CommonWealth Cafe & Pub

The CommonWealth is a fantastic little Scottish pub located on the corner of 29th and Telegraph. Since 2010, the CommonWealth has been a hub for soccer enthusiasts, as well as individuals who appreciate a truly community-oriented bar. Much like the beloved television show Cheers, this is a bar “where everybody knows your name.” Staff and patrons have a mutual respect and love for each other, and it shows in the way groups communicate with each other.

Though you will always find lively conversations throughout this pub, CommonWealth is a safe space for individuals who want to hang out alone in a booth with a cold beer and a good book. Visitors are expected to be courteous of each other. Respecting each other’s boundaries is strictly enforced by the staff.

CommonWealth is where locals and visitors of Oakland go to watch soccer. They play all of the games on tv, and have a schedule of upcoming live games here. This place is bustling during English Premiere League games and when the World Cup is playing. During the World Cup, you are lucky to get a foot in the door, so come in early.

There are many fun and popular events held at CommonWealth including a weekly Pub Quiz, which is the British equivalent of trivia night. This is held on Sundays at 6:30 PM, sharp. The current owners of CommonWealth uphold the traditional Scottish holiday Burn’s Night, which is celebrated on January 25th. This is the celebration of the famous Scottish poet’s birthday. To celebrate, CommonWealth serves haggis and has traditional Scottish bagpipers play throughout the evening. They also celebrate Hogmanay on New Year’s Eve. During this afternoon, the community is invited to celebrate and take part in a free champagne toast.

CommonWealth focuses on serving draft beers that is small batch, and brewed by local vendors. They have two international beers that are always available. Those beers are Fuller’s London Pride, and Belhaven Scottish Ale. They also have many bottled English and Scottish imports. Come in for Happy Hour every weekday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

They serve delicious pub food until 9:30 PM every day, and have a weekend brunch menu that is available from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Some of the most popular menu items include their scotch eggs with curry ketchup, Shepard’s pie, chicken salad sandwich, and breakfast sandwich. You can also order any coffee or espresso drink. They serve Roast Co. coffee, which is roasted in West Oakland.

This neighborhood is extremely bike friendly, and you can lock your bike to the well-lit rack right next to the building. Parking is a mix of metered and open street parking, and fills up fast.