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    Common Grounds Cafe

    4.5 (34 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Common Grounds Cafe Photos

    COMMON GROUNDS CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Common Grounds Cafe

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

    Quite possibly the worst "iced latte" I've ever had
    Mira S.

    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.

    Menu
    C J.

    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.

    Welcome to The Common Grounds at MCRD! Windel, the owner, is there to serve!
    Ron R.

    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

    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!!!

    Caramel hot coffee with a delicious ham BLT!

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    14 days ago

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    7 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    Common G.

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    4 months ago

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

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

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

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    4 years ago

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    Common G.

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    4 years ago

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    Common G.

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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    Common G.

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    3 years ago

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    Common G.

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    2 years ago

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

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

    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!

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    2 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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    Common G.

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    2 years ago

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    Common G.

    Thank you for the review and happy you enjoyed your time with us!

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    2 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Common G.

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    Ask the Community - Common Grounds Cafe

    Review Highlights - Common Grounds Cafe

    Damian was able to suggest a delicious sandwich and latte.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Books & Records Delivers Live Jazz, Standout Cocktails, and Exceptional Happy Hour Bites…read moreAs a fan of Common Stock, expectations were high for its Bankers Hill sister spot, Books & Records--and it easily delivered. The moment you step inside, the bi-level space makes a striking impression with its mid-century accents, exposed brick, and warm, moody lighting. It manages to balance a lively, energetic atmosphere with an effortless chicness that feels tailored for a memorable night out. The happy hour here is an absolute standout, featuring an expansive array of creative food options and crafted drinks. The menu brings an inventive Asian fusion twist to bar bites, offering flavor-forward small plates that pair seamlessly with the beverage program. The drinks deserve equal applause: the craft cocktails are meticulously balanced, and the signature ube-inspired cocktails are as vibrant and distinct as they are delicious. Adding to the venue's overall charm is the live music program. Catching live jazz, soul, and blues sets elevates the entire experience from a simple dinner run into a full sensory event. The music creates a vibrant, soulful backdrop without overpowering table conversation, striking just the right rhythm for intimate catch-ups or energetic group gatherings. Whether you are dropping in for a quick drink, indulging in a multi-dish happy hour spread, or lingering late for the live tunes and exceptional cocktails, Books & Records captures everything that makes CS Hospitality's concepts so special. It is a stylish, fun, and flavorful addition to San Diego's dining scene.

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    Common Grounds Cafe - cafes - Updated August 2026

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