The Commons » Reviews

Customer reviews in 2012

Chris — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:07:54 +0000

VARIOUS CUSTOMER REVIEWS & RANTS 2012

Thank you to all for the nice-words and/or useful feedback. Always good to know what we do well, and where we could do better. Cheers!

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Erik M. Seattle, Washington, U.SA

“I have been by The Commons numerous times in the last few visits on my way to other Darlinghurst pubs and restaurants, and I was honestly looking for 13b this time around. But 13b was closed, so I popped across the street and immediately regretting not having made The Commons a destination much sooner.

I was just looking for a place to settle in and read my book over a couple glasses of vino, and the downstairs/downtown bar fit the bill to a T. It has a rustic, speakeasy atmosphere that’s casual, cool and comfortable. The bartender was a very pleasant chap who was deftly and effortlessly whipping up cocktails, pouring drinks, and making small talk with everyone who made their way to his bar.

The background music was primarily a mix of jazz that created a perfect background for the quiet conversation and occasional round of laughter erupting from one of the handful of tables tucked into the various rooms.

For my final drink, I migrated upstairs to the patio so I could enjoy what looked to be one of the last pleasant evenings the week was going to offer, and while it wasn’t as comfortable as the bar, it was a nice change, even if they were playing Cat Stevens.

There are a number of bars in this town I’ve added to my “must revisit” list, but I think The Commons may be the only one I realistically expect to revisit before I head home this time.”

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Rachel Q. Randwick

“This is a great little hidden treasure, located on a small side street off of Crown. My flatmate had recommended this place. There is a nice outdoor area, as well as some tables by the fire. There’s also a cool little basement area for drinks and blues music.

Came here with a date for dinner. Ordered a bottle of wine for about $37, which was the cheapest, but it was nice. We started with the prawns and I got the snapper with carrot mash, my date got the duck confit. The food was delicious, the service was great.

Overall, the place has an awesome vibe, great for food, drinks and a fun night. It’s not cheap but not too pricey.”

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Dom P. Burbank, California, USA

“I’ll start with the restaurant. The food here is never disappointing. I had so many great meals here, I can’t even tell you what is my favorite thing. The staff is always great. Attentive and friendly.

The real reason I spent so much time here was the small bar downstairs. In this great little place, I found music that made me so incredibly happy. I was fortunate to stumble upon Jesse and James playing the blues one night and their incredible talent kept me coming back time and time again. If you get the chance to go and see these guys play, do so. Do yourself a favor and go see them before they are discovered and become big stars. Then you can say, “I saw those guys back in the day.” Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Trust me! Go see them.

The bar staff downstairs are also really nice, and I enjoyed many a wonderful bottle of wine, and quite a few well made cocktails in my many visits.

Tell ‘em Don says hello.

Enjoy!”

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Teri Y. Chicago, USA

“This eating house is everything rustic and vintage. It goes back to the basics of using fresh seasonal ingredients and having a meal without any pretensions. I think Jamie Oliver will love everything that The Common represents. The farmhouse setting and wooden tables and chairs add to the charming vibe of this place.

I had the breakfast item of corned beef hash with poached egg. I want to call the poached egg magical because I had no idea it was even possible to make poached eggs this perfectly. The egg was solid oval on the outside but very very delicate and when I took a bite into it, the egg white and yolk were still in semi liquid form which literally melted in my mouth. The corned beef hash was fresh and well seasoned. My husband ordered the lunch item of BBQ pork ribs. I tried some of it and couldn’t stop raving about it (I generally am not even a fan of ribs). The meat was soft, almost falling off the bone, and the glaze was just perfect. The roasted corn on the cob was a very nice rustic and delicious touch to it.

Word has it that The Commons was born out of a group of friends who wanted a place where friends could gather for a simply good meal in a down-to-earth setting and I think this place is a gem. The sandstone wall in a farmhouse setting completes it all. Love love love this place.”

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Barry T. Sydney

“The downtown bar has a very prohibition-era / speakeasy feel to it, a great place if you are into the small bar scene. Some delicious cocktails to be had.

Also the farmhouse set menu for groups is also very reasonably priced (which is a 3 course meal).”

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Dom A. Sydney

“The Commons is a cool little cafe by day which turns in to a cool little cafe at night. Whilst I’ve only enjoyed a coffee during the day (which was good mind you), I’m yet to sample the breakfast and lunch delicacies although if it’s anything like the dinner bar menu then I’m sure it’s a winner.

Usually me and friends go for a drink and share breads and dips and all that sort of stuff but one night my companion and I decided to splash out and treat ourselves to the fish pie and steak and boy are we thankful we did!

I like the stoned wall interior and wooden floor boards and the courtyard is quite.. pretty (ok that’s a touch feminine but it is!). The atmosphere is always nice and relaxed and during the warmer months you can hire old vintage bicycles for the day and they’ll even supply you with a hamper. It’s a really good idea but I must admit, seems like too much hard work for me!”

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Alecia W. Sydney

‘Dining at The Commons is like heading over to your mate’s place for delicious home cooked meals, but with a heritage dining room and friendly waiter service. Housed in a beautiful sandstone building, the humble façade welcomes guests through wrought iron gates and into a farmhouse-like space with low ceilings and long timber benches.

Menus created by the kitchen are all about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients used to create classic dishes, so you’ll find plenty of specials to accommodate for the best and most readily available ingredients. Visiting for the first time with a francophile friend, we opted to share the duck liver pate with cornichons, served simply on a wooden board with slices of toasted bread. I followed up with a rich lasagne layered with house made pasta sheets – according to our waiter, just like his nonna makes it.

The meals on offer were quite simple, but everything tasted great and knowing that the chefs are using sustainable produce is a definite plus. I’ve not yet visited their lower level bar, Downtown, but hear it has quite the following in Friday nights.’

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Seaton K. Sydney

“Down on Burton Street, away from the loud rampant partying of Oxford Street lies a small restaurant and pub called The Commons. But there is nothing common about this place.

You enter through the courtyard. Tables scattered behind a wrought iron fence. The alfresco mood of this space makes me imagine a place like Naples, though I’ve never been nor do I know anything about it, but it feels inspired.

There is table service for the restaurant element of the venue, but also for the drinks. Which I must say are a little pricey, though we may have ordered a fancy kind of beer as I’m sitting with two beer connoisseurs who like to try new boutique ales when they can.

“$9 for a bottle? Okay.” Don’t want to look cheap. “Thank you.” [Seaton pays begrudgingly.]

Then downstairs is where the real fun starts. There’s a small room filled with books and a piano and it has a Victorian feel to it. We shot a music video here once as we felt it gave off the vibe of a hunters lodge in Colonial times. Of course we added the necessary Deer heads and animal foetuses in jars, but the place looked a treat.

It’s a slightly pricey establishment, bordering on exclusive but not quite there and I’m sure many will find enjoyment and tranquility within it’s confines. Though one thing is for certain, it is anything but Common.”

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Leah W. Sydney

“The small cocktail bar culture is really starting to grow wings here in Sydney. It seems like every week, a new special little place crops up somewhere. And usually it’s the no-sign, secret password, spin-around-5-times-and-wiggle-your-ears-for-entry type of place.

I went to the basement of Commons on a Wednesday for a nightcap. It was virtually empty down there, which my friends assured me was an absolutely fluke. The stone walls, low ceiling and shadowy lighting gave me that “I don’t know if we should be down here” feeling. With glass vases, a minimalistic case of stacked books, and an old piano, it felt a little like your alcoholic granddad’s secret basement speakeasy- the place he might escape for a cheeky little scotch before supper. The Common’s atmosphere, coupled with its thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu, proved to me without question that this dirty little secret is definitely one worth sharing. But please, keep it at a whisper.”

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Jake T. Sydney

“Sydneysiders have been yearning for something with substance, sophistication and style for several years. Yes, you’ve got Zeta Bar and the numerous tourist haunts in Darling Harbour but nothing catering to locals who want a nice cocktail with a great chilled out atmosphere. Then came along The Commons, a place that oozes coolness yet doesn’t ooze attitude (something quite rare for Sydney).

The Lamborghini Gallardo parked outside when I was there tells a lot about the clientele (and prices) at this establishment but don’t be deterred. I was really impressed with this bar. There is nothing quite like entering a venue that makes you feel genuinely welcome.

The upstairs restaurant is very nice however the true jewels lie in the basement. As I walked down the stairs to the bar I could hear a roar of people and laughter with the familiar sound of jazz music. The bar is definitely ‘cozy’ (translation: ’small’) but it has a great friendly beatnik atmosphere. I ordered a Caprioska ($18) from the Bartender while my friend was still reading through the copious number of cocktails on the menu. The Bartender was really attentive, he asked my friend ‘what sort of cocktails do you like? I’ll make you something special’. Needless to say, my friend said it was definitely the best cocktail he has ever had. The Caprioska was worth every cent, not just for the drink but also for the atmosphere that comes along with it.”

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Ana S. Sydney

“My partner and I have been searching for another “grown up” location and The Commons delivers. They’ve created a warm atmosphere, great food and drinks and a cool vibe that is neither pretentious nor trendy. The front patio outside has a communal style adorned with church pews and school desks. In the dining room on the main level, they keep it cozy in the cool months by lighting one of their fireplaces that gives it a nice rustic feel. Downstairs holds the intimate bar and sounds of cool jazz can be heard over the lively conversations. I’ve only had dinner here and I can assure you that their food philosophy is right on. The menu is limited, but they focus on seasonal, local ingredients that you can truly taste in their dishes. The house-made pasta of the day is fantastic and when the chicken parmigiana is on the menu it is one of the best. It can get quite busy so book if you have a group over 4. The service was also friendly, helpful and attentive. I’ve always had a good experience here and plan to keep it on my Surry Hills shortlist.”

SMH Ten Best Bars in Sydney

Chris — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:55:38 +0000

#5. The Commons
This cosy bar and restaurant has a great courtyard but what we really like is the sandstone subterranean basement bar, where they play 1950s music on an old record player and sometimes have live music. This summer there will be live blues every Wednesday from 8pm. The food is good, too, with specials changing every day – try the house-made pasta.

Address: 32 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm until late.

Drinks: Wine from $7 a glass, craft beers such as Lord Nelson Three Sheets for $8 and cocktails such as the Harvard (cognac, sweet vermouth and bitters) for $18 or a rye whiskey sour for just $13.

Atmosphere/vibe: 10/10

Cocktails: 9/10

Music: 10/10

Food: 9/10

Value: 10/10

Sustahood

Bob — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:45:39 +0000

While we certainly don’t claim to be perfect, we do aim to do the best we can do in terms of sustainability, and so we were very pleased to receive this lovely review from a recent visit by Sustahood; a web ‘resource and community for anyone interested in sustainability, and even those who aren’t’.

We Ate:
Seasonal Produce Plate:
Poached egg on a bed of asparagus with shaved parmesan
Cherry tomato and sourdough salad
Ricotta and lemon stuffed zucchini flowers
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Tart of the Day – Roasted red peppers and blue vein cheese with salad
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Caesar Salad
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Dessert – Fig, Almond and Thyme Tart

We Drank:
House white and James Squire Pilsner

The Commons ‘Local Eating House’ was born when a group of friends, including husband and wife owners Chris and Gab Moore decided that Sydney needed another way to drink and dine.

This is a stunning place. A 160 year-old sandstone building and courtyard is filled with hanging plants that brush your shoulders as you enter. The back garden is also filled with both native and exotic plants. A huge tree looms in the back garden which can be seen from almost everywhere in the restaurant.

The laid-back feeling is helped along huge communal tables- designed and built by the co-owners and sourced from sustainable timbers – soft lighting from low energy LED strip lights and staff that know the menu and produce back to front. The philosophy behind the way the business is run shines through all these small touches.

Their ethic or ‘food philosophy’ is to ensure they serve seasonal, local produce.

With most of their meat supplied by Feather and Bone, who pride themselves on sourcing and providing quality sustainable produce, The Commons adhere to this philosophy. And rather than going big and bombastic, the portions were all about less but better. As the venue manager said to me

We run a small menu based on what is available, rather than running a large menu that has to source ingredients from all over the place. This minimises food miles and wastage, while getting away from exhaustive choice which we believe is a social inefficiency. A small menu also means that we don’t need as much refrigeration. Voila.

The seasonal produce plate was fresh and the flavours full, with all the ingredients at their eating peak. I also couldn’t fault the tart of the day – roasted red peppers and blue vein cheese.

While I’m not the biggest Caesar Salad fan, this one was lovely. I’m not sure whether I enjoyed it because I never have them and so it was better than expected, or because it was genuinely excellent – either way, no complaints.

We were delighted to see figs feature on the menu. You cannot escape references to and recipes for figs at the moment. Even on a drive out to Camden on a recent weekend for a festival, properties selling figs were advertised all along Camden Valley Way. They’re definitely the fruit of the moment. Here’s hoping it’s because of this big seasonal supply, and not a food fad. In any case, we were not surprised, but not disappointed either to see a fig dessert. Biggest take away: fig, almond, thyme is a sensational combination.

On the whole, The Commons is a perfect place to spend an afternoon (or, as I know from a previous visit, an evening). Their philosophy extends beyond just their menu and they have established working relationships with a number of other organisations including Food Connect, GreenUps and the Centre for Sustainability Leadership.

It’s a great example of a places in Sydney that are doing it right when it comes to making good food and doing it with some thought.

The Commons has a fabulous blog where you can read more and keep up to date.

If you are interested in learning more about seasonal produce and sourcing it, see our article on the ‘Seasons’ app for iPhone.

Photo credits – Lara Ihnatowicz and Dan Boud

Gourmet Traveller

Bob — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:59:22 +0000

We are delighted to be included in Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best Breakfasts in Australia’, as featured in their November Issue. The Commons serves all-day, comforting, farm-style breakfasts and good coffee in our dining room and sunny courtyard. Bicycles, market bags, dogs, and bed hair all welcome. Weekends Only.

Corned beef hash with poached egg and confit cherry tomatoes, The Commons:
Tempted as we may be by the ricotta with coffee-poached dates, pistachios and honey, we just can’t say no to the trencherman’s treat of a nest of corned beef shreds, potatoes and tomatoes housing a gooey slow-poached egg. 32 Burton St, Darlinghurst, NSW, (02) 9358 1487

the(sydney)magazine review

Bob — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:21:55 +0000

The Commons was featured by The (Sydney)Magazine in a feature on Darlinghurst which included our neighbours Pocket Bar and Shady Pines Saloon.

“If only all pop-up bars spawned this kind of legacy. Almost immediately after The Pond evaporated following a three-month stint in January, it burst back into life in the same place but with a new moniker. The Commons is half bar, half restaurant and, here’s the page turner, half library. If it’s warm, sit in the courtyard. If it’s cool, head inside and top up the brain cells while you down a glass of Philip Shaw ‘The Idiot’ Shiraz ($10). The Commons is about organic food: look for dishes such as silverbeet, zucchini flower and ricotta ravioli ($20) or grilled squid with white beans and chorizo ($20)”

Time Out New Food Guide 2010

Bob — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:11:22 +0000

Housed in a heritage cottage with foliage tumbling from the rafters and a courtyard perfect for langurous grazing and solicitous neck-oiling, The Commons has fast become one of Sydney’s favourite bistro bars. Smartly sourced produce, home-style cooking and Genovese coffee mean fun morning, lunch and long into the night. Charcuteries of smallgoods and artisan cheeses seque into house-made ravioli and the famous free-range Commons parmigiana. Look for upcoming events themed to local produce, slow food and wine, takeaway picnic baskets and fruit boxes planned.

SMH Good Food Guide 2011

Bob — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 06:51:23 +0000

After nearly a year since opening, THE COMMONS Local Eating House was excited to be included in The SMH Good Food Guide 2011. It’s heartening to see that so many people identify with the importance of honest cooking, and are enjoying the environment that we have collectively created. Read the full review below.

“If you remember the original Different Drummer – a ’70s Darlo haunt of some note – you may have a few years on The Commons crowd. The young, beautiful and funky of today sit very prettily in the sandstone spaces where their young, beautiful and groovy parents once gathered. The communal dining tables are highly prized, so you may have to cool your heels in the cosy bar below, but with an interesting wine list, the sweetest service and antipasto platters to pick on , that’s no hardship. A rabbit terrine is chunkily good, tiny caramelised onions on goat’s curd-smeared toast even better. Pino’s cotechino slices on lentils lacked characteristic stickiness, but large cavolo nero-filled ravioli is delicious and a lasagne with pork an beef ragu hits the spot. A homey citrusy frangipane tart comes in a crisply rustic pastry shell. With big portions and tiny prices, high noise and low light levels, this is a Noughties haunt of note.”

Wine – Interesting Eclectic List

Chefs – Christopher and Gabrielle Moore

Owners – Christopher & Gabrielle Moore, Robert Barton.

Seats – 120; Private Dining Room, Outdoor Seating, Bar

Kid Friendly – High Chair

Vegetarian – 2 or 3 entrees, 2 to 4 mains

www.thecommons.com.au

And…. all-day hours are for the common good

Score 13/20

Qantas The Australian Way magazine

Noodle — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:16:29 +0000

The Commons was featured in the ‘Restaurants’ section of July’s Qantas ‘The Australian Way’ magazine. We were very happy to be included alongside restaurants that we admire such as Aria and Becco. Read the full review below.

“It’s great to see somewhere reviving the art of underselling and over delivering. The Commons is a rehabilitated worker’s cottage, decked out with timber furniture and mildly ironic vintage store flotsam and jetsam. It is, in short, a scene and many customers treat it more as a bar than a restaurant. However, this is not incompatible with the quality group-dining that the large tables and low prices foster. Order the likes of lasagna, the platters of salumi and the grunty pates and rillettes, and you’re sorted.”

Review by Pat Nourse

(small)LUST Review

Noodle — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:48:11 +0000

(small)LUST is a new-ish guide to Melbourne and Sydney that covers a tried and tested assortment of places, people and events.

Where The Pond once briefly lived for three months, The Commons now resides permanently. I was beyond relief to hear the owners hadn’t closed The Pond, but merely renamed the establishment, rehashed the menu and decorated the downstairs bar with vinyls and books (I then sold my house, took up residency at The Commons and lived happily ever after.)

Housed in a 160-year-old sandstone building with an open courtyard at the front and another at the rear, downstairs, the space has been collectively built by a group of people who are interested in things that are local, fresh, and simple. And it’s this simplicity that makes it so refreshing, homely and quietly amazing. The sandstone foundations, long wooden furniture, hanging ferns, candles lodged in walls, packed bookshelves with books and vinyls to peruse through, there’s nothing I don’t like about this place.

For its Coffee Cart and Breakfast, The Commons are open Monday–Friday 7am–Midday and 8am-midday on Weekends. As for Lunch and Dinner, swing by between Midday–Midnight on Mondays to Thursdays, and Midday-1am on Friday-Saturdays and Midday-11pm on Sundays. The Commons is all about organic cuisine so take a bite of the silverbeet, zucchini flower and ricotta ravioli or the grilled squid with white beans and chorizo. Yum-my. Antipasti and Light Meals range from $8 – $18 and Mains are $12 – $25.

With smiling patrons, yummy wines (and good recommendations) and antipasti available, The Commons should be your local eating house. And if you live over the bridge like myself, then move house. I now sleep in Burton Street. It’s proving a very popular street for quality drinks with great atmosphere.

Read the original article here.

The New York Times Review

Noodle — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:29:40 +0000

Image by Tony Sernack for The New York Times

We were humbled to be included in The New York Times ‘36 Hours in Sydney‘ article, published in the paper’s Travel section on April 10, 2010. Thank you to Celia McGee for taking the time to stop by on her fleeting visit to the city.

Read the original article here