No :-( Jennifer's review (Aug 26th 2006)

I’ve driven by this small purple coffee shack at the corner of Northwest Boulevard and Ash more times than I can count. Usually, I’m just picking something up at Safeway or Walgreen’s. Perhaps avoiding Division on road trips north. I’ve doubled by Common Grounds frequently after discovering nearby Cielo Bakery hasn’t open yet or has already closed for the day. I’ve always considered the vibrant coffee spot a drive through only establishment until Sunday morning when Remi and I took a look inside.

Believe it or not, a few couches, chairs, and tables dot the rustic wood paneled room. A big garage door takes up one wall and I vaguely remember a fireplace on another. Plants and boardgames take up residence on a few shelves as well. I was quite shocked to find a cozy little coffee shop inside this shack.

The coffee on the other hand was not so good. Nowhere inside the coffee shop could I find what kind of beans Common Grounds uses. The various brands of syrups lead me to believe they might use various kinds of beans as well. All depending on the weather. Kirkland milk from Costco took up most of the refrigerator and various pastries from Alpine Bakery and Sweetwater Bakery were piled up near the counter.

My dry cappuccino wasn’t worthy of a second sip. Coffee grounds on the lip of the cup should have clued me in. That, and the fact it was possible to order a 32 ounce version of my favorite drink.

No :-( okthatsright's review (Mar 14th 2008)

I tried Common Grounds a few times and each time I was disappointed. The coffee tasted burnt, with another flavor that reminded me of mold… It was really unpleasant. I wouldn’t even drink it if it was free.