It took 45 minutes to get our food. The atmosphere was dark and mellow. The menu's sophisticated description was exciting but foreshadowed high expectations and the disappointment to come. The portions were mediocre, the presentation well done but the taste was average for the price. I chose the chorizo & grits. I think they killed the pig, seasoned it, filled the casing, baked it, then cut it open to fill the dish they gave me. I'm not oversimplifying... it was cornmeal with spicy chili on top with two half cooked boiled eggs in it. 2 nicely bbq'ed pieces of bread on the side. My girlfriend had the smoked salmon and its basically a smoked salmon bagel you can find at any bagel restaurant. You pay for the atmosphere... and the name "the commoner" suits the food.