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The Common - Park Slope
Master Critic Review
The Common - Park Slope
7.7
The Common Park Slope is a compact brunch café and bistro that moonlights as an event space for ticketed Chef’s Table Food & Wine nights and hands-on cooking classes. Chef Aleksandr Orman’s menus lean Mediterranean-leaning comfort—think big breakfast plates, burritos, and occasional multi-course tasting evenings plated in front of guests.
Must-Try Dishes:
Californian Omelet, Avocado Breakfast Burrito, Lasagna crust dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A brunch-focused neighborhood café that also hosts small-format Chef’s Table wine-pairing dinners and cooking classes where dishes are prepared right in front of guests.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and food nerds drawn to interactive tasting events.
When to visit: Late-morning brunch or scheduled Chef’s Table evenings.
What to order: Californian Omelet, Avocado Breakfast Burrito, Lasagna crust dumplings.
Insider tip: Join the mailing list and grab Chef’s Table tickets early—seats for these intimate evenings are limited and often sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks, but tighter after 6pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—daytime brunch is relaxed, but Chef’s Table evenings lean slightly dressier.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch with steady chatter; quieter and more focused during Chef’s Table events.
Weekend wait: Chef’s Table nights are ticketed, so no traditional wait—walk-ins not accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except for occasional short pauses if the dining room is full.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—omelets, burritos, salads, and Mediterranean-leaning specials.
Vegan options: Limited—some customizable plates; confirm substitutions with staff.
Gluten-free options: A few naturally gluten-free items and modifiable dishes, though no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure brunch date or an intimate Chef’s Table night where the shared experience adds structure and conversation points.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For brunch, usually yes—short waits at peak hours. For Chef’s Table events, no; advance ticketing is required.
Is it kid-friendly? Brunch is kid-friendly with approachable dishes and a relaxed room; Chef’s Table evenings are better suited for adults due to pacing and limited seating.
Best For
Better for: Interactive, small-format Chef’s Table nights that feel more intimate and participatory than typical neighborhood cafés.
Skip if: You want a full-scale fine-dining tasting menu or expansive vegan/gluten-free offerings—other concepts will suit those needs better.