New York City is the empire state for bars—you can find one on almost every corner as you walk through the streets. Such overwhelming plethora of options will leave you stranded in Alphabet City on a Sunday night when you are looking for a place to end the weekend just the right way. With music pouring out through the door, Common Ground Bar and Restaurant will pull you in by its alluringly classy yet laid back atmosphere, making it the perfect place to grab a drink or two and enjoy some live music on a cool, breezy, Sunday night.
Elegant chandeliers and rustic candles light up this modern speakeasy. Menus are placed on antique looking trunks that double as edgy tables. The room reminded me of a charming library one would find in an old style mansion—bookshelves and portrait paintings lined the dark brick walls. You are welcomed into this relaxing establishment by the sound of intriguing conversation over acoustic guitar and country rock, and the alluring smell of hot comfort food.
The menu has a slew of fancy finger foods as well as a variety of delicious Panini’s and sandwiches. Whether your in the mood to treat yourself to an enticing meal, simply snack on some hot feta pita crisps, or try something different like the almond stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, this place is a perfect place to get some swanky food. They also have a variety of specialty cocktails and 12 draft beers available at their extensive bar, making this a great place for the 21+ plus crowd in Alphabet City. They keep their customers coming back with great deals, having various specials throughout the week including weekend lunch with unlimited Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, and Well drinks, and $3 drafts on weekdays!
Every Sunday night starting roughly around 8 is open-mic night here. You can grab a beer and let your inner rock star come out on the makeshift stage set up in the lounge. The sign up sheet is put up at the bar at 7 and is open to anyone who wants to have a 20-minute jam sesh in front of a cheerful audience. Country rock and acoustic seemed to be the crowd’s favorite at this laid back bar; courageous pedestrians gracefully take generous gulps of whiskey before grabbing their guitar and singing their hearts out.
The lounge also has a selection of classic board games such as Jenga and Connect Four, which customers really do take advantage of throughout the night. So don’t worry, take this as a chance to indulge in some childhood favorites and regress back into a state of simplicity. There are also trivia nights every Wednesday at 9 PM where you can win prizes… maybe a free beer?!
Common Ground is loaded with good music, tasty food, great deals on drinks, and lots of things to do, so you can stop looking and make this the spot to spend your night!
-Neetu Verma
206 Avenue A (bet. 12th St. & 13th St.), Tel: (212) 228-6231, Mon-Wed 4:00PM – 2:00AM, Thurs-Fri 4:00PM – 4:00AM, Sat 12:00PM – 4:00AM, Sun 12:00PM – 2:00AM
No Comments | Posted on September 25, 2012 | Categories: Attractions, Dining, From the Blog, Manhattan, Nightlife
