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! read more

This place is absolutely phenomenal! I would recommend this to anyone coming to Hampden, or Baltimore in general. The staff recommended muffins to us (which served to make the job of choosing more difficult - they all looked amazing!) and we ended up splitting the vegan pumpkin and raspberry ones. The pumpkin was, of course, legendary, but the raspberry was LIFE CHANGING. 10/10 me's would recommend. Great service, cute location, and incredible food/drinks. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS LOCAL BUSINESS! read more

Cute place to have your morning coffee and breakfast. Not being too familiar with Hampden, I picked this place since it had good reviews, close to the place I was going after, and a 50% off offer (I mean who doesn't like a coupon!) Saw people on their laptops but I didn't pick up any wifi on my phone, maybe you need a password I wasn't aware of. Parking was hard (as it is anywhere in that area) but we were able to find a spot on the street. Walked in a surprised how small and cramped this place is. An old row home that has been converted. A small area with tables (about 5 or so) for you to sit and enjoy your purchase. The place to order is VERY cramped. Wish they had a separate area to pick up your order so you're not spilling your hot coffee on everyone. They have a large selection and includes vegan and gluten free options. Everything from muffins to sandwiches. Prices were reasonable. Would go to this place again if I was in a area. read more

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. read more

Love this place. The coffee is excellent. They don't overdo the ice in an iced coffee. They have excellent baked goods, the vegan muffins are the best muffins I've ever had. Tons of vegan options on the menu whether you want sweet or savory. The art on the walls is always really cool, and the people working are always chill. The ordering space can get a little tight if it's busy, just be patient, and then there's actually a decent amount of seating between the front and back of the inside, a couple of seats out front and then the back patio. read more

Common Ground - So many vegan options!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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) read more

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. read more

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. read more

Love the bagels & coffee - always fresh and delicious. Perfect morning reading spot. Cute ambiance with rotating artwork by local artists. Kind, helpful service. Also love being able to purchase (Zekes) coffee - they'll even grind your beans for you which is great. Sometimes a bit hard to find a seat & waiting for your food/coffee is a bit awkward in the small space- but that's the small coffee shop feel that keeps me coming back. read more

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. :( read more

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. read more

Common Ground - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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. read more

man....I've really missed this coffee shop. I've been going to charmington's because I live within walking distance but common ground is definitely my all time favorite coffee shop for so many reasons....Recently I went and was back the next day. Their crown jewel is their nova bagel sandwich with capers which I got for 2 days straight. I could eat this sandwich everyday for the rest of my life it is so good! Then they had a 2 for one muffin deal...and let me tell you the brownie and chocolate chip danger muffins were da bomb. They also surprisingly have a full service soup and sandwich menu. Service was super nice. The space is kind of cramped and cozy in there so it's hard to linger but the food is worth going alone. read more

Common ground is relatively hidden for being a fixture on the Avenue. The boutique front is warm and inviting, yet modest. Common ground is another Baltimore coffee shop which offers and brews local coffee bean favorites such as Zeke's and Ceremony (be sure to ask if it's not on the board which beans they're using). Often frequented by locals, Common Ground can get congested during the morning rush hour, however if you plan ahead it may be the perfect start to your day. Now offering wifi, Common Ground is a great coffee shop to study, work or enjoy a pastry and beverage. They also offer an assortment of delicious bagels, cookies and muffins (both gluten-free and gluten-packed). If you're looking for something more, they serve Breakfast and Lunch sandwiches ranging from bacon, egg & cheese or cream cheese/lox to hearty chicken sandwiches. The service is decent mainly due to their volume, but they easily make up for it in their coffee & tea selection. If you're an out-of-towner and a coffee enthusiast, Common Ground is a great place to purchase Zeke's Coffee Beans (a Baltimore favorite) if you're in Hampden. PS; bring your reusable mug for a discount! read more

Common Ground - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Great sandwiches and at a good price. Such a cute but cozy place to stop in! I got the Keswick and the BLT. The Keswick had a healthy serving of pesto while the bacon on the BLT was perfectly crisp. Would definitely come back. read more

Common Ground - BLT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Such a cozy, comfy, cute little niche in the middle of one (and probably only) favorite part of Baltimore. I ordered the quiche and and cappuccino, which was fantastic! read more

Common Ground - I'm so upset I haven't discovered Hampden any sooner. So cute, so comfy, so me! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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. read more

Common Ground - Cozy sitting area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Place overall is fine, coffee is good, love the organ donation coffee cup jackets! One word of warning, the chai latte is made from powdered chai! I don't think this was always the case, but today spent $6.10 for an almond milk chai and was super disappointed to get a sugary, powdery chai. No better/worse than a usual powdered chai, but at that price I would have expected a real chai latte. Love the outdoor seating out back. read more

Common Ground - Love a coffee place that supports a good cause! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I have been coming here for years, and their dirty masala chai's are so consistently good. They also have amazing baristas. Great intimate environment. read more

This has become my go-to place on weekends to relax, study and just feel cozy. Everything I have had here has been delicious--chai tea was sweet and soothing, sandwiches and quiche were filling and tasty, and I've never had a muffin I didn't like here! The service is exceptional, everyone was welcoming. The only thing is that it's a bit small but sharing this space with people has actually led to some friendly discussions! Also the music played here is on point. read more

Great place to get that health choice of a smoothie. The service is awesome. The smoothies taste great. And there are so many options to choose from. My favorites are the Mango Kale, Nutty Supper Grain, and most of all the Lemon Ginger Spinach. read more

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! read more

$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?! read more

The menu was good, and the coffee flavorful. The staff is very courteous and friendly. It is a good place to sit and work while enjoying good coffee, bagel and music. I tried the spinach quiche and coffee, both were nice and the service was quick. My only complain is the space. The tables are placed too close to each other and it made the place very crammed. read more

Stumbled upon this coffee shop since the usual one I go to near Homewood campus isn't open before 8AM. Common Ground might now be my new favorite coffee shop in the Charles village/Hampden/Remmington area. You have to try the Nova Lox if you're a fan of salmon. One of the best lox bagel sandwiches I've ever had and fairly priced too. The atmosphere here is awesome and really emphasizes the community feeling of Hampden with locals coming in and out to chat over a morning cup of joe. Quaint and compact with outdoor patio seating for nice sunny days. read more

I've been a loyal customer of the Common Ground for about 6 years, going in several times a week. I was disappointed when they announced they were closing, and even refused to go to Spro when competition opened down the block. However, I think it's time to try Spro or even Reel Coffee in the Rotunda. Customer loyalty gets you nowhere here. Let's be honest.... the place is so small you're constantly bumping into people, the muffins suck, the line and the wait is often long, the art sucks, and the service is really hit-or-miss. (Today it was a miss... big time, when a man practically refused to ring me up). I've tried to overlook these shortcomings in the past because I like to support local businesses and felt an affinity w/Common Ground. Well, that's over and I'm totally offended. Running a successful coffeeshop requires more than a good cup of coffee (and it is good coffee)... You also need a nice space and more than 1 nice person to work there. read more

My local friend and I popped in here while we were exploring Hampden. They have excellent chai tea. I was pleased they had coconut and almond milk available. I was very pleased to see the gluten free baked goods also! I had a gf and vegan cranberry muffin that was moist and tasty. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. read more

I think they have the best bagels outside Brooklyn, and the schmears are identical. I found out recently they have them delivered from a little Jewish bakery outside of town which would explain the AMAZINGNESS factor. The only thing I don't like is how tiny and awkard it is to order. The counter is in a hallway and it's always super hot standing in line. The patrons aren't my favorite either...but with food that good, who cares? For the size I think the iced coffee should be cheaper - it's more expensive than starbucks for a plain iced coffee and they aren't huge. If you are into their bakery items get there early, they always sell out by 11/12. read more