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Mon / Mar 8
Party Earth Review Student-friendly Allston may be packed with all-too-similar “bar and grill” venues, but Common Ground stands out from the herd with its unique and extensive beer list, solid food, convivial neighborhood bar vibe, and a... ... read full review
85 Harvard Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Green Line (B): Harvard Avenue
617-783-2071
Daily noon–2am
Allston / Brighton, Boston –
Student-friendly Allston may be packed with all-too-similar “bar and grill” venues, but Common Ground stands out from the herd with its unique and extensive beer list, solid food, convivial neighborhood bar vibe, and a slightly older and more upscale clientele.
The crisp cream-colored walls and dark wood trim, combined with the wood tables and bamboo place settings, give the bar’s modern, open layout a nice sense of stylish coziness perfect for the casual groups of young professionals and post-grads from the Lower Allston area who gather to sample regional microbrews like Harpoon, Dogfish Head, and Smuttynose, while singles and couples line the bar to chat or watch Boston sports teams on the venue’s multiple TVs.
A dining room provides plenty of space for larger groups to linger over dinner or drinks, while those looking for more intimate conversations can usually find a spot at one of the small raised tables or step outside to the laid-back beer garden and smoking patio out back.
Located near the popular and student-heavy Harvard/Commonwealth intersection, Common Ground has no trouble attracting lively crowds on the weekend, although weeknights see plenty of action too as events like trivia and occasional 90s-themed dance parties keep the vibe fun and upbeat.
Preppy young professionals, post-grads, and some college students, 20s to 30s.
Stump! Trivia on Mondays at 8pm, DJs spin 80s/90s, dance, and reggae music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Occasional live music and theme nights. 5 TVs and 2 projection screens featuring sports.
American menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrées like burgers, turkey pot-pie, and gravy fries.
Appetizers $3–$8, sandwiches $7–$10, entrées $11–$16. Beer $5–$9/draft or $18–$21/pitcher, wine $7–$9/glass or $18–$35/bottle, cocktails $6.50–$9.50.
Smart casual: nice t-shirts and jeans for men, women in everything from jeans and t-shirts to trendy dresses.
Mondays and Thursdays for Trivia and DJ nights. Fridays and Saturdays are also busy because it’s the weekend.
The intersection of Harvard and Commonwealth Avenues offers many similar restaurant and bar options, including White Horse Tavern (116 Brighton Avenue) and Sunset Grill & Tap (130 Brighton Avenue).