Vintage New Hampshire. Where else would one be offered serve it yourself Ritz crackers with a cottage cheese/catsup dip? Decent diner/Denny's like food, but better. Service slightly pokey but friendly. With my dining dollar I will almost always go local and you can't get more local than the Common Man. read more

Poor service . Two hosts upfront giggling and laughing and helping another customer at least one of them could acknowledge my presence I had to wait there for about five minutes before another person comes to seat me. Their beer was very warm we had to send it back and the bartender didn't seem very happy about it. The food was okay ....I would not return unless friends or clients want to check it out... read more

Husband and I were in Merrimack, NH for a getaway weekend. The desk clerk at our hotel recommended The Common Man, when we inquired about a good place for dinner that was not a chain. We went to dinner at 6 o'clock on a Sunday evening. Place was not busy. Our waitress was not attentive; seemed indifferent to our presence. Husband (who eats most anything without fussing) ordered mac and cheese with short ribs. The short ribs were few and far between and were mostly extremely fatty chunks that he could not eat. He said he would not eat at this restaurant again, based on the mac and cheese. I ordered Scallops Casino from the gluten free menu. They came swimming in a ton of butter, were over cooked, and tasted strongly of fish. Not a pleasant meal. My baked potato was not hot enough to melt the butter that came with it. We were very disappointed in The Common Man. We both had tea (iced for him, hot for me) and were never asked if we wanted refills or more hot water. Had to flag down the waitress for our bill and then again to get her to pick it up and process the payment. We were not impressed. Won't return; could not recommend it. read more

Fantastic food and awesome service! Love this place. I ordered a cup of the lobster corn chowder and got like 3 lobster claws of meat in it. The chicken tacos were so delicious and you can't resist the home made chips. Wonderful! read more

Seems to me the classiness of The Common Man in Merrimack has become somewhat lack-luster. We stopped in for dinner at 5:30 tonight. Our waitress was not very polished, and pretty much slapped our mussels on the table. The table next to us had a child who made a HUGE mess...the staff cleaned some of it up, but left chunks under the table...and left the pile of food, along with the dustpan and broom about 5 feet from our table...kinda gross. Our meal was ok...pricey for steak and haddock. Our waitress walked past our table 3x before clearing our plates. No glasses of water were offered. No cute old book for our check. No white chocolate after dinner. Pretty disappointed. Probably won't go back. read more

We made reservations for a group of 7. When we showed up we were told they would not be able to accommodate us for at least 40+ minutes after our reservation time but they offered us the upstairs. We waited over 30 minutes to put in a drink order and over an hour to place our meal order. The meals came out much later than expected (and they forgot all of our appetizers....). The food was subpar (e.g burger ordered medium-rare that came out burnt all around the edges, cold soup, etc). We alerted the manager to this and received no compensation. 2/7 in our group had good meals and I therefore rated it 2/5 stars but overall this was a disappointing experience. read more

It's a comfy/cozy place to go for some drinks while lounging in a casual setting. Haven't had much of the food, typically just a quick place to go for a drink, but I have always heard good things. Might just have to try some out the next time I'm there. read more

Common Man is one of our favorites! Plus, you really can't beat Wine down Wednesdays, 1/2 off bottles of wine! They have Layer Cake Shiraz, which is an excellent full bodied red, 90-92 points! We tried the Mac & Cheese pizza with pepperoni, which sounds odd, but our server (Tina) highly recommended it and we had the mussels too. The mussels came out first and we polished those off in no time. Came in an excellent white wine lemony cream sauce, awesomely tasty! Then the pizza was ready and it looked amazing and tasted even better! Don't knock the Mac & Cheese pizza until you try this amazing pie! Overall, the Common Man is great place to unwind after a long work day in the cube, good location, good friendly service, and delicious food! I just hope they bring back the Rack of Lamb... Cheers! read more

The food was very good, so was the service. The portions were a little small, so luckily you get good free cheese and crackers to snack on. I would recommend you try this place. read more

Back when I went to college in Plymouth, NH, going to the Common Man in Ashland was a real treat, so when my mom told me there was one near her house, I didn't hesitate to go. This area's incarnation of this restaurant is located in the old Hannah Jack Tavern, a building that the friendly host working that day assured us was haunted. It's a lovely location for a restaurant, with all of the rooms downstairs converted to dining rooms, and the upstairs now both a large bar and multiple seating areas. The food is as I remembered...filling and delicious in a homey way. I went for the quiche and caesar salad combo, and both were well prepared and yummy. The quiche is a large, deep dish slice, and anchovies are optional on the caesar. The drink menu is inventive and fun, with their own spins on popular libations. You help yourself to the dips and crackers near the host stand, and that's kind of fun too. Great place for a large group, and they have a separate menu for kids, so good for them too. read more

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Great place. I was meeting someone for lunch and there's not too much around - but I saw this place and thought it looked interesting. You can't tell it's a restaurant from the outside because it looks like an old house - which it is. Inside it looks cool - like it has character - an old 1800s home which has been carved out and turned into a pub/restaurant. Menu has "regular" stuff - burgers, quiche, and things like lobster corn chowder. Neat / different. The quiche and caesar salad were excellent, and under 10 bucks - you can't beat it! Waitress was wicked nice - brought us "copper pennies" which are some kinda partially cooked marinated slices of carrot. Neat. They have cheese and crackers here for you to help yourself - nice spreads like garlic/cilantro cheese, etc. It's just really nice. A great place for a casual meal with decent foods and nice beers!!!! read more

I have coming to the Common Man for years now and it has always been great. Servers / bar staff are nice and food always arrives quickly. The reason that I only give it 4 stars is because I believe that they changed their menu a bit. I miss the "Porky and Bessie" burger. Also, the buns the use now are way too much bread and it takes away from the yummy burger. Overall I can't complain. read more

It's traditional american fare. Nothing fancy, but very composed. The menu itself is hardly original, but then again that's not the point of this restaurant. What really left me floored was the execution-- I ordered a pot roast with a delicious pan sauce and mashed potatoes that could coax an eager smile from even the most discerning critic's face. The waitresses were very friendly and the restaurant was clean. The big plus? The prices were way less than I expected. read more

I went here for my wifes birthday dinner. I like how they offer free crackers and cheese spreads. I Also love the atmosphere. Its rustic and warm. I had the prime rib with a loaded potato. Good but I asked for medium temp and came out med rare. No biggie but someone else would have not enjoyed or even have sent it back. My wife enjoyed her sirloin and loved the mashed potatoes. The server was nice a bit nervous telling us the specials but not taken points away for that. The menu is a little small and the prices are fair. Good place to eat. I want to give it 4 stars however cant get over geting a rare steak when I asked for medium. read more

We have been regularly going to this location of the common man for two years. My husband and I both think the food is great, I've only been disappointed twice during that time once it was with the Portsmouth seafood pie-it's mostly just whitefish and not the seafood I had been hoping for and the second time was with the creme brûlée-it's cold!!! Otherwise the food is excellent. In the summer they have lobster rolls that rival anything you can get on the cape without the traffic. The red sangria is delicious. We occasionally pick up take out and they make the extra effort to separate everything which is awesome! You should eat here, it's our go-to when we have visitors, there's something for everyone. read more

The smoke house burger is really great. Good flavor and the cook was spot on. The sweet potato fries were crispy and delicious. The jalapeño poppers are done in a unique way. Instead of frying the cheese in the skin of a pepper they mash everything up and put it in a fried ravioli. The portions are huge! The atmosphere seems like it would be fantastic in the winter with a nice fire going in the bar area. read more

One the way back home to CT we stopped at the outlets in Merrimack and after walking around decided to look for a lunch place and this came up on Yelp. What a great choice. We couldn't get enough of the complimentary cheese spread and crackers! I ordered the pot roast and my other half got the mac and cheese with pulled pork. Both were excellent choices. This place is comfort food heaven! Can't wait to try another location on our next NH trip! read more

My wife have visited this place a couple of times. It has never really left me with a "Damn, that was awesome" feeling, more of an "A-OK" feeling (hence the 3 stars.) The rating does not at all reflect on the employees, I have never had an issue with them, the wait time, environment, etc. The food has never been horrible or excellent. This place is conveniently located off Rt. 3 and will quiet the rumble in your stomach. read more

Excellent food, reasonably priced! Very New Englandy, the restaurant is a former house, with dining areas split into cozy rooms.

I went to the Common Man last weekend with friends for dinner. We got there at 5:05pm only to be told by the hostess that there was an hour wait. I asked her about some of the empty tables and she said that they were for people that "called ahead". After a few drinks in the bar we sat down and ordered appetizers. They finally came out what seemed to be 45 minutes later. The waitress apologized for the delay and stated that they had a party of 20 and another party of 30 and the kitchen was working on their dinners. I really wish that someone would have mentioned the large parties; it probably would have made me change my mind about staying. About my dinner, I had the lobster mac-n-cheese, I would highly recommend that you not order this!!! It was dry, it needed more cheese sauce and the lobster was almost missing! My friends had the Turkey Pot Pie, Portsmouth Pie and the Baked scallops and they all enjoyed their food. Bottom line, I won't go back, just because of the wait! read more

The two featured dinner specials were surprisingly substandard. Blackened snapper was very boney, the prime rib portion was small and extremely fatty. The manager kindly gave my wife another piece of meat but it was basically the same. About 50% was inedible fat. We ate in the bar where the service was great. But the drinks were clearly the highlight of the night. Shoulda ordered the meatloaf. read more

this place's food was pretty good but they forgot the fries that CAME WITH THE MEAL and they gave my mom the wrong order. overall the atmosphere was chill and very mom&pop type restaraunt. i had the chicken sandwich and they burnt it slightly. other than that i guess i would recommend it :) (they took off $3 for the mistake they make with my meal) read more

Woo hoo for my first ever Yelp review. Common Man deserved it. This place is one of the best! First off, you receive a wonderful greeting by the hostess. Next you get to decide if you want the upstairs bar area, or a table in one of their many rooms. This house turned restaurant has such character, any seat is a great one! I've been numerous time to the bar area, but since my parents were in town during last nights visit, we took a table downstairs. Our waitress had such an upbeat personality. Very knowledgable of the menu & specials. She made everything sound delish! I went w/ a personal fave of Mac & Cheese, but had grilled chicken added. Every time just gets better and better. Mmmmm! My parents also enjoyed their meals which were the Apple Chicken and Oscar style Scallops. Neither of them had leftovers to give me to take home. How rude :) We couldn't handle dessert this time, but believe me we'll be back. An added bonus was the Manager that night brought out our meals, and was extremely friendly. He then checked back to see how everything was going. Nothing but compliments from us, including the food, atmosphere & our waitress. Thanks Common Man for the continued greatness. (Please note my only complaint. We went on a Tuesday, not a Wednesday which is Wine Down Wednesdays. 1/2 off all wine bottles. I've been before, I'll be again.) read more

It took forever to be seated for a table of 2, when larger parties who arrived after us were seated before us. Once seated, the music selection did not match the atmosphere. Food was mediocre at best. I ordered the baked haddock and it was severely dry. This is a dish that I order frequently from other restaurants and dryness has not been a problem. I also noticed several tables were unoccupied, which leads me to believe they just did not have the waitstaff. read more

We were very disappointed last night my husband has scallops 6 for 25.00 rip off and cold mashed potatoes and uneatable veggies sorry guys you went down hill will not be back. read more

Don't come here unless you're desperate! Food is nasty. Typical pub food. Even the comfort Pot pie was bad.

Very disappointing. We will not return. My husband and I first sat at the bar for an appetizer and a drink. The bar was filthy. Sticky, full of crumbs and just overall dirty. Every customer who sat at the bar had to ask to have it cleaned. To the dining room for dinner. The chairs we sat in had backs that leaned so far back you felt like you were in a recliner. The food - ordered onion soup appetizer, we were served dinner first, they forgot the appetizer. Vegetables were cold, prime rib (end cut) was fattier than we have ever had and was bland - not a drop of seasoning. Asked for a side of au jus, it came in a thimble sized plastic cup. Onion soup was delivered and so salty it couldn't be finished. The overall condition of the restaurant was run down and not clean. Talked to the manager before leaving, told him the only positive was that our server was great. His response to the meal - he had only been working there for 2 weeks and in the business for a month and a half. They are in dire need of some serious minded management who wants to bring this restaurant up to a standard that is above disappointing. read more

Went there for lunch on a weekday - the food was good, server was friendly and competent, atmosphere was great. I've been there a bunch for dinner, and the food is always consistently great. I like the fact that between the upstairs and downstairs, there are lots of different lounge-y places to hang out and sit depending upon your mood and who you're with. read more

Waited for a table then was passed over for another group because the hostess said she did not need to take names. We spoke up, which annoyed the other couple, however we then would have had to wait further. Lunch menu was limited, and since the wait was long (many empty tables?) and the waiter took forever to come take our order, we asked for bread and was told, "Well, we usually don't serve that with Lunch, but I guess I can bring you some" I ordered a $10 hamberger medium w/ potato salad, what I got was an overcooked burnt burger with no taste and potato salad that so bad I could not eat it even though I was starving. Hubby got the $12 Rueben thinking how could you mess that up, well they did, he said it was horrible. The did not bring his side and waiter never came back, except to bring us the bill, haha! Save your cash, there are better options out there. read more

First time to this establishment- great food - I had the Mac n cheese with lobster and my friend surprised me with a delicious rich chocolate cake too. Staff called it a happy cake and they sang and embarrassed me. Very friendly waitress too. I also was amused by the soundtrack in the restroom. Great place- I'll go there again! read more

I used to think of this place as an "ok" place to go for some causal food & atmosphere. a solid 3 star place where you know what to kind of quality to expect, and with that don't usually leave feeling disappointed. That was until my last experience, lunch to be exact. The food was just awful, a cobb salad that would turn your stomach, cold french onion soup, & lousy service. We sat in the small bar area on the lower level. I would have ordered a second, or even third glass of wine...if the server ever returned. Just over it at this point. read more

We went there last night for dinner (and hiding out from trick or treaters, I know, I'm mean). We sat in the upstairs bar area which was active. I got the filet mignon (26.99) which was very tender and the béarnaise sauce was delish. It wasn't a huge portion but just right for my appetite. She got the Portsmouth Pie (22.99) which had shrimp, scallops, cod & lobster. It was a good portion but the ratio of the ingredients was a little off. Mostly shrimp, very little lobster. She thought it should have been more evenly matched. But it was very good and tasty. read more

Good, dependable comfort food in very nice historic settings. Love the Mack and cheese and meat loaf. Food is packed with calories but you know that when you decide to go there. I live near the Meramac location which is a charming historic building. I have also been to the concord location and the original location which is up north. These old restored New England houses or Barnes. very neat. read more

Sat down for a nice lunch (burger and fries) the food was really good and the staff is great. Looks a little old from the outside and same as the inside but it was clean and very busy spot. I would eat here again! read more

i never leave reviews but i was so impressed by this place i downloaded yelp i just got some take out, the dip burger. first of all the woman at the front counter was so professional and pleasant! the french fries blew my mind and the burger was very very tasty. they even wrap the pickle so your burger doesn't get soggy! that kind of attention to detail and professionalism has definitely earned my business. my only issue is it was so delicious i ate too fast 10/10 read more

Wonderfully delicious and creative menu options. Oysters that melt in your mouth and the new ahi tuna dish- I'd wait in line for this place!

The food and hospitality are top notch. I enjoyed the Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash with Chicken - It was everything I love in the vegetable world on a plate. The Meal ends with complimentary white chocolate and comes preceded by crackers and Common Man spreads as well as wonderful house-baked breads. The menu rotates seasonally but I loved the winter menu; I'll have to try them in the summer! My only complaint was moderately slow service (although it was busy) and somewhat overpriced entrees. The space is inviting and warm, at least in the non-literal sense.I'll be back. read more

Boyfriend and I stopped in after checking out the outlets and some reviews on Yelp! We had a delightful lunch here. Service was outstanding, the hostess was pleasant, and our server was extremely enthusiastic. Beer was ok, my glass was definitely dirty (according to John Taffer, and my knowledge of beer from Bar Rescue), but I drank it anyway and it tasted ok, I'm not one to complain. Our server informed us that there was free cheese and crackers. one cheese that was fairly normal, soft cheese and one that was literally cottage cheese mixed with ketchup and a few other things. It was totally weird but I couldn't stop eating it. My boyfriend passed in the cottage cheese/ketchup. We had the same thing, both ordered an open face sandwich which was salty and just ok. I believe it was prime rib. I definitely wouldn't order the special again, but I wouldn't be opposed to going back to The Common Man! Totally adorable little lunch! read more

Saturday night on our way to the new Premium Oulets, found Common Man on Yelp and thought we'd give it a try. Greated and seated immediately by our hostess who was very pleasant, only to be greated immediately by a wonderful young lady, our waitress. She had to be the best waitress we've ever had. Could really tell she enjoyed her job and was very knowledgeable. We started with a spinach and artichoke dip which was out of this world, followed by a starter salad, also delicicous I ordered the salmon which was cooked to perfection and hubby, the prime rib which he thoroughly enjoyed. They do have a complimentary cheese and cracker station (a very nice touch) and a bread board (which we didn't find/try). They also offer bread at your table. A GREAT experience and we'll definitely be back to eat and shop! read more

Went here for my Husband's birthday. The atmosphere is very cozy, makes you feel like home. The food is fantastic. You definitely get a lot for your money. There is a cheese and cracker station, they serve you warm rolls and sweet bread, and they have the best french onion soup I've ever had (aside from my late father's). My husband got Filet Mignon, his go to meal, and I the surf and turf. No complaints from either one of us. We got two desserts, because hey why not, the creme brulee and white chocolate bread pudding. Both were yummy. Our waitress was very good as well, nice, attentive, professional and present, but not hovering. Will definitely be going back. read more