Common Ground Grill & Tap is a great, up-and-coming local bar and grill with a creative menu, a spacious bar area and amazing service.

The greatest compliment that can be paid to this establishment, which opened last October, is that it is a very welcoming restaurant and neighborhood bar.

The fact that Common Ground is just south of the Texas Christian University campus, and less than 10 minutes away from Wesleyan campus and has a full bar makes it an ideal place for students from both universities to enjoy.

Common Ground is constantly updating its menu, which includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrées, soups, side dishes and desserts as well as a kiddie menu.

The menu is truly fantastic, as it includes typical bar and grill style food as well as more hipster-and foodie-friendly options, such as braised akushi tri tip ($19), which includes garlic mashed potatoes, cremini mushrooms, and asparagus.

The grilled cheese ($9), which is served on sourdough bread, features smoked cheddar and Swiss cheese, Neuske’s bacon and roasted garlic béchamel sauce; it pairs great with Dos Equis beer ($6), which is offered on tap or bottled.

The staffers goes out of their way to present themselves as knowledgeable, genuine and, most important, friendly. And while there is that kiddie menu (stuff like mac and cheese and chicken strips, all $5 or $6), Common Ground’s vibe definitely caters more to college students and young adults.      

Common Ground’s decor is a unique combination of quirky family restaurant and a bar reminiscent of a cheesy sitcom, ideal for a date or just a drink after work. The bar includes craft cocktails and both domestic and imported draft and bottled beer.

The weekly happy hours are 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Monday through Friday. Sunday brunch offers bottomless mimosas ($10.99) as well as $3 margaritas, mimosas and bloody Marys. My one complaint is that there are no Irish beers, such as Guinness or Harp.

Common Ground Grill & Tap is located at 3201 S. University Drive. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday. For more information call 817-882-6163 or visit commongrounddfw.com.