Common Ground

Common Ground's new act as a coop is a success. It's what one should want in not just a coffeeshop, but a neighborhood coffeeshop. Eclectic without being pretentious, friendly but authentic, and the service not immediate because they're actually making things for real. The new location already feels nestled in and the vibes are just right. These are the kinds of places Hampden should cultivate and invest in, both financially and culturally. It already appears that many people are making Common Ground part of their day and that seems like the way things should be.

Overall I enjoy common ground, especially how close it is in the neighborhood. I am, however, consistently disappointed by the inconsistency of the eggs in the breakfast sandwiches. Only once have they been cooked well, otherwise overcooked providing a flat hard boiled egg. Otherwise the bagel itself is fantastic. The muffins are the true stars!

I am writing this review while enjoying bites of a very tasty sandwich that I just ordered from this place so I am completely under its influence. I easily found a parking spot in front of the restaurant which made it a perfect start. I’ve never been to their old location but this new is really good with outdoor and indoor seating areas where you can bring your book or laptop and enjoy your food and coffee while doing what you want to do. The staff were all friendly and kind, Emma was so professional in taking my order and recommending things that I should add to my sandwich which I found it very helpful, they were busy but the managed to my coffee served in a very short time and the sandwich followed after few more minutes. I remember loved this place and I will definitely stop here again & You too, give it a try and I am sure you will love the experience. Gives me a thumbs up if you found this helpful and follow me to explore more places around the DMV.

This place was pretty good. Went by with a friend while visiting Baltimore and got a sausage, egg, and cheese bagel. It was super crowded inside the day we went, and we had to go outside in the tent to eat. It was cold and rainy, too, and there were only a couple tables under the tarp. I felt bad that there were some others who sat outside where there wasn't any overhead covering. On the other hand, the sandwich provided temporary warmth and satiation: the cheese was gooey and the bagel good. I felt it could've used a tad more salt, however, and the egg could have been just a little less dry from overcooking, but it was good nonetheless. We didn't stay long, as it was cold and wet as I mentioned, but from the food I had, I'd go back, probably for another chance to try some of their pastries. They had a lot of branded merch, and plenty of food items to pick from on the menu. It seems to be a hot spot for brunch and coffee, so keep that in mind in terms of crowding. 4/5 stars

The new location is so much bigger, and even includes outside seating! (Only one toilet, just heads up.) Prices are now listed on screens (except for pastries in the cases, from what I could see?), and everything is very sleek. For me, I did find myself missing the feel of the old location, and not even the one just before they moved, because even that was cleaned up. Years and years ago, it used to feel much more "artsy" and laid-back, with stickers and pictures taped up near the register, and a cozy feeling. That had already been changed before the move, and the new location is very clean feeling (bright lights with lots of straight lines, and raised letters for an indoor sign). It does get a lot of sunlight, which was really nice, candles for sale, and a community board absolutely covered in flyers and business cards. There were a lot of people working on their laptops on a Wednesday mid-morning. There's art, hung gallery style, and the opportunity to have yours shown. It was good to stop by after so long, and i understand why they needed to move to a bigger building, but I miss the cozy, less "clean" feeling of the old spot.

So, I’ll just start by saying, I love finding food gems in the city. I also love the vegan and GF option for my daughter. We have been 4 times already and each time the experience is amazing. I’ve called to check in inventory before and that was also a pleasant experience. We’ve tried the muffins (Snickerdoodle) Yummmm! They are the best. I also tried the White Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake. Yummmmmm! The Brown Sugar / chocolate chip cookie 🍪. Yummmmm! I also had the croissant 🥐 with butter & Jelly. Yummm! Overall great experience and we will keep visiting. The atmosphere is awesome.

Visited Common Ground with a few friends for a lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. I ordered the Hampden Special, a combination of 2 eggs, a mayo aioli sauce, and some lettuce to balance it out. It's usually put on ciabatta, but you can ask for it on a bagel. The bagels were great, although a little on the small side. The sandwich worked really well. I also got an iced coffee which was average. The absolute highlight of our trip were the muffins. We ordered a chocolate muffin (gluten-free) and a snickerdoodle muffin (gluten-free and vegan) as well. The snickerdoodle was THE most moist muffin I've ever had in my life. It sort of melted and condensed in my mouth. If you visit, please get a muffin!