The Common Market - Plaza Midwood

The Common Market - Plaza MidwoodThe Common Market - Plaza Midwood
The Common Market - Plaza MidwoodThe Common Market - Plaza Midwood
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

2007 Commonwealth Ave
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28205-5021
United States

(704) 334-6209 | map
commonmarketisgood.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.25
Reviews:
27
Ratings:
47
pDev:
9.41%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by guzzle211:
Photo of guzzle211
Reviewed by guzzle211 from Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +2.4%
*I am disappointed that this site does not allow point scores for atmosphere and food. Regardless of what the official classification is, the atmosphere and food is part of what makes The Common Market a must-visit*

This was the type of experience that I imagine Beerfly was created for. I was going to be in Charlotte for one night, roughly 24 hours. I had about 2 hours to kill between the time my flight got in and the time I had a meeting, so I checked Beerfly to find a beer-friendly place for lunch. My research led me to The Common Market (which I had to really search for due to the classifications,) and I couldn’t have found a cooler place to pass an hour, grab a bite to eat, and marvel at some world-class beers.

I started with a bowl of kick-@ss vegetarian chili. There were 3 other homemade soups to choose from, and it was a very difficult decision. From there I had a great roast beef sandwich (sorry, the name escapes me.) There was a Boar’s Head sticker on the meat case and the sandwich was packed with fresh roast beef and cheese (as well as all the condiments.) There were many other tempting offers on the sandwich menu, such as the daily special of curry chicken salad, as well as artichoke dips and pasta salads (just to mention a few of the many items available to eat.)

The corner-store part has everything you could need, including gum, soda, bottled water, Clif bars, voodoo candy, etc. Oh yeah, there is a wine bar tucked in there too.

Now for the part you are all waiting for: The beer selection is very respectable, leaning towards Belgians. I had an absolutely incredible De Dolle Brouwers ‘Special Extra Export Stout’ (which I was able to drink right there at a table as I ate my roast beef sandwich, opened and poured into a glass that was helpfully provided by the owner.) The beer selection ranges from the more common domestic craft and imports (Chouffe, Chimay) to some real gems (like the De Dolle I had.) I would say about half of the beers are available cold, ranging from Rogue (including two XS) to Okocim. I saw St. Bernadus 60th tins as well as Weyerbacher. As far as pricing goes, the only thing I really have to compare this to is the Foodery, which makes Common Market’s prices very attractive.

I chatted with both the proprietor and the beer guy, and both were friendly, cool guys to talk to. Unfortunately I was only in town one night and couldn’t stay for their anniversary heavy abv tasting / burlesque show . . .
Dec 21, 2006
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.35 by Wiffler27 from South Carolina

Mar 29, 2022
 
Rated: 4.25 by BrewsNRecords from North Carolina

Oct 22, 2017
 
Rated: 4.41 by tjohn from North Carolina

Mar 21, 2017
 
Rated: 4.42 by ryanhooks81 from Georgia

Jan 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by bostonbeans from Massachusetts

Aug 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by mcloud2 from North Carolina

Feb 21, 2015
 
Rated: 3.94 by dailyminefield from North Carolina

Feb 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by cptbenjamin from North Carolina

Oct 13, 2014
Photo of bo7712
Rated by bo7712 from North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -17.6%
excellent bottled beer selection
Sep 30, 2014
Photo of srletend
Rated by srletend from Texas

4/5  rDev -5.9%
Good stuff on tap. Less of a bottle selection than the Southwood location.
Aug 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by wyang11 from North Carolina

Aug 21, 2014
Photo of joe1510
Reviewed by joe1510 from Illinois

4.25/5  rDev 0%
Common Market is a neat little shop. An old filling station taken over by hipsters that are into good beer. Ample picnic table seating outdoors complete with umbrellas, are surrounded by a wrought iron fence that marks the perimeter. There was a good showing the day I visited with most tables in use. Inside is dark and a little divey, just the way I like it. Miscellaneous items are in coolers and small shelves as you enter, the checkout counter just to the left. Beyond the register is a small bar tucked over to the side with the days offerings, of which I sadly didn't even notice. A decent bank of cooler doors reach to the back of the shop and are loaded down with beer. A long shelving unit, also loaded with beer, bombers and 750s mostly, creates the aisle. The aisle opposite is wine.

Beer selection was very well thought out loaded with local NC offerings. There was a ton of seasonal releases available and all were reasonably priced. A smattering of IL, CO, NY, PA, etc offerings also graced the shelves. A surprisingly full array of Belgian's were also to be found. I have to admit, I spent much longer in here than I usually do in beer stores and that was without even having a beer. I could see myself easily passing an afternoon at Common Market. Highly recommended.
Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by ascags from North Carolina

Aug 13, 2014
Photo of Liverocks
Reviewed by Liverocks from Delaware

4.71/5  rDev +10.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
Great place my daughter took me there while I was visiting with her.
The staff is great with outstanding knowledge as well. The selection is outstanding and the prices are good. I would recommend this store for any craft beer person. You won't be disappointed in your trip you will find something.
Aug 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by bcp5296d from North Carolina

Jul 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Stargazer2892 from North Carolina

Jul 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Ryguyskisurf from North Carolina

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Hodgin from North Carolina

May 14, 2014
Photo of Mantooth
Reviewed by Mantooth from North Carolina

4.24/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
Great little bottle shop - been hitting this place for years. They've got five or six massive coolers full of good choices, as well as room temp specialty brews. They've also got beer on draft - around 8 pulls if memory serves - and usually very good stuff. The vibe is very cool - bit of a dive - they've got very good food too, sandwiches are awesome. Last year they had a four year vertical of Sexual Chocolate on draft - so they have some neat events & creative draft choices. Check 'em out. Love the new bar setup.
Apr 25, 2014
Photo of EMB1960
Reviewed by EMB1960 from North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev -2.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Great place with friendly people. People of all kind, from professional, urban, goth, reggae, hippish, just an eclectic mix. Place can get a little crowded but the beer is usually cold and a decent selection of bottles or drafts on tap.

Food is very good here with a collection of sandwiches, soups, dips or for any dietary type and needs.

Take a trip through and check out the unique beers offered, usually any beer even special releases are put out and available while they last. The store also has an eclectic mix of other items, you just need to look around.
Apr 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by kell50 from North Carolina

Feb 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Rion from North Carolina

Oct 29, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by Bung from Michigan

Oct 14, 2013
Photo of fulcrum
Reviewed by fulcrum from Massachusetts

3.94/5  rDev -7.3%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 3
I was surprised by this place: was expecting a traditional pub but walked into an old fashioned general store that heppened to have six outstanding local taps flowing alongside an excellent selection of bottled beers in the retail store section--which you can pour and drink there if so inclined. There's also a deli with solid sandwiches if you're hungry. Indoor and outdoor seating is very casual and the croud (late Friday afternoon in late Sept) was diverse and social. I was solo and enjoyed a tuna sandwich and three delicious pints of IPA and PA while soaking up the fun vibe and the $3-4 pints.
Sep 28, 2013
Photo of wolfeman007
Reviewed by wolfeman007 from North Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
CM is definitely a unique spot and I can see how people might not "get it" on their first visit. They have done a remarkable job with selection given the space that they are working with. If you spend some time poking around you will see that they have a cellar section, 5-6 coolers with bombers and 6ers. As far as service, if you ask for Jason or Tom you will find them to be very knowledgeable and helpful. They have 6 taps or so that are usually pouring something local and interesting and you can enjoy one as you shop or get something to eat from the Deli. Its worth mentioning that they do probably the best job in Charlotte of keeping people up to speed on new releases via social media (facebook, charlotte beer club) and have a tasting every Wednesday night that pulls in people from all walks of life. CM might not be the prettiest lady but she puts out every time and that is what makes it such a great part of the CLT beer scene.
Nov 30, 2011
Photo of CBlack85
Reviewed by CBlack85 from South Carolina

3.08/5  rDev -27.5%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4
After reading the reviews of this place on here and on Yelp I was really looking forward to this place. Once I got there the place was not at all what I was expecting. Kind of a strange place with a deli, convenience store, beer/wine store, and a small bar/eating area. They had a few good beers on tap, and a ton of good bottled beer as well.

That being said, the place seems a little disorganized, and there is not much in the way of seating. I had a question or two about some of the beers, and the employee that I talked to seemed to be annoyed that I had the nerve to bother him. Really the only thing that the place had going for it was the beer selection, and I would rather stick with Brawleys, especially given the difference in the level of service between the two...
Nov 14, 2011
Photo of BrahnSolo
Reviewed by BrahnSolo from North Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +11.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
The Common Market is a must stop for the Charlotte beer scene. This is probably my favorite place to grab a beer in Charlotte. With 5 rotating taps and a nice bottle selection, I always find something new to drink when I am there. Although its not the biggest selection in town, the boys do a great job of keeping it fresh and keeping quality bottles in stock. The staff is very knowledgable on what they carry. If you are curious about a beer, chances are Tom, Jason, or Brad have had it and would be glad to give you an honest opinion. Aside from the beer, they have a very nice wine selection, just tell Josh what you like and he will probably pick out your new favorite bottle for you. The deli is great and open late on Wednesdays when they have weekly beer tastings. Whether you want to grab your bottles and go or drink them in house (inside or on the outside patio) the Common Market truly is one of a kind and a must stop.
Oct 10, 2011
Photo of TheKingofWichita
Reviewed by TheKingofWichita from North Carolina

3.79/5  rDev -10.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Ahhh... the Common Market. Yet another piece in the ever growing Charlotte beer puzzle. She has at sometimes very good things and other times she has naught.
The atmosphere is hipster in this place or like a college campus with people sitting at tables with laptops in flip flops. I saw two people taking foreign language lessons, Icelandic no less. Common Market is always happening.
The service is okay, if you can find someone not stoned and someone available to help you.
Selection tends to vary, this one is better than you'd think, but nothing compared to some of the other Charlotte beer places, but then again, Common Market is much more than an average beer store, they aren't centered just around that.
Value is good. Decent prices.
Ahh... Common Market...
Mar 25, 2011
Photo of GehenHerzog
Reviewed by GehenHerzog from North Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +2.4%
The Common Market is located in a very eclectic part of Charlotte. It's right across the street from The Penguin (featured on Diners, Drive-In's and Dives).

The store fits the eclectic mold inside. It is set up like a convenience store except has a phenomenal deli inside (serves Boars Head meat, IMO, the best deli meat). This place has one of most diverse crowds of people you can find anywhere, which is another bonus.

The selection of beer isn't the best in Charlotte, but it is great nonetheless. A decent size selection of singles with a lot of bombers. The only complaint I have is that they don't allow you to break 6 or 4 packs.

One of my favorite places in town to shop and in my opinion they have the best selection of local brews in Charlotte.
Jan 07, 2011
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Reviewed by CampusCrew from Florida

4/5  rDev -5.9%
It's in a hop cool area near the Penguin a diner drive in drive place. That's great too! The building has a great old world charlotte charm to it. It's a mom and pop type place. I did not eat but the deli type sandwiches looked great. Great beer and wine store. well over a hundred selections of craft and belgian beers. Prices looked decent. Kinds of like a dive type store. Intresting but not great. Brawleys is still fairly close so while I'm on my trip I'll be nore stuff there since they have a more BA type selection. But this place is definitly worht a visit to buy good beer or have lunch. They also have a small beer with a few goos beers on tap.
Apr 17, 2010
Photo of JMC_TM
Reviewed by JMC_TM from North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +10.6%
Common Market is a great jewel tucked away just outside of the Thomas Street area. You can grab a quick bite from the great deli, pick up a bottle of wine, listen to live music most nights, or most importantly peruse their pretty extensive beer selection! They have several tall reach in coolers stocked to the brim with lots of great NC brews, American craft beers, and quite a few beers from all over the world. They are good about getting in the newest beer releases and sometimes even save a case hidden away before they bring it out a few months later for a nice surprise to their regular customers. I haven't had a chance to make it by during the day when they weren't busy, but the staff has always been very friendly and answered my questions, when I had them, at the counter as I paid their affordable prices for the quality of the beer I was getting.
Feb 20, 2010
Photo of SaCkErZ9
Reviewed by SaCkErZ9 from South Carolina

3.45/5  rDev -18.8%
When I first walked in here, the thought that came to my mind was "Mountain city charm". This place has the charm and feel of a Boone or Boulder or Asheville (alternative, hippie, anit-establishment, etc), yet it is located nearly in downtown Charlotte. I found that both odd and refreshing.

A rather cramped place. They certainly make use of the square footage here. The beer was at the back in a cooler and also on some shelves. Great selection. I was thinking to myself "Charlotte has become a beer destination". With all of the decent restaurants and awesome stores, CLT is putting it's name on the map as far as beer scene goes. The selection was wide and varied and covered basically every base. One thing that was a bit disheartening was the presence of dust on the bottles not in the cooler. I cant imagine the beer turnover is high, and that may reflect on the quality of the beverages here.

I wasnt greeted or tended while in the store but I think the gals were busy with coffee and other late morning patrons.

There was a little deli/soup bar attached to this place that seemed pretty cool. They had five different soups and all of them looked gourmet and delicious.

If there was a socre for atmosphere or vibe, this one would rank high in my book.

I cant really say I would make a special trip, but I would like to come back and get some soup and beer for lunch one day. I think that would be the tops!
Feb 18, 2010
Photo of Crimefish22
Reviewed by Crimefish22 from North Carolina

4.85/5  rDev +14.1%
The Common Market is one of the favorite date spots for my wife and I. The atmosphere is incredible. Friendly people, great beer, and tasty sandwiches too. We usually go out for the beer tasting on Wednesdays. Tom is usually running things then( Anyone else who frequents Common Market think Tom looks like Perry Ferrell from Jane's Addiction?). I cannot say enough good things about Tom. He's friendly and knowledgeable, plus he always makes sure my wife and I are taken care of. The Charlotte beer club is there for the tastings and it would be easy and understandable for Tom to lose us in the shuffle. He never does.

The atmosphere is phenomenal. Lots of Punk, Grunge, and Alternative frequent the house speakers when the DJ isn't playing. I've not been out on the patio yet, and that's inexcusable. Everyone cites the patio as being one of the best things about the joint. It's an eclectic mix of patrons, to say the least. Yuppies, beer geeks, metal heads, students, couples, and maybe even the occasional wino, though the place couldn't be safer.

In conclusion, The Common Market is a great place to check out the beer scene in Charlotte. You can buy from their coolers and drink your beer along with great sandwich. They also have four or five taps that they continuously rotate with new and interesting beers. It's a special place, and it's proximity to The Penguin and Thomas Street Tavern doesn't hurt either. Start off at the tasting at CM on Wednesday, follow that with a big block and some fried pickles at the Penguin, then burn the night off at Thomas Street Tavern. That, my friends, is a good night in Charlotte.
Sep 09, 2009
Photo of charlottebeer
Reviewed by charlottebeer from North Carolina

4.55/5  rDev +7.1%
Great beers and wines. Great Deli. and you can drink it there too and listen to the live DJ! A regular stop for The Charlotte Beer Club. always a winner. Anything from PBR to rare beers of Czec, Germany, Poland. Rare beers from breweries such as Weyerbacher, Brooklyn, Lagunitas, Bells, Victory, Boulder, Stoudt's, Moylans and tons more. An outside patio area for smokers and plenty of other entertainment within walking distance. Located in the well known plaza/midwood area. Across from the world famous Penguin Drive In. Grab some deep fried pickles and then go across the street for a world class beer and enjoy!
Jan 10, 2009
Photo of chaz410
Reviewed by chaz410 from North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +5.9%
I love this place. It is small and has a great local feeling. All of the employees are down to earth and the bartenders there and bar keep (Thomas and Josh) are awesome guys and really helpful. The selection is amazing considering the small size of the place. It is always good to stop by almost weekly because the shipments of new and local beers are always coming in. They have a large cooler and several racks that have room temperature selections. There is also a fine selection of wines. There is a small bar there but with a decent set of beers that changes frequently. I highly recommend this place!
Nov 03, 2008
Photo of Yesac
Reviewed by Yesac from Georgia

4.3/5  rDev +1.2%
I was planning my weekend trip to North Carolina, and decided this would be the place to stock up for my weekend in the cabin.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but walk inside and walk straight back to coolers and dry racks full of a great selection. The Belgium selection was great, as well as some other small craft brews I normally don't see.

I didn't have much time to look around, but I noticed in the middle of the place were a couple tables with a what seemed to be a mini bar with about 5 taps of craft brew and a bartender. The crowd was diverse and lively, everyone seemed in high spirits enjoying their brew.

The parking was very limited.

If I lived in this area, I'd have no problem making The Common Market my go to beer store.
May 15, 2008
Photo of lpb1970
Reviewed by lpb1970 from North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev -2.4%
I went by to check this place out and overall I liked it. They have a good selection of Belgians and other micros in bombers and 25 oz. bottles as well as a decent selection of six packs both cold and non-refrigerated. The prices are definitely higher here though. For example I would normally pay $7.99-$8.99 for a six of SN Pale Ale but here it is $10.29. That seems to be their standard price for a micro six here which is way higher than elsewhere. On the plus side they did have some stuff (ex. Bells Dopplebock) that I had not seen anywhere else in town. The best aspect of this place is the fact that you can buy your beer then go out to the patio and drink it. Almost like hanging at a bar patio but paying grocery store prices for the beer.
Mar 01, 2008
Photo of velorouge75
Reviewed by velorouge75 from Arizona

4.85/5  rDev +14.1%
Ah. The Common Market. My favorite after-class / after-work hangout from when I lived in Charlotte. An exceptional little slice of alternative culture located on the corner of Thomas Street and Commonwealth in the Elizabeth neighborhood.

With an impressive selection of beers for a store of its size and a helpful staff, as well as a neo-biergarten out back that's oh-so-perfect for drinking a few, eating a sandwich, and shooting the breeze; it has the most relaxed, diverse, and friendly atmosphere of any restaurant/bar/bottle store I've experienced anywhere, as of yet.

To get the whole experience, ride a bicycle there, and lock it to the tree out front, then walk inside to the beer section. Pick something that you haven't had yet, but would like to try, pay for it at the register, and then take the sixer or bomber out back past the wine bar to the patio (where hopefully you'll run into someone you know and can give them a beer, or make a new friend to swap a beer with), enjoy the cool evening breeze, the chatter of the other patrons and remind yourself how lucky you are to be drinking a beer.

Overall, in my opinion, it's outstanding.
Feb 26, 2008
The Common Market - Plaza Midwood in Charlotte, NC
Place rating: 4.25 out of 5 with 47 ratings