) is their $12 beer flights - 4 samples of any beer (like 3oz each), then a full one of your choice. I will go back and recommend giving it a try!
PE
Peter Denham
Went here last Saturday with some friends to check it out. Luckily we got the last 3 seats at the bar ~9pm, but that was the highlight of the night. Took 15 mins before the before a barman gave us menus. When we had his attention he was great at recommending beers, encouraging us to try a few. After staring at the bottom of our empty glasses for another 20 mins we took the hint that service was not their forte and paid cash on the bar and left. Didnt try the food but I heard the bread basket is meant to be good. Has potential but their bar men could be more attentive.
MI
Michael Watson
I think this is a great addition to the local Arlington eating and nightlife scene. Very happy with the bartenders; knowledgeable & friendly. I think the front door is wonderful and has been every time Ive been there. Allston DNA very much needed in A-town. Well-priced, well-prepared pub food and particular highlights include their Scotch of the week special (usually a single-malt for $8 or less) and $12 "beer flights"; 4 samples + 1 full glass of any beer youd like. Cant beat that.
CH
Christopher Brusberg
Nice clean dining area. Good and friendly service. Nice beer selection. Beer and food got to our table quickly on a Friday night. However the food was horrible and too expensive for the price. Both the pork and the hamburger were dry and bland. They also seemed to be very poor qualities of meat: fatty and rubbery. Fries and finger foods were better. Go for a beer with friends not for a meal out.
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Ryan Levering
This place has the best beer selection Ive found in Arlington so far. Their food was ok, but not stellar. The tater tots were recommended and they tasted like the ones you buy at the store. The fries were very good, particularly the appetizer with gravy and cheese. The entrees were good, but forgettable. Ill probably go here for beers and apps in the future.
KI
Kimi Ceridon
Nice to have a casual bar in the neighborhood. The beer selection is okay, but could use some better thought. The wines are pretty basic. The menu is too ambitious for the skill of the kitchen. For a basic, casual. local pub, they are missing a few staples on the menu - steak tips, fish and chips, etc.
CH
Cha Cha
Awesome food reasonably priced great menu and specials menu great variety of alcoholic drinks lots to choose from ! Enjoyed sitting outside on their patio but inside was nice too ! Friendly staff, love the Irish Reuben and the common ground lemonade alcoholic drink!
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Sami Alajaji
Modern and arranged tastefully. The view and patio right in the center of Arlington cannot be neat. Their beer and sandwich selection is great, the salads I tried a bit less lustrous. Overall a fun place to hangout during the day and in the evening.
KU
kurt maclaurin
A nice, casual bar in Arlington. Exactly what the town needs. Great place to grab a casual drink with friends. Rumor has it they will set up a beer garden in the summer time. If thats the case Id definitely give it five stars.
MA
Matt Moseman
If you are in arlington and you want a drink, this is the place. Not that you have much choice in the matter, but the cocktail list, and selections of beer and spirits go on like the menu at a new jersey diner.
