Commonwealth Cafe & Public House: The Perfect Spot for the Common Public
One of my very favorite places in Oakland to enjoy a pint has recently closed due to a kitchen fire. I’m not sure when re-opening is due to happen, but I hope it’s quick and relatively painless for those who run this wonderful establishment.
Located on Telegraph Ave. in Oakland this part-time coffee shop, part time pub has everything for everyone. It’s the perfect hideaway on a rainy weekend day. Pull a couple of stools up to their make-shift barrel tables or cozy up on a bench seat in a small room attached to the main dining room. Either way you’re ready to enjoy the homey comfort of Commonwealth. Here you can find groups of people slamming steins together in cheers, people drinking espresso and working on laptops or reading books, and couples holding hands over pints of ale.
The transition from café to pub usually goes under way around 5 in the afternoon, just in time to take a gander at their delicious and authentic menu. I always notice many a Shepard’s Pie being indulged in around the room and the rest of the menu is equally as fitting for this Scottish/English Gastropub. House Pickles, Scottish Eggs, Split Pea Soup, a wide variety of ‘Toasties’, ‘Butties’, Beans and Toast and of course, Guinness Stew and Macaroni & Cheese. Nothing on the menu ventured over $10 and the French Onion Soup is nothing short of marvelous in the most belly-warming sense.
I always leave this pub with a sense of warmth and comfort that seems to enter your system through the bright clientele, the smell of strong dark coffee, the sweet hops in your pints, and the melted cheese in pretty much everything they offer to eat. It seems to be the perfect haven to retreat to when the weather is merciless, when you want to hunker down and be cozy, play a couple hands of cards and enjoy a really quality pint of beer with someone who will splendor in the afternoon as much as you will.
Commonwealth Cafe & Public House
2882 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
510-663-3001
Mon-Sat: 9:00am – 10:30pm
Sunday Brunch: 9:00am – 3:30pm
