Common Ground
819 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD, 21211
Common Ground Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Baltimore for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
819 W 36th St
Baltimore, MD, 21211 - Phone (410) 235-5533
- Website https://www.commongroundhampden.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Delivery : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Good for Working : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Eric P.
Friendly, cozy, coffee shop on Hampden's Main Street. Friendly staff, and an eclectic assortment of food items. I strongly recommend the muffins.
(5)Elizabeth M.
I love this place: it makes me feel I'm in San Francisco rather than Baltimore. They have good coffee and pastries, comfy and varied seating, a back patio for the smokers, reading material, and nice music. Great ambiance, a real lounger's coffee shop. I only wish they stayed open late!
(4)Ian N.
My friendly, neighborhood coffee shop. This place is "fueled by Zeke's", a local roaster. They have some legit baked goods and breakfast sandwiches and quiches and a nice chicken salad. The line is usually long-ish, because there's something nice about being in that place. I recently belly-ached about a new sandwich maker making egg sandwiches with too little egg. The latest two sandwiches were legit. Happy to bump it back into a good rating.
(4)Brian Y.
As suggested by the other reviews, the pace here is very leisurely. Even if there is only one person in front of you and they have a simple and concise order, don't expect quick service. Still the products are good and while the prices are an indulgence, it's not bad now and then
(3)Mark M.
I had the best muffin ever. I can't even remember precisely what kind it was... I'm thinking carrot cake? But it was great. Order a muffin.
(4)Danielle S.
I bought the yelp voucher to try this place, as I am always on the search for new coffee shops. The atmosphere is kind of crowded and the menu is confusing to read. The front area is also crowded and the back area was kind of tacky, but luckily it was a nice day so we sat outside on the patio. We both got lattes that came in to-go cups even though we were staying that were both alright. I literally don't know what is on the menu and didn't want to stand butt-to-butt with someone in line to read the menu so I'd recommend going on an off-hour if you decide to try it out. Other random things: There was wifi with a password, and parking is free down some side streets.
(3)Spandana M.
I really love the atmosphere of the place! It had a nice cozy, coffeehouse feel. Their menu is also great. I like how they offer plenty of drinks and food items. I got the peanut butter banana mocha chai smoothie and a peanut butter banana cap'n crunch muffin. Both (unexpectedly) tasted really good! I'll definitely try to come back again!
(5)Amy C.
I haven't been here very many times, but what I've gotten has been good. My most recent visit was solely to get an iced chai. They have amazing chai! I barely made it a block away before it was gone. I also got a muffin, and it left a little to be desired. It wasn't quite what I expected, and was a little dry. Maybe from sitting out. I would definitely recommend this place for its drinks.
(4)Emma W.
This is one of my go-to cafe's for a bite to eat and to do some school work. The staff is friendly and generally efficient. It's a grungy little place with tasty food and happy people. The coffee is tasty and cheap. Bring your own mug for a further discount. The lox platter is super delicious. The baristas are in charge of music and you never know what will be playing. The clientele is delightfully varied. In the warmer months, the back deck is a wonderful place to sit. I really like this business. Two thumbs up guys. Keep Hampden weird.
(4)David P.
$6 for $10 Deal at Common Ground Cafe ^this is not what they mean to say, obviously/someone who works for this place needs to transpose the 6 and the 10, unless people are expected to pay 10 bucks for 6 dollars worth of common ground credit......anyway im a neighbor to these guys & it is a nice place and people should patronize small businesses like this in our city SO GO BUY A CUP OF COFFEE (AT LEAST) HERE, OK?!
(4)Tad S.
Good food, good service, good coffee. Only one problem: most times I go there, I seem to have to get it to go: there's almost never enough seating to go around. I've ended up more than once drinking my java on the cold, rainy streets of Hampden 'cause I couldn't score a frickin' seat.
(4)Jen T.
Their coffee is tasty and reasonably priced; same goes for their sandwiches and muffins. It's an especially great place to be in the summer, where you can sip iced coffee and read in the air conditioning all day (a luxury I don't have at home!) It's a friendly, comfy, and relaxed environment, and they have a back porch to sit on. Definitely wish they were open later; I'd be there constantly.
(4)Carrie L.
Really good spot for lunch, which is the only occasion I've gone for. Now you have me wanting to try a muffin and some chai too. You can build your own sandwich, and their red pepper relish is really amazing. They usually offer a quiche or savory pie of some sort, too. The counter is a bit crowded if there is a line (there's no space to wait for your food). But oh, well.
(5)Carol R.
My favorite coffee shop in Baltimore. Their ice coffee is so good ($2), and the bagels with veggie cream cheese is the best ($4). I enjoy the vibe of the place and it's great to walk along hampden afterwards or sit inside with wifi.
(5)Erica M.
The ambiance here is very dark but cozy. The space is a little crammed, but they do have many seating options in the front dining cafe room, front outdoor seating, back room, and back patio. I had their black bottom brownie muffin, and it was extremely delicious. The muffin wasn't too sweet but was extremely filling. I would definitely get more of these muffins! I paired this muffin with the famous Chai-Banana-peanut butter smoothie. The chai wasn't extremely strong in the smoothie and the flavors were extremely muddled in the smoothie...I think the proportions might be a little off, but overall I enjoyed the taste the smoothie left in my mouth! I felt like I was extremely lost in where we put out plates after we finished eating, so I'll try to explain where the plates go when you finish: there is this little alcove in the front dining cafe that leads to the kitchen. There's a dig that points to a bucket that says "dirty dishes" or something like that! I think this place is very good for studying and just a small get together with a small group of friends! I will definitely come back here again, bring a few assignments and try out more of these baked goods!
(3)Kat R.
I smelled something great while walking along 36th street and it lead me into to this place! Got to love that Zeke's roast scent. I'm also a sucker for great puns so I thought the name was great off the bat and had to walk in. The atmosphere is a little dark inside but feels cozy and warm. There is a 50% off your first coffee/tea/cookie offer on your first check in which I really liked and I will definitely be back! The coffee is brewed great (local Zeke's) and as an organ transplant researcher, I loved the coffee sleeves that have information on donation through Donate Life. Great spot in Hampden.
(4)Katelyn W.
I love this place! Cheap coffee, good food. Thank god it hasn't gone all hipster on me and changed over to over-priced, pour over coffee. Don't ever change! I have one suggestion though- your muffins are awesome but the liners sometimes stick to the muffin, spray your muffin liners with non-stick spray before you put the batter in. (Specifically the lemon avocado one, I literally could not get the paper liner off.)
(4)Cyndi K.
This is my favorite neighborhood coffee shop...I totally dig the vibe of this place. nobody's mentioned it yet but when i was there last week my iphone noticed that they finally broke down and got wifi. Other than the off day, everyone has been super nice everytime. Try their decadent blueberry muffin or their lox sandwhich platter.
(5)Grace B.
Their chai tea latte was one of the best I've had (I like my chai a little spicier than most)! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is cozy. There are very interesting decorations and artwork inside that make this place memorable! Be sure not to miss it, it doesn't stick out too much on the road! I like how they have food as well as a good drink selection.
(4)Scott R.
This place is one of the reasons that we moved to this neighborhood. Great coffee, crazy muffins and tons of hipster baltimore vibe without the snottiness or the lameness that usually goes along with that. Worth a visit daily
(5)Steve R.
Second of all, Wi-Fi and low-key, friendly Boheme atmosphere. Third, the music can sometimes take a left turn from oldies or folky to heart-palpitatingly drumbeaty to annoyingly high pitched bluesy. First of all, add up the dedicated staff, quiches, panini, coffee, tea and desserts--plus the ability to hang out and read or work on your laptop, at least until 5 p.m.--and you have one of the better places to have a bite in this slice of Baltimore called Hampden. Speaking of slices, I got two of them for the Spinach Pie and side salad (instead of chips), with the world's thickest plum-colored balsamic vinaigrette that you literally (has Rob Lowe completely killed legitimate use of this word?) have to spread with a knife. Did I say huge slices? The server (you get on line to order) cooly steered me away from my original choice of gluten-free spinach and feta quiche as a better size and taste deal. This was a thicker phyllo (if that's the term) sandwiching beaucoup de spinach between--and easier and less messy to cut than thin phyllo pies of this sort (pet peeve). The slices were so big, I literally had to take the other slice home. Space water is free.
(4)elizabeth k.
My favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood. The coffee is decent, the muffins are good and the bagels with cream cheese are perfect. I haven't tried the sandwiches but they look great coming out & many people are ordering them. This small Coffee shop sometimes gets backed up with line to the door but everyone working is very nice & takes the time to get the order right.
(4)Kelsey S.
This place has the best muffins. The ambiance is great so I would highly suggest eating or drinking your coffee there. They have wifi so it's a good change of scenery if you work from home or are a student with tons of homework. They always have featured artists displaying very interesting, and sometimes strange, artwork on the walls, and the people who work there are very cool and friendly. The only reason I don't give 5 stars is because the coffee is pretty good but not outstanding.
(4)Leslie Y.
Just found this cute joint. Funky and comfortable atmosphere, staff with just the right balance of efficiency and friendly work. Eclectic crowd with range of ages hanging out or having a quick snack. Good locally roasted coffee and homemade baked goods (coffee also sold to brew at home) and fast wifi. Highly recommend for coffee lovers with no pretense.
(5)Anne K.
This is a great coffee shop-- tiny but the food and drinks and smoothies are amazing. Service is fantastic. The bagel sandwich with house-made hummus and veggies is always perfect. The chai peanut butter and banana smoothie is sooooo delicious. They also keep a great ginger beer that I'd never tried before. And the muffins: regular deliciousness plus ones that are vegan, some gluten-free, some savory, some sweet. You could make a meal off of any one of them.
(4)Tom V.
I had to really debate whether or not to give this place 3 or 4 stars and I just could not justify giving a cafe without WIFI 4 stars. The worst part of the no WIFI thing is that behind the counter they have a sign that reads, "friends don't let friends drink Starbucks." I just want to grab the owner by the shoulders and shout, "in the non hipster World, where people have real jobs and where students study for real degrees where they need more software than iPhoto we need the internet." I asked the cashier why they don't have WIFI and he said, "well no one on the Avenue does, it's not just us." That makes sense considering their competition in the entire city of Baltimore is local to one block in Hampden. Despite my first paragraph, I actually do like it here. They have good hummus, which is a plus when I'm trying to be healthy. It's a great tranquil time to sit on their deck with a cup of coffee and a plate of hummus and vegetables and just relax. My experience with the service was mixed, but not bad. When I checked in on Yelp a notice came up saying that I get half off coffee and this blew the baristas' minds because they were completely unaware of the promotion. It took some convincing to actually get my half off promotion, which shows some sort of inability to use discretion by their staff. I mean who would give the guy who is pretty much telling you, "I'm going to review your business on the internet after this" a hard time over like 50 cents. They spoke to their manager and confirmed it was a real promotion, no big deal, but seriously tell your staff when you're running an online discount.
(3)Ebony H.
Got two iced chai teas for 8 bucks and some change. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was homey and relaxing. Most patrons ate outside and the staff delivered the food out to them. Me and my 12 yo son sat inside and read as we sipped our drinks. I did the check-in on here and got a strawberry coconut muffin for half price to go. Most shops are closed on Mondays on Hampden and I was glad to see this one open.
(4)Ryan N.
So I originally really liked this place, but I had such a thoroughly unpleasant experience there recently that I doubt I'll return. I was waiting in line for several minutes, which was no big deal in itself. What did seriously upset me, though, was when not one but two people cut me in line and the barista/cashier served them when they knew I had been waiting! This wasn't a thing where they just needed to grab something quickly from them like a straw after already ordering, that wouldn't have bothered me. But these people just cut to place their order. When I was a barista, I always made sure to serve people in the proper order they arrived. It's fair, and it keeps the peace. But the fact that the workers just didn't give a shit really annoyed me. Secondly, my friend asked the worker what she recommended in his smoothie, and she just said "I don't know" and stared at us. Are you kidding me? You have no suggestion? Have a little joy in what you do, it makes our interaction a lot better for both of us. After we finally ordered and got our stuff, that worker who snubbed us spent the next 15 minutes outside smoking and texting on her phone. Clearly we were simply standing in the way of what she actually wanted to be doing. It sucks that a place I really liked made me feel so unwelcome. I used to recommend Common Ground to people, but no longer. There are plenty of other cafés to go to in Hampden and Baltimore both.
(1)Jordyn T.
Common Ground has become a staple for me, I appreciate having good coffee for a great price right around the corner from my house. Fresh baked goodies and different specials everyday impress me. Even if they have a quiche everyday it will have different ingredients and will still be delicious. You can get breakfast or lunch sandwiches, salad or soup from Common Ground and pick up a cupcake for dessert later. I've tried the Chicken Salad on pita and Lemon Dream (?) cupcake which was topped with a fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting that was delicious. The seating is a bit cramped for my liking, and sometimes the line gets long and it might take a while before you get the chance to order but I'm usually grabbing food/coffee to go so it's not that big of a deal. If you're looking for a quick pick me up in Hampden stop by Common Ground and see what's on the menu!
(4)Lulu J.
I'm thankful this coffee shop is so close to my home! Haven't had a bad experience yet! Their menu goes past coffee and pastries, offering freshly made wraps, panini's, hummus and more. The turkey wrap is delicious and the muffins are to die for! Always interesting flavor combinations among the traditional blueberry, raspberry etc. If you plan to stay and use your computer, the wifi is really good which is hard to come by at independent coffee shops! Overall I'd say every aspect that common ground offers is 5 star worthy!
(5)MB M.
Popped in for a quick lunch and enjoyed more than I could eat! Had a ham and Swiss quiche and their quinoa salad. A lovely iced coffee on the side. Sat on their quiet back deck and took in the neighborhood ambience.
(5)Bryan V.
Not that I'm a coffee drinker, but this is the only coffee shop I make a point to visit in Hampden. Good food, reasonable prices and nice folks behind the counter. It's a little crowded in there, but I usually get take out anyway. Solid spot overall.
(4)Jules U.
Common Ground is the shiznit on The Avenue in Hampden. I was recently introduced to this oasis of Peanut Butter-Mocha-Banana-Chai smoothies by my boyfriend. Weve been getting these decadent smoothies on a regular basis, and on these hot summer days when I dont have them, I find myself fantasizing about their perfect blend of iciness laced with rich peanut butter and mocha and accented with spicy chai tea. OMG I need one!!! Their berry muffins also rock my world - and the staff are charming these days as well :)
(4)Abbath D.
Staff is filled with snarky hipsters, but they have good coffee and pastries.
(4)Mallory O.
Their regular coffee is kinda gnarly and the indoor space is a little cramped so if you end up sitting next to someone who's loud they are being loud right in your ear. The bagel sandwich I got there was pretty good, nothing spectacular. I always see people going in and out in the mornings, it's a really popular place. Maybe because it's been the only coffee shop on the Avenue for a while? I'm not sure, but I personally feel no need to return.
(2)Jen M.
While our poodle was having his day of beauty at Howl, I stopped here for breakfast and to work for a few hours. The coffee and breakfast sandwich were very tasty, though being squished in the teeny, tiny hallway where orders are taken was slightly claustrophobic. There is no wifi and I didn't see a plug anywhere, so poor choice for working. Seating options are also a bit uncomfortable and tightly placed. Thankfully, there weren't many people sitting around, my laptop had enough charge, and I, my own hotspot to use. The people watching was entertaining - from neighborhood hipsters to men in suits and ties. Overall, this is a good place to grab coffee or a snack but not the most comfortable to lounge in, and definitely not for to those people who like working on a laptop at coffee shops.
(3)Will W.
Decent service. Food quality is limited due to small amount of space, but coffee is great and that's what matters! For some reason, this is the only business in Baltimore that I've seen do check-in specials via Yelp. Step your game up, Baltimore food spots!
(3)Samantha G.
I stop into Common Ground all the time, but I just had to write a review after the yummy veggie stew I had the other day. It was definitely a little cup full of vegan, gluten-free love. Check out the little chalk board to see what soup they are offering. I used to view CG as a coffee/bagel stop, but now I can't wait to try their handmade veggie burgers and more. It's a tiny, charming space with a cute little deck out back if the weather is nice. The people who work there are sweet and friendly (unless its SUPER busy I guess) and its a great neighborhood bohemian-ish vibe. Plenty of veggie options here, great coffee and cool art. I really wish they would do the wifi thing though!
(4)Gabi M.
BEST chai I've ever had, and I've had a Lot! cute cozy place, lovely staff, yummy quiche & sandwiches tho note to staff: the quiche needs longer time to heat up thoroughly, but I gobbled it anyway, twas good. go here!
(5)David K.
"Slow and sassy" They have a pretty good cup of coffee and not a bad muffin but pretty overpriced for being incredibly slow and having baristas with a bit of attitude.
(3)Laura W.
This place has amazing soups! All of their other food looks great as well but I've only tried a few of the soups and bread. The atmosphere is really great as well, and I like the decor. However, the coffee here is not that good, in my opinion. I always get a small latte with one raw sugar. I've had coffee from here twice and both times my latte tasted like the milk had perhaps been a little burnt or something to that effect. I'll still go back for the food but I'm hesitant to order coffee here (I'll try tea next time!) anymore as I'm pretty picky about the quality of my lattes.
(3)D Y.
Yum!!
(4)Elsa M.
The healthy meal options, fab desserts, and outstanding chai totally make up for the take-it-or-leave it attitudes of the staffers who never return a 'thank you' and are adverse to smiling. It's a small shop that fills up very quickly and there's no free wi-fi, so you have to have your own adapter and service if you want to do some work. That being said, it's an adorable little cafe in a cute little house and all the food is made to order just for you. There's homemade hummus and cookies that are served fresh out the oven if you are lucky and get there in time. But don't get too settled! The people who work there will bring your food out, but not your drinks even if you ordered food with drinks. It's not bad or rude per sé, just not something I was expecting. It's like the nonchalance you would expect from a roommate, not someone you are actually paying for services and asked to tip at the counter. Nonetheless, I would definitely stop back in... I probably won't stay there long, but I will definitely grab my chai latte and a healthy bite to go and be on my merry way.
(3)Becca R.
Last time I stopped in, they were just reopening under new management, so I don't know how that transition has been. When we lived in Hampden, we went on a Common Ground kick for a while and enjoyed coffee and bagels out on the deck almost every Saturday. We fondly refer to the everything bagel as "the good bagel," because both sides are fluffy and coated in EVERYTHING! Being Hampden, this is a hipster place so you can expect it to be a little dirty and the staff to be well... hipsters. But if you live in the area you are immune to it. Whenever I'm in the area next I'm sure I'll stop by to get that good bagel.
(3)Amanda N.
Awful! Zero stars! 45 min after ordering a sandwich they still couldn't get it together to give it to me. I ended up having to leave without my order. I don't get mad if people make a mistake, but this was just completely unapologetic shiftlessness. Like, I don't care if you have a PhD in philosophy--your job is to make a sandwich!
(1)J. M.
Well, it closes earlier than the Spro which is a few doors down and the coffee isn't quite stellar as the Spro [not that it isn't good, which it is] but what makes this escape redundancy? Well, for starters they have food options that the Spro doesn't have. The seating is better and it's a roomier location. Not that Spro doesn't have outdoor seating and competitive options, but it just about beats the Spro there and has a distinct enough character to be a good alternative to its competition. Hours? That's where the lose the fifth star. Stay open later you guys!
(4)Steven P.
This is a pretty nice coffee shop! There is a good amount of seating space, so if you are in the mood to sit down for a few hours and read a book or study, it seems like a good place to be! They don't have wifi, but they do have plugs! The baristas generally seem pretty nice, though one of them seemed like she needed a hug or a cigarette or something... The first time I went in here, I got into a conversation with two people whom I had never met before, which was a REALLY nice change from most coffee shops where everyone just sits at their own table by themselves not looking at each other. The coffee was p. good! I also nommed a veggie burger, which was quite thick and quite excellent! Definitely recommended. Next time I'm in Hampden, I'll probably stop by.
(4)Erica M.
A week ago, I found myself stranded in Hampden for four hours waiting for my car window to get fixed. Right up the street from the auto center was Common Ground, which I had only briefly stopped into before. I got a bagel, some coffee, a muffin, and sat down with them and my Kindle. The staff was nice enough, though two of the three were clearly more friendly than the other one. It took a little longer than I had expected to have my bagel toasted and brought over to my table. All that said, the coffee was quite good. I usually have to drown it in milk and sugar to tolerate the much-needed caffeine, but the flavor was good enough to only... slightly dilute. The cream cheese brownie muffin was to die for, but quite rich, and I couldn't finish it. Average bagel. The best thing, I think, is the interior. It's cozy and not pretentious, and attracts pretty cool people. I had an hour and a half long conversation with two complete strangers. Good times. One of my new favorite places to hang out. Unfortunately, they close at 5, so I can't do it too much.
(4)Guinevere N.
Zeke's coffee, yummy baked goods and a half-decent panini. The digs are adorable and the staff is quite welcoming.
(4)Katydid A.
Great Muffins, OK Coffee Rude Service EDIT: The owner messaged me to tell me there is a new owner and that he is making positive changes. I will return and try again.
(3)Kara W.
I love muffins with my lattes. And, the ones they sell here are always sooooooo yummy and so fresh. They also sell lite fare here. This place is small and welcoming with an indie vibe. Check it out if you love coffee and lattes, but hate Starbucks. Or, check it out if you just happen to be in Hampden and need a pick-me-up after a day of antiquing. Just another reason to love Hampden.
(4)john f.
Great coffee and bagels - disappointing business practices. They are currently holding a "contest" to decide who will paint a mural on their back wall. The winner will not be paid. This is insulting to artists and devalues art as paid skill. You wouldn't call a plumber and ask him to work for free with the promise that you'll tell your friends he did the work. This kind of behavior is parasitic and shameful.
(1)Jodi A.
The little blonde behind the counter who made my delicious mocha was also SUPER friendly. Looks like they've done away with the rude riff-raff so often noted in previous Yelp reviews. Love the atmosphere and the service, will definitely be back.
(4)Jamie G.
waited for a panini for ~25 min. it was good, but prob not worth that wait.
(3)Andrew R.
I agree with Elsa's review. This place is convenient, but the service is just okay. Perhaps it is because I dress like a "suit" who knows. The coffee is decent, I had a apple cider muffin there once (the only food I have ordered) and it was good. There is seating out back.
(3)Juliana O.
This place is NO FRILLS in a wonderful way. Like when you order a bagel, they just wrap it up in foil and hand you the bagel. When you order a coffee, they hand it to you in an unmarked white cup and you take care of the fancy stuff - like the lid - yourself. If you go there later in the day, they'll usually be sold out of a few things - like bagels. It's less like going to Starbucks and more like going to a friend's house and seeing what's in the fridge. But it's wonderful. I lived right around the corner for a year and I work a couple blocks away, and these guys keep me alive. The bagels, coffee, hummus sandwiches, and smoothies are always good, and the prices are VERY fair. This place is a staple. Definitely the best place on The Avenue to grab a quick lunch or a coffee. Minus one star because: No Wi-Fi. :(
(4)Skye M.
I love this place. I make sure to stop by whenever I'm in Hampden, and I've turned quite a few people onto it as well. They stock the lemon soda by San Pellegrino, which makes me very happy. Mostly, though, their sandwiches are amazing. I get hummus and red pepper relish on toasted sunflower bread - that's all you need. They give you a LOT of filling on their sandwiches, so I would recommend getting the breakfast sized sandwich, which is just half the fillings for a cheaper price. My friend got chai tea their once, which I didn't care for but she did, so take that for what you will. Their staff is really friendly, and there's plenty of seating. During warmer months, go head out onto their back deck to eat. The customers are also really friendly and you can chat with most of them. Casual and tasty, one of my favorite cafes.
(5)Lizzie P.
A cozy neighborhood joint that has a lot of locals, which is cool. It's a tight space, but if you get there early you can find a spot to sit and read and spread out for awhile. Decent coffee, nicely portioned breakfast and lunch dishes and WAY more affordable that Spro. No wi-fi, which has its pros and cons.
(4)Bmore Judgemental ..
Best ice coffee in Baltimore. Delicious. Kicks Spro's ass, hands down. Sandwiches are also good and the staff has always been friendly. People bitch about them not being happy in the morning, but comon, is anyone happy in the morning? That space is cramped inside, but the porch out back is pretty sweet. I really can't express how awesome their ice coffee is though, truly amazing.
(5)Rachel F.
Best: Perfectly made coffee and the best bagel in Hampden. The group of 70 year old men who sit in Common Ground all morning and have the most interesting conversations about "the good ol days." A great back deck to sit on (with your coffee, bagel and crossword puzzle) in the summer. Worst: Not the biggest fan of their sandwhiches. They microwave their paninis and they get all soggy. No wifi! (In this day and age? Golly)
(3)Becca A.
Well here's some definitive ambiance. Are you a progressive liberal thinker? Do you have a stump speech memorized on why we need to stand against corporations? Have you had dreads + tattoo and/or a barefoot baby in a sling carrier at any point in the past 5 years? Welcome home. Also welcome: people who like poetry anthologies, those who appreciate folk music as indie, and anyone currently considering the moral implications of drinking from a water bottle. Let me be clear and kind: I fall into a few of these categories. And do feel at home here even in more business-y attire. The wifi is a bit spotty (picking it up from next door), but there's plenty of seating and a big back patio. The coffee is good, the food simple and tasty (having a white rueben today), and the sodas generally aspartame and corn syrup free. Yum!
(4)Sunny W.
Yelpers, full disclosure, I was a previous employee. I use to live a block from Common Ground during grad school and enjoyed the place so much I ended up applying and working for one summer and a few months into the fall semester. The owner bakes much of his own products including his famous muffins and huge cookies. I can honestly say, I have yet been able to find another muffin as good as his. Definitely try any of the coffees, muffins, cookies, bagels (from a Jewish bakery, at least when I was there), and curry chicken. The place has a great atmosphere, a bit crowded sometimes but cozy. I did not enjoy smelling like coffee every time I got off work but being there for over 8 hours at a time...what do you expect right? Now to address a comment about the owner being rude to his employees, he may lose his temper sometimes but I have witnessed him apologizing for being out of line AND to be fair, sometimes it can be really frustrating when employees are just plain dim.
(4)Candice K.
Excellent choice for good espresso drinks and morning pastries. The giant blueberry muffin is awesome!
(4)Bradley N.
Quality coffee, tea, and treats in a cozy, comfortable space. Do you need more? I spent many a graduate student afternoon here reading, writing, or otherwise prevaricating, savoring the casual atmosphere and appreciating the friendly but laid-back staff. I rarely ordered food here, but the coffee was decent and the space was inviting. It's worth a stop if you want something warm on the Avenue. If you have more time and are willing to walk a bit, try Cafe Azafran on the JHU campus. They make the best hot chocolate in the area!
(3)Meggan G.
friendly, chatty staff; powdered chai; plastic/disposable everything; no wifi (even though yelp will return it in search results for "wifi").
(2)Kasumi L.
I stopped by here for a quick smoothy and was pleasantly suprised by how awesome it was. It reminded me of the kind of coffee shop you might find on the Ave or Broadway in Seattle. It's trendy and cozy, a great place to hang.
(4)Helene H.
I love independent coffee shops, but... This joint is horrible! My family and I stopped by on a mild January Sunday afternoon after a walk down to Hampden. The young girl serving at the counter was surly and rude to customers. We purchased a chocolate croissant which looked delicious sitting on the counter, but it might have been the worst pastry I have ever eaten. It was dried up and stale and it didn't help that the young lady microwaved it in an archaic Amana microwave for minutes. Hot, crunchy, chewy, cold, GROSS! I think I could have had something from 7-11 that was fresher. The board said they had a dark roast, but they did not have it brewed. The sales girl assured us that the bronco brew they were serving was a dark roast, but it just tasted like dirt. I want to love independent coffee shops, especially since my family has one in Hoboken, NJ, but I understand why Starbucks is so successful with junk like this.
(1)Brian S.
Can't imagine Hampden without Common Ground. Good coffee. Great bagels and muffins, which are best in the morning. A nice place to sit and waste some time or just grab and go.
(5)J H.
Not exactly amazing service, but the bagels and veggie cream cheese make up for it. Baltimore is not a city that has bagels this good. Consistently good iced coffees and red-eyes this summer as well. Decent smoothies too, even though you might want to ask them to chill on the sweetener they add to them.
(4)Erica C.
This is another one of those 'artsy 20-somethings' places in Hampden. The coffee is okay, but I prefer a cup from Dunkin Donuts....or heck...the Royal Farms down the street. But then again, people go to this place to be 'artsy' and just hang.
(3)Sally H.
Several months ago I'd have given this place 5 stars. I've been visiting for 4 years and absolutely love it there. Walking in you instantly knew this place is a neighborhood staple. Before finding new ownership, the baristas at Common Ground knew everyone by name and order. Despite being super busy they were always very friendly. Nowadays, however, the atmosphere is just not the same. The baristas are friendly enough...but things are just too quiet (as opposed to the always moving, bustling atmosphere it used to have) and I think many regulars have stopped visiting or at least seem less inclined to tip properly. Prices have gone up (and, despite increased costs, I've noticed my once-perfect bagel has gone the way of the once-perfect baristas who no longer work there). The owner seems to always be hovering around. It doesn't seem to have the same community focus it once had. The place has good coffee and food, but has simply lost the charm that drew many of us neighborhood regulars to it in the first place.
(3)Lokesh D.
Small, cozy space with a little outdoor section in the back. Located conveniently on the Avenue. Coffee is decent. As for food, I've had my fairly simple bagel orders (aka add a tomato to the sesame one) botched up a couple of times. The folks behind the counter seem pretty miserable in the morning. Hopefully they cheer up as the day goes on. Not sure if there are any alternatives for quick morning coffee in Hampden. Plenty of better options in the city.
(2)Bonnie O.
A solid, casual option for coffee and breakfast/lunch in Hampden. Really good cookies and bagels, though I usually don't order egg sandwiches (not a fan of microwaved eggs...). However, I'm a big fan of Ceremony, their Annapolis-based roaster. I like to stop by for lunch and do a hummus/salad on a bagel situation.
(4)Tim S.
As a resident of Hampden, I wish I could speak more highly of the Common Ground. However, the owner is extremely rude to his employees. I have witnessed it myself and have an acquaintance who has worked for him. No coffee can ever be good enough to justify horrible employee/employer relationships.
(1)Victoria W.
My sister and I got iced coffee, fresh muffins, and chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate chip muffin was great but the apple muffin was just above par. Since I was only in Baltimore to visit, I've only been able to eat their cookies once, and boy do I miss it =/ They're huge and really good.
(4)Alison C.
Great coffee, bagels and (huge!) chocolate chip cookies. The sandwiches always look good, too, though I haven't had one yet. The baristas are friendly and quick. It can be a little difficult to squeeze past the counter if it's busy, and there's very little seating (though if it's nice and you can score a seat out back on the patio, it's just lovely), so if your timing is bad you might not be able to hang out. And I too wish they were open later!
(4)Madonna H.
Good food simple but with a little twist .Friendly service. Sandwiches,soups and salads are always fresh and good. Great Chai. Sometimes a short wait for a table. Spotted several old hippies and rockers from back in the day. Baked goods are very good.Don't forget the tip jar on the counter.
(3)Jess P.
Good, affordable coffee, cute atmosphere and slightly hipster-y baristas made for a great little stop while exploring Hampden.
(3)Ben V.
Best Coffee Shop In Baltimore, as of my last visit in 2003. Common Ground is great, a cool laid back space with decent coffee and good sandwhiches. The owner also makes his own pastries in the basement, and there is this ever evolving list of cool creations he's come up with (at least, this was the deal 3 years ago.) They had this muffin that was called like the dirtbomb or something, oh man it was amazing. Coconut muffin with cinammon and nutmeg all powdery and coated on the outside. Oh my god I want one RIGHT NOW!!!! Seriously I'm FREAKING OUT!! What is that number, 1-800-JET-BLUE?? Yeah, those muffins are that good.
(5)Nicole M.
My second-favorite coffee spot in Bmore (Carma's is my favorite). The soups are yummy if you need lunch. The muffins are sinful.
(5)Ricky R.
It's a nice little place man. I like the layout better than most coffee shops, mainly because it was a house, but it stayed a house. The ordering area can become a huge screwpile, but the ambiance more than makes up for it. The coffee's from Cafe Pronto and it's real good. The food isn't bad, plus the staff is very tolerant of my ordering nonsense. I would say the way to go is take a pastry and a cup and settle in for awhile, get some writing done or something.
(4)Rebecca L.
Grabbed a cookie here that was an interesting mix of crunchy, hard and squishy. Counter people were unresponsive/miserable. But it is cozy and there is internet to be stolen from their neighbor, although Common Ground doesn't provide wifi.
(2)