I brought a friend up to Kaiser, and it was really early. So while I was waiting, I came over to get some coffee. They have a lot to choose from, drink specials, seasonal coffees, and the regulars. I ordered a salted caramel latte. This was really good! I also grabbed a lemon almond poppyseed muffin. This was really good too! He: Mr. H? Ran into a former student which was a nice surprise. I just found out he was engaged and his fiance worked there too. He was in our musical of Grease, and come to find out, she was in Grease at her high school. Kismet! The space is really relaxing! Lots of tables and chairs of different heights. Nice comfy chairs in a lounge like setting and a large screen tv. I sat at a nice quiet table, and just minded my own business, and then it happened. A woman and her child sat at the table next to me, and then a couple sat at a table behind me. Dang...of all the tables in the place...LOL! There's also chairs and tables outside too. Great place to come to! read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food, great coffee, even better service. I wasn't sure about ordering coffee since it was on base and just assumed they didn't have a great product. Extremely surprised with everything and will continue on coming back. Great music and ambiance both inside and outside. read more

This review isn't about the food or drinks, which where excellent, but about the poor customer service I experienced with a barista named Juan. This man was highly disrespectful to me on a few occasions, but I didn't register the first time when he told me I "sat on my ass" at home. The second incident was when I was rather groggy in the morning and tried to get a muffin, but mistakenly said "no", thinking he meant a latte. I tried to explain myself, but he kept hammering on my slip, until I had enough of his assholery and called him out, I left in a rage, and he was so petty that he cried to management to not allow me back in the shop. This place needs to pick better employees. read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Latte and breakfast sandwich - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

*Response to manager: I did mention to staff at the brick and mortar that the coffee seemed watered down and asked how many shots of espresso comes in WCM. They mentioned one. I did order an extra shot. Prior to ordering, I told them the coffee I had was a bit watered down and mentioned wanting to try something different and stronger. The gal I spoke to seemed a bit shy about the interaction, so I didn't pry too much. With 3 different order on 3 different occasions, all tasted watery. First with pop up on Family Day, plain iced coffee. 2nd at brick and mortar, ordered WCM with extra shot of espresso. 3rd at pop up on Graduation day, cold brew vanilla. Especially with the pop ups, we're in a pinch of time. I was grateful to get something down, but it doesn't strong on all 3 occasions. And with cold brew, that should've been strong off the ballpark, but it wasn't. Pros: Convenience for being at Family Day, Graduation, and being on base in general. Food was decent. At least at the pop ups, good customer service. In the store, it was also good but not out of this world. Neat souvenirs from Marine base. Nothing too special with the ambiance. Cons: Watered down coffee, even if you get espresso. Not that great tasting. read more

I still love this place best cafe ever. Brown sugar cinnamon matcha is 10/10!!! Service is exceptional ngl read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Jamie was very helpful, friendly and was extremely polite. Even though it was just her back there she managed to get my food out quickly and it still tasted amazing. There is enough seating even when it feels busy. read more

The burritos here are great the ambiance and the music make the place a better place to eat in

The staff here are absolutely incredible! They are very professional and handle a lot of people and orders fast. There is always great music, and a warm sense of hospitality. The drinks are delicious and the food is fresh and warm. read more

Great place to hang out and get some snacks, the service here is fantastic workers are super friendly people would recommend this place

It looks like a cute, local coffee shop and I had high hopes. But the food looks old, with muffins that look like they came from the giant Costco pack. The iced latte is actually undrinkable. I think it involved them putting instant coffee in a little French press, adding hot water, pressing it, then throwing it in a cup with ice and a lot of milk. The product was still gritty and powdery and didn't even remotely taste like coffee. You can see the sad color and settled grit in the photo. My friend got a regular coffee and said it wasn't bad, so I guess the lesson is just don't try to order any kind of fancy coffee drink. They have lunch items that sound good on the menu, but I wouldn't trust anything here, and the galley is close enough and probably better, so that would be my choice every time. Second star for friendly service and because the drink hasn't made me sick. This place is actually called The Common Grounds. read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Quite possibly the worst "iced latte" I've ever had - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Menu has a surprisingly large variety. Lots of breakfast foods, wraps, coffees, and even kombuchas. Nice little area to do work in, with fast wifi, and plenty of seating. Service was swift and friendly as well. read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Menu - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Been hoping to visit The Common Grounds cafe that's in a building on the north side of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot courtyard grounds. Oh well, maybe the play on that "grounds" word didn't go as well as I hoped. But for my first visit, it went better than what I've seen from the reviews that have been written so far. The shop wasn't busy during my visit, but it certainly does get busy when there are graduation ceremonies. I have observed the activity in The Common Grounds on numerous occasions since it's right across from the barber shop where I get my hair cut. On this visit, I met one of the owners, Windel, who was very courteous and took time to answer questions and talk about his cafe. I found him very positive and he provided excellent service to me and a friend I was visiting that afternoon. As for my white mocha hot latte, I will say my eyes lit up when Windel informed me that they use Ghirardelli white chocolate power in their lattes! That is my favorite, but second to CBTL's white chocolate, which is their own brand but is awesomely special! My latte was good - just a little sweeter than expected. I didn't taste the coffee in the beverage as much as I would have liked. Nevertheless, it was far from a. deal breaker and I'll be glad to make another visit here again. The Common Grounds also offers sandwiches, snacks, pastries, and other accessories to customers. Back in the day when I worked at MCRD, the courtyard area was always busy and there were a couple of options to get food. Those days are over, and, perhaps only on graduation weeks, does the courtyard load up again with visitors, families, etc. It seems like The Common Grounds is a stand alone shop in the area to serve them. I hope others who can access MCRD in the days ahead will give them a try! Recommendation: MED-HIGH read more

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This place is truly amazing! From the manager to the rest of the staff they are all hard working and friendly people. They don't take a long time to get orders out and the food is really great. Perfect place for breakfast ngl. They have a variety of food items to choose from so you and your girl can sit down enjoy some music and eat good to get a good start to your morning. Sometimes I come here just to relax or study. Fantastic place!!! read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Came in a couple weeks ago had a great conversation with Jamie she was sweet even though it was packed !!! I can't remember the other girls name but she was sweet too. I ordered the matcha latte it was refreshing and what I needed. Will definitely come back again soon with my hubby. read more

The Common Grounds is a true gem within MCRD. What stands out is the quick service and the staff's friendliness. Damian was able to suggest a delicious sandwich and latte. His attentive service and warm smile ensured that my visit was more than just a quick meal; it was a delightful experience. read more

Kaitlynn was throwing down on the grill and it turned out great per usual. It has become a regular Saturday spot for me! read more

Common Grounds Cafe - Caramel hot coffee with a delicious ham BLT! - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I love this place - The employees all work hard and greeted me as soon as I came in. My food was tasty. I got the turkey BLT and a coffee which were both hot and fresh. The pastries also looked good. I'll definitely come back. read more

Awesome food and even better service! Damian is a star employee! He made my experience even more enjoyable than it already would have been.

Loved this place! Beautiful aesthetics, great service, solid coffee. The only thing I would suggest is the addition of soy milk and some plant based menu options for family. read more

Been there a couple of times, good coffee but not the friendliest staff. Supposed to open at 8am on Saturday but nope. Lady knew I was there but she just kept stocking and getting stuff ready, not even a courtesy to say when they might open. Finally just left about 8 after 8, there are other places close. read more

This place has great coffee! Girl with purple hair made the best lavender honey latte.

Great service, quick on getting everything out which is especially nice for all of the service members that are in a rush. Great spot to go!

Denise and the manager were amazing today helped out alot especially with my order and were super patient the food was amazing aswell

Great service me and my bestie sat to chat for a while... Thank you Damian for the hospitality

If I could give 6 out of 5 stars I would...I was having a bad day however Catline recommended the Ham BLT and i loved it. Really cheered me up. Also loved the wolf shirt read more

I enjoyed a delicious latte with a muffin both on point ,Damien was polite and gave us great service. Definitely coming back.this is a cute little place. read more

Tried this place for the first time recently and was just expecting a standard coffee shop experience but big shoutout to Caitlyn who recommended a drink when I couldn't decide and it was the best latte I've had in ages. Will be back!! read more

Decided to stop in here the other day and it was just wonderful! Welcoming, cozy atmosphere and very nice staff! Caitlin was super friendly and helpful...and made me the best caramel macchiato I've had in a while! Definitely will be coming back whenever I'm in the area!! :) read more

I enjoyed the caramel latte Caitlin made! Thank you Caitlin, for making it a friendly experience. Cafe was nice with a warm atmosphere.

The service here is phenomenal! Our drinks came out quickly, and the server was super attentive when I asked her not to make my drink too sweet (I want my coffee to still taste like coffee). The girl who made our drinks was friendly and on it! read more

i always come to this cafe and the staff here are always so sweet and attentive, especially damian and denise ! the sandwiches here are so gooddd, def gonna miss it when i leave. also loveeee the environment and music read more

common grounds caffe is a great environment to be in. there customer service is amazing and there staff/ manager are very great people to talk too. read more

Food and drinks were okay. My sisters iced coffee tasted like the half and half was spoiled. When she told the barista, she gave a lot of attitude. Everyone was nice but the barista was super rude for no reason, even before the complaint. read more