Welcome
Commonwealth Restaurant and Skybar was built with one simple idea in mind…to serve Charlottesville with food and drink you will love in an environment that will make you smile. Great food without pretense. Great service without arrogance. A great experience every time. Please come and allow us to serve you.
Location
Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, one block from the Pavilion.
422 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-202-7728 info@commonwealthskybar.com
Commonwealth is a first-come, first-served establishment and we are not taking reservations at this time. If you wish to arrange a special private event, or explore our catering options, email Brigette, brigette@commonwealthskybar.com.
Hours
Open Daily 3:00pm – 2:00am
Dinner 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Skybar Menu 10:00pm – Midnight
The Story
The word commonwealth is part of our heritage in Virginia and we see it used every day but seldom consider what it really means. It is something special to be a Commonwealth. We built this restaurant with one simple idea in mind… to cater to the needs of our community. We are here to provide the place and provisions, the setting if you will, for people to dine, to talk, to laugh, to celebrate and to relax.
The original definition of commonwealth was made up of two obvious parts with a not so obvious intention. Common – for everyone, the public, all people equally. Wealth (or weal in some spellings) – from the old meaning of wealth, also referring to health or well-being. The word commonwealth means quite literally “for the good of all” in the public welfare or best interest, for the health and spirit of the community.
We are honored to celebrate the word in its truest sense. Come and let us serve you.
Chef Alex George
The Executive Chef, Alex George, is a partner and co-creator of Commonwealth. He is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute with a diverse culinary background that includes Mediterranean, Caribbean and South American styles. Having grown up in Guyana, Alex often marries his classic skills with the exciting ingredients of the Caribbean and Latin America. His emphasis is on fresh and surprising food that will always leave you wanting just a bit more.
The Food
Simple ideas. The best ingredients. Prepared with precision. Its all about craft. We believe that great food doesn’t need to be fussy or complicated. In fact, we think that the best things in life exhibit the elements of simplicity. If you start with great ingredients, add some attention to detail in how you prepare them, and spice them up with a touch of playfulness and a bit of surprise, the results will speak for themselves.
Appetizers
Ale Braised Rabbit Crepe, ‘Appalachian’ Cheese & Figs $13
Twice Baked New Potatoes, Oyster Mushrooms $7
Sweet Onion Jam
Lobster & Salt Cod Cakes w/ Coconut $12
Red Pepper Aioli
Grilled Shrimp, Ginger & Lime $10
Ginger Braised Pulled Pork $9
Yam Croquettes
Diver Scallops With Chorizo & Rocket $13
Grilled Corn & Veggie Empanadas $8
Tomatillo Salsa
Cheese & Charcuterie
Cheese Plate Select 3 $12 – Select 5 $17
Blue Paradise, Wisconsin, Cow
Taleggio, Piemonte Italy, Cow
La Serena, Extremadura,Spain, Sheep
Classico Reserve 12 mo, Bend Oregon, Goat +$2
Fontina, Valle D’Aosta, Italy, Cow
Carr Valley, ‘Snow White’ Cheddar, Wis., Goat
Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Wisconsin, Cow
Meadow Creek, ‘Appalachian’ Va. Highlands, Va.
Cured Meats Plate $17
Olli’s, Salumeria, Sweet Lomo, Richmond, Va.
Fermin, Jamon Serrano, Spain
Olli’s, Salumeria, Salami Toscano, Richmond, Va.
Salads
Skybar Salad $7 / $13
Hearts of Romaine, Shaved Pecorino Sardo, Hazelnuts, Mandarin Oranges, Cilantro Vinaigrette
Commonwealth Salad $9 / $15
Baby Green Salad, w/ Avocado, Tomato, Local Goat Feta Cheese & Black Garlic Vinaigrette
Soup
Madras Red Lentil & Roasted Bell Pepper
Entrees
Curried Chick Peas, w/ Sauteed Mustard Greens,
Roma Tomatoes $13
Fresh Curry Leaves, Fragrant Rice
Grilled Timber Creek Pork Chop $25
Chorizo, Tomato & Mushroom Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes
Boneless Pan Seared Speckled Trout $24
Coconut rice, Spicy Cashew Sauce
Grilled Skirt Steak w/ Sauteed Peppers &
Onions $23
Roasted Garlic Lime Mojo & Cassava Fries
Crisp Half Chicken w/ Violet Mustard
Sauce $15
Sweet Plantains
Grilled Wild Boar Chops w/ Gooseberries $27
Horseradish mashed potatoes
Bourbon braised Short Ribs w/ Root Vegetables $22
Beef Demi Sauce
Crispy Duck Breast w/ Green Beans
in Confit $23
Mango Ginger Sauce
On the Side
Spinach and Black Eyed Peas $4
Smashed, Roasted Red Potatoes $4
Red Beans, Bacon, Fresh Chorizo $5
Chick Peas, Curry Leaves, Mustard Seeds $4
Specialty Cocktails
Panther’s Breath $10
Cute When on the Leash
White Rye , Dolin Vermouth, Orange Bitters,
Orange Twist
Ladies Night $10
Dance the Night Away
Ciroc Red Berry, Citronage, Lemon Juice, POM, Simple Syrup
Fuhgetaboutit! $10
A Negroni of Sorts
Blue coat American Dry Gin, Cynar, Do maine de Canton, Orange Twist
Snow Leopard $10
It Gets all ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ on You
Hangar 1 Chipotle Vodka, Nigori Sake, Absinthe, Cranberry Juice, Hidden Dragons
En Fuego $10
On Fire & it Returns!
Bourbon, Blenheim Ginger Ale, Cinnamon
Aromatics, Lime
The Don $15
When You Want To Feel Like The Don, You Have To Finish Like The Don
XO Rum, House Bitters
As American As… $10
Baseball, Apple Pie & Hot Dogs
Wild Turkey Bourbon, House-Made Maple Butternut Shrub, Cranberry Bitters
El Jefe $30
When The Don Just Isn’t Big Enough
We Will Tell You this-There is a Big Añejo Tequila
in this.
Spirits
The selection listed represents our featured, more rare spirits. Please ask us about the many others available.
Whisky ~ Scotch
Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or $17
Highland Park 18yr $25
Lagavulin 16yr $23
Yamazaki 12yr $11
The Balvenie, Caribbean Cask 14 yr $17
Johnnie Walker Blue Label $54
Glenmorangie, Signet 30 yr $54
Whisky ~ Irish
Midleton $30
Tullamore Dew 12 yr $10
Connemara $11
Whisky ~ Bourbon ~ American
Black Maple Hill $14
Jefferson Presidential Reserve $25
Elijah Craig 18 yr $20
Four Roses Single Barrel $10
Agave ~ Magueys
Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal $11
El Tesoro Paradiso Tequila $30
Maestro Dobel Tequila $12
Rum
Oronoco $7
Pyrat XO $9
Ron Zacapa XO $20
Zaya 12yr $10
Vizcaya $11
El Dorado 15 yr $11
Grape Spirits ~ Calvados
Kelt VSOP Cognac $14
Hennessy XO Cognac $42
Cles des Ducs Napoleon Armagnac $20
Busnel Calvados VSOP $12
Moletto, Grappa di Nebbiolo di Barolo $14
Inga, Grappa di Moscato $10
Drafts
Devil’s Backbone
Vienna Lager, Nellysford, Va. $5
Medium Bodied, Amber Colored,w/ Hints of Caramel & Toasted Nuts
Six Points
‘Bengali Tiger’ IPA, Brooklyn, NYC $5
Graceful Hops w/ Citrus, Pine, & Spice
Blue Mountain
Evil 8, Afton, Virginia $7
Caramelized Malt Flavors Characterize this Local Belgian-Style Dobbel
Blue Mountain, Full Nelson, Afton, Virginia $5
Virginia Pale Ale, Made w/ Local Hops, Sweet& Bitter
Are in Great Harmony
Stone, Arrogant Bastard, California $6
Fresh Citrus Hops, Roasted Malt & a Sharp Lingering Bitterness. As Much Yin As Yang
Avery, ‘Old Jubilation’ Ale, Boulder Co. $7
An English Old Style Ale w/Hints of Hazelnut & Toffee
Crispin Hard Cider, Minneapolis, Minnesota $6
This Will Be The Cider that You Judge All Others Against. Try A Classic Snakebite Or Black Velvet
Guinness, Ireland $5
Enough Said
Bottle Features
Ommegang, Abbey Ale, Cooperstown, PA 750ml $11
Victory, Prima Pils, Downingtown, Pa. $5
Huyghe, Delirium Tremens, Belgium $10
Floris, Apple, Huyghe, Belgium $11
Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, Mendocino,CA $7
Goudenbond, Belgium 750ml $12
Rochefort 10, The Abbey of St. Remy, Belgium $11
Dogfish Head, T’weason Ale, (Gluten Free) 750ml $7
Duchess De Bourgogne, Belgium 750ml $15
Bubbles
Giro Ribot, Cava, Brut Reserva, Penedes
Spain NV $9
Its Fresh and Cheerful Character Makes This an All Purpose Cava For Any Time of Day
Riccardo, Prosecco, Valdobbiadene,
Italy NV $10
Classic Prosecco, Subtle Almond & Fruit, Slight Apple Note But Not At All Sweet
Lalier, Grand Reserve, Grand CruAy, France NV $16
65% Pinot Noir,35% Chardonnay, Buttery Brioche Notes & a Hint of Apricot Fruitiness
White Wine
La Coudraie, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux,
France ’10 $8
Think Honeysuckle & Citrus Fruit. Lovely Balance Which Makes it Perfect With or Without Food
Willi Haag, Riesling, Mosel, Germany ’08 $8
Perfumed Floral Notes, With a Bright Lemon Lift, Rich Balanced Palate, Impressive & Pure
Mercer, Chardonnay, Columbia Valley,
Washington ’10 $9
This Wine Exemplifies the Term ‘Balance’ Mouth-Feel, Fruit, & Complexity
Don Manuel, Torrontes, Mendoza,
Argentina ’10 $8
A Really Good and Clean White Wine With All The Tropicality and Zest that this Varietal Can Give
Foris, Pinot Gris, Rouge Valley,
Oregon ’10 $8
Fresh Apple & Quince notes on Both the Nose & the Palate, Baking Spices & Minerality Ad Complexity
Red Wine
Sassetto, Sangiovese di Romagna,
Italy ’10 $8
A Rich round Earthbound Red From The Lesser Known Region of Emilia-Romagna
Dead Canyon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington ’09 $9
Gorgeous Wine For the Price. A Rich Accent of French Oak Wrapped Around a Core of Blackberry, Currant & Spice
Tomero, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ’10 $9
Big Fruit, A Rich Crowd Pleasing Red, Delicioso
Quinta de Cabriz, Dao, Portugal ’08 $8
This Is Evidence That Portugal is Producing Great Wine.
Pali, Pinot Nair, Sonoma, California ’09 $12
900 Cases Produced, Expect Intense Strawberry & Cherry Joined by White Pepper From This Santa Barbara Gem
Obsidian Ridge, Syrah,Red Hills, California ’09 $16
Dense on the Palate w/ Wild Blackberries & Dark Coffee Tones
Desserts
Raspberry & Mascarpone Tart $7
Carrot Walnut Cake $7
Sweet Cream Icing
Espresso Pot d’ Creme $7
Whipped Patron Cafe Cream
Cheese
Cheese Plate Select 3 $12 – Select 5 $17
Blue Paradise, Wisconsin, Cow
Taleggio, Piemonte Italy, Cow
La Serena, Extremadura,Spain, Sheep
Classico Reserve 12 mo, Bend Oregon, Goat +$2
Fontina, Valle D’Aosta, Italy, Cow
Carr Valley, ‘Snow White’ Cheddar, Wisconsin, Cow
Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Wisconsin, Cow
Meadow Creek, ‘Appalachian’ Virginia Highlands, Va.
Wines for the End
La Spinetta, Moscato d’Asti ’10, 750ml $40
Wehrheim Riesling, Auslese, Rheinhessen,
Germany ’09, 750ml $50
Port
Graham’s, Tawny $7
Warre’s, ‘Warrior’ Reserve, Ruby $7
Graham’s, LBV 2006, Ruby $10
Warre’s, Colheita, 1997, Tawny $13
Graham’s 20yr, Tawny $16
Quinta de Roriz, 2001, Ruby $16
Cordials ~ Liqueurs
Amarula $6
Barenjager $7
Benedictine $9
Fernet Branca $6
Grand Marnier $10
Lemoncello $6
Raki $6
The Skybar
OK, so it is a bit of a reach to suggest we are a bar in the sky as some would expect the name to imply – but it’s certainly an “under-the-sky” bar. A bar from which you can appreciate and enjoy the waning evening, the enchantment of the stars, and the lights of the city all at once. We are blessed in Virginia with great weather for most of the year – and we want you to be able to take advantage of it as often as possible. The SkyBar sits 20 feet up from the hustle of the Downtown Mall which provides a spectacular vantage point to listen to great music, laugh the night away with your friends and indulge in the best beverages around. Want a fresh and unique perspective on the Mall? Come to the Skybar, your after-work, Saturday afternoon, evening cocktail, late night bite, house of refuge. We look forward to serving you!
Food
Skybar Salad $13
Hearts of Romaine, Shaved Pecorino, Hazelnuts, Mandarin Oranges, Cilantro Vinaigrette
Red Bean Veggie Burger $11
Bell Pepper Mayo, Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt Cassava Fries
Local Fried Chicken Sandwich $12
w/ Roasted Garlic Aioli, Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt Cassava Fries
Grilled Jamaican Jerked Wings $10
w/ House Made Pepper Sauce, Sliced Banana Peppers
Grilled Bison Burger $14
Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar Cheese, Aioli, Fries
Spicy Braised Pork Sandwich $12
Jicama Slaw, Fries
Trio of Sliders $13
Bison, Lobster Cod Cake, Pulled Pork
Cassava Fries $5
Truffle Fries $6
Cheese & Charcuterie
Cheese Plate Select 3 $12 – Select 5 $17
Blue Paradise, Wisconsin, Cow
Taleggio, Piemonte Italy, Cow
La Serena, Extremadura,Spain, Sheep
Classico Reserve 12 mo, Bend Oregon, Goat +$2
Fontina, Valle D’Aosta, Italy, Cow
Carr Valley, ‘Snow White’ Cheddar, Wis., Goat
Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Wisconsin, Cow
Meadow Creek, ‘Appalachian’ Va. Highlands, Va.
Cured Meats Plate $17
Olli’s, Salumeria, Sweet Lomo, Richmond, Va.
Fermin, Jamon Serrano, Spain
Olli’s, Salumeria, Salami Toscano, Richmond, Va.
Desserts
Raspberry & Mascarpone Tart $7
Carrot Walnut Cake $7
Sweet Cream Icing
Espresso Pot d’ Creme $7
Whipped Patron Cafe Cream
Bubbles
Giro Ribot, Cava, Brut Reserva,
Penedes Spain NV $9
Its Fresh and Cheerful Character Makes This an All Purpose Cava For Any Time of Day
Riccardo, Prosecco, Valdobbiadene,
Italy NV $10
Classic Prosecco, Subtle Almond & Fruit, Slight Apple Note But Not At All Sweet
Lalier, Grand Reserve, Grand CruAy,
France NV $16
65% Pinot Noir,35% Chardonnay, Buttery Brioche Notes & a Hint of Apricot Fruitiness
White Wine
La Coudraie, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux,
France ’10 $8
Think Honeysuckle & Citrus Fruit. Lovely Balance Which Makes it Perfect With or Without Food
Willi Haag, Riesling, Mosel, Germany ’08 $8
Perfumed Floral Notes, With a Bright Lemon Lift, Rich Balanced Palate, Impressive & Pure
Mercer, Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington ’10 $9
This Wine Exemplifies The Term ‘Balance’ Mouth-Feel, Fruit, Complexity
Don Manuel, Torrontes, Mendoza,
Argentina ’10 $8
A Really Good and Clean White Wine With All The Tropicality and Zest that this Varietal Can Give
Foris, Pinot Gris, Rouge Valley,
Oregon ’10 $8
Fresh Apple & Quince Notes on the Palate, w/ Baking Spices & Minerality Adding Complexity
Red Wine
Sassetto, Sangiovese di Romagna, Italy ’09 $9
A Rich, Round, Earthbound Red From the Lesser Known Region of Emilia-Romagna
Dead Canyon Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Haven Hills, Washington ’09 $9
Gorgeous Wine For the Price. A Rich Accent of French Oak Wrapped Around a Core of Blackberry, Currant & Spice
Tomero, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ’10 $9
Top Crowd Pleasing Red
Quita de Cabriz, Dao, Portugal ’08 $8
This Is Evidence That Portugal is Producing Great Wine.
Pali, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California ’09 $12
900 Cases Produced, Expect Intense Strawberry & Cherry Joined by White Pepper From This Santa Barbara Gem
Obsidian Ridge, Syrah, Red Hills, Lake Co., California ’09 $16
Dense on the Palate w/ Wild Blackberries & Dark Coffee Tones
Cocktails
Negroni $9
Plymouth Gin., Campari, Dolin Rouge & Orange Twist
Dark & Stormy $9
Gosling’s Black Seal Black Rum, Ginger Beer, & Lime
Alameda Mule $9
Hangar 1 Blueberry Vodka, Ginger Beer & Orange Slice
Devil’s Ouandry $9
Gim Beam’s Devil’s Cut Bourbon & Chilled Mulled Apple Cider
Skybar Sunrise $9
1800 Blanco Tequila, Spiced POM Molasses, Orange Juice & Lime
Drafts
Devil’s Backbone, Vienna Lager, Nellysford, Va. $5
Medium Bodied, Amber Colored,w/ Hints of Caramel & Toasted Nuts
Dogfish Head, Indian Brown Ale, Milton, Delaware $5
Cross between A Scotch Ale, An Indian Pale, & an American Brown
Blue Mountain, Evil 8, Afton, Va. $7
Nice Citrus Hops Aroma, With Pine Notes, Slight Malt edge, But Then Hops Take Over. A Great Sipper
Bear Republic, ‘Racer 5′ IPA, Healdsburg, Ca. $6
Nice Citrus Hops Aroma, w/ Pine Notes, Slight Biscuity Malt.
Hops Take Over in the End. A Great Sipper
New Belgium, Fat Tire, Fort Collins,
Colorado $5
Toasty Biscuit-Like Malt Flavors Intertwined With Hoppy Freshness
Stone, Arrogant Bastard, California $6
Fresh Citrus Hops, Roasted Malt & a Sharp Lingering Bitterness. As Much Yin As Yang
Crispin Hard Cider, Minneapolis,
Minnesota $6
This Will Be The Cider that You Judge All Others Against. Try A Classic Snakebite Or Black Velvet
Guinness Ireland $5
Enough Said
Bottle Features
Ommegang, Abbey Ale, Cooperstown,
NY 750ml $11
Left Hand, Black Jack Porter, Longmont, Co. $5
Huyghe, Delirium Tremens, Belgium $10
Brekenridge, Agave Wheat, Colorado $6
Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, Mendocino, CA $7
Goudenbond, Belgium 750ml $15
Rochefort 10, Abbey of St. Remy,
Belgium $11
La Chouffe, Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 750ml $21
Floris, Apple, Huyghe, Belgian Ale 330ml $11