Common Grounds

Address:	1123 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706, USA
Phone:	+1 254-757-2957
Site:	cgwaco.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 12–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Ri Ha

If you know coffee. If you have a refined palate. If you value yourself. Then please go somewhere else. I have been in coffee business for a long time and I have never tasted anything like what they sell at Common Grounds. I cannot even force myself to say that they sell coffee. Perhaps these beverages seem OK to the students who only have to cross the street from their campus. These students who were sprawled all over shop and "studying" and sipping on these beverage which I can firmly say that 80% is milk, 10% some sort of syrup, 5% sugar and 5% of what they call coffee. I say this because this would be the only way to drink their "coffee". To be able to tell how great the coffee really is I order an espresso. Usually on a double shot I would add 2 packets of raw sugar since I like it lightly sweetened but not enough to affect the quality of coffee. Now, this "double" shot ( I will explain) was so acidic and flavorless that it had nothing to do with coffee. What sort of liquid that was I have no idea! The reason I wrote "double" shot is because it was, in fact, a single shot. If you are to take a shot glass and measure it it would be only one shot. I went inside and I told them that I ordered a double espresso and not single. I was told that "this is how our machine is programmed so that is got to be a double shot". Their machine can be programmed in any way they want but that will not make me mistake a single shot from a double shot. When I told them that we can measure this they responded by saying: "apparently we have different understanding of what is coffee." I would say that we DEFINITELY do! Just to say a word or two on their seating arrangement. The front of the shop looks nice and inviting and so does the side wing which is covered. Interior is cozy but with so many people "studying" it does not seem to be a place where one would relax. The rear of the shop, which I was looking forward to the most based on the pictures online, was very disappointing!They call it rustic but I call it dirty, unorganized, and unkempt. The cushions looked like the ones you find at your local dump station. Such a shame since it is the only place where you can sit outside and still be in the shade due to a lovely tree canopy. Another thing is parking. There is very limited parking in the front and the rear of the shop. It is easy to part elsewhere but you are at risk of getting your car towed. I write this to warn you and I had to give them 1 star for that. Honestly, I would close this place down if I could.

A Private User

I was visiting my cousin at Baylor this weekend (from Dallas), and had always heard through the grapevine such great reviews of Common Grounds. So last night (Sunday, 10/23) we decided to check it out. The atmosphere is very cute and laid back, and there was plenty of seating. I was a tad surprised by the prices, but decided it was a little bit of a special occasion hanging out with my cousin whom I rarely get to see, so I didnt mind splurging a bit. However, the staff was AWFUL! I had a few questions about different drinks as I was placing my order, and I was met by either a) a blank stare (the guy behind the cash register said he was brand new, and it showed) or worse, b) RUDENESS (the guy actually making drinks). Today, as I think about it more, I am really wishing Id asked for the second guys name. He had blondish hair (and facial hair), and was wearing a turquoise shirt. I sincerely hope that a manager or someone who works there (and actually cares about the business) does see this and takes the time to go back and figure out who this rude employee was. I just left feeling like he was completely annoyed to be waiting on us...like we had wasted *his* time by coming into the cafe and ordering these (to be fair, a bit overpriced) drinks. I really, really wanted to like this place! Like I said, it was cute and charming on the outside, and Ive heard positive reviews from acquaintances in the past. Unfortunately, if the staff is all like this guy was last night, I will take my business elsewhere and tell any of my friends/family visiting Waco to do the same.

lauren smith

3 reviews 1.0 star rating 5/6/2016 I went here for a coffee and I am from out of town to visit the fixer upper coffee spot, and I would never go back here again after my experience! First parking was terrible, I found a spot close which I thought was okay since there was no sign for towing and I ended up getting my car towed, within the hour I was waiting to get my car back I saw another car get towed from my exact spot, and told 8 other people in their vehicles about me getting towed to which they found a different parking spot. When I called common grounds to tell them of the issue I had with the tow they told me there was a tiny sign in the back that there is additional parking but you cannot see it, also on this phone call I asked if they could take pictures of the parking lot where I parked since I am trying to get rid of this ticket and Im from out of town and the girl on the phone was very rude and refused. Apparently they know people are getting towed and fined daily from the same parking lot but refuse to do anything about it, what a scam! Will never come back here again!!! BEWARE! Go somewhere else for a cup of coffee!

Kenneth Gumm

Eh coffee for great coffee price. I got a cup of "Red Eye", it sucked. It was supposed to be strong, but my keureg makes a stronger cup than what I was given. My wife got an iced coffee that was just ok, definitely not something to write home about. The sugar and cremer section was empty on both, the lids and heat sleeves were on the other side of the store, and it has no paper towels or any other type of towel if you spill your coffee. It seems to be more of a hipster hangout than a coffee shop. Maybe it was an off day, but either way it should have been much much better for the price of the coffee. They got 1 star because the shop was somewhat clean minus the grungy kids hanging out and sitting on everything, and the staff was meh on the friendly scale. I mean who puts out the most no soy, no sugar, no blah blah blah brownie and doesnt say something to the parents when a 3 year old wants it? Definitely will not be seeing anymore of mine, my families, or friends hard earned money. Absolutely Rediculous.

Karissa Soo

The drinks are really good, and the interior is well-decorated and definitely a prime study spot (for those who prefer to study with some background noise) --if you can get a seat (the couches and tables fill up really quick, and some luck is required for happening upon a true vacancy). The covered patio area is very nice as well, and the open-air outdoor area seats many and also has good live music. Also, its so close to campus, it might as well be a Baylor building. If you can walk to Old Main for class, then you can definitely spare a few extra minutes to pay a visit to Common Grounds. If youre like me and dont like coffee, the Lake Waco and the Hotel California are pretty good. (They are not always in season, though.) I have yet to try the other non-coffee options (there are plenty).