Common Ground Coffee House

Delicious hot coffee, chill atmosphere, quirky decor hut clean and bright, sweet friendly barista. Will come back again!

Good Vibes and Yummy Bites at Common Ground! Went for a last-minute brunchy breakfast at Common Ground in Grand Rapids and it was pretty cool! The place is big and artsy, with colorful windows and fun art on the walls. Could use a few more chairs though. The staff was super nice and pointed us to a coconut coffee that was just awesome. We also tried the specials: French toast and a meat-lover's dish. The French toast was a mountain of yum—seriously, it was a lot (6 slices, bacon and fruit knowledge)! My husband's meat-lover dish was a bit on the small side, but hey, the flavors were all there. So, if you're up for a tasty breakfast in a chill place, Common Ground is a good go-to. Two thumbs up!

The White Mocha is very good! I have problems every time I come to Michigan finding a coffee house that has White Mocha's on the menu. The breakfast food is amazing! They also have a kids area!

Atmosphere is six stars. Loved the Chorizo, pepper jack, and avocado smashed wrap, perfectly proportioned and tasty. Fruits yummy. I devoured the potatoes and Almond Joy oatmeal before the pic. Will be back for sure

I heard they had remodeled the place and upgraded their equipment. The place looks great but the remodel isn't quite done and turns out they're under new ownership too, so will definitely have to go back and see how it all comes together. The service was really great and the drinks and cinnamon rolls are are awesome.

Love this little eclectic coffee shop on Fulton--especially that they show such great support for local artists and companies! Literally the cheapest "mom & pop" coffee shop in town too, which is such a nice change from the over-priced big name shops. Cozy atmosphere where you can spend hours reading, playing board games, or just warming up by a window. A must-try for any #SmallBusiness coffee lover. See photo for an avenue to send help to those suffering in Australia currently as well! ❤️

I enjoyed this coffee shop. The location and connected offerings with the deli and bakery is great. Also have the small child play area for the mom's who need coffee the most is so thoughtful (take notes Madcap). As for a drink rating, probably the best Cappuccino I had in grand rapids out of the 4 I tried. Their mix of Sumatran and Guatemala beans from Grand Rapids Coffee Roasting Company worked well. The bakers chocolate and molasses hit at the start and the blueberry hit towards the end. Well rounded cup. Also they had a India Monsoon Malabar which a friend enjoyed. Not a very popular region. I recommend a visit here.

Great coffee shop. Only one person working when we were in so a longish line but it was understandable. I would happily return.

I love this place. The coffee is super reasonable - I think it's like 2 bucks for a good size cup. They have great seating, but windows and lots of plugs. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They have a full breakfast though I usually stick to the pastries! The blueberry scone is my go to! They have muffins, brownies and cookies too. Sometimes there are delicious cinnamon rolls! A neighborhood favorite!

I've been there a couple times now and everything I had was...good. The Chai Tea Latte tasted housemade. The coffee was fresh. The baked goods were not stale. Unfortunately, I did try showing up on a Sunday once and they were closed, which their hours here did not state; neither did anything on their door. It's a very simple coffee shop that is not pretentious. It's on the more affordable side compared to some of the coffee shops in Grand Rapids. The location is nice, too; just before it starts getting really busy on Fulton.

I go here while waiting for oil changes across the street at Veenstra's. Coffee service is quick, pastries are available, staff is really friendly, and the place is spacious with a second room to the right of the main coffee area. I enjoy the stained glass windows and availability of outlets so I can work. There's a locked bathroom/key available for use. There are also super cute earrings for sale at the counter, FYI! Snatched two pairs of those this morning with my lavender honey latte. They range from just $5 to $15.

Great coffee and friendly staff!! The menu is great and lots of options. Definitely worth stopping in. In town visiting and love finding unique coffee shops and this place was great.

Went today for coffee and came back later for breakfast. Breakfast was insanely good. I got the breakfast wrap with potatoes. So good. Get it with aioli. Great hot sauce selection too.

Common Ground Coffee House is located in the heart of this quaint neighborhood and is the oldest coffee shop in Grand Rapids. ⁣ ⁣ The coffee house features cozy corners, lots of art, friendly staff and an ever-changing speciality menu! ⁣ ⁣ And check it out! They have a Mrs. Pac-Man table! Haven't seen one of those in awhile have you?⁣ ⁣ I got Kiki & Jiji's Pancakes (aka a Pumpkin Pie Latté) and it was heavenly. I like to bring my own cup when allowed to save a little $ and help promote sustainability! ⁣ ⁣

Love stopping by here to get some work done. They're always busy around lunch time, because of the Schnitz Deli, but I always manage to find a little spot. Staff is always friendly. Coffee is yummy. Specialty drinks are delish. (I have a mental list of the ones I want to try...). Check them out!

The coffee shop was recently updated and it looks incredible! Great place to meet up with friends or to get work done. They offer a lot of specialty roasts and signature drinks. The only reason why it didn't receive 5 stars is because the coffee is a bit overpriced. I paid $5.50 for a large drip coffee which is not common in the Grand Rapids area. Every drink I've tried has been great though! My favorite is the Sir Carmelot!

I checked out the Common Ground today for the first time as it was a suggestion from one of my friends. We try and meet at coffee places around town once a week or every other week, so it was fun to try something new. The atmosphere is definitely laid back, comfy and easy to get some work done. There aren't too many distractions nor was the place overly crowded. The plus side is that they have a lot of coffee options, syrup options, tea options, bagels and a delicious sandwich place connected next door. In my personal opinion, I think I would pick other places around town over this one. I felt very young in here. I do not think I am the youngest and hipest person in a coffee shop but I did not feel as though I was amongst my peers. For me, I get inspired sitting in coffee shops when I am doing work when I feel like I am around the same vibe I am striving to achieve. I like feeling live bright energy around me.

I absolutely love our neighborhood coffee shop - Common Ground! The drinks are delicious & well priced! The staff is amazing! Whether you live in the Fulton Heights area or are just passing through, I would highly recommend checking this place out!

This was my go to spot to grab some coffee and do some reading when I lived in Grand Rapids 20 years ago. Good to see it's still there, and that the suit of armor is still there as well. Back in the day, there was a gal working behind the counter with a tear drop tattoo next to her eye, which always struck me as perfectly incongruent...

Echoing the others here! Great and super affordable coffee plus baked goodies. Decor is lacking and not the best lighting. Didn't quite get the vibe I was looking for to hangout and read for a few hours.

Some of the best drinks in town and some of the CHEAPEST drinks in town. They even have seasonal menus based on hit TV shows like "The Office" & "Parks & Rec". Lots of room to sit and work.

Ever since i moved to grand rapids, this has become my second home. They have a good selection of coffee which keeps changing daily. Also try they baked goods they sell. The cranberry/walnut muffin is one of the best i have tasted. + Good coffee + Free wifi + Adequate seating with power outlets and study lamps + Knowledgeable staff & great serviced + good music + cheap refills on drip coffee

My favorite coffee shop in town! Staff is wonderful and they nail my preferred drink every time! In the land of overpriced coffee, they're truly refreshing for their affordability.

This is a quaint shop with unique and eclectic ambiance. Great food, drinks, and baked goods from local shops that are connected to this store. I had the tuna melt sandwich, chai latte, and a donut that were fresh and tasty. The place has good energy that is quiet but enough white noise from the traffic in deli connected by an open doorway to break the silence. It's a great place to relax, write, read, and visit. Or wait for your car to be serviced at Veenstra's garage across the street which is what I am doing.

Cheapest coffee I've found in GR. Almost everything is less that $4. I got a 16oz americano for only $2.50! That alone makes this a great coffee shop. The decor is lacking and it's a little dark, but if you're there for strictly coffee, it's a good place. I think a good cleaning could make this place much better aesthetically.

The best true coffee house in GR. Not fancy, but the coffee is great. Creative seasonal drinks, coffee for sale, sandwiches available (and next door is the Schnitz Deli - best in GR too). Prices aren't insane either. Not too loud either for sitting and reading/pondering your navel.

Even though the coffee in my opinion is mediocre, the internet is spotty at best, and the ambiance and decor are not exactly trendy or even all that inviting, I think all these things are intentional and I appreciate that they are not trying to appeal to certain hipster crowds and stay true to their selves. I love getting some reading done in there because I have plenty of food options if I get hungry and it is never busy.

Grand Rapids best kept secret coffee house! It's never busy, usually pretty quiet so it's a great please for studying or reading, friendly, quick service, and selection of coffee drinks changes but is always yummy. When I was in yesterday (around 7pm) they still had donuts and some other pastry treats out but I'm pretty sure they have more of a selection in the morning hours. They have a few outdoor seats and plenty of tables inside to work from. It's next to Schnitz Deli (A-MAZING sandwiches), so you can work here and grab lunch next door. My only gripe is the wi-fi seems janky and/or non existent. At least we couldn't get on it when we were in last. booooo to that. Not sure what the building used to be but they have huge stained glass church windows on the wall that add a funky and creative ambiance to the place. There's a full knights' armor guarding the microwave and a unique stained glass piece hanging from the wall in the side room.

This is one of my favorite places to go. I can have a meeting, work, paint, do pretty much whatever and I feel comfortable. Their understated and inclusive atmosphere makes it a great spot to become a regular. Also, it's awesomely affordable, because who's got $5 for a coffee?

Do you want to have remarkable coffee and scrumptious baked goods that make it worth figuring out how to spell scrumptious? Then this is NOT the place. Do you want to get some work done, free street parking and serviceable coffee, seating and music? This is the place for you. My coffee was middle of the road Starbuks quality served in a paper cup but the quiet working crowd was just what I was looking for. I spilled out my crap over the table like I was at home and no one noticed. The seating, decorations and puzzles spilling on to the floor remind me of a college co-op. Casual, serviceable, boxy but good. It's like an old sweater--nothing special but sometimes it's just right for the job.

I just tried out this coffee shop with my boyfriend. We went there to complete some homework and loved the overall atmosphere. It is full of life and positive vibes but is still a quiet place to get some work done. The coffee is delicious and super affordable. We both got iced medium coffees and only spent under five dollars for each one. We are for sure going again soon!!

Cookie and a hot coffee!! When it's freezing outside a good hot coffee is an excellent solution. Walked in on a very frigid winter day and tried one of the seasonal drinks!! Mayan spiced cocoa, marshmallow, expresso, and steamed milk...fantastic. Also got a coconut oatmeal cookie. The only reason it doesn't get a 5 star rating is because the medium was so small. Otherwise the taste, price, and atmosphere is great. They also use locally roasted coffee so your money stays in the area which is cool. Definitely recommend checking the place out. Free wifi too!! :)

Been loving this place for the last 10yrs. Good creative place to help you feel at home, play chess with friends, and log in some reflective laptop time. If you are a college student needed to compose a long paper, this place will help you. Good coffee drinks, whole beans for purchase, good baked goods, free wifi if you brought a drink, and the staff is always friendly and upbeat. This is a top 5 coffee shop in Grand Rapids for me!

You could consider this Fulton's hidden gem. On a road that runs cross town, and many people use to get from point A to point B... very few people realize it's there (and that's a shame). With an extensive variety of direct trade coffees, fair trade organic coffees, organic coffees, flavored coffees, espresso drinks, teas, chai drinks, French sodas, Italian sodas, soft drinks, and juices I can virtually guarantee this place has something for everyone. It's located right across from the opera house, in between a liquor store and a deli. From the outside it doesn't look like much; just a few chairs and some overgrown flower pots. But on the inside this place has some character. It has plenty of seating area and, although old, it fits the building perfect. The menu is drawn on a chalk board, and at first glance you can't tell what anything is with names like Sir Carmalot and Golden Sword (mid-evil theme?). But each name has a description underneath, and before long you find something that sounds like heaven... and it always tastes like heaven. So enough with that... the important stuff: free WiFi, great music, plenty of outlets for studying or hanging out, AMAZING coffee, very consistent, prompt service from knowledgeable staff. The prices are reasonable and there are multiple coupons if you have yourself an entertainment book of some sorts. There is almost always a game of chess being played and there is a bookshelf with a variety of games to play. Bottom line: great product and atmosphere. According to their website they have been around for 15 years... and with the rate they are going at they have many more to come. I am very impressed by this place and wish there were more hidden gems in Grand Rapids like it.

Love this little coffee shop we host our meetings there they don't give us any problem we always have room in their side part they are always friendly and it's a great place to just relax kick back if you're by yourself

Love the low key atmosphere, lots of great seating, friendly staff, good coffee. Lots of places to plug in your electronics as well.

I enjoy this neighborhood place for an occasional cup of coffee. The cookies are fab and the biscotti is good. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. What's not to like?

Very relaxed local coffee shop. Connected to the deli so if you're like me, it's a great place to spend good chunk of time working on things and sipping some good coffee

I returned yesterday due to continued lack of internet. In fact, I'm probably going to become a regular here pretty quickly. This time I got an iced tea, and was a little disappointed when I asked what kind of tea they used (I meant green, black, etc.) but the guy was like "Uh...Lipton's?" I did venture into the other room, which apparently until May 1st offered a smoking section. This side has a bookshelf of games to play, and some guys were gathered around a chess game. There are also desk lamps at a lot of the tables which is great for studying, and plugs at almost every table for your laptop, which I appreciate.

If the bustle of Eastown drives you away from the coffee shop experience, head over to Common Ground. With smoking and non-smoking sections and wonderful fair-trade coffee, everyone can be satisfied. They offer free WI-FI access and plenty of books on the "take-a-book-leave-a-book" shelves, comfy couches and reading lamps on every table to please the masses. This shop offers a more mellow atmosphere with dimmer lights and quieter customers. The baristas control the music via iPod and do a great job. They always seem to know your mood. Stop in to this cozy spot and catch up on the up and up of GR. Local publications fill the shop to fill you in on the new music, literature and much more. I love the 76, but sometimes I need an escape, and this is just the place.

It is a cute rustic coffee shop located away from the main downtown area. I wanted to try this coffee shop especially because they serve organic/fair trade coffee. I got a latte and it was just okay. I have been spoiled by Chazzano in Ferndale (If you are in the area, you definitely need to check them out). The latte had too many bitter notes for my own tasting. However, if you are looking for a spot to finish some work, or just browse on the internet, there seems to be plenty of seating. Parking is also easy to find.

My dad use to take me here a lot back in the days, so I've known this place for a long time. The people are great, it's quite, calming, and it smells amazing because of the coffee. Staff is very nice, and the food is nice. I haven't been here in a month or so, but I expect coming again very soon. (P.S, if you're hipster you'd fit right in)

Great coffee, some fine goodies like scones etc. Mostly I like it because it's a real student type hang out without any pretentions. You can sit there all day if you like or go in and walk out quickly with a latte, or whatever floats your coffee boat. I stop there every time I'm in the area.

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Although the dark roast coffee is a favorite of mine, failure to adhere to social norms of customer service is not something I take lightly. As a regular there for the last year I was never questioned about when I would buy a drink, as I always did buy something. However, in my most recent visit the barista said she was going to ask me to leave if I didn't buy anything. Makes sense if I were to be alone, sleeping at a table, but I was not alone and I did plan on buying a drink once mine from home was finished. Upon making the purchase, the same barista questioned my way if ordering thereby affirming that she did recognize me, and new of my purchase my behavior. Horrible service all around. I well NEVER give them my business again.

Regular coffee shop; old school that doesn't pander to the coffee snob hipsters infesting Grand Rapids. Too noisy on Sunday AMs when the. Bikers hang out but otherwise my favorite go to spot in GR

Whenever I plan to go to a coffee house in Chicago I go through all the possibilities in my mind, but I'm never content. For some reason I always think, "I want to go to Common Ground. I want a place like Common Ground." But no place like this exists in Chicago. The coffee houses here are so different; both in appearance and in vibe. It's disappointing, really.

Why come to a coffee place to relax or get some work done when the barrista seem intent on playing his muisc at loud levels. I clocked a 60 decibel level at this joint which is more or less equal to a loud office. Modified review. This place is a lot better today volume level wise. There is a couple who can't stop giggling loudly in the corner but just adds to the comfort oft his place on a rainy day. The music is a good mix ofobscureand insrumntal. exactly what youneed to relax and get some work done. The tea selection is not the greatest but the coffee is pretty good forthis town and the internet signal is stady and quick and free. a good place.

The baristas are always very nice, and I love their always changing coffee flavors. Plus they have day old 50¢ bagels and donuts and such which are always good (and cheap)! I love coming in on Sunday mornings to finish work, but it sometimes gets a little loud, and there isn't always available seating (for a group of 3 needing a larger table). Also, there is a very very small parking lot.

This place is sooo close to where I live, but my sample size of 3 different coffees says they burn it every time. Do I really want to play coffee roulette?

My go-to place to study or have coffee with a friend. Friendly service and good drinks. A solid place in GR.

Let me start by saying it's clear the owner is doing a good job of trying to run a cafe. The specialized menu is cute, and they're obviously trying to create a social media presence. The coffee itself is decent as well. So it makes me sad to say that I won't be returning to Common Ground due to the unprofessional and rude behavior of the baristas. I've gone to Common Ground several times, and each time, the barista seems intent on communicating his lack of interest in both his job and the customer with a carefully cultivated hipster stand-offishness. I'm always polite to waitstaff and don't have this problem anywhere else, so I know I'm not the issue here. Today was the worst experience I've had and made me resolve not to return. I ordered a sandwich and a coffee. Not exactly a challenging order, and it's not like I tried to get something that wasn't on the menu. Still, the barista asked me with disdain if I was "sure" I wanted the sandwich, as though I was just kidding and was going to say, "No, you got me! I was making a hilarious joke! I actually don't want you to do your job or make any food. Here's ten dollars anyway, just for existing." When I started to order the coffee, he said, "You're getting something else?" in a tone that would be more appropriate to use with someone who asked him to leave work and pick up their drycleaning after making their coffee. Since I was *literally* only asking him to put some pre-made coffee in a cup at the *coffee shop* where he works, this seems like a bizarre reaction. Apparently taking an order for a sandwich and coffee is the most trying, outlandish, and insulting thing he's ever been asked to do; at least, that's what I gleaned from his body language, tone, and responses during our entire ridiculous interaction. I hope the owner will take some time to retrain his or her employees, because it's a shame to see their unprofessional behavior affect the atmosphere of what is otherwise a decent place to patronize. Until then, I'll be going somewhere else where I'm not insulted for assuming the barista is capable of performing the most basic tasks in their job description.

The staff is crazy friendly. When I lived in Grand Rapids, I looked forward to talking to them in the morning. The coffee is really good. I always get the Sweet Queen because I have quite the sweet tooth. Though, my fiance always got the Americano, which he really enjoyed as well. The place has a really nice vibe and the other customers are really friendly as well. Next door is a spot-on sandwich shop. So it was easy to just walk next door when I needed lunch while studying or just hanging out. Great location and great place to be!

Begrudgingly admitting that this place is great. My significant other has been telling me to try this place forever and I hate to admit that he was completely right. Lots of space, natural light, free wi-fi, friendly staff, great music (and just the right, low volume), and a Harry Potter themed drink menu. The atmosphere is also exactly what I like in a coffee shop, warm, casual, neighborhoody (that's a thing). I might just move in.

Just visited for the first time this morning, but I'll definitely be going back when I get the chance. The coffee was pretty good, the prices are good, and they sell pastries from a shop a few doors down. Overall, I love the local and sustainable focus and the good coffee and prices are an added bonus.

ok sooo... three stars for pac-man because that is the best thing there. the coffee kind of has a burnt espresso taste to it, and is fairly mediocre overall. i like the ambience of the place, though it could use a tune up in terms of cleanliness and upkeep. i appreciate all the local art and the kind employees, but won't be coming back for coffee.

This is absolutely the best low key coffee shop in GR. Unpretentious atmosphere, lots of quiet nooks for reading, meeting, or thinking, organic and fair trade coffee, amazing muffins and breads from Schnitz bakery next door, and friendly baristas. If somebody from the neighborhood is in front of you at the counter it might take a while to get your drink. Some of the baristas will carry their conversations with the regulars until their natural end, no matter how many people are in line! Try an espresso drink (they do them well here!) and a Schnitz morning glory muffin.

Love it, and all the people who work there! But, it's due time to clean the place up a bit. I like the fact that its not a high end coffee shop, but that doesn't mean it has to be dirty.