Uncommon Grounds Coffeehouse

Stopped here after having dinner in the area. I don't drink but I needed a "night-cap". I like that the shop is set in an old Victorian house. They are known for their Chai so I ordered their famous "Orgasmic Chai"--a "toasted marshmallow flavor with no gelatin" per the barista. He asked us to sit while we waited for our orders which makes sense because the pick-up area is small. The seating area is cozy but limited. My husband got a cold brew and loved it! My "chai" tasted NOTHING like Chai but instead a sugary take on what the drink actually is. There were no spices reminiscent of Chai, at all. I'll stick with straight coffee if I ever end up here again. There were people doing work there at 7pm but it doesn't seem like a conducive environment for studying or even meeting with more than one person because of the restricted amount of seats.

Uncommon Grounds Coffeehouse is such a cozy, cute space. We came for a drink after visiting the nearby bookstore, and sat for a bit in the unique seating area to enjoy our delicious beverages. The server was so nice and kind! Definitely stop in if you can.

Love the cozy, chill vibe. Also, CHAI! If you like chai and you’re in the Twin Cities this is the place!

I've been there several times now & love taking people there. I absolutely love it! I've had Chai at Caribou, which is made with a syrup, but this chai tasted real & is made with a powder (way better than a syrup). If it's not sweet enough, you can always add partial or full flavor of hazelnut or lavender or something :) The atmosphere is definitely my favorite -quiet & cozy with ambient lighting, and though the music wasn't the calm coffee shop kind, it really worked. Met the owner who is very nice, sweet, & personable. I have tried a few foods. All was good so far. Parking is the only tricky thing as it can be fairly limited, but if parking is full, the tables may be full as well, & you might have to take out.

It is pretty dark and cramped feeling, but not in a bad way (felt kinda cozy). Floor was kinda squishy feeling which was kinda fun. As far as food goes, their famous chai was just alright. It was VERY sweet and was lacking some of the more herbal notes I like in chai. Scone also not very scone-y. It was more like a sweet bread in a scone shape. Nice place to work, but there are other great places around the cities you can get a comparable and cheaper experience.

Beautiful, unique coffee shop with a lot of coziness and charm. Lots of cozy seating, perfect for a fall or autumn visit. The chai latte I had was incredible, and I can't wait to come back to try their other flavors!

Ordered a scone and a dirty chai. The beverage was hot and the flavors were well put together. The scone broke apart easily with a fork and the icing was to die for. There was only one person working the counter and making drinks, but the food and drink were ready inside 10 mins. Smallish tables but quiet, some outside seating in the front as well as the back. Would recommend.

I used to live in Seattle and I felt right at home here. I don't know if I would go so far as to call it the best chai in town (there's some really good ones), but you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better one, that's for sure.

Delicious chai, AMAZING chai. Be ready to wait a little while, as the staff typically isn't in a rush - this is the only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5. Not a complaint, just an observation: it's definitely more of a casual Saturday kind of place and not an 'I'm on the way to work and need coffee fast' kind of place. The ambiance inside is fine, but it's a great stop if you're wandering uptown, and can make for a great first date stop (per my friend's recommendation!).

Pros Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Food: chai is amazing!!!! - love the place! It's so comfortable and best place to study ( only if you have enough charge in your computers) -Amazing place to read and relax. Great for solo or even romantic getaway. Cons - No charging port. - Due to constructions parking is slightly annoying.

One of the best chai lattes in the twin cities! I bring a lot of friends and family here when they come to visit and they never disappoint. I really like all the different flavors of chai that they offer. My favorites are the orgasmic, mint, and lavender chais. Highly recommend the lemon chill blended drink with a pump of blackberry syrup. It adds the perfect amount of sweet and tart flavors to the drink. Overall, I really enjoy the home-y vibe and it is a really nice place to read, work, and study. Keep in mind, there is a bit of a wait since there is usually only one person working but it is sooo worth the wait!

One of the best chai lattes I've ever had - if not the best!! Fair pricing and great vibes. I will say, this is not a coffee shop to go and do work in or hustle in or hustle out of. It's dark, there's no outlets, and it doesn't open until 9/10am. Not that those are negative things - just a bit of a different vibe - definitely more of a relaxing, chill, have a conversation type of place.

Good coffee however pretty bad place to work, music is too loud to take meetings despite the place being empty, and there are no outlets. Service is okay.

In the heart of Uptown just off Hennepin, Uncommon Grounds is a long-standing neighborhood institution. I met a friend for coffee here yesterday and after the hype I've heard, I was decidedly underwhelmed. I always bring my own thermos/cup and was shocked a 16oz (lukewarm) drip coffee was nearly $5 after tax. Their food case looked stocked with leftovers from the day(s) before and what some find is charming, the shop was very dark inside. Not sure if they keep the lights down for ambiance or to keep folks from spending a lot of time inside, with Isles and Buns and Corner Coffee on the same block, I'd encourage folks to go elsewhere.

A friend had suggested this coffee shop a few years ago. I had a good experience and decided to visit again. This time, I took some friends that were visiting from out of town. In my opinion, this coffee shop is one of the cutest in the city. Since it's inside of a house, it makes you feel cozy and the lowlight adds a calm relax ambience feel. I ordered the orgasmic chai, though it was really sweet, I still liked it. It was like a dessert drink for me. Hot and ideal for the cold MN weather. I do miss them serving the chai on mugs. They use disposable coffee cups now. I also ordered a cheesecake, it was really good and thick. Not too sweet, just perfect. Service was friendly, the girl that took our order was polite and even helped us decide on what to order. There were people working/studying around, I felt kind of bad having a conversation but end of the day it's a public coffee shop.

Interesting and cozy! I love that this is a Victorian home that someone just decided to make into a coffee shop. Wonderful menu and plenty of comfy seating. The outdoor deck was closed for the winter but I can imagine f how nice it would be to bring a dog and sit outside on a sunny morning. The coffee was strong, just the way I like it and the young barista was just as kind as she could be. Definitely look forward to coming back.

Read the reviews. The owner is an old, out of touch, elderly white man with no regard for really anything. He walked up to our table and snatched my friends Starbucks cup unexpectedly and threw it away. While he was aggressively coming towards us muttering things like "I didn't open this place up to be a free for all"...? He later comes around asking us what we are studying for and finds out our profession. Suddenly we get 2 free coffees to our table, randomly? Our words must have touched him when we checked him for being the obvious aggressor. There are no outlets in this place and the lighting is so dark, assuming to keep people out...? Out dated decor and a small menu with absolutely no substitutions. The owner definitely racially profiles patrons. I would highly suggest reading the reviews, visiting the place and then writing your own review. It's crazy spot on, FOR YEARS.

Friendly staff. Beautiful decor and delicious chai. Only thing that could make it better would milk alternatives!

Came into Minneapolis for the weekend and ended up stumbling upon Uncommon Grounds, and what a wonderful experience it was! Walking in, you feel invited with the warm scents of chai and pastries, the vibes are so wholesome and the decor is so classic! The owner came up to us and said hello, and our orders were quickly taken! We got the Orgasmic Chai, and it definitely lived up to its name! It was absolutely delicious. Excited to come back again to try some more of their items the next time I'm in town!

Wow, is this chai good! Service is always friendly and fast when I go here, especially since there is usually one person working the front and doing drinks. They offer a variety of chai flavors including raspberry, which surprised me on how good it tastes! Probably not a place to go if you want an authentic chai, but good if you're in the mood for a sweet treat. It is super cute on the inside with a vintage aesthetic; I bet it is a great place to study/get work done :)

Best Chai I've ever had! Service is always amazing and it's a quiet study or meeting place!

Owner personally introduced himself to me as it was my first time there. Seems like a really nice guy, and the baristas were nice and helpful. Awesome ambiance like being inside a friends house, had a really good latte!

I had a lovely experience at Uncommon Grounds! It's one of the few cafes that stays open late around the area, so I chose it as a meet up spot after work with a friend that didn't feel like cocktails. The card machine was a bit slow and I was a touch disappointed they didn't have much for food/bakery options, but was excited to try the Chai. I got the large, and though it wasn't cheap, I found it to be delicious! I'd definitely come back for another. The thing I loved most, though, is the atmosphere. It was quiet, candlelit, and perfect for dates or intimate catch-ups with a friend. Or, a great place to read or write in peace. I loved the homey feel. As I was waiting for my friend to arrive, and older man who seemed to be the owner came over as he was cleaning the tables. He welcomed me and thanked me for coming, and chatted with me for a bit. This is the kind of experience you just don't get elsewhere! I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did!

If you love the smell and memories of your grandparents' home, then this is the place for you! I'm not kidding - It brought back a lot of cozy memories for me so I kind of liked it. It's a cozy coffee shop with a lot of interesting things to look at. The biggest downside of this place is NO AC. I went here on a 90+ day - first time here so I didn't know - and was wiping sweat off my face the whole time and it was past 7pm! Everyone raves about the chai, so obviously I had to get that. I got an orgasmic chai and it absolutely lives up to its name!! The special thing about this chai is a shot of marshmallow flavor and my only complaint is that they didn't offer a big enough size! SO good. A little pricier than your chain coffee shop, but absolutely worth it (~$7-8 for the large). Parking was a nightmare because of the location. My friend ended up parking a good 10 minute walk away on a side street while I parked in a garage about a 10 minute walk away (and literally paid the price for it... $12!! For 3hrs of parking. I've learned). Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to frequent this shop - or maybe fortunately for my bank account. Would definitely recommend!

Okay they seriously do have really good chai here. I got an iced pumpkin chai and LOVED IT! However, if you prefer a bitter chai then this is NOT the place for you. The chai here is super sweet and probably not very authentic, but I really enjoy it. It has a unique flavor that other chai places don't have. However, they do charge wayyyyy too much. A small chai is at least $7. The price is a bit insane. I'd go here more if the price was reasonable. If you've never had the chai here before, then it's worth trying. But it's not the type of place I can visit frequently (like a spy house or Starbucks) since the price is so atrocious. Also, don't come here to study. There's no wifi or plugs, and it's kinda dim. I enjoy the dim atmosphere but if you like brighter vibes then I'd suggest going somewhere else.

One or twice a month when I do a ups drop I stop in for their super delicious chai. Aidan, I may spell it wrong, is one of the people in my spontaneous life that makes me feel special. She remembers my order and greets me. So nice to feel seen. Great service. Great chai!

I decided to come here yesterday after getting some books and I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was really nice and the decor was really cozy. The lady working there was very nice, she did let me know that the espresso machine wasn't working so I couldn't get anything warm or with espresso and I completely understand that. So I ordered an iced chai with almond milk instead. And it was so good, highly recommend here.

My friends and I came from Nashville over a weekend, and we heard nothing but good things of this space. Was not disappointed. The owner was a cool guy, showed us great hospitality. Would love to be back soon

First off, the decor and mood of the entire cafe is warm and cozy. I mean, it's inside a house. There are plants, ficus trees, classy paintings, and comfy seating. They have outside seating on the patio that is lovely and charming! There is limited lighting inside seeing that there are various lamps that are strewn around the cafe but that adds to the calming atmosphere but not ideal for reading. There is music that is quite loud and I couldn't find an outlet for my laptop but they do have free wifi... I had their hot chai tea and I actually enjoyed it thoroughly! It was gone within 3 minutes (also note i down drinks in a blink of an eye). The only thing is that it is pricy. Over $4.50 for their small size. Overall, great place if you want to bring friends or just relax. Very homey and has a warmth to it.

I applaud these wonderful people for filling my cup with love, WOOO !!! This is THE BEST CHAI I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Sorry for the CAPS.

I really liked the interior decorations--they were very homey and welcoming! The scones were served warm and were very tasty. The "famous" chai was milk with a dash of chai seasoning . Was not impressed. Maybe if we'd tried the flavored chai it would have lived up to the hype, but alas it did not...

Uncommon Grounds was a wonderful little place with a lot of character! The barista on staff was super friendly and fun to talk to and the cafe itself had a very cozy, homey feel. I enjoyed the candle-lit space, but I could see how it may not be the most appealing for some people. Uncommon Grounds definitely seems like the coffeehouse to meet up with a friend to talk, not to get work done. I ordered a white hot chocolate with soy milk, which was delicious, but a little pricey for $6 for 12oz. Overall, cute and cozy place, with a simple, but tasty menu! Ps: the carrot cake is incredible!

I've been a loyal UG customer since my hs & early college days (when the upstairs was open as more space to drink your coffee & study). I spent up to six hours doing hw there; it was where I had my first chai & fell in love. Recently, my bf, bro & I met the owner, found out he bought the place when he was 23 & it took off from there. Cool dude. Cool place. Best chai is right. Tonight, my bros & I visited around 10 in the evening. My younger bro & I arrived earlier & grabbed a booth to wait for my other two bros before we made orders. Shortly after seating, they arrived, this is when the owner approached us. 'Have you ordered yet?' I replied "no, we are still deciding on what to get." 'Well you can't stay here if you don't order. You need to order first.' Now, I HATE pulling out the profiling card, but EID weekend did just end, & upon arrival, we noticed the shop swarming with young Somali customers (who yes, have made purchases). I've worked in the restaurant industry as well, & in retail, I hate loiters as much as any business owner-but RUDE. My reply trying to lighten the mood "don't worry, we're not loitering, you know me we've been here before." 'Yea I remember you. Been open 30 years, I know how this works.' Excuse me grandpa. What're you tryna say? Just cause we visually fit your group of young minorities who loiter & cause problems. We wanted to settle into a spot before ordering, you don't need to be a stereotypical cranky old man. Moments later he came back to us after my two older bros ordered & told my younger bro & I the baristas were wondering where we were & they were complaining about wanting to make our drinks before picking up stock from the delivery truck. I call BS. Don't make it seem like your baristas were rushing us. I am taking my years of five star rating away from UG & giving them ZERO. Will NOT return.

Wonderful setting and great chai! Unique cozy living room setting is comfy in winter, spring or summer!

To start of on a positive note, they DO have the best chai BUT only when it's made right. You'd think that after paying $7 for a small cup of chai that it'd be made correctly... nah. I used to be a very frequent customer, but soon I realized there's no consistency. Cons: Overpriced No WiFi No outlets Too dark Inside is outdated, needs new seating, tables, etc. Not allowed to study or do HW "due to spacing" If your drink is made wrong they won't redo it for free. The owner is actually a sweetheart, but seems greedy in a way.. Though their chais are so popular, their cups look as if it's from a gas station. (Even though they charge $7 per drink!). There was a time the lid wasn't closed all the way so when I grabbed my chai it spilled on me and the floor. The employee had to ask the owner if he was allowed to make me a new drink... THE OWNER HESITATED all he cared about is his carpet. It's just sad that such good chai is going to waste.

The "best chai" was good, but I've had better. Came here on a Sunday to get some things done, not heavily study or anything. But I wish I listened to the reviews because most are right. The lighting is super dim, like you need a flash light to see. Music is loud, and most chairs are for groups and not individual seating. AND they have NO wifi on the weekends ... which is weird. And the service was meh - I was trying to be really nice but I wasn't getting it in return. All the staff basically talk to only the customers they know aka their friends and ignore everyone else. Most likely won't be back again.

My latte was fine but It's 2019 and this place has no plugs and no Wi-Fi. Minneapolis establishments are dropping like flies. It's sheer arrogance to think your shhh is so hot you don't need basic modern amenities in store. Get an electrician. Install broadband Wi-Fi. Make it easy for normal people to get their work done. That's half the job of any coffee shop, anywhere. You're welcome.

The first time I went into Uncommon Grounds, I loved the cozy feel inside. I also loved the almond latte I order, truly the best I have ever had. It tasted just like almond cake, but with the comfort of a latte. The reason why I am rating it a 3-star coffee shop is because the hours are really inconvenient for the morning coffee drinker. They don't open until the afternoon and are open until late in the evening. I understand they want to appeal a night crowd with their drinks and homemade goodies, but I would rather have their delicious coffee in the morning! The other thing is the price, I paid over $6 for a medium latte. For the same latte at Starbucks or Caribou, I would pay $4-$4.50, and I still think that is a little ridiculous. I will still come back and patronize Uncommon Grounds occasionally, but wanted inform other of the price and hours.

I have been going to a workout studio next door and noticed their "worlds best chai" signage outside. Being the curious person I had to see just how great it was. They also say it's the oldest house in uptown. It feels very outdated on the inside with carpeting and little rooms to dine in. Based on their claim to fame I walked in knowing my order. Small chai tea. I was expecting this drink to blow my socks off. Don't get me wrong I did like it a lot. It was a blend of chai and maple oatmeal flavors that were very delicious but the base of it tasted mostly like warm milk. I was hoping for more of the tea undertones to cut the sweetness. I didn't get any food but they had a few cake slices and scones. I'm not sure why they were in Saran Wrap but it made me wonder how fresh everything was. The weirdest part about this place is that there's a sign asking that you not study or work due to limited seating. I feel like that is an odd request for a small coffee shop. The more people work and study at your location the more food and drinks they'll buy. Felt like they were turning away business with the sign.

I wasn't crazy about going here after reading some reviews but my friend wanted to go here so I just went along. Just from the outside I was skeptical when we walked up.. and my instincts were right. This place, although it's trying to keep the vintage chair, is in serious need of updating. The furniture is ancient and falling apart and the floors are very slanted. The bathroom lighting was so dark I could hardly see! I was really disappointed that they didn't even have normal tea on the menu. What coffee shop doesn't have tea?! I ended up getting a chai latte and it was so sweet I couldn't even finish it. With Spy House right down the street, I can't say I would go here coffee or come back..

The chai here is very good. Moving on, I have never written a yelp review because any bad experience I have is not worth writing and I am pretty low maintaince and I know that sometimes people have bad days, things don't work, their are establishment policies etc. But literally this place has some ISSUES. The hours.. don't make sense. Obviously. They don't want people to read, or study. So there are no plugs or wifi. That's fine.. do whatever you want with a coffee shop I guess. Moving on, I have been there like 5 times prior and every time I have been here I order the same thing. A euphoric chai shake. I have never gotten anything else so I know for a fact when I ordered this drink I said "Can I get 2 Euphoric Chai Shakes?" The barista ended up making a hot chai latte. When she handed them to me I said "Oh I am so sorry, I actually ordered a Euphoric Chai Shake" She responded, "Well I didn't hear that." I said "Oh Ok. Well can I get a Euphoric Chai Shake then?" She said "Well, I made these so you have to pay for them and the chai shakes as well" I was shocked. I said "I'm sorry, but I don't plan on drinking them and I know for a fact that I asked for a chai shake so why do I have to pay for them?" then she said "My boss is going to get really mad at me if I don't make you pay for them because I heard chai lattes" Anyway, I hate confrontation, I knew how absurd this was, but the girl seemed really stressed that her boss would get mad at her. So I said "how bout I pay for one of them and you make the chai shakes? Like I know I asked for it, but I don't want you to get in trouble" I shouldn't have even offered that, but whatever. That's what we ended up doing. My point is, if her boss/the owner LEGIT thinks that policy makes sense he is insane. I have heard so many people have negative encounters with the owner. I still give this place business and it crushes my heart every time because I don't think any owner that disregards customer satisfaction and fairness as necessary should have a business. If the owner reads this and would like to comment that would be great. I'd love an explanation for his absolute horrendous behavior.

I was so surprised by the reviews on here! I found this place a few years ago and became addicted to their chai lattes. I will admit, I haven't tasted the full drink menu. The first time I came here, I tried the drink called "the best chai" and it was so good I never branched out to try their other drinks. I usually get the same drink in a large for a little over $5. If you are a serious tea drinker that likes spicy or earthy flavors, I would not recommend this place. The chai is very sweet and cinnamon-y and not like traditional chai. But if you like sweet drinks I highly recommend this place! I read a few of the other reviews mentioning the sign in the front, I asked a barista about it and they explained that during peak hours it can get crowded since it's inside a pretty small house. I would not come here to study or do work, the music and people can get loud. But definitely come here to have a drink with a friend in the afternoon and sit by the big windows in front or come for a coffee date at night when it is dimly lit by cute little candles that they set out on each table after dark.

My first impression when I walked in was "wow, its hella dim in here." It made me feel very old because I wanted to use my phone's flash light inside. So next time I will definitely go there before 3:30 pm so I can see. As for their chai, its pretty good! Its subtly sweet, milky in a good way and not spicy. I don't think I will ever need to try anything else from there because I will just be ordering their chai.

Uncommon Grounds is a coffeeshop in Uptown. Maybe you've been there. It's been around for decades. I love it ... in theory. The first thing you see when you walk in the door is a sign that reads, "Please make a purchase before you sit down." A bit pushy but, ok, no biggie. Then, at the counter, is a big sign that reads: "Due to limited seating [note, seating is no more limited at Uncommon Grounds than at any other coffeeshop] ... due to limited seating, please no computers, paperwork, reading [!], cell phones or games." Basically drink your coffee and get the eff out. 'Folded hands on table and eyes straight ahead' isn't stated but it's implied.

The overall rating for this coffee shop is completely correct. If you want a 2 1/2 star experience, visit here. Good coffee doesn't exist, it's like muddy water (they don't have decaf coffee so I got a single shot americano which was very watery) overpriced drinks and bakery, and when you need a glass of water after spending so much - oh wait, they don't give you water, unless you buy a water bottle. I could have walked away with a meh experience but the fact that they don't provide cups for water, even tap water, put a bad (more like dry) taste in my mouth. Server was excellent though, adorable and chatty, I don't blame her for the establishment. I remember coming here a long time ago and couldn't remember why I didn't like it, that one's on me.

If you love chi and a chill area to study then look no further this place has it all. They even have some dessert options too. Family owned business is the best business to support. If COVID-19 didn't mess things up I'd be there everyday studying and enjoying my delicious chi.

This used to be my go-to spot when I lived in Uptown. Yes, their hours seem a little unconventional for a coffee shop but I'm beyond willing to forgive that. Also a little pricey, but they make each Chai themselves, not from a pouch or box! One: Their baristas are so nice, genuine, not pretentious, and know exactly what they are doing. I've loved every interaction here. Two: THEIR CHAI IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. I have a friend that visits from Chicago and she will go here every single day just for the Chai. I prefer the Orgasmic or Almond and I make it a dirty! Three: The ambiance is wonderful. It's eclectic, clean, cozy, and charming. The perfect place to read or write when it isn't crowded. If you love Chai or want a good coffee without the cold and stagnant surroundings of new coffee shops, come here!

I don't know what all the other reviews have up their butt, however this coffee shop is amazing. My girlfriend had the chai and she said the chai was the best she has had in a while. I had their white mocha, and while it was not has good as the the chai, it was still good. The atmosphere was very comfortable. Even though it can be dark in some places, it was inviting and cozy. It is a great place to have a conversation, and they even have private rooms for the more serious conversations. The music was awesome, never the same song twice, and had a great variety. Overall it was a great place to hang out and have some great chai.

Overpriced, watered down coffee. Rude server. My friend and I will never come back. Place looked interesting but terrible music, loud and they said they could not lower it as it was locked - yea right. Pompous place that probably won't be there in a year.

First let me state the positive exceptions to this low rating: - The baristas are amazing. Friendly, hardworking, and exceptionally skilled - The chai is BOMB (one of the only reasons I keep coming back) - it's extremely cozy! Old fashioned home vibe Now the negatives: - The baristas aren't paid enough (7.25/ hr) They deserve WAY more than that w/ how pricey the drinks are. You CANNOT live on that income. Tells me the owner cares more about money than his worker's wellbeing. (This business obviously has a high employee turn over rate. And I'm guessing banks on exploiting the young/desperate/less-experienced ppl to work here) - The baristas are constantly monitored (cameras), making me think that the owner is watching their every move like an authoritarian hawk. That makes the vibe uncomfortable - The owner doesn't want ppl to read/study/ work on their laptops here. There's literally a sign telling ppl not to. But... This is a coffee shop. The primary reason ppl come to a coffee shop is to have a place to focus on their work. The owner is really limiting his clientele and ostracizing regular coffee shop dwellers. Bad move. - I've never seen any people of color working here. That's problematic and shows what little regard the owner has towards diversity. I don't want to support & give my money to a business that neglects & subjugates their workers. You will only lose business this way. These are not issues I'm alone in feeling, several ppl feel/express these concerns (which shows why it has such a low rating). This place has a lot of potential, yet is being run in such a problematic way.

UPDATE: took a friend here and was very disappointed with my visit. It was her first time trying chai and she had few sips and realized she didn't like it. Asked the barista to remake it and she told us we would have to buy the ingredients for a new one... I'm sorry, $7 for a small chai and you want us to buy another? I've been to smaller coffee shops and they would be more than willing to replace anything I don't like. How cheap does a place have to be that they don't care about customer satisfaction?

Ya know, this review could've easily scored 4 stars, maybe even 5. Usually when I've encountered the general staff, it's always been pleasant. The ladies here rock, but unfortunately their awesome personalities are drowned out now by what I consider to have been flat out discrimination. Why? In 2018, and with the recent Starbucks incident fresh on American minds. Why? And of all people to harass me, by the owner himself. This visit was just last night (04/22/18) at around 11ish pm. While waiting for a friend to arrive (before I got one of my favorite chai drinks, the "Euphoria") *out of courtesy* I asked the baristas if I could sit inside while awaiting a friends arrival, 15 or so minutes, (since there were only two other patrons in the entire building) then I had simply planned to buy a drink for me and my friend when he arrived. The baristas were polite and said it was perfectly okay and even mentioned that it was unnecessary for me to ask. No problem. Simple, right? On a previous visit, weeks back, I was a instant paying customer here for a few months and my visits were fine. I guess there is a very short buffer in which you can be considered a customer worth showing respect to?) It was only when the owner started harassing me, constantly eye balling me, casually asking me why I was sitting near what seemed to have been a break room or office of some kind (possibly the kitchen?) that I felt very uncomfortable, offended and even racially discriminated against for whatever reason he had (which is his hang up, not mine). Bear in mind, this was a common area, where I've seen others sit as well without being interrogated for their choice in where to eat and drink items that are PAID for (for the record, prior to this recent visit I had bought two raspberry scones and two drinks for myself only). At that same visit, the owner consistently kept checking up on me (not asking me customer service questions but rather if I would be more comfortable sitting somewhere else. He had mentioned what I felt were veiled threats, that he "could see everything going on in the cafe" and after I had mentioned I could move if he was uncomfortable with someone like myself being near that area, he said "don't worry. I can see everything going on right here so if anyone is getting any funny ideas, trust me, I'll know." This is not customer service. This isn't even BAD customer service. This is straight up racial profiling, harassment and discrimination. Because what happened next was, he ASKED ME TO LEAVE. If it had been an isolated incident, I could easily pass it off as the owner just being cautious, maybe even paranoid, but the gentleman was not polite in any way, rather he was very hostile in his tone, defensive and accusatory in his questioning. This has only happened with this man, the owner. Only him. I've never been harassed by any of the baristas, and in fact they have only been sweet and helpful. Which is why I hate to have to write this scathing review. Yet, this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated. If I let this go, I am saying to the world that it's okay for people to be mistreated solely on their perceived race or culture, if not just their general "differences", and ironically this happened in UPTOWN Minneapolis of all places. Minneapolis, one of the most open minded places I've ever lived and experienced. I'm still very hurt that someone could see me as nothing more than a nuisance and threat, when all I wanted was a damn cup of chai. Absurd. Needless to say, I will not be returning and I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau, writing another review for the Next Door app, as well as encouraging the progressive and socially responsible who don't tolerate discrimination of any kind, to boycott Uncommon Grounds and to make sure this does not happen to anyone. Hate of any kind is just not tolerable in 2018!

The atmosphere of this coffee shop is really nice however the prices were outrageous. It cost me $4.50 for a double shot of espresso! Also another patron in front of me walked up to the register to ask for a cup of water because she was coughing and they informed her they don't have cups of tap water and that she would have to purchase a $3 bottle of water. There are so many other coffee shops that offer reasonable prices worth visiting over this establishment.

While I love all things unordinary, my experience at Uncommon Grounds had me scratch my head while asking myself the fundamental question of...wtf? First, this is a coffee house. Yet, it doesn't welcome productivity as evident by the sign that warns "no laptops or books during busy hours". To top it all off, they also turn off wifi during that period as well. To most people, "busy" would mean that your place is off the hook with customers. Yet, when I was there, there must've been 6 people at most. For a place that could easily fit 30 in all its seating areas, it's confusing as to why they'd turned off the wifi connection. Second, this place was like a dungeon. I thought I'd never find a place as dim-lighted as caffetto, but boy was I wrong...Yes, there were lamps and lighting all around. What seems to be missing is electricity. For whatever reason, the lights were on at the level of some lazy ass candles since all you see is the yellow tip of the bulbs. Perhaps the owners were trying to be more earth conscious with these oddities, but to me, they scream the word parsimonious. Or Amish. To avoid people like me from too high of an expectation, perhaps they should modify their name to "Uncommon Grounds: where amish dungeon meets coffee". No offense to the Amish community--I'm just not ever going to be one. I'm normally pretty lenient in my reviews, but I'd daresay that my laptop, books, and I won't be going back to this joint anytime soon.

I like the 19th-century chamber room atmosphere of this place. It feels like you're in someone's antique house. But the service isn't that friendly. Also the chairs and sofas aren't very comfortable; they're old and worn-out, and I feel like the springs have died on many of them, making you sink to the floor. Finally, I was not impressed with the drinks or the prices. Their tea selection consists of a bunch of mainstream teabags you can get at the supermarket. Why would anyone pay $2.95 for a single crappy teabag at this joint? Note to vegans: their chai latte mix is NOT vegan, as it contains whey, a milk protein. Aside for the ambience, this cafe has nothing going for it: mediocre service, mediocre tea selection and high prices. If you want good tea, in an elegant tea salon, go to "La Societe du The" on the corner of 27th Street and Lyndale Avenue S. If you want the best chai in the midwest, go a few blocks up the road on Hennepin Avenue to Namaste Cafe, which makes its own brews with actual Nepalese tea leaves and spices.

It was a really weird atmosphere and too dark to study. It is also too expensive for the product they give. I spent over 7 dollars on a carmel latte. I don't think I am going back.

The Warden (owner) of the coffee shop will come and ask you to put away your laptop and leave if the place starts to get busy, oh, also he'll cut the wifi so that you can't use your laptop. There are no accessible power outlets. If you come with a friend, he'll ask you to move to a smaller table to make room for bigger groups. The drinks are overpriced. It's a cool vibe, however, overall not an enjoyable experience.