Commonwealth Skybar

4.3 (111)

$30 and under

Southern

422 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

OverviewReviewsDetails

About this restaurant

Innovative
Romantic
Good for special occasions

We are a completely unique Charlottesville restaurant on the downtown mall focusing on Modern Virginian Cuisine from an imaginative culinary team. Chef Reggie Calhoun's menus change seasonally to capture the spirit and the bounty of our local producers.

The Skybar is a breathtaking open air bar that sits above the historic Downtown Mall and offers a full menu as well as award-winning cocktails and a refined selection of beers. Skybar shares Commonwealth's innovative dinner menu, but does not take reservations & operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Our weekly specials:

Skybar Happy Hour M-Th (3-7) - Drink specials along with a buy one app get one of equal or lesser value for half price.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

There’s more to explore

Discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Scan the QR code to discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Open app

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Southern, Comfort Food, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch: Sunday 10am - 3pm Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5pm - 10pm Friday-Saturday 5pm - 11pm
Website
http://www.commonwealthskybar.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Reggie Calhoun
Catering
Private Dining: We have a private dining room that can be set up in any manner of styles to accommodate parties up to 40. More details on the website. For private party inquiries, please contact us at skybarmanager@gmail.com

Location
422 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Area
Charlottesville
Cross street
5th and Main
Parking Details
Parking is available on side streets, some parking meters, and at the Market St and Water St garages. Unfortunately, we do not validate parking.
Public transport
On the UVA trolley line and a block away from the downtown transit center.
Entertainment
Occasional bands and DJs at Skybar.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Spiced Virginia Peanuts* **USD 6.00
Pork Rinds**USD 8.00
with Spicy Pork Dip
Smoked Trout DipUSD 8.00
with Ritz Crackers
Onion Hay Stack*USD 10.00
with Commonwealth BBQ Sauce & Goat Cheese Ranch
Duo of Ham BiscuitsUSD 11.00
Classic, Pineapple Chutney with House Made Mustard
Chef's Choice Cheese Plate* **USD 25.00
with Seasonal Jams & Crusty Bread
Butternut Squash Bisque*USD 8.00
with Roasted Squash Seeds
Beet Salad* **
with Goat Cheese, Bacon, Crispy Leeks & Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
- smallUSD 9.00
- largeUSD 15.00
Bibb Lettuce Salad* **USD 12.00
with Granny Smith Apple, Virginia Peanuts & Herb Dressing
Roasted Cauliflower* **USD 10.00
with Cauliflower Puree, Caper & Raisin Vinaigrette
Autumn EmpanadaUSD 14.00
Short Rib, Cider Habanero Pineapple Sauce & Fall Pico
Ham Hock MeatballsUSD 16.00
with Blistered Field Peas, Ham Hock Jus & Micro Mustard Greens
Crab CakeUSD 14.00
with Caper Crab Salad
Commonwealth Chicken WingsUSD 14.00
with Cracked Pepper Sauce & Goat Cheese Ranch
Fried Virginia OystersUSD 16.00
with Kim Kim Aioli

Sandwiches

served with house fries

Commonwealth BurgerUSD 14.00
with Camembert, Bibb, Dijon Aioli & Caramelized Onions
Bacon Dusted Fried ChickenUSD 12.00
with Bibb, Tomato, Pickle & Goat Cheese Ranch
Fried Oyster BurgerUSD 15.00
with Old Bay Mayo, Bibb Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle & Red Onion

Entrees

Daily Pork Cut**
with Broccoli Rabe & Chimichurri
- Market Price
Jerk Chicken BreastUSD 24.00
with Rice & Beans, Plantains & Mango Chutney
RockfishUSD 28.00
with Chesapeake Broth, Shellfish & Red Pepper Toast
Daily Steak Cut**
with Potato Puree, Pea Tendrils, Crispy Onion & Jus
- Market Price
Vegetarian Butternut Risotto* **USD 18.00
Vegan Hoppin' John* **USD 16.00
with Grilled Mushrooms
Seared Scallops VelouteUSD 28.00
with Crispy Speck and Sautéed Green Beans

Sides

Fried Brussels Sprouts* **USD 9.00
tossed in Sweet and Spicy Aioli
Carolina Gold Rice* **USD 8.00
Mess of Green Beans**USD 8.00
with Virginia Ham and Garlic
Cheesy Potato Puree* **USD 8.00

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Tartlet*USD 10.00
Autumn Maple Custard Crumble*USD 9.00
Triple Citrus Chess Square with Raspberry Coulis*USD 8.00
Commonwealth Cheesecake*USD 9.00

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling: Cremant de Bourgogne, FRUSD 16.00
Sparkling: Thibaut-Janisson, Fizz, VAUSD 15.00
Champagne: Louis Roederer, Brut, FRUSD 15.00
Sancerre: Domaine Crochet '15, FRUSD 13.00
Sauvignon Blanc: Honig '16, Napa CAUSD 12.00
Sauvignon Blanc: Mantanzas Creek '15, CAUSD 10.00
White Bordeaux: Ch. Lestrille '09, FRUSD 10.00
Chardonnay: Barboursville Reserve '16, VAUSD 12.00
Chardonnay: Davis Bynum '14, CAUSD 12.00
White Burgundy: Domaine Denante '15, FRUSD 11.00
Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc: Charles F Wagner 'Conundrum' '15, CAUSD 13.00
Rose of Syrah: George Vernay '16, FRUSD 13.00
Pinot Noir: Erath 'Resplendent' '15, ORUSD 13.00
Pinot Noir: J Pinot Noir '15, CAUSD 12.00
Red Burgundy: Domaine Jeannot '15, FRUSD 12.00
Grenache: La Bastide Saint Dominique '14, FRUSD 12.00
Merlot: Seven Falls Cellars '12, WAUSD 13.00
Bordeaux Blend: Chateau Bujan '14, FRUSD 10.00
Bordeaux Supérior: Chateau Lestrille '12, FRUSD 11.00

Draft Beer

all drafts $6

Basic City: Sixth Lord IPA 5.8%
Blue Mountain Brewery: Full Nelson Pale 5.9%
Bold Rock: India Pressed Apple Cider 4.7%
Devils Backbone: Vienna Lager 4.9%
Firestone Walker: Nitro Merlin Stout 5.5%
Starr Hill: The Love Wheat 4.6%
Three Notch'd: Ghost of the 43rd Pale 5.1%
Three Notch'd: Watermelon Gose 5.1%

Bottled Beer

Bard's: Gluten Free Beer 3.8%USD 5.00
Ballast Point: Wahoo White 4.3%USD 6.00
Brooklyn: Lager 5.2%USD 6.00
Bud Light: 4.2%USD 4.00
Clausthaler: Non-Alcoholic 0.0%USD 5.00
Corona: 4.6%USD 5.00
Founders: All Day IPA 4.7%USD 6.00
Lagunitas: Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Pale Ale 7.5%USD 6.00
Michelob Ultra: 4.2%USD 4.00
Miller High Life: 4.6%USD 3.00
Miller Light: 4.2%USD 4.00

Specialty Cocktails

Eclectic DevilUSD 10.00
Jim Beam Devils Cut Bourbon, Ramazotti Amaro, Lemon, Honey
Crimson ValenciaUSD 10.00
Four Roses Bourbon, Aperol, Apple Shrub, Lemon, Cider Cube
T & E Gin and TonicUSD 10.00
Strange Monkey Gin, Earl Gray Tonic, Mint-Honey Syrup, Lemon
Cranberry NegroniUSD 12.00
Cranberry Infused New Amsterdam Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
Jalisco MuleUSD 10.00
Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Crème De Mure, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
Sailors MuseUSD 10.00
Brugal Añejo Rum, Allspice Liquor, Cinnamon-Vanilla Syrup, Orange Juice, Lime
Pear RootUSD 10.00
Tito's Vodka, Pear-Carrot Shrub, Lemon Foam
Seasonal Sangria
White Wine, Hard Cider, Apple Brandy, Lemon, Pear, Apple
- GlassUSD 9.00
- PitcherUSD 34.00
The Industry StandardUSD 10.00
Miller High Life, Four Roses Bourbon, Spicy Pickle Brine

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Commonwealth Skybar.

4.3

(111)

4.2Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Energetic

111 Reviews

GC
GregC Gold
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill29 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 May 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places to enjoy outside seating on a cooler night. Cool place that seems to be business friendly and popular. Food is always solid and the drinks are great. Portions are a little low for the price but always good. See you soon!!!!
Is this helpful?
MO
MarciaO
Virginia3 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 May 2018
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Commonwealth Skybar was able t o accommodate our large family of 10 for brunch on Mother's Day. We had eaten there before when the weather was not so warm and had been seated on the balcony overlooking the downtown Mall. That was fun and great for people watching. This past Sunday was too warm for that experience but the indoor seating was comfortable. The bar area is lovely with exposed bottles and an entire mirrored wall on one side of the dining room, large windows on the opposite side. The food is very good, not unusual or inspired but a very good all American brief menu.
Is this helpful?
CG
ChrisG Gold
Virginia36 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great go to spot. Upstairs bar can be fun, and crowded at times.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner Gold
Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 April 2018
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Good options for those who are vegetarian or gluten-free.
Is this helpful?
CB
ChristopherB Gold
Virginia95 reviews
4.0
Dined on 20 April 2018
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really doing a great job with the menu. Don't miss the brussels sprouts. Solid mixmasters too.
Is this helpful?
P
Piper
Virginia15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our meals were cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious! Service was attentive but not overbearing.
Is this helpful?
s
stw2dd Gold
South Carolina7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went here for Easter Brunch with two teenagers. There was a great menu that had something for everyone. Everyone enjoyed their dishes - the Mimosa's and Blood Mary's were great. We got there early and they rearranged seatings so that we didn't have to wait and then they were patient when one of our guests was late. Service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
JR
JRCCHO
Virginia68 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed yet another fantastic brunch at Commonwealth -- their brunch is the best-kept secret in Charlottesville!
Is this helpful?
TD
TimDAngelo
Virginia13 reviews
3.0
Dined on 11 March 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
This is not a “meat and potatoes” restaurant so if you don’t know what camembert and bibb are this place probably isn’t your style. For an appetizer we ordered the chef cheese plate and while it was good it was basically a few slices of toast with three different kinds of very small portion cheeses for $25. Two of us got the bacon dusted chicken sandwich and it was average; definitely no taste of bacon. One got the burger which he said was excellent. Another got the oysters and when that was delivered it was spilled all over her. When it was delivered the second time she said it was good. The manager came over and half heartedly apologized and said he would comp the spilled oyster meal. That spilled meal delayed three other meals that got cold waiting for the redelivery of the spilled oyster meal as we all waited to eat our meals. The ambient noise was so loud that the person sitting furthest away from the end of the table where the server stood could never hear what the server was saying. The food wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t worth a revisit.
Is this helpful?
GH
GaryH
Virginia2 reviews
3.0
Dined on 24 February 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The steak had a great taste but was extremely tough. We had to cut it into very small pieces to eat it. We thought maybe it was just ours but watched another customer have the same difficulty as us. Other then that we enjoyed our experience
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Southern, Comfort Food, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch: Sunday 10am - 3pm Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5pm - 10pm Friday-Saturday 5pm - 11pm
Website
http://www.commonwealthskybar.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Reggie Calhoun
Catering
Private Dining: We have a private dining room that can be set up in any manner of styles to accommodate parties up to 40. More details on the website. For private party inquiries, please contact us at skybarmanager@gmail.com

Location
422 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Area
Charlottesville
Cross street
5th and Main
Parking Details
Parking is available on side streets, some parking meters, and at the Market St and Water St garages. Unfortunately, we do not validate parking.
Public transport
On the UVA trolley line and a block away from the downtown transit center.
Entertainment
Occasional bands and DJs at Skybar.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Commonwealth Skybar

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Appetizers

Spiced Virginia Peanuts* **USD 6.00

Pork Rinds**USD 8.00

Smoked Trout DipUSD 8.00

Onion Hay Stack*USD 10.00

Duo of Ham BiscuitsUSD 11.00

Chef's Choice Cheese Plate* **USD 25.00

Butternut Squash Bisque*USD 8.00

Beet Salad* **

Bibb Lettuce Salad* **USD 12.00

Roasted Cauliflower* **USD 10.00

Autumn EmpanadaUSD 14.00

Ham Hock MeatballsUSD 16.00

Crab CakeUSD 14.00

Commonwealth Chicken WingsUSD 14.00

Fried Virginia OystersUSD 16.00

Sandwiches

Commonwealth BurgerUSD 14.00

Bacon Dusted Fried ChickenUSD 12.00

Fried Oyster BurgerUSD 15.00

Entrees

Daily Pork Cut**

Jerk Chicken BreastUSD 24.00

RockfishUSD 28.00

Daily Steak Cut**

Vegetarian Butternut Risotto* **USD 18.00

Vegan Hoppin' John* **USD 16.00

Seared Scallops VelouteUSD 28.00

Sides

Fried Brussels Sprouts* **USD 9.00

Carolina Gold Rice* **USD 8.00

Mess of Green Beans**USD 8.00

Cheesy Potato Puree* **USD 8.00

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Tartlet*USD 10.00

Autumn Maple Custard Crumble*USD 9.00

Triple Citrus Chess Square with Raspberry Coulis*USD 8.00

Commonwealth Cheesecake*USD 9.00

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling: Cremant de Bourgogne, FRUSD 16.00

Sparkling: Thibaut-Janisson, Fizz, VAUSD 15.00

Champagne: Louis Roederer, Brut, FRUSD 15.00

Sancerre: Domaine Crochet '15, FRUSD 13.00

Sauvignon Blanc: Honig '16, Napa CAUSD 12.00

Sauvignon Blanc: Mantanzas Creek '15, CAUSD 10.00

White Bordeaux: Ch. Lestrille '09, FRUSD 10.00

Chardonnay: Barboursville Reserve '16, VAUSD 12.00

Chardonnay: Davis Bynum '14, CAUSD 12.00

White Burgundy: Domaine Denante '15, FRUSD 11.00

Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc: Charles F Wagner 'Conundrum' '15, CAUSD 13.00

Rose of Syrah: George Vernay '16, FRUSD 13.00

Pinot Noir: Erath 'Resplendent' '15, ORUSD 13.00

Pinot Noir: J Pinot Noir '15, CAUSD 12.00

Red Burgundy: Domaine Jeannot '15, FRUSD 12.00

Grenache: La Bastide Saint Dominique '14, FRUSD 12.00

Merlot: Seven Falls Cellars '12, WAUSD 13.00

Bordeaux Blend: Chateau Bujan '14, FRUSD 10.00

Bordeaux Supérior: Chateau Lestrille '12, FRUSD 11.00

Draft Beer

Basic City: Sixth Lord IPA 5.8%

Blue Mountain Brewery: Full Nelson Pale 5.9%

Bold Rock: India Pressed Apple Cider 4.7%

Devils Backbone: Vienna Lager 4.9%

Firestone Walker: Nitro Merlin Stout 5.5%

Starr Hill: The Love Wheat 4.6%

Three Notch'd: Ghost of the 43rd Pale 5.1%

Three Notch'd: Watermelon Gose 5.1%

Bottled Beer

Bard's: Gluten Free Beer 3.8%USD 5.00

Ballast Point: Wahoo White 4.3%USD 6.00

Brooklyn: Lager 5.2%USD 6.00

Bud Light: 4.2%USD 4.00

Clausthaler: Non-Alcoholic 0.0%USD 5.00

Corona: 4.6%USD 5.00

Founders: All Day IPA 4.7%USD 6.00