North Park has long been void of a reliably hip and tasty after-hours diner where late art gallery hoppers and early pub-crawlers can come together at the same hot basket of sweet potato fries. To 30th Street's newest tenant, The Commonwealth Café, we say: It's About Time.
Forget Denny's - Commonwealth is all about local class with a retro edge. Slide yourself onto a glittery kelly green vinyl bar stool or into a similarly snazzy booth circling a tabletop of resin and pennies to enjoy traditional staples of omelets, burgers, baked potatoes, and fries. Be sure to ask the ever-attentive tattooed waitstaff for their recommendation; chances are, they'll steer you in the direction of the diner's legendary Blue Fries (french fries smothered in blue cheese and green onions), the spicy buffalo wings, or local favorite, the Texas Football (fresh chili sprinkled with cheddar cheese and Fritos corn chips buried inside). Other popular menu items include their veggie burgers, mac & cheese, and hard-to-beat lemonade.
Open until midnight every night of the week, Commonwealth offers up a mellow vibe (and sweet, classic tunes) for couples, families, or big groups of pals. Spend the evening walking down Ray Street for Ray at Night, or head over for a bite before hitting the Bluefoot Bar just next door. Parking is rarely a problem, even on a Friday night. That said - Commonwealth is not a large place and the lack of tables contributes nicely to its charm. If you arrive with a group and the large booth is already taken, it's definitely worth it to wait around.
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