Commonwealth Sandwich Bar

I like it! You guys are so chill and friendly!
— Pretty convenient parking, since they are next to a lot.
— They are dog friendly! So long as your dog is actually trained… Duh.
— They have Mexican Coke and I love that.
My sister loves this little sandwich shop and was really glad to share it with me.
I had the Three Little Pigs. I thought it was sort of pricey ($ 10!) and my reaction was a bit meh, seeing it sandwiched between two toast slices. It was also a bit soggy and hella messy to eat. But I love rillettes, so I was happy nonetheless.
My sister had the Thai Shtick. It’s her staple choice. It was also juicy /​drippy (probably from the slaw) and messy. I had one bite and my tongue was on fire! But I guess some people love getting kicked in the mouth.
I also think the tables should be wiped down more often. Cuz ours was sticky.
Anyways, 4 stars! yay! It was more expensive than a typical lunch, but I enjoyed it AND got to make great memories with my sister. So thank you for the eats!

One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life was the Chicken Club at Commonwealth Sandwich Bar. The pickled cucumber was unlike anything I had on a sandwich before.
I went in with a friend to gettakeout. We waited inside their tiny yet trendy space and were quickly served our to-​go bags.
This place is located DANGEROUSLY close to my apartment, and I can’t wait to go back again and again to try new sandwiches and all of their other items as well.
A must-​try in the Columbus area.

I had to try this place for myself after reading and hearing rave reviews, and am sorry to say, my first time left a lot to be desired. Also, I tried to go for the first time a week ago and to my disappiontment, they were closed for a catering event, and I had to endure a walk of shame to work with an empty belly.
Anyway…
I like my servers to be friendly and that’s normally not hard to find at most local businesses I tend to visit around town. Unfortunately, this guy was not what I would call friendly — no greeting and no smiles the entire time. Womp womp.
I was surprised at how cheap the fries were and he said I could try multiple sauces at no extra charge, but alas, when I opened up my to-​go bag, there was only one (chipotle aioli) and compared to the other aiolis I’ve had at The Rossi and Tatoheads, this was thin and lacking in flavor. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t living up to my friend’s claims by a long shot. The fries were super hot, even 15 minutes later and nicely salted.
I ordered the Haute Hippie and to the dismay of my jaw, there was an impenetrable shell on the bread I had to hack through and once I did after utilizing some unflattering gnashing and tearing, there was so much bread in my mouth, I could barely taste the carmelized onions, goat cheese, and cucumbers. The contents were a great combination and all nicely balanced but it didn’t matter by the time I got around to them.
Perk: All sandwiches were $ 5 all day, which was a pleasant surprise. Hint: It was a Wednesday, so try going then to get the same deal?
I haven’t written Commonwealth off — I’m going back to try the other vegetarian sandwiches and give the friendly factor another chance. We’ll see!

I’m haven’t really found a sandwich there that I loved. I’ve tried the Into the Woods and the Haute Hippie. The good thing is on Wednesday’s you get half off sandwiches so you can afford to try different ones more often. I crave their french fries and sauces all the time though, so that’s what keeps me going there. They’ll do a mixed bag of sweet potato fries with regular.
There’s a pretty long wait for stuff, but they’ve got interesting art on the wall to look at.
Once in a while I feel like (one of the) staff members at the counter is being an asshole to me. Like way over-​sarcastic about taking my order, so I don’t know what that’s about. Not just once either, so I want to say that maybe that’s just his regular voice?

I want to like this place so much more than I do. They use good ingredients and have a creative menu — all things I appreciate. Unfortunately, this place is just A-​OK for me.
I’ve tried a few of their sandwiches, which are pretty large, and each one has been kind of ‘meh’ for me. They use a lot of smoky tasting ingredients, which I’m not a fan of. Even their ketchup had a smoky taste to it. Kind of just overpowered the other ingredients for me. Maybe I’m just ordering the wrong things?
Their french fries are sold separately for $ 3 (I think) and they give you a HUGE portion. If you don’t have someone to share with it’s kind of a loss since fries don’t really reheat well. I do like that they let you get half regular and half sweet potato, I just wish they’d offer a smaller size for solo diners. Also, at first bite I was like, «OMG these fries are the best fries I’ve ever eaten and I’ve eaten a lot of fries OMG», but after awhile they started tasting not so great. Good way to portion myself, I suppose?
I probably won’t return until it’s warm enough to sit on Village Idiot’s patio and have a beer since it’s so so tiny inside (2 tables). Anxious to try something else on the menu to maybe find a sandwich for me.

I came down for dinner tonight. It’s been over a year since I’ve been here although it doesn’t seem that long. And the food is just as good as I remembered it. Tonight I had the «three little pigs» which has roast pork shoulder, house cured bacon, braised pork belly, pickled onion, and a fried egg, topped off by port wine bbq sauce. And I got an order of french fries to boot. And I didn’t remember it until I got home but the sandwich was only $ 5.50 because that’s something they do every Wednesday.
Now then, that’s the good. The bad is that their front door is screwed up and unless a diner feels like getting up to close it every time someone enters or leaves, everyone in the front part of the restaurant freezes their ass off. This happened more than I could count and the help didn’t seem to be too interested in doing anything about it. I thought about deducting stars but why penalize them when the food is so good.

I really enjoyed this unique, tiny sandwich bar. I loved the food and enjoyed the entire atmosphere of this place. I can’t give it 5 stars for a few reasons– it isn’t quite as good as Brown Bag, no sweet potato fries on hand, and I wasn’t a fan of the brioche bun they use. The bun was a little too dry for me. Their bread was perfect but the bun wasn’t my type. I think I would juts order whatever I get here on bread and not the roll.
We ordered the Fu Manchu, Lord Baltimore, and Spiced Chicken. I would order the spiced chicken in a heartbeat as it was very tasty. The Lord Baltimore was pretty good except for being a little dry. I didn’t try the Fu Manchu but the eater was pleased with it as well. The fries here were decent as I usually don’t order fries. The large order was enough for 3 of us. I will go back and try something else withour the brioche-​just not my style.
A couple of warnings– sits around 10 people total in the place so don’t expect open seats for a big group. A good place for 2 – 4 people to go together. Parking could be tricky depending when you go.

This place has everything I could ever dream of in a sandwich shop. The ingredients are really high quality and the sandwiches themselves are really unique and tasty. I had the Into the Woods which involves a bunch of mushrooms, goat cheese and an awesome jam. Totally something I would never think of making myself at home which is totally what I go to a restaurant for.
The water is cucumber water and all the sandwiches are only $ 5 on Wednesdays, amazing!

I’m a fan!
With a caveat.
Delish sandwiches! Awesome crispy fries (get the mix) and the ability to take advantage of Village Idiot’s happy hour is spectacular!
I love the (I think) «into the woods” — wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, arugula, black pepper tomato jam and boursin type cheese fonduish spread.
Sometimes the toppings are stingy, sometimes they are fantastic!
The elvis lives (spicy peanut butter) can be really spicy!

I’ve been here at least four times now, maybe a few more. While my sandwiches have typically been good, it can be a bit hit or miss. I’ve had both my girlfriend and a friend come here and be very disappointed in the thai schtick. In both cases, we thought this might be a consistency issue because many other reviewers rave about that sandwich. I admit to eating most of my gf’s when she wouldn’t (hey, it’s expensive!), and I found it to be very dry and somewhat bland myself. Fortunately, I’m a (clearly not strict) pescetarian, so I don’t have to worry about this sort of choice normally.
As for the sandwiches I’ve had, I’ve tried all of the vegetarian and seafood options by now, and never really been disappointed. However, my Lord Baltimore could definitely have used a little something extra to liven it up. It was basically a crabcake with tons of greens and maybe a miniscule amount of sauce (I honestly didn’t really taste any). There were seriously too many greens (I think arugula maybe?), enough for a salad.
The sweet potato fries are pretty yummy, but they are undeniably somewhat soggy. They could potentially be cooked a little longer, but I’ve had them several times and they always come out like this so it’s definitely by design. They are by no means bad, I just wonder how they’d be if they were done slightly different.
Oh, a few other positives to note. They make their own sodas here, which are tasty, and on Wednesdays, all sandwiches are only five bucks, which is a crazy good deal.

I like the urban, brick-​and-​mortar walls, LOVE the modern graffiti paintings and pics! The small town, neighborhood feeling — good. Decent prices for the portion sizesNow, more importantly, the food. I ordered the Thai Schtick. I don’t do spicy, so the pickled jalapenos where out from the start. Our food was to-​go, and our order was cooked and bagged in a timely manner.
The Sandwich Breakdown: The toasted, lightly buttered, bread wasn’t bad. The crust was slightly hard, but just around the edge. The sandwich was quite dry. The pieces of chicken were not to terribly juicy at all. The pickled cilantro slaw was ok — the only thing I could taste, besides the bread. It comes with Swiss cheese — couldn’t taste it at all. And the crushed peanuts (comes on the sandwich) were missing.
The sweet potato fries where nothing big. The natural sweet taste wasn’t as bold as I’ve tasted. Not a fan of the light breading around the fries, either.
If I do come back here, I’ll remember to look for something with a bolder sauce and flavors.

With a doubt, best sandwich shop in the Columbus!
I have tried «sweet and savory», «3 little pigs», and «into the wild.»
All were excellent.
What’s this I hear? Lydia mentions $ 5 sands on Wed. Even better.

Pluses:
+ $ 5 sandwiches on Wednesdays
+ cute light bulb decorations
+ we got a table at the perfect time
+ nice employees
Minuses:
— really noisy
— awkwardly crowded with little space to wait for orders
— soggy bread
I will elaborate on the food. My dining companion and I split 2 sandwiches — the Urban Cowboy and the Banh Fire. They took a little long to come out, but we had time and it was a busy day so that was forgivable. First of all — our sandwiches were so soggy. I understand if they’ve been sitting for a half hour, soaking in their own juices, but these were freshly made (or so I am led to believe). I find this inexcusable. Our fillings were falling out of the bread, not even in between the slices, but HOLES in the wet bread. Sandwiches can get messy, but this messy? Meh.
As far as taste goes — both sandwiches had pulled pork shoulder involved. The pork in the Urban Cowboy had a sweeter, more alcoholic flavor. It went well with the other ingredients in the sandwich (onions, tomatoes, bacon). We both thought the bacon in the UC could have been crunchier. Instead it fell flat and did not do much to enhance the overall taste of the sandwich. Bacon has the potential to do so, so much.
The Banh Fire was a risky choice. I knew it wouldn’t be like an actual banh mi but I miss them so much that I really wanted to find a replacement. The best part about this sandwich is that it is loaded with greens. The worst part is that the tastes do not come together as well as one would hope. Also, again, the soggy bread situation happened here.
Though the quality of the bread is surely great, I think Commonwealth needs to find a way to de-​soggify their bread because this is a huge turn off. I don’t know how this can be achieved. maybe use baguettes or something so diners don’t find their fingers piercing through wet bread and into the meat.
I think there is a lot of potential at this eatery and I do want to try the other sandwich options because they all look enticing and tasty… but not until I recover from the soaking bread trauma.

Each year in Columbus brings a new obsession in dining for me. This past year, all I can talk about is Commonwealth.
It’s not that Commonwealth is the best sandwich place in Columbus (it is). It’s not that Commonwealth is the most innovated place in Columbus (it is). It is that Commonwealth is the best restaurant in Columbus right now. Period. End of discussion.
I’ve been dining here since Commonwealth opened their doors and have returned numerous times. This is probably my most visited restaurant in the past year, I’m a repeat offender.
Each time I treat myself to a different sandwich. I’ve crossed off many on my list to try. So far my favorites are the Thai Shtick (think deconstructed Pad Thai Sandwich) and the Bahn Fire, Commonwealth’s take on a Bahn Mi.
The sandwiches are filling and I can’t seem to eat one gracefully. If you’re dining with friends, split a mixed basket of french fries and sweet potato fries. Served with homemade ketchup or aioili, this is such a tasty option. If you want an option that isn’t as fried, try the cabbage slaw.
If I became a chef I would strive to create the flavor and cuisine combinations on the menu at Commonwealth.

Three stars means A-​OK. And that’s exactly what I got from this place.
We ordered the Village Idiot and the Urban Cowboy. My review is solely on the Village Idiot because I didn’t try the Urban Cowboy. The Village idiot is composed of Local organic chicken, pickled onions, cheddar, slaw, port wine BBQ sauce, fresh cut fries on rustic italian.
It was okay. I think the slaw and the pickled onions were a bit much. I wish the pickled onions were a thicker cut instead of the stringy variety. I’m a big texture nut so they were a little «wormy». I wish there was less slaw and a little more chicken or even more of the BBQ port wine sauce. I wasn’t a fan of the composition.
The only thing I heard about the Urban Cowboy was that the bacon was flimsy and we suspected that it wasn’t cooked enough. That or it was just too fatty. It was pulled off and the rest of the sandwich was eaten.
The spicy ketchup served with the fries wasn’t all that spicy, to be honest. It’s got nothing on the bottled habanero ketchup by Melinda’s.
What I do like about the place is the décor. I dig that.
I don’t think I’ll make a trip back to this place any time soon or at all. Maybe when it’s warm because I saw that they have a little patio on the side of the building.

I’ve been wanting to try this place for MONTHS! Finally managed to drag my husband here… and we’ll be back.
I got the Bahn-​Fire — it was a drippy, yummy mess! I love the mix of the pork and fresh veggies. My husband got the Three Little Pigs and enjoyed it — although he said that it was a good idea in concept, he felt that the port wine bbq sauce overwhelmed any other flavor the sandwich could have had. We split a mixed bag of fries (which was HUGE! good thing I had run 6 miles this morning…) which were some of the tastiest fresh cut fries I’ve had.

Yum, yum, yum. My experiences thus far at Commonwealth Sandwich Bar have been excellent. The vibe is funky and casual. The service is great. The food is both inventive and tasty, with lots of options for everyone from meat-​lovers to those who follow a vegetarian diet. They are very accommodating and I’m sure they’d whip up a great vegan treat or two if that’s your preference.
I first visited the sandwich bar because of a Groupon purchase. It’s so affordable that my friend and I «had to» get some Jeni’s in addition to 2 sandwiches and the mixed bag of fresh cut fries (regular + sweet potato in a paper cone) in order to spend over $ 20. I tried the «Haute-​Hippie» and my friend got the «Into the woods.» All of the ingredients, especially the goat cheese (which comes from a local farmer) were incredible. The fries were amazing and the cayenne ketchup that was served on the side was a nice change of pace. Finally, the Jeni’s was cheap ($ 2 a scoop) but a little freezer-​burned. I somehow managed to choke it down.
When I returned to Commonwealth with another friend I got the special of the day, which was simply incredible. It was made with herbed focaccia (from Eleni Christina bakey, who supplies the bread for Commonwealth sandwiches). The focaccia surrounded aged cheddar and swiss, crisp onions and port wine BBQ sauce. I destroyed this sandwich. Sadly, my companion said that her «Commonwealth Classic» was only so-​so. I finished my meal with an ice cream soda made with Commonwealth’s specially brewed black cherry soda and Jeni’s Ugandan Vanilla Bean ice cream. It was the perfect ending to an indulgent lunch. After 5 pm I believe they’ve got an arrangement with a nearby bar if you desire booze with your sandwich.

I am so confused about everyone else’s experience here. I feel terrible giving a 2 star rating, but omg this place freaking grossed me out!!!
I came here with a friend with plans to order some food and eat it at Goodale park — picnic style. I was pretty excited to try this joint based on reviews. I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich and we got a cone of sweet potato and regular fries to share.
By the time we got to a spot in the park, our paper bag was saturated with grease. I’m not afraid of a little grease and I normally I think greasey food is usually pretty damn delicious. I ate maybe a quarter of my sandwich and a few bites of fries and I felt absolutely ill from all the grease. There was grease pouring out of both of our sandwiches. The fries were the greasiest piles of blobs I’ve ever seen. Not even remotely crispy. Freaking disgusting. My friend couldn’t finish his sandwich either. We spent the rest of the afternoon bloated and rolling around on our picnic blanket, trying to enjoy the nice weather when all we really wanted to do was throw up or take a huge dump.
I don’t know if there was a mishap that day with a food preparer and a vat of oil, but it’ll take some convincing from others to make me go back there.

Definitely one of the most creative sandwich shops in town — AND edgy and cool — all wrapped into one.
Been here a handful of times already and haven’t eaten anything I less than adored. The sandwiches are unique and each has a little something extra that makes it above average. On my first stop I tried the Elvis Lives sandwich because I just couldn’t say no to spicy coconut peanut butter — oh yes! So creamy, so gooey, but pretty greasy (stating the obvious here: it’s made with peanut butter.) The fries are a real treat too. Get the sweet potato/​regular mix for a nice balance of sweet-​n-​salty. The chipote aioli and homemade cayenne are heavenly. I might even love them more than the fries themselves! But the two are truly a match made in fry heaven and should be enjoyed together.
There are only three high top tables inside so if you can grab-​n-​go it might be a good idea. Although, it’s a pretty cool place to sit and check out the artwork on the walls (that I’m pretty sure rotate regularly with work from local artists) and chat with whomever is behind the counter. You can also order from the bar next door (there’s a convenient window) if you prefer your sandwich to have a hoppy companion. They do have a few sodas (not name brand) that are delicious and worthy of your tasting. A friend recommended mixing the vanilla cream with the orange because it tasted like an orange creamsicle. She was right. And as if it couldn’t get any better, they carry select flavors of Jeni’s Ice Cream!
I know they just expanded their menu with more cold sandwiches too now I have at least a half dozen more reasons to get my butt back in here and try everything… twice!

I definitely need another trip to Commonwealth Sandwich Bar soon! The Special Lady and I were FLOORED by this place and can’t stop raving about it to whomever shall listen. That this place is within walking distance of the south dorms needs to not be overlooked– this place is the best cheap food near South Campus since Migg’s left. Do you heathens even REMEMBER Miggs? Ah, I digress.
To echo sentiments in other reviews, however, it would do you well to remember that these prices are a little more Short North than South Campus. However, the idea of paying less for the same quality is scandalous. And you can’t argue with how FULL you are after eating here!
This tiny– almost too-​tiny– shop serves a delightful list of sandwiches and a few other things, besides. The first impression was that the menu was a great size– enough items to give true variety and analysis paralysis but not so many items that you have to doubt the quality of any one selection. The spectrum of variety here is so wide I can’t even really generalize the menu for you, except with the phrase, HOLY SANDWICHES.
I had the «Kiss Me,» I think it was called– roast chicken, house-​pickled cucumbers, house-​pickled onions, a fresh slaw… my God, it was delicious. I also had a good number of the sweet potato fries, which were the best sweet potato fries I think I’ve ever had– a fact not at all hampered by the delicious aioli they serve them with.
I do have to say I agree with Lisa S. about one thing, though: they really need to sell fries by the half-​pound in addition to by the pound!
To top it off is a soda fountain that is intriguing. It’s obviously not big-​name soda. Is it home-​made? Locally sourced? It’s delicious, and they didn’t even give me and the Lady a hard time for wanting to split one soda. Hey, we’re TRYING not to drink gallons of sugar each, this helps!
From the art on the walls to the mirrored menu board to the design of the menus (they could be used as bookmarks), I liked basically everything about this place. It could use maybe one more table, but that’s only a complaint for me because I foresee a future where the two available tables are full, carry-​out isn’t an option for me, and I am starving for one of the best sandwiches in town.