my old stomping grounds. I love common grounds. I wish I was in bmore so I could come get the best bagel and veggie cream cheese ever !

First, I wouldn't choose to work here during the day. It's loud and cramped. Plus on more than a few occasions I've come to sit and work and it's been a little dirty. They just don't bus the tables often enough after people leave, they just assume their patrons will do the job, which isn't always the case. They are also super slow. If you need a quick cup of coffee, this isn't quite the best place, especially during rush hours. If there's a line, expect to wait 10-15 minutes at least. Also sometimes their coffee is just not good, it can have a funny after taste that I can't quite place. By far, the best thing about this place is their muffins. Their muffins are amazing - especially if you're vegan! I can eat one muffin and be good through breakfast and lunch because they're so big! My best advice, come in for a muffin, then go elsewhere for coffee and atmosphere. read more

I think the best part when I was here was that the cashier accepted my card over my guy friend's (which never happens) - don't know if that means much to others but I felt pretty proud of it. That aside, food is affordable, simple, and delicious! Great place to just meet a friend over coffee or study. It's also just a beautiful place. read more

We love this coffee shop and cafe in Hampden, and make sure we get here when in B'more. Coffee is really good; I like espresso beverages and these are full of flavor not like the weak beverages found in most cafes. The baked goods are also top tier: fresh, good crust, good crumb, and texture. COME HERE AND SUPPORT LOCAL! read more

They have great muffins and good coffee. Overall Menu is good and they have a cozy atmosphere read more

Friendly staff and good coffee. The only downside is small space. I could barely find space to get work done. I got the iced latte and it tasted just like ceremony coffee roasters! It's ~20 cents more expensive though. Overall, the sandwhich and pastry selection is more extensive than ceremony and more non-coffee options if you are into that. Love the overall vibe of the place! read more

See all

Great coffee and their food selection is also great if you're looking for something to hit the spot. My friend got a bagel and I tried a gluten-free blueberry muffin that was sooo good. They also have some outdoor seating. The only sad part was the matcha latte I got - it was very grassy tasting and not fun to drink. They make it without sugar/sweetener which I've noticed at some places might correlate with grassy tasting matcha, but it could also be the type/quality of the matcha itself. Overall though I enjoyed everything else. read more

I'm not a muffin person, but the coconut muffin spoke to me and I'm so glad it did. Hands down the best muffin I have ever eaten. I'm glad I don't live within walking distance or I would be in serious trouble. If you are in the area stop in for coffee and a muffin, you'll thank me. Great atmosphere too! Very Baltimore, very cozy. read more

Common Ground - Best coconut muffin I've ever had - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I am down with Common Ground. They have vast selection of pastries, teas, and coffees plus some sandwiches. I was very pleased with my tea (ginger and turmeric), despite I usually hate both, and to have them together in a tea was going to be a huge mistake for me - or so I initially thought. I was completely wrong, with my voice being shot with laryngitis. This tea actually smoothed everything out for a while and it was very nicely blended. My muffins I got were delish. 1 was cranberry while the other 2 were gluten free. The barista offered me to buy 2 and get the 3rd one free. I took him up on it and had it for my breakfasts for 3 days in a row. I looooved them. Reasonably priced as well. I got 3 muffins and a tea for $5 and some change. You get your money's worth here. The space is small. It offers some tables where you can plug in and work on your lab tops. Bathrooms were clean. Slightly cramped, but not claustrophobic. I would love to visit again when I am in the area. read more

Visited for the first time not long ago on my way to work, and the iced coffee and delicious bagel sandwich, plus the friendly service and good deal, all made for a very warm welcome! read more

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

See all

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! read more

Love studying here and getting a breakfast sammie and coffee. Amazing black bottom brownies too! Good fresh baked pastries and coffee

The best iced dirty chai (with oat milk) I've everrrrrr had and no more expense than Starbucks, glad to make this local switch!

Wandered in here on a visit from Chicago on a whim. Really outstanding local spot. They project such a welcoming feeling from their sandwiches, that feel like they're made by grandma, through to their service. Words can't describe how cool it was to happen upon such a local gem in the community. An off the beaten path must see! Especially if you are visiting Baltimore. read more

Love everything about this spot, but the music is SO BAD. So loud, obviously coming from an employees iphone or something. A cafe-vibes playlist that isn't so aggressive and unpredictable would just really change everything. It is the one reason I do not come here to work more often. I am always so disappointed, because everything else about the spot is great. PLEASE FIX THIS. PLEEEESE. read more

This is a lovely place. I went for the first time today, very early in the morning. I placed my order online, and thankfully arrived early enough to find out that they didn't have the tea I requested in decaf. They apologized for the error and whipped up my order asap. I had the sundried tomato bagel toasted w/ cream cheese and bacon, as well as the London Fog which is earl grey tea w/ milk and honey. I loved it all. My only criticism is that the bagel seemed a little more toasted than I would have liked, but otherwise it was delicious. The service was very friendly. The COVID set up is great. Order online, pick up at the window. Walk ins, go straight through the door. Overall, great experience. Can't wait to go back! read more

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! read more

Common Ground - Peanut butter banana chai smoothie & peanut butter banana cap'n crunch muffin! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

I haven't had amazing customer service like this in a while!! The server was incredibly kind and offered detailed suggestions as it was my first time there. The chocolate chip ranger muffin was INCREDIBLE and I was surprised how perfect the texture was. Their breakfast sandwich was also delicious as the bagels were fresh. I also ordered a cold brew that really complemented my entire meal. I was surprised how busy it was in the midst of the covid closures, but I can definitely see why! I highly recommend! read more

If you come on the weekend, be prepared to wait! I arrived on a Saturday morning around 11:30 am and the line was almost out of the door. Inside it's very small and cramped, so you may have to take your food to go. We were lucky and a couple was leaving right as we got our food. When I was finally made it to the register I ordered a slice of spinach and feta quiche and a dirty chai latte. It was kind of annoying there were no prices on the menu and I didn't feel like holding up the line to ask. When I saw my receipt, I was more annoyed though -- $8 for a slice of quiche w/a side salad and $5 for a latte! Yikes! But, I do have to say that they were both really good! I practically inhaled the quiche and the dirty chai latte came with latte art and was really tasty. Also, to set off the price, there's a Yelp deal ($6 for $10 to spend) and 50% off a coffee, tea, muffin or cookie Mon-Fri 12-5 pm. As for parking there's plenty of metered spaces. And free Wi-Fi as well (password is Powerhouse750). I'll definitely be back, on a weekday at least, next time I'm in Hampden! read more

Common Ground - Spinach and feta quiche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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! read more

Common Ground - Chicken salad pita and fresh raspberry iced tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

went for the first time yesterday. Purchased a black bottom ( was the size of a cupcake and looked amazing) It was HARD as a rock. the wrapper literally stuck to the bottom and couldn't get it off. Threw it away, what a waste of 5 dollars. Don't think I'll be back. read more

Great service, delicious almond croissant, several vegan options, coffee was pretty good. Seems to be one of the only places open in Hamden in the morning. read more

Such a cute little place with wonderful coffee! The freshly brewed coffee was much better than the one in ceremony coffee. I ordered the vanilla chai which was a bit on the sweet side but sooooo good. I'm going to order a lactose free version next time because I ad the runs after but it was pure bliss when I had it! Will be back when I'm in the area!!! read more

Love your food and coffee. But can you please wear gloves while handling the food? Literally have never seen any sanitary standards. Please improve cause I love you guys. read more

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. read more

Space is nice. Easpecially the outdoor deck. However the food needs work. Ordered a simple breakfast sandwich on gf bread to eat inside. Served in a paper wrapper like a to go sandwich. Bread was untoasted, uncut and dry. Cheese was not melted, ham was room temperature and eggs were over cooked. Latte was okay. A little weak but not terrible. Overall, seems like they could do better. read more

I use to go here only because it was a convenient location . The coffee has always been just okay . I believe it was probably considered much better in the past because there was not as much competition around the area. Consistently out of flavoring , the staff has always had an edge and their covid set up is just silly. Two exterior windows, but you have to order inside , way to save lives.... Lol. I will be taking the hike 3 minutes up the street to Artifact or another new great coffee shop like Vent. read more

Got the Vanilla Chai Iced Latte with a shot of espresso and oat milk. It was so good!!

Very cool coffee shop with affordable prices and excellent breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and friendly. It's a little cramped when it's busy, but otherwise this place is worth a visit. read more

My husband and I found ourselves out and about at lunchtime on a weekday (a rarity) so we decided to get lunch. I pulled over on 36th so we could look up lunch places on our phones and he looked across the street and spotted Common Ground. It was hard to see what the name of the restaurant was but Google Maps led us to the name/website/menu. We decided to try it out and honestly, didn't expect much since we'd never heard of it before. But we were so blown away! The staff inside were really nice and the food was outrageously good. My husband ordered the Hickory sandwich on a sun-dried tomato bagel and I had the Elm on an asiago bagel--both super tasty and so hearty. I also got the black bottom brownie, which was the perfect indulgence. We were both so impressed and can't wait to go back again soon! read more

My iced caramel latte was a little too sweet, though it was still good--just not what I was expecting at 10AM. I had the Hickory Avenue sandwich (BLT+avocado, chipotle mayo, and chimichuri). I had to take some of the lettuce off, but it was SO good. The chimichuri and chipotle mayo added the right amount of heat and brought something special and new to a pretty classic sandwich. Would definitely go back. read more

Common ground is my go to for breakfast sandwiches and espresso drinks when I'm too busy to make my own. Love the food, drinks, and staff. Highly recommend. Their veggie sandwich is great too! read more

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. read more

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. read more

This place is great. They have an excellent variety of bagels, sandwiches and teas. I came here with some friends and coworkers. We had a great time eating on their back balcony. For lunch I ordered the BLT sandwich and tea. This sandwich was very flavorful. The sandwich was toasted just right and it came with the side of crispy chips. The meal came out neat and tidy. I enjoyed every bite of it! The staff were great. read more

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

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. read more

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 :) read more

Me and my sons first time coming. He fell in love with the muffins( which are bigger than his head) an I had the Nova Lox Bagel. Also the coffee is good and strong. I'll be back again. read more

Common Ground - He can't wait - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

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! read more

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. read more