We hadn't been to The Common Man in a very long time, largely because every time we drive by the Merrimack location, the parking lot is packed.

The Common Man must be doing something right if the dining room is always full and people keep coming back. Recently we made the decision that we were going to go — even if there was a wait — to try to figure out what makes the place so popular.

Menu: 18/20

Perhaps the key to The Common Man's popularity is the wide-range of comfort food on the menu, which seems to change with the seasons. One of the nice things at The Common Man is if you are starving and can't quite wait for dinner, they offer complimentary cheese, crackers and dips, in addition to fresh baked bread. It is quite possible you could eat your fill before you even think about ordering dinner. You'll find a variety of gluten-free offerings, as well. And if you feel like kicking back in the bar instead of the dining room, The Common Man has a unique bar menu, which includes a list of creative libations.

Appetizers: 15/20

Our Gourmet: I chose the Lobster Dumplings, described as a “Rangoon” stuffed with Maine lobster, cream cheese and special seasonings, fried golden crisp and served with citrus ponzu sauce ($10.99). I have love affairs with crab Rangoon and with lobster in general, so this seemed like a perfect marriage. The dumplings were too crispy, so I had a hard time getting to the filling. For a moment I envisioned pulling a Gallagher and thinking I should hand TDC a poncho before spraying him with the filling when I pried it open. Once I did get to the filling I was rewarded with cream cheese and lobster goodness. They could serve the filling in a bowl and I would eat it. (7/10)

The Dining Companion: I had the Lobster Sliders (market price, which today was $15.99). The three portioned out sliders make it great for sharing, although I chose not to, much to OG's chagrin. The sliders are packed full of fresh Maine Lobster salad topped with crisp lettuce and served on a toasted split roll. If you like the dominant flavor in your lobster roll to be lobster, this is the appetizer for you. (8/10)

Entrees: 16/20

OG: In keeping with the seafood theme (since I can't get enough of it when the weather gets warm), I tried the Portsmouth Pie ($21.99), which is comprised of shrimp, scallops, haddock and Maine lobster meat baked with lobster cream sauce and seasoned Ritz crumbs. The seafood was perfectly cooked; the scallops and shrimp were tender. I was a bit disappointed there was only one piece of lobster. If there was a downside to the dish, that was it. (7/10)

TDC: After spending some time pondering multiple items on the dinner menu that caught my interest, I decided on the Filet Mignon ($23.99). The filet is topped with a smooth and creamy Bearnaise sauce. The Bearnaise sauce can make or break this fine cut of meat. I'm happy to say this sauce was a tasty complement that had me slathering each piece of the filet with it rather than scraping it away as I've had to do in the past. I ordered the filet medium rare. It looked slightly more medium than rare, but the meat was very tender and plenty tasty. I would take it cooked this way every time. For a side I chose the baked potato with bacon and sour cream (other options: rice and mashed potatoes). I'm not the biggest fan of baked potatoes, but the soft pieces of bacon and fresh sour cream prompted me to finish this side dish. (9/10)

Desserts: 17/20

OG: It was a toss-up for me between the Key Lime Pie and the White Chocolate Creme Brulee ($4.99). I went with the brulee because The Common Man is famous for its white chocolate. (In fact, they send you home with a complimentary sample.) Creamy and sweet, the dessert was a great ending to the meal. (8/10)

TDC: I opted for the Decadent Brownie ($4.99). The rich dark chocolate brownie is covered in chocolate drizzle and topped with house-made vanilla ice cream along with espresso cream. The brownie is served warm and moist. The hot and cold blend of brownie, chocolate, espresso and ice cream was a wonderful contrast of flavor. The dessert earns its title by luring you into a self-indulgent frenzy from the first bite. (9/10)

Final thoughts: 16/20

Overall, we had a good experience. The server was extremely knowledgeable and fully explained the specials without having to be asked. She was also personable and friendly and didn't seem rushed, as some servers do on a busy night.

Along with the hospitality, and the complimentary items, including valet parking, you feel as if you've walked into someone's home rather than a restaurant.

The surroundings also give you that homey feel; the Merrimack location is the former home of Matthew Thornton, which dates to 1794.

Lucky for us we didn't have to wait, but it would have been worth it if we had to.

Total: 82/100