The Commons is now open, a new neighborhood gathering place!

As the Heavy Restaurant Group celebrates their 12th anniversary, they have just opened The Commons, their newest restaurant.  According to David Yusen, Director of Marketing and Public Relations “When a corner space in the Hollywood Vineyards Shopping Plaza in Woodinville became available we jumped at the opportunity to open another restaurant where it all began…literally, as the space is just a few doors down from our original Purple location.” (Opened in 2001)

“Our goal is to provide the local community with a great place to enjoy a wide range of offerings…from early morning coffee and pastries to a late night cocktail…and everything in between.” Check out the menu links at the end of this article to see their full selections.

Our first visit to The Commons was on a Saturday afternoon.  We figured we would wait a few days while they worked out any typical opening issues. The first thing that I noticed was how inviting and casual it was.  The staff immediately greeted us with a warm welcome.  The tables in the dining area are spacious and casual. There is a nice bar with many comfortable chairs. The menu is on the wall, with a slate style board and they also have a paper food and drink menu.

Kevin and I headed to the bar seating, where you can pull up a chair and watch all of the action of the kitchen and bar area.  They also have great dining area seating for families and large groups.  The space is open and simply decorated. I immediately noticed the staff seemed very engaged and glad to be there and that was refreshing.  It’s one thing to have great food, but we believe that it’s the “dining experience”, which includes great staff with a friendly, engaging and positive attitude that is the key to gaining loyal returning customers.

We chatted with the staff behind the bar area as we looked over their great drink selections.  Kevin ordered a Pilsner from the Victory Brewing Co. and we shared a Spanish Style Tuna Salad sandwich and the house-cut fries.  The Tuna sandwich was great, albacore tuna, pickled red onion, artichoke, mama lil’s peppers, bibb lettuce, tomato, and their house aioli served on a toasted hoagie roll, which I thought would be hard and tough, but it was deliciously soft and fresh! Their house-cut fries, spectacular! They came served with ketchup and a garlic aioli.

This is a multi service café, you can simply come in and order one of their delicious pastries or anything else on the menu and a coffee to go, or dine in.  I can see this place will be successful in this area.  There are other gathering places in this area, but they have created something different and unique within this space. 

Kevin and I came back for more on our second visit on Sunday.  Kevin ordered the House made Chicken Sausage Biscuit (oven roasted tomatoes, grilled red onion, Havarti cheese and smoky bell pepper aioli) and a bloody mary cocktail.  I had the “create your own” deli sandwich with Turkey, avocado, and all the toppings with a glass of white wine.  I really enjoyed the multi grain roll, it was so soft and fresh, it was my favorite part of the sandwich!  The portions are generous, the service was excellent.  The biscuits are baked at The Commons and all of the other baked goods are from the bakery at Cast Iron Studios in Bellevue, fresh goods are brought in daily.

On this second visit, the place was busy, but the staff always appeared to be calm and engaged with the customers. There was quite a wait for our food, but I chalk that up to just being newly opened and the staff just getting the feel of the flow of the place.  I could see the kitchen staff in the back and they were very focused and on task with many tickets in front of them to process, and when the food came out, it was very good. With a little time, they will have it all figured out.

I was told that they will be expanding the patio dining area, which will be great. They have a great selection of spirits and wines, and a fantastic menu that has that true scratch kitchen homemade comfort food feel.  The menu prices are a on the high end, but the culinary ingredients, creative dishes and the quality of the food matches the prices.

If you haven’t been by already, come visit The Commons, located where Tully’s once was in the in the Hollywood Vineyards Shopping Plaza, just a few doors down from Purple.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH: Mon - Fri 7am - 3pm(Pastries & Coffee beginning at 6am)Sat & Sun 8am - 3pm

DINNER: Daily 4pm - 10pm

EARLY HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 3pm - 6pm

LATE NIGHT MENU & HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Sat 10pm – Close

• Food Menu: http://thecommonscafe.com/pdf/Commons%20Food%20Menus.pdf
• Drinks: http://thecommonscafe.com/pdf/Commons%20Drink%20Menu.pdf

Enjoy Woodinville! - Julia and Kevin