Common Wealth is Dishing Out Amazing Southern Cuisine in Old City

Common Wealth is Dishing Out Amazing Southern Cuisine in Old City

Is it just us or is “fusion” the wave in the culinary world?  It’s either Asian fusion, American fusion, or Latin fusion.  The remixes to traditional dishes are fantastic but every now and again it’s nice to just have good ol’ classic meals.  Nothing is more classic or Americana than southern cooking.  It’s essentially the benchmark of American cuisine. Eating authentic southern style food is easy when you’re south of the Mason Dixon but what about in the northeast? Well, we happen to stumble upon Common Wealth in Old City (319 Market) and boy did this place shoot to the top of the list.

If you’ve been craving some “low country” grub in Philly, than Common Wealth should be on your “must check out” list.  First off, the owners Joe and Crystal Battista pulled out all the stops when it comes to decor and interior.  Celebrity builder Tom Bury from Restaurant Impossible was enlisted to transform the space which was once “The Old City Bar” into charming southern southern style oasis in the middle of bustling Philadelphia.  Complete with a fully stocked bourbon and whiskey bar, this spot is just as much of a hang out and drink place as it is a wine and dine joint.

With a menu consisting of lunch, brunch, and dinner there is plenty to choose from.  Personal favorites we’d recommend would definitely be the  Chicken and Waffle Sliders, which are pretty husky I might add.  Also on the must try list would be the Gumbo du Jour, Braised Short Rib as well as The Low Country Burger.  However, honestly Common Wealth has a menu that you just can’t go wrong with. Check out the full menu options here.

Sure it sounds like we might be gloating because it’s a new and shiny restaurant but Philly’s top critic Craig Laban himself raved about the food.  We’re talking about a guy who gave the restaurant inside of the The Ritz Carlton zero bells out of 4! However, his critique of Common Wealth was pretty damn good stating, “I was especially taken by the restaurant’s resurrection of that classic New Orleans creole dish, Oysters Beinvielle.  These delicate mullusks-topped with a butter-rich bechamel studded with chopped shrimp and mushrooms-brought back memories of decadent roasted oysters done right.”  So it’s safe to say the oysters dishes are pretty slamming here.

All-in-all Common Wealth in Old City is definitely a place you gotta’ try.  Take a date, go as an after work happy hour or just enjoy a bourbon on the rocks solo along with a tasty dish.  Either way, just get there.