What a beautiful bar! The decor is awesome; vintage seating, dim lighting and uniquely placed wallpaper surrounding the room. The drinks are moderately priced, service is good and the crowd is very diverse. Although our visit was short, we will definitely be back to get the full experience.
Review Source:This place could a be great. It's got a lot going for it: great location, nice decor, list, plenty of staff available for service (at least when I visited), solid selection.
But, it's also blowing it on some levels.
For starters, It's taking itself too seriously. I had to pass 3 security guys on the way in. That's overkill. The staff glared at us at first, rather than walk up, say "Welcome" and help us get acclimated. And when we left, we had to use a specific door. Honestly, if we'd wanted nightclub treatment, we'd have  gone to one.
The staff is hit or miss: our bartender was friendly enough (emphasis on enough), but her fellow bartenders seemed to get off on being dick-ish.
And for a place that is trying to focus on cocktails, try picking one to order. The menu is printed so small that you can't really make a choice: the ingredients disappear. I have perfectly good vision; never needed glasses. Could barely make out any of the drink descriptions. And the bartender admitted most people can't read it, either. So, I settle for a beer at a cocktail joint. That's less than satisfying for me, less profitable for them. Fix that, folks. It's easy enough.
I like this place, got there early enough before they started charging for cover. (wahooo) You really have to get their early to get to stay on the rooftop. By the time we got there it was already filled up; luckily the seats downstairs weren't filled up. (Yay! they don't charge for tables)
Drinks were good, average price on the drinks. Our waitress was nice and kind enough to split up our tabs.
I'd go back here again since i'm more of a bar/loungey type than a clubber.
I LOVE this place!!! I came here on a Saturday night around 10pm a week and a half ago and I really have to write a review because I keep thinking about how amazingly fun it was. Downstairs is a cool area where you can lounge on some nice chairs and talk to friends. Upstairs they have an outside balcony with lightly spraying mist. Theres a dance floor and the DJ was playing 90's R&B/Hip Hop music which was SOOOO much fun to dance to!!!! What really made the night was the DJ and his mix. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Review Source:I'm teetering between 3 and 4 stars, but I'm going with 4 stars because *I* had a great time, even though some of my friends didn't have such a great experience. Â Additionally, I visited Commonwealth on the night of First Friday, so I think things might be different at other times/days.
To the review!
If you're going to visit Commonwealth on a busy night (holiday weekend, First Friday, etc), get there early!! We arrived around 10p, and while there was a line to get in, it wasn't too long, maybe 5-10 minutes. Â It was busy, but not overly crowded. Â The space, as others have mentioned, is beautiful. Just a gorgeous bar. Â We didn't get anything fancy as far as drinks go (sadly), but what we did get was fine. Slightly overpriced for downtown. Â
Heading upstairs- I thought this was just as cool. A rooftop lounge/bar/dance floor. I felt like I was in another city! There was table service, and they were letting people sit at the unsold areas until they were purchased. Â The DJ was fantastic, people were dancing, and it was just lots of fun. Â Unfortunately, as the night went on, things started to go downhill. Â By 11, the line outside was getting crazy long, and we stupidly went downstairs. We had quite a long wait to get back upstairs because they were full to capacity, unless you had a wristband (?) or had a table. We luckily made it back up when a large party left, but some of our other friends weren't so lucky. Downstairs was pretty unbearable by midnight- I don't know how people ever got a drink because it was so crowded. Â Even upstairs, it took forever. Â
I'll be back, but definitely would advise to make this an early stop on your Downtown adventures, or to go during the week (and not on First Friday!)
I was excited to check this place out because of the rooftop patio. Didn't excite at all. All of the drinks are around $10 and that includes MIller LIght. The cocktails are pretty plain and overpriced as well. I will be enjoying my cocktails at the Velveteen Rabbit instead. Maybe if they didn't have so many bouncers on staff they could lower their drink prices. Â Which brings me to the next topic...
Bouncers, bouncers, bouncers. There is 1 bouncer for every 3 people in the bar and they are nazis and get off on having the smallest shred of authority over anyone. Even in the ladies room I couldn't pee in peace. I thought she was a bathroom attendant at first, turns out she was just a spy. Stood outside my stall and looked through the crack! I'm just peeing lady! They just have her in there to monitor people I suppose but it's way over the top for my taste.
Overall, this place is acting like a high end club. This is fremont east, not the strip. Take it away. I really hope that this place doesn't set a new standard for fremont east district.
I thought the place had a really cool vibe - hip without being over the top like bars on the strip. The inside is all brick with nice couches and chairs to lounge and a dj booth in the corner. Upstairs is the huge roof deck - another dj, another bar, and decent views.
The drink menu is extensive; I saw about 10 that I wanted to try. Prices are ok at about $10/ cocktail.
The crowd is hip and well dressed, but not overly so.
Overall, this is one of my top places downtown.
So beer isn't where it's at here. For what it cost for a beer, just spend the extra couple bills for a handmade drink. The names are ridiculous, but most seem to just be fancy, fresh ingredient spins on classics. My friend got a pretty bad-ass Margarita and I got a great Seabreeze... but don't ask for these drinks by the names I just gave them. Use the names on the menu because I'm sure otherwise you'll just wind up with a run of the mill well drink.
Also, on our last visit, a Saturday, the place was significantly less crowded. I don't know if its newness is wearing off on all the scene kids, but I prefer it. That weird "you have to be special and get a special text" room didn't seem so special anymore either. People were in and out of it like crazy.
Balcony is one of the best in the city.
I've been meaning to come, but wasn't sure if I wanted to do given the mixed feelings I've heard about this spot. I came for a Yelpers birthday celebration which can be the best time to go when you have quality company.
I dig the vibe in here, I like the look of this place absolutely. I love our cocktail lady, Norma Jean absolutely so since she was definitely sweet and attentive. My drink was decent, but didn't hit the spot. I cannot even recall the name, but it was Jameson Irish Whiskey based. The BF ordered a old fashioned and was shell shocked that while most menu cocktails were around $10ish like mine was, his drink was a wopping $18 which I think is really steep for bourbon, bitters, a orange wedge, sugar.
We stayed downstairs for a bit and it's more laid back of a feel and spinning more easy going downtempo then we moved upstairs to the rooftop which was more crowded and playing more dancey music. It was hot, but there were misters.
Crowd was decent on this off weeknight. I was worried it was gonna be as douchey and hipster as some people described. I have passed by on a weekend and can see the rooftop filled up and I most definitely won't pick to come here.
For now, it's A-OK. I didn't love my drink, but am open I might feel differently once trying more and building bartender repoire. I will be back for the Laundry Room and I'm sure I'll end up at this place again.
This is a cool bar to hangout at. Â It's non-smoking (in Vegas... Really??!!!) with an upstairs open air bar. Â We stayed upstairs where the dj was playing. Â It is a very open space - a small corner with lounge chairs, a few benches along the wall, and that's it. Â There are no seats at the bar - it's a very chill atomsphere. Â This is a bar where you go to catch up with friends and have a no-drama night.
Review Source:$5 cover when it gets late, so get there early!
Drinks were like $8/9, I got a Jack & Coke. The bartenders aren't the nicest guy. It was extremely packed though. Upper level is really awesome with a roof top bar and misters everywhere to keep you cool. Music was aiiiight, mix of local/hip hop/techno/EDM/etc.
Can be a cool vibe but what I liked the most was the people-watching. Super interesting sorts of people that come in. You got your Asian bboiz, ladies night out, guys tryna party, and everything in between. Fun place to observe!
Pretty cool spot... Great ambiance and generally good music too. It's a nice place for locals and those that want a change of pace from the typical bar scene or the nightclubs located on the strip.
While I overall would recommend Commonwealth, there are two complaints I have. First, for being a bar that will primarily attract locals, the prices on drinks are highly comparable in price to the inflated prices at nightclubs. Not a lot of bang for your buck either, in my experience. Second, it gets insanely packed, again you feel at times that you are in a nightclub.
Overall, Commonwealth is definitely worth checking out, even if it is slightly overpriced and crowded. The ambiance and general feel of the bar is pretty much unlike anything else in the city, and the DJ's they have spinning definitely add to that feel.
I am impressed by the Downtown Vegas scene! There are restaurants, bars, lounges in one street with brightly lit signs (ie. giant martini glass, huge Vegas letters) everywhere. This is where the locals and hipsters hangout.
Commonwealth is the place my homie was DJing at. Good vibes, and a rooftop area with pretty lights. There is one DJ downstairs for more mellow music, and a DJ upstairs (where my homie was at) for people who are trying to turn up! Everyone there was having a good time. The music was so good upstairs, that there was a line for people downstairs to come up.
I love that there is a bar upstairs and downstairs. Also, there are stylish couches for people to smoke on or lounge in. I HIGHLY recommend this place if you want to try a different Vegas scene that is still crackin'!
I've been here a number of times to give an honest review. I have been here for celebrations and just-because moments alike. The bar is located on the corner Fremont and 6th St. It has a nice location and it looks pretty cool outside. Now, I can agree with most of my friends who have probably already reviewed this place that the bouncers are not friendly. I don't think I'm asking for them to be friendly, but they seem like jackasses for no reason. I try and greet them, but they make no word just grab my ID and that is it. I guess I like at least being spoken too. Yes there is a cover charge of $10 on the weekends which isn't bad if the drinks are fairly priced...
...BUT WAIT! The drinks are not fairly priced whatsoever. A beer whether it be a hard to find delicacy or a cheap Pabst are $9. Why is the price so high for a "local" bar? Some of the well drinks are the same price which doesn't make much sense. There is a deal that if you get a beer and a shot for $12. But what confuses me is usually a shot is around that price in general. I'm not the extravagant bar hopper and beer connoisseur that I'd like to be, but I know what prices make sense and what don't.
The environment is pretty chilax to be honest. The waiters are cool and they help you decide on drinks and make payments fairly easy to complete. The upstairs is a "New York-esque" kind of roof top party theme and I do really like it up there especially at night.
I'm not a cheap person, but like most people I do not like having to overpay for no reason. This is a fun place, but I suggest expecting to spend more money than anticipated before coming here.
I was going to give three initially, but then I saw Yelp's descriptor for two stars: "Meh. I've experienced better," which about describes my feelings; it's a more apt description than three stars, which signifies "A-ok."
To start, since this is a bar, let's talk about drinks. drinks are very expensive. A beer is $9. This wasn't even a fancy beer I ordered, it was a Guinness. This is expensive for downtown, but would also be expensive for any bar that isn't technically a "club." I know I've bought a Guinness at bars on the strip for less than $9. Again, this isn't exactly some rare, top-of-the-line microbrew, it's a readily available beer, so I have a hard time paying even $7 for it. But here's the real rub, unlike the bars on the strip, it didn't even look like I got a full pint! I could walk down to the Griffin and get a slightly higher end beer that will, at most cost $7, and I'll be fine with it, because at least it's not a beer I always see on tap at any given bar. Since beers are so expensive here, I've never bothered ordering a specialty drink, maybe they're great, but I'm willing to bet they're also grossly overpriced.
I've seen a couple reviews complaining about bartenders, who seemed fine any time I've order from them. I'd say to look out for most of the bouncers - many of them are rude, kinda stereotypical bouncers trying to prove that they're tough guys. Some of them are okay, usually when they're at the door, but other than that I've never had a pleasant experience interacting with them. Speaking of the door... there's a $10 cover charge on weekends... because they aren't making enough money from the overpriced drinks.
Maybe all the expense is to cover the interior decorations which aren't bad, I'll give them that.
Bottom line: Looks alright inside but don't expect to save money compared to just going to any given club on the Strip. Also, avoid the bouncers, even if you aren't making trouble.
I usually do not complain about bars in Vegas...my husband is a bartender on the strip and I understand prices are high and places are busy. But Commonwealth was out of hand from their insane prices for watered down drinks to the incredibly rude staff (including "management").
A couple friends and I set out for downtown in hopes for a fun evening of shots and dancing. Â We waited in line and were in fairly quickly (10:30pm on a Friday). Â We went upstairs first, even though it was easily 100 degrees outside. Â We each ordered a drink - vodka+cranberry, gin+tonic, and a Miller Lite. Â The bartender asks if we are paying together or separately. We say separate and she rolls her eyes before checking the computer for prices. Â I have worked in customer service, and I completely understand getting annoyed by your customers, but it is never ok to roll your eyes IN FRONT of the people responsible for tipping you - and essentially for no reason! Â The drinks were $8 each. Maybe I'm cheap, but those are strip prices and this place is on Fremont...big difference. Â And $8 for a Miller Lite?! Â That's a bit insane. Â
We didn't stay upstairs for long, just enough time to look around. Â We were expecting a friend in a wheelchair to join and were told the upstairs was not wheelchair accessible. Â DJ was spinning 90s hip hop and there was some dancing, overall a fun ambiance upstairs.
We came downstairs and snagged a booth/table. Â Our waitress was very sweet. Â We ordered another round of drinks and three shots (just asked for something sweet). Â The shots were yummy but very weak. Â A little later, my husband and another friend joined the group. Â I walked outside to let them know where we were sitting and was told (RUDELY) to get in or out. Â I was on the inside of their precious velvet ropes and was in no way blocking the entrance. Â There wasn't even a line of people. Â I gave the bouncer a confused look and walked all the way out. Â After a couple minutes (friends were smoking) we all went in together. Â They were charged $5 for entry, which was strange because the place was not very busy and they were locals.
They joined us at the table. Â Our waitress was busy and after several minutes, the guys decided to go to the bar and get drinks. Â They returned and after a sip of the drinks looked confused. Â My friend asked me to taste her vodka+cran. Â It was dark red in color and tasted like straight cranberry juice. Â The other drink (vodka+soda) tasted like soda water - no vodka. Â They went back to the bar, but the bartenders were not interested in conversing. Â They agreed to remake the drink, but the drinks were the same. Â At the table, it was clear that the drink brought by our server and the one from the bar were completely different in taste, smell and color. Â We showed our server who seemed genuinely concerned and asked the "manager" to come talk to us. Â
This guy was a big problem! Â He approached the table and rudely said "What's the problem?" Â My friend explained the problem and invited the manager to smell or taste the drink. Â He refused because "vodka doesnt habe a taste or smell." LAUGHABLE! Â After hearing the complaint he responded, "Ok, here is what I am going to do. Â I am going to personally make your drink with vodka. Â I have 20 years of bar tending experience so if these drinks are not good enough then it's not our problem." Ummm excuse me? Â My other friend chimed in and insisted we were not angry, just that the drinks were weak. Â The "manager" became visibly upset and said, "I hope you're not insinuating that we are watering down our Vodka. Â If so, we are going to have a real problem."
Maybe I'm being sensitive, but I have never been treated so rudely by management.
Several minutes later, the "manager" returned with a bottle of vodka. Â He said "Now look here. Â This is a new bottle." He started to open it, "Did you here that crack, that was the seal breaking. Â Now I'm pouring in vodka..." At this point, I was livid. Â I had not spoken the entire time because my drinks were not a problem, but he was taking this too far. Â I said calmly, "you are being a bit inappropriate." His response, "No you are inappropriate to accuse me of watering down my drinks." Â The funny part, the drink he poured looked completely different! It was a lighter shade than the previous drink and clearly had alcohol in it. Â Either way, we didn't care at this point. Â We let him keep his drink and we got out of there. Â While paying the tab with our server we asked for the manager's name. Â She said he was Doc. Â My friend looked at her and said "what is his real name?" And she meekly responded "David." Â So who knows what his name was, and truly who cares at this point because I will never return to Commonwealth.
We went across the street to Park on Fremont and enjoyed $6 cocktails with alcohol included.
I loved the Commonwealth: in all honesty, I was concerned it was going to be too hipstery for me, but the crowd was mixed and fun. Also, the guys at the door were sweet. Â Inside, there were photographs hanging and strewn about the tables and the photographer was on hand to sign them and taking photos during the evening. You were invited to take snapshots you liked.
The decor is dark and comfortable with cool paintings, low tables and wingback chairs to sit and enjoy a drink/chat. There is waitress service at the tables. Started with their Moscow Mule aka "She's My Ride Home" it was not my favorite version, but it was good. Norma Jean was a great waitress and kept on top of our drinks and water.
We were able to go into The Laundry Room (another review) and when we came out, went upstairs for more drinks and dancing on the roof. Really loved the atmosphere and vibe up there, and tried the Blood and Sand (very good!) They had misters going hardcore to the point we were getting soaked, but I prefer to be cool over hot, so it was fine. They make some creative cocktails, so the price does not bother me. Quality is there.
Between the three different options to choose from to the overall vibe, I can see why this is a DTLV staple and definitely will return. Very chill place to relax, dance or gain access to a hidden speakeasy if you are lucky...
Yelp 100 Challenge
Update: the owners of Commonwealth must be the most arrogant businessmen around.
It seems they have decided they don't need Vegas locals to keep their bar in business. They have certainly made it clear that they don't give a damn about Vegas locals.
No happy hour continues. I thought this would be phased out once the bar was up and running and attempting to woo locals. But, the theme here is "f*ck the locals." So, high prices and no happy hour.
Next, the seating. Oh my god, the seating. It makes my blood boil. After a certain hour and on certain days, you have to PAY TO SIT. Are you kidding me? In a downtown bar?!?!?!? Why on God's green earth would anyone pay to sit in a downtown bar?
Then there's the beer selection itself. No prices on the beer. Because people shouldn't be allowed to know how much they are spending in your pretentious, overpriced bar, right? Tourists may not care, but locals care.
I've never had to pay cover here, but I heard it happens? That is horrific. Cover on a Fremont street bar. I'd rather stay sober, thanks.
So, in conclusion, to the owners of the Commonwealth I say this: please stop trying to ruin Fremont. I know you think you're gentrifying it, but this is not what gentrification looks like. Gentrification would be the cool elegance of your design and layout coupled with reasonably priced drinks, a happy hour that targets young locals in the area looking for a good spot after work, and LETTING PEOPLE SIT FOR FREE.
This is just you trying to turn Fremont into the Strip. Which, in case you missed it, the majority of the locals avoid like the plague if they don't work there. We hate the strip. There's a reason. Most of the local young professionals I've talked to hate your spot as well. There's a reason for that too.
This place is seriously wearing on my patience. Â What started out as a nice, chill place that locals could enjoy has now become douche-ville...both clientele and staff. Â Growing pains; I imagine you got too "big" for your own good, Commonwealth. Â And your "speakeasy", you know, the box under the stairs? Â Please, I'd rather sit at home...it's that boring. Â Oh well, I don't mind strolling right past your door (and dickhead door guys) on the daily to other places on East Fremont.
Review Source:Outside patio upstairs, lounge areas, fun art pieces, great environment. What more can you ask for?
It's big enough for large groups and the beer on tap is varied!
There's also a live DJ upstairs and they're located so discreetly you'd think it's just just a prerecorded good tune!
I love that it overlooks the street where the streets are alive with people and good times!
I just can't get over the drink prices which are a head scratcher for sure. The decor is OK but I wasn't blown away at all. On a Sunday night there was no cover charge, thank goodness, or I wouldn't be writing a review. There is no justification for a cover charge on Fremont Street. We were on the upstairs patio most of the time, and it was teeming with the standard Downtown crowd. I went here just to see what all the buzz was about, and will not likely be going back unless it's during a reasonably priced drink special night.
If you want to spend the evening drinking
WAY overpriced beverages, this is your heaven.
Great beer selection for a "club." Â Cover charge was $5 for guys and free for girls, not too bad. Â We didn't really wait in line to get in. Â Casual dress code. The balcony was great.
Honestly it was fun, but clubs to me are, in a way, all the same. Â What set this one out was that they had Dogfish Head 90 IPA on tap.
I would've given Commonwealth another star had I not gone to Velveteen Rabbit first. They cocktails were good but more expensive and not at the level of craftsmanship compared to Velveteen Rabbit.
But I was pleasantly surprised by Commonwealth after reading some of the more negative reviews. Having happily suffered through years of drunken crowds and disgruntled bouncers at more night clubs than I could remember, I like Commonwealth. It wasn't so crowded that I needed a post coitus cigarette after navigating through the throngs of people. Â But it was crowded enough for a good vibe and people watching. It's an interesting crowd. Definitely not touristy. But a mix of lawyers, Zappos people, hipsters, and just locals wanting another fun drink hole. Upstairs was awesome. It had a great urban vibe that downtown has been starving for. Â Hum, after writing this, I think I'm going to give it 4 starts instead of the 3 I initially chosen at the start of my review.
This place gets poppin', no doubt. Â Music selection on Wednesdays and First Fridays is pretty dope.
  You have to realize this is one of THE trendier places in downtown.  Their bar prices speak for that lol.  The atmosphere here is always good though and so no complaints really.  My tip being that if you can control the intake of liquor and have fun doing so your wallet will love and you won't be disappointed with overlooking the craziness that Downtown brings from the patio.  Oh and big props to Shauna one their waitresses there, she's a cutie pie, sweetheart, and makes sure you're well taken care off.
Would not come here during the weekends! Just like any bars, it gets packed and they start charging covers. Seriously? It's downtown!
Best time to go: Wednesdays. They have drink specials and it doesn't get packed. The rooftop is even more amazing.
The bottom line is that drinks are amazing but how long are you willing to wait to get them?
Hmmm.. What to say about Commonwealth.. Except it's the best bar spot to hit Fremont like.. Ever!!! Â It has character with a touch of debauchery, class with a swig of sluttiness and flavor with a shot of methamphetamin! Â Commonwealth has every ingredient to make an eventful night of gluttonous shenanigans. Â
Respect to the creative minds that concocted this old roofless video warehouse building into a fanfare of nostalgic cocktails, hallucinogenic  artwork, loungy digs, live music, the aficionados beer and a freakin' patio!
Although, very inconvenient when this place gets packed and they start collecting cover charge. Â But hey.. It's Vegas!
Start AND end your evening in Downtown Las Vegas here at #CommonwealthLV.
Since being a frequent resident of this amazing bar since their soft opening in November 2012, I must say it's the best spot to be. They've nailed the design, architecture, ambiance, mood, lighting, music, drinks, and decor.
In here, you'll feel "at home". Not only will you have fun with your friends, but you'll meet friendly people, see familiar faces, and get to know the great staff they have in hand.
Shout out to Justin, Adam, Jerry, Elisa & NJ.
This is what my night consisted of: Hipster kids who don't know how to tip bartenders, e-cigs, and amazingly good music. It reminded me a lot of back home Downtown Chinatown: the getaway in Honolulu for hipsters. Gritty, trendy, chill. Came down on a Wednesday night to see one of my favorite DJs perform, Sosupersam, and was not disappointed at all. I also enjoyed DJ Technicolor, who performed before Sam.
The space was beautiful. Al fresco and lots of seating to be found. The downgrade is for the atmosphere. I feel like the vibe of Commonwealth that night was so chill; it was mirrored throughout the club, even with the staff personnel. Everybody knew each other, and it felt like I was carrying my lunch tray in the high school cafeteria trying to find a crowd I knew.
I definitely want to come back for the music though. Freaking dank music. Though maybe with a bigger posse next time.
Hipsters unite this is your douche bag central.
CommonWealth, Â at least hire courteous people to manage the door not a couple pricks that act like they are doing you a favor by letting you in, you're doorman guys, you already failed in life. Â
$10 cover for downtown, no thanks.
Expensive watery drinks in small plastic cups....I will take take my friends elsewhere after this ordeal. Hell.. I wouldn't even give it a second chance just because of the staff.
Surely one of the top best places in downtown. I would want to say The Griffin can compete with this place BUT due to the diverse crowd you find here, it separates the two and gives them each their own identity.
I was wowed by the rooftop ambience...so nice to sit outside, second floor with good music, good crowd and drinks in the middle of Vegas OFF THE STIP. It's a different feel than what we're used to. The music is good both outside and inside. The place gets packed quickly so if you can make it there before 10pm, you're safe! After 11ish, i noticed a long line downstairs waiting to go up to the rooftop...insane. The crowd...so diverse. There was a lot of good looking people, mostly locals. Some dressed casual, some were dressed up, and some were in shorts and flip-flops? Cool, right?.
Only issue were the expensive drinks. Probably a very expensive night for those heavy drinkers...
4 Well earned stars!
Ok for downtown. Â I don't like the bouncers outside very much. Â The weirdest part was that there was a line inside to go up to the second floor patio. Â I was confused as I walked past it and upstairs (my friend knew the bouncer maintaining that line) but then i saw why. Â I still think they overpacked it upstairs.
I think i would've enjoyed it more if they had flipped the rooms. Â The second story seems like a great lounge smoking patio (for those that smoke) and the downstairs could be the nightclubs style. Â It was a bit unnerving to walk through the lounge type music and then get upstairs to hear hip hop blasting out the speakers. Â I loved the idea of the second story but it just was exhausting to yell the whole night. Â Kudos to them for bringing a decent nightlife experience to downtown, but in my opinion they should switch floors.
Dear owners of Commonwealth,
You built an amazing bar and a beautiful space. Â Good beer and drink selection too. Â It really could be called the crown jewel of the "new downtown". Â Too bad you ruined it by running it like a douchey club that interferes with a patron's ability to relax and charges ridiculous prices.
The space you built is exceptional -- quirky design mixing elements of a lounge and upscale European chateau with laidback couches, chandeliers, a rooftop patio with an open air bar. Â The drink selection is excellent -- great selection of beers and some nice creative cocktails. Â After 5 minutes in your business, I thought it was a solid 5 star rating all the way. Â
But why . . . why are you running this place like a douche magnet? Â Why the hell would you build a lounge-like pub and then refuse to let people sit on the weekends without paying for "bottle service"? Â Seriously. Â Why the hell would locals ever frequent a place where they can't sit down without paying 1000% mark up on a bottle of liquor? Â And putting a velvet rope outside with a bouncer to control access to your bar? Â What the hell? Â And no happy hour? Â And no prices on the beer menu? Â That's not classy. Â It's just annoying. Â I guess I understand wanting to hide your prices given that you're charging the tourist/rip off rate for drinks. Â
I've visited your bar twice and I can officially say I'm done. Â I won't be coming back and won't be bringing visitors. Â You're absolutely a one-and-done type of bar. Â Most everyone I know who's visited, has not gone back. Â Too expensive, too douchey, too uninterested in wanting people to come back.
A piece of advice: in 6 months to a year when you're not the hip new kid on the block anymore and start to notice that your bar is pretty much empty until 9 pm (like Insert Coins), start making changes to encourage locals to be repeat customers: 1) Get a happy hour, 2) lose the stupid velvet rope, 3) let people sit down without buying $100+ of liquor. Â Treat your customers like you want them there and don't just want to bilk them out of their money. Â Start trying to earn their money by having an inviting bar and you'll bring the locals in. Â Don't and you'll be closed by the end of 3-5 years.
Great decor and the upstairs outside bar is awesome. Â On a beautiful Saturday evening at 9:30 though there is almost no place to walk up there so get there early and camp out if you want a spot. Â They do have a VIP couch area, but I am not sure about the cost or reservation procedures.
Very loud, but then again it is a bar with a club like atmosphere with no dancing. Â Hard to talk in the bar even with people sitting very close. Â Drinks are ridiculously expensive. Â We ordered 1 shot and 2 draft beers and it was $25. Â The beers were pints not large beers to make the cost worth it and the shot was not high end liquor.
We went to the outside bar for our drinks so I'm not sure what the table service is like in terms of speed. Â
We got there about 9:15 on Saturday night and there was no cover. Â Not sure if they charge a cover later on though.
STUPID EXPENSIVE
Yes, I get it, you serve draft beer in a mason jar, wearing pin stripes & suspenders and everything has an Olde Tyme name. It's really cool for about 10 minutes.
Stop here for one ($8-10) beer. That is about how long it will take to appreciate the decorations, get what they are trying to do, get tired of it, and head back out.
It is "neat" at best. The staff is friendly and the layout in nice, BUT NOTHING justifies the high prices for the only average selection. The primary demographic who will find this interesting will not keep the doors open with their PBR purchases.
I will return to see how they address these and other concerns I have. With a few tweaks, this can be a really great place to spend an evening. As it stands, there is some work to be done if you'd like repeat business.
Prove me wrong.
BE CAREFUL, BEWARE ETC. ETC.
So I dropped in to this joint and I really dug the vibe, the art, and the people. Went up to the bar upstairs and ordered two rum and cokes and a vodka soda. One friend handed me cash and the bartender saw the cash in my hand and said drinks would be $37.00! I thought that was high so i asked her to repeat herself again she said $37.00. 2nd friend said she didn't have cash so she would pay the whole thing on her card and I could give her the cash. Â The bartender got all weird and when getting the receipt to sign we realized what was up. The drinks were only $24.00!!!!!!!!! Bitch was trying to tip herself $13.00. If you go here be careful you don't get ripped off too.
Go to DTLV or Fremont, check your Yelp friend's check in's and it's almost guaranteed that on a Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday that at least 2 of them are at the Commonwealth. Â This equals good spot for drinks and and to chill.
The Commonwealth in DTLV is a now a common meet up spot for most locals.  This bar/lounge offers a different type of setting then your usual out here like the Griffin, Downtown Cocktail, Insert Coins, and the  Vanguard. I actually like the ambiance at the Commonwealth and if you get a little stuffy, you can also migrate upstairs to their outdoor patio.  Big plus, tons of beautiful people out here.
Drinks are average to your strip prices, California bar scene, and strip clubs. For someone coming out to Vegas to party, they would never know the difference. For someone like me who doesn't hit the bar scene too much anymore and prefer comp drinks in a casino, this is my biggest issue. $20 for two drinks. Â Other lounges in downtown are definitely cheaper. Â
I'm a fan, but still prefer Downtown Cocktails or even Bar & Billiards. Â I'm sure to take a few out of town friends here in the future for the ambiance alone. Â Besides, they wouldn't know the difference in price anyways. Â It's "Vegas Baby" to them.
FINALLY, a place for hipster wannabes from Assfucklandia to circle jerk!!! Â It's ABOUT FUCKING TIME I was able to overspend for a drink and mingle with douchenozzles in ascots and Morrissey glasses...what took you so long, downtown Vegas?! Is there any way I can get a punchcard -- mortgage your house 10 times to buy drinks, get one percentage point free? Where do I sign up?????
I'm on the fence about all this downtown boosterism, but on the whole, progress is good... so I went in to support the new local bar. Sure, it SCREAMS douchetown from the outside...but I did go in with an open mind, I swear.
I bit my tongue while navigating the thug mooks manning the velvet rope out front (!). I bit it again when I shelled out $10 for a drink that costs 1/3 that right across the street. But after hanging out at this place for 3 hours, I ain't biting it no more.
So many annoying things about this place. There are these weird sort of security-types loitering around inside who can't/won't answer your simplest questions. The whole fuckin' reason I went here was to check out the upstairs patio, but it was closed. Why? No one knew. I wanted to order one of the hot drinks that are labeled "upstairs" drinks, so wanted to know if they were available though the patio is closed. No one knew. Finally found out from the waitress that they were NOT available, so ordered one of their corny specialty drinks...and it was served incomplete, without the special garnish that is an INTEGRAL PART of the drink. If you're gonna charge exorbitant prices for "mixology" drinks, at least make 'em right!!
The other annoying aspect is the music -- it's so LOUD! My vocal chords were seriously strained after spending a couple hours here, trying to chat with my date. And that was before the DJ even started up!
Speaking of the DJ, he was the only cool thing about this joint. I expected a douchey hipster type, but he turned out to be an awesomely frumpy older dude with a beer gut, Coke-bottle glasses and stringy, balding hair. He looked more like a children's party clown/secret child molester than your average DJ, and for that I give him MAJOR props.
I actually do genuinely love this bar.......because it keeps all the pretentious assholes in one place, so I don't have to deal with them elsewhere on Fremont St. Â So enjoy that $10 jizz fizz, asswad -- I'll be across the street. I'd rather drink among degenerate bluehairs in a smoke-filled casino bar ANY DAY! Hell, I'd rather drink Thunderbird out of a paper bag in the old Ambassador parking lot with that Santa Claus wino....GUARANTEED to be more fun than shouting til your vocal chords are raw with the stuck-up asswads in Commonwealth!
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