In spite of the hipsters Me and my friends enjoy meeting there and hanging. Great patio & dog friendly. love it read more

Frankly, the bartender is judgmental, hypocritical, and uncool, so I am forced to give this place a low rating, even after enjoying it previously. Long story short, if you claim to have a policy of not allowing anyone under 21 into the bar, then you have to card everyone. Not just girls that look young, but are actually 28, and just happened to forget their ID. You can't arbitrarily decide not to ask for their co-workers' IDs, (we're all the same age) and then kick the girl out of the bar when one of them shared a drink with her. That's more than just unfair, it's discrimination. Woe betide women who merely have multiple credit cards, insurance cards, corporate badges and business cards to prove their worth at, let's not kid ourselves here, a dive bar in "South Slope." A certain black haired female bartender will prevent you from having a nice night with everyone else not forced to prove that they can drink legally for quite a while now. read more

Oh how I love my friendly neighborhood bar. It's the perfect combination of great ambiance/decor with laid-back vibe, great jukebox, and chill people. It may very well be the perfect bar. Also the bartenders are very good. I got plastered off a couple of really nice old fashioned bourbons and a Bombay Sapphire martini last night with my coworker Stefan. The perfect end to an obscenely stressful work week! The chalkboard outside on the sidewalk never fails to amuse with its genius little quips like "Suffering from painful sobriety? We can help!" They sure can... read more

Beer. Liquor. Now to the important stuff. When I walked in Neutral Milk Hotel was playing on the jukebox. What?!? Could the jukebox really be as awesome as the sign outside advertised? Hell yes, it could. The Breeders. The Replacements. New York Dolls. Son Volt. Mott the Hoople. R.E.M. (the great early stuff). Sugar. Dinosaur Jr. And on and on and on and on it went. And all at a quarter per song! This jukebox pretty much kicks the shit out of any internet jukebox. The main reason? I will never have to worry about hearing Creed at Commonwealth. read more

Great Jukebox, Patio, And well priced drinks At possibly my favorite slope bar. read more

Hands down my favorite bar in Brooklyn, nay, NEW YORK! The staff is uniformly amazing. This goes double for the owner Ray. The regulars are surprisingly regular and not too _____ (insert Brooklyn stereotype of choice - eg. goomba, hiptard, yuppy, ethnic, friendly, creative, smart). The bourbon selection is aways great and the Jagermeister is always well chilled. The coffee boy shot is a great way to start an evening. If you want food, get off your lazy ass and go half a block to Taco Nuevo or Joe's Pizza. Better yet get the menu from the big book behind the bar and have them bring it the 100yrds to your stool. In short, this is a good place but don't go there because knowing you, you'll just fuck it up. read more

Free popcorn, free condoms, pinball, board games, and a backyard patio make this a great bar with some cool features. They also sell DUB pies if you get hungry for something other than popcorn. Sadly smoking is allowed in the patio and anytime I've gone it just reaks of smoke but if you're a smoker it must be paradise. Drink prices are about average, most beers are $6 though they have a couple bottles and Yuengling on tap for $4. read more

Outdoor patio, good beer selection, bar tenders are attentive. What more could you want? Although the economy has minimized happy hour from what used to be a great deal to just $1 off drinks, it's still worth visiting when you're in the mood for a relaxing drinking environment. Like all bars, Friday/Saturday nights will be pretty crowded, so get there early enough if you want to get seating outside. Oh, and don't forget to write your name or something obscene on the chalkboards in the bathroom. read more

This is a great bar! Nice cozy atmosphere and a friendly vibe. Cute backdoor area as well. Ryan and Riff are the best bartenders ever too. This place feels warm. read more

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I had 15ish people hanging out with me on Saturday night for some lowkey birthday drinkin. We had no problem taking over the back area, but the place was nowehere near empty. Aside from a dandy in a crazy Gatsby suit, the pretension was non-existant, and the music was unmemorable (which is better than bad). I am so glad I live less than a block away. read more

My favorite bar in the slope. The juke box is stellar. Bartenders are friendly and I miss hanging out there Fridays after work with my friends. Whenever I'm back in town...I make sure to go back and have a beer. read more

Commonwealth - Chalkboard! - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I can't wait to start frequenting this place more often now that the weather is getting nicer. They have decently priced beer (the draft selection could be a little more diverse, but I can't be too picky). The jukebox is good, it's casual and laidback. And the patio! I went last Thursday, we got a table and some beers and broke out the Scrabble we had brought with us. It was a pleasant way to unwind after work. The patio will probably get more crowded as the summer approaches, but I think I can handle that. Definitely high on the list of bars to go to in the Slope. read more

Hanging tough as an awesome 5th ave Park Slope Staple. Dope juke, standard selection for beer and spirits for a BK joint, free popcorn, fine & friendly bartenders, and some good outdoor space to boot. Stop by, it's a sure shot for a chill time. read more

Commonwealth - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Probably my favorite bar in Park Slope, but for slightly unorthodox reasons. Don't come here expecting to be wowed by the ambiance, or the most complex cocktail and extensive beer offerings you've ever seen. Here, it's all about simplicity and consistency. Chill vibe, reasonable prices, quiet during the day (you'll catch patrons reading a book), free popcorn, decent outdoor space, and capable bartenders. read more

quite a few people here, comfortable place to hang out. outdoor seating reeks of cigarettes.. Overall? not bad. Bartenders were nice, beer was tasty tasty. read more

Commonwealth is my favorite bar to meet up with a friend or two at. The jukebox is second to none in the neighborhood (and the bartenders keep the volume at a perfect level, if you ask me). The lighting is dim and moody but the clientèle basically keeps to themselves and their party. I prefer Commonwealth's wood booths to those at Royale (just across the street). When the weather is warm, the backyard is open. There's lots of seating outside and a tremendous umbrella that stretches almost over the entire patio. And who could forget the year-round Christmas lights. Happy hour prices are OK and the bartenders are really nice. $15 minimum for credit cards. read more

My wife and I walked past this place early last night, and saw that they have an awesome patio out back, so we decided to go to dinner, then come back to Commonwealth. When we came back the patio was crowded, understandably, so we took a seat at the bar. Inside is nice, it had laid back atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, especially draft beers. All good so far. Then comes along the bar tender, who is an obnoxious jerk to us the whole time, treated us as if we were out of place, never once said please or thank you, or had any glimmer of friendliness about him. I couldn't care how amazing any bar looks, or how vast their drink selection is, it's inexcusable to act like that to anyone. read more

Good place to spend time with friends: cheap drinks, free bottomless popcorn, plenty of board games!!

Maybe 5 stars seems like a stretch for the neighbourhood dive bar, but I can't really complain about a single thing here. It's a convenient stumbling distance from my house, they have a decent cocktail list (though I stick to jameson & diets mostly, or jameson neat, keepin' it simple you know ...), the bartenders are all cute, friendly (but not fake nice), there's ample chalk to scribble down your drunken brilliance on the bathroom walls, and a jukebox to jam to when conversation starts to wane. I'm not quite sure what the complaints are about hipsters or rude people in the crowd since everyone pretty much minds their own business / is pretty relaxed here, but maybe I just get lucky since I go on off-nights (not fridays/saturdays). read more

They sell Smuttynose, normally that makes it mandatory by NYS law for me to like a bar. Couple a killer jukebox with a blackboard bathroom (create artwork while pissing ahoy!) and a large outdoor seating area and dimly lit interior that isn't obnoxiously loud. Therefore: (Sn + (Kjb^Bb)*Lo)/Ins = Good times. Or something, math was never my forte. read more

Commonwealth is a nice weeknight bar. I don't come here too often, but when I do, my friends and I like to snag a table on their awesome patio in the back. The vibe is very laid back and they have some interesting/quirky decorations on the wall that can start a decent conversation over some beers. I'm a fan of their pie + a pint deal. I believe it comes to a little under $10, not including tip. I also love their occasionally funny chalkboard signs. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but it's still a nice place to chill with friends or end a night of bar hopping. read more

Perfect reason why I love and miss brooklyn. Nothing like sippin' on some bourbon as a man comes over to you to try to sell you some giant socks while your enjoying your relaxing patio seat. read more

Every group of bros needs a bar for a post-game brecap and this is a good one. There's no food here but they have menus for almost every restaurant in the vicinity (Corner Burger is nearby!) so why add another kitchen to the mix. The beer selection is great, dark ambiance, patio and a pinball machine for good measure. I have yet to see this place overly packed. Bring cash cause there's a credit card minimum. read more

Very cool little find. I am from Westchester and was desperately looking for someplace decent in Brooklyn. Not crowded at all at 6:30 PM on a Saturday. Solid beer selection with very cheap bottles/cans and about a dozen on tap including several local offerings (Kelso, Blue Point, Brooklyn, Captain Lawrence). Upon arrival I stepped over a large dog (named Alpo) and nearly into a woman carrying a baby. I sat next to two mid 40-something men at the bar complaining about women. As odd a first impression as this might be, I still felt very comfortable and dug the quirkiness. The bartender was courteous and kind amidst his decorated skin. They do not have a kitchen, but do serve "pies" - Chicken Curry, Vegetable Curry, Shepherd's Pie, and something else - $6 individually, $10 combined with any pint. Quite a deal! Unfortunately, the pies are small for a growing boy like me, so you will need two. Three pints and 2 pies came to just $17. Love that math! You are also welcome to order delivery. If you're into the indie rock, it's a solid 15 minute walk from The Bell House, but a very cool place to pop into on the cheap before a show. Commonwealth presents a chill, fun vibe where almost anyone can feel at home. read more

Definitely a neighborhood spot for the locals. There was more plaid in that place than the first 4 seasons of Family Matters. Drinks were great, about $7 a pop if I'm not mistaken. Free popcorn! Nothin' wrong with that! I'd come back if I were passing through I suppose. Nothing remarkable to note. read more

Seriously one of my favorite bars. Nice/attentive bartenders, excellent beer selection, comfortable seating/area to move. If you're in the area, this is TOTALLY worth checking out. I will be back, especially to try to outdoor area. read more

Commonwealth, I love you. To me, you represent everything I love and cherish and miss about Brooklyn. You are neighborhoody and kind and full of old friends and creepo-s who take off their wedding rings (so that's not good, but let's forge ahead), and so many men with non-ironic mustaches that it starts to be a tad ironic, and girls with cute haircuts that I am super jealous of, and good music, and really nice normal people too. I don't know where I fit in that mix, but I'm loving it. read more

Positively LOVE this place. It's in the general vicinity of my neighborhood and has easily become a regular spot for me to stop while I'm out and about! Great vibes, free popcorn, reasonably priced happy hour, pinball machine, and one of my favorite parts ... they provide chalk so that you can write on the bathroom walls! They also have a very small but quaint patio if you prefer to sit outside. I'd also like to point out that it's not too hipster-ish, which is something I always notice. There's always a good blend of people hanging around. One night, I had a great drunken conversation with the owner and he was excited that he had just signed another 10 year lease, so congrats on that! read more

I love Commonwealth! Good atmosphere, personable bartenders, a great place to stop in and grab drinks quick or for the whole night. Awesome outside space as well with free wifi and plenty of outlets. Perfect for buckling down and working during the day. :) Fave surprise thing: Free popcorn! read more

Just stopped by for a pre-dinner drink and this bar's not bad! The hot apple cider with bourbon hit the spot on a chilly night and the draft list is well above average. Didn't have a chance to try the free popcorn or dabble with the games, but perhaps next time. read more

Gave this place a try for a friend of a friend of a friend's birthday outing. Nice little bar with a bit of personality. Gets a bit crowded inside but if the weather is decent, they have a huge patio out back where you can kick back a bit. Bartenders are cordial and attentive. And yes, there is a HUGE umbrella back there. Not sure I get what the attraction is there.. lol read more

This place gets the 4th star because of the open-air patio in the back! Average prices, but I can always count on Commonwealth to be 1) open all the way until 4am - yes even during the hurricane...; 2) have space to comfortably hang with friends; 3) amuse me with ridiculous quotes in the chalkboard bathroom and on the bulletin board adjacent to the bar. Be forewarned - if you get creeped out easily from strange figurines, try not to look around while inside. read more

Commonwealth is tons of fun! -FREE POPCORN -Jukebox -"Brutally Honest Personals" Wall - they have index cards and a big bulletin board for people to post "personal ads." -Good drink prices It can get crowded, but there's enough space that you don't feel cramped. read more

I sometimes have mixed feelings about Commonwealth. One night me and another friend took our coworker out to Commonwealth for drinks for her birthday. I was probably downing whiskey sours and trying to figure out which bathroom was for what sex. The three of us definitely had an awesome time, and the birthday girl earned herself a shot from one of the bartenders. Its a total dive and you usually get hit with an awesome smell of stale sweat and beer once you cross the threshold but all and all not terrible. Also the jukebox is cheap at .25 a song, although this also means that everyone wants to play their jams, so even though my friends and I put in our quarters we never heard our songs before we left. On another night me and my friend got aggressively carded (with half the people at the bar whipping around to see what was going on) and then given sideway glances by the bartenders for the rest of the night. We ended up having one drink then leaving. read more

I loved this bar. It was just a block up from my girlfriend's place, and we began and finished many a night here. It has a bit of a dive/punk bar feel, but is still pretty clean and not overwhelmingly loud. Seating is pretty good--I especially like the outdoor area, which you can go to even when it's cold outside. Drinks are good, and they always have some interesting cocktails such as hot spiced cidar in the winter. Prices are cheap, especially for New York, and you can order food in. Even on weekend, never gets TOO crowded. read more

Not may favorite hang, but it's pretty tolerable and really close to home. Well, it smells funky when you first walk in...needs more air flowin'...hello filtration....our whole party commented....and sure after a drink you get used to it, but can't be healthy. It was Saturday night. Royale was too packed (my fave). More space here, but I felt as if I were on a TV set ...everyone was soo styled. Not that it's a bad thing. I am a costumer, so I appreciate these things. Music was kinda sucky. Yeah.. Drinks strong... and we did score the big table in the front and didn't move from there. Not sure, but it's always something here that turns me off... but works in a pinch; especially when it's too cold out. read more

I headed to Commonwealth last Saturday to meet a friend. We wanted to grab a quick drink and we wanted to go somewhere that wasn't too busy. It was a little early, around 9:00, but it wasn't busy at all. There were people in the bar, but not a lot, so we ended up sitting and chatting for awhile. My friend got wine and I got a draft, both of which were around $6. The music wasn't too loud, which was great. The atmosphere was good as well. Nothing too fancy, but also not a dive. I would recommend this place if you are looking for something low-key. read more

This place used to be my neighborhood beauty salon. The gimlets are so yummy that I'm happy to have found a new place to get my hair cut. Plus, crossword puzzles. Damn, I'm a drunk nerd. Oh yeah. read more

Commonwealth is the best bar in the world. Long live the Commonwealth. read more

It's a great, low key joint on 5th. Doesn't that just roll nicely off the tongue? It feels good to say, because it's truly a quality bar. They have a great selection of beers, and their jukebox is endowed with tons of classic and modern hits. The people there are younger, mid-twenties to thirties, and everyone kind of looks like they belong in Brooklyn. This is the place for everyday people. The bar has a cool decor and warm ambiance, kind of dive-y but better. That word simply isn't good enough to describe it. They even have a patio out back! Just go, get a drink and absorb the scene. read more