There are BYOB restaurants, and then there are BYOB restaurants. Common Lot isn’t your average dining option. Between the atmosphere, level of service, and overall quality of the establishment’s cuisine, you would think you were dining in a Michelin star-rated spot in Manhattan.
The interior is modern and clean, yet warm and inviting. There are two levels – the main dining room being a bit louder and public, the upstairs area being geared more for private parties. Weather permitting, the restaurant also has a courtyard by the front entrance. But the most unique dining feature is the difficult-to-reserve Kitchen Pass.
Kitchen Pass allows up to four dining patrons to sit on distressed leather counter-height seats in a private section within the main dining floor. The main draw is that you have the best view of chefs making you your own private tasting menu. While the primary menu options for the rest of the restaurant are stellar, this private experience allows you to try very unique cuisine especially made for you. At shy of $100 per person, it is a bargain as the experience lasts up to four hours.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to try Kitchen Pass and specifically remember how good the dry-aged duck and quail were.
The best part of Common Lot is that whether you opt for Kitchen Pass or just want a simple table for two in the main dining area, there are always plenty of options for good wine and food pairings, and the restaurant remains incredibly BYOB friendly. They even have a wine list for a local wine boutique that will deliver to you in under ten minutes!
Notable dishes off the primary menu are dry-aged ribeye for two, the pork belly, and wagyu tartare.
The Chosen Vine 