Common Grounds is a cool little cafe in the heart of Branford. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I usually order an iced tea or an iced vanilla chai latte to drink. They also a small variety of baked goods, to include muffins, scones, etc., as well as pasta salad, chicken salad, fruit cups, and pre-made wraps. I like their blueberry muffins, and usually order one warmed up with butter. The inside has a good amount of seating, with some "community tables" near the front and more comfortable seating toward the middle/back. There are also a couple small tables outside on the front sidewalk, and a couple out on the back patio. This is a great place to meet up for coffee with a friend or bring a laptop and get some work done. The staff are always friendly and the service is quick. I would recommend stopping by! read more

Common Grounds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Solid coffee, have had the ristretto and cortado. Tons of pastures, muffins and some of the biggest biscotti I've seen in my life. Nice space to hang. Servers nice and friendly. read more

Common Grounds - Huge - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Stay away on Sunday nights. There's a little wise ass disgruntled girl behind the counter that serves you your coffee. She's always miserable and not kind to many of the customers. She doesn't belong working there or in customer service. Just looking at her is unpleasant. Not that anybody cares, but I refuse to go there on Sundays and I know of others who no longer show up. She is disrespectful and should hit the road! read more

Amazing coffee and wonderful service from the staff! I don't get to go very often but when I do I always have a good experience and good vibes from the place. It's quite cozy in there, but be prepared as it can be very busy during rush times. Always worth the minor wait though! read more

No self respecting cafe should serve Stash tea. $3 for a tea bag from one of the the crappiest tea companies? I feel punished for being a tea drinker. They also don't carry honey, but they sell local honey? I remember when this place was good. Sad to see it going downhill. read more

My visit to common grounds was September 3rd. The environment is comfortable and friendly. The baked goods assortment is masterfully displayed. Their biscotti menu is no joke! They have some baked good gluten-free options such as a chocolate chip cookie, and orange cranberry muffin. I ordered the iced vanilla chi with a GF orange cranberry muffin and a to-go chocolate chip cookie. I found the chi latte and muffin too sweet for my liking but the chocolate chip cookie was just right! This was my first time dining at common grounds. I would definitely give it another go if I'm near one again. Maybe I need to order a coffee next time. There was a big line but it went quickly and there was plenty of seating both inside and out. I parked on the side of the street but there is also a small lot in the back of the building. Happy exploring! read more

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Best iced coffee I've ever had, hands down. The chipotle chicken wrap (not pictured) was also excellent too, which is something I wasn't expecting from a coffee joint like this one. The place smells of fresh coffee grounds, with perfectly dim lighting. Good service, staff is quick. read more

Common Grounds - Simple iced coffee w/ pistachio and vanilla flavoring. Topped w/dairy. YUM. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

They are pricey, but the coffee is good. Not wild about the baked goods they often taste old and on the stale side. Biscotti is great!

Haven't tried the food, my interest is coffee. I'm pretty particular about my coffee and am looking for a new source of freshly roasted beans. They have a number of varieties at the ready and the prices seem fair. They make it difficult however to try out the varieties: 1. They offer a coffee of the day but the selection is random. For example, if you wanted to try their Guatemala coffee you would have no idea what day it will be featured. I guess you could call the store daily. 2. They only offer their coffee by the pound. I've bought several varieties from other local roasters only to be disappointed. It sure would help exploring their varieties if they sold it by the half pound. Plus half pound purchases would help ensure your beans were fresher - what if it takes you a while to drink an entire pound. Oh well, guess I'll keep looking. read more

I'm near to coffee but not new to Common Grounds! I have always loved coming here to sip on hot chocolate and read or meet up with friends. Now that I drink coffee I appreciate their coffee and atmosphere! The staff is friendly and quick. It's always clean. There are lots of snacks to choose from to go with your drink. Great place! read more

Common Grounds - a cup of iced coffee sitting on a rock overlooking a body of water - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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Super unfriendly staff and average coffee & baked goods. Better coffee and treats down the street

Do not go here. The staff is rude and has no idea how to prepare an iced coffee, Three different customers walked out in five minutes due to the attitude and incompetence. read more

I upmost enjoyed my experience at this quaint coffee shop. This restaurant displayed sacks of coffee beans and captivating artwork of where their coffee is grown. The tables and chairs had beautiful wood finishes. We ordered a cappucino, lemon biscotti, and pistaccio muffin. We scarfed down the deliciously sweet baked goods with joy. The cappucino had a strong and distinct taste that is absolutely addicting. Service is friendly as the staff took our orders with friendly faces and smiles. Our order was provided in a prompt manner. read more

Common Grounds - a cup of coffee and a cupcake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Love this cute small coffee shop in Branford center. Perfect spot to meet up with someone or to change scenery when working from home. Coffee is good and they offer a lot of different flavors including sugar free options. read more

Great coffee shop in the center of Branford! It offers a variety of coffee and teas as well as a great selection of sweet and savory treats. The coffee cake and salted caramel square are my personal favorites. As a coffee enthusiast, I love the variety of coffee from different regions around the world available for purchase by the pound. Even better they will grind the beans for you at the time of purchase. Staff are friendly and service is quick. If you are looking for a caffeine boost, Common Grounds is a must try! read more

Rude customer service, bad coffee. Not sure what we did wrong by just walking into the establishment but they acted annoyed that we were ordering coffee. read more

Mmmm just writing this review my mouth begins to water thinking of a delicious latte with a cinnamon almond chocolate biscotti! I could sit in common grounds for hours, in fact I have! The ambiance is so warm and cozy, comfortable chairs paired with beautiful finished local wood cut tables. The staff as well as the owner Wilson are all so pleasant and personable, the shop is always clean and the smells of the aromatic coffee beans fill the air and soothe your soul as you sit and work at your computer, meet with a couple friends/family, or simply read a book. In the back there is a cork board where people can leave their business cards for others to take, I think that's such a lovely touch to the establishment, showing their support for other local businesses and workers! read more

Common Grounds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Pleasant afternoon sitting outside with my iced mocha. I had ordered a small (24 oz), but they gave me (and presumably charged me for) a large (32 oz -- can you say Big Gulp?). Very smooth espresso, I enjoyed it. read more

Common Grounds - Large (very large!) Iced Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

I drink precisely one kind of espresso drink: a hot mocha (latte). I drink my mocha with the appropriate number of espresso shots: 2 in a 12oz cup; 3 in a 16oz cup; 4 in a 20oz cup. I have no idea who you people are, drinking "espresso drinks" that are 3oz espresso and 17oz of milk....FYI that is a espresso flavored steamer. NOT a latte of any kind. And if it's got chocolate, it's a hot chocolate with a hint of espresso flavor. Blech. I only drink a mocha hot and with whole milk. I do not eat with my mocha. It is not part of a meal or snack. When I drink a mocha it IS the meal or the snack. I enjoy the entire sensory experience of a mocha: actual hot beverage, full flavor and mouthfeel, strong espresso AND chocolate; slightly bitter, definitely not sweet. The chocolate should be strong and dark, like the espresso. A proper, good mocha is not a sweet beverage. The chocolate just enhances the espresso and "rounds out" the flavor. It should never "weaken" or sweeten the espresso experience. Most of what is made in this country and called a "mocha" is, frankly, undrinkable. I have ordered, paid for and tasted quite a few that I then threw away. Because I won't drink a poor quality mocha. I'd rather have nothing. Bad coffee drinks are not for me. I will not waste my time, money or calories on them. I have thrown away any number of espresso drinks from Starbucks, back when I used to keep giving that company a chance because I thought they MUST be able to make a good espresso drink if so many people buy espresso drinks from them?? This is faulty logic. Starbucks is trash. Their espresso drinks are trash. Just because something is popular, does not mean it is good my friends. As you might imagine, I will go out of my way to get a good mocha. Luckily for me, my parents and sisters live in Branford, CT and Common Grounds is right in the Branford downtown across from the town green. Interestingly, Branford also has a Starbucks. Which is maybe 2 miles from Common Grounds. I LOVE the fact that independent little Common Grounds is able to compete against corporate monstrosity Starbucks. But, in reality, they are serving two very different things... The Mocha Latte at Common Grounds is one of the best I've ever had. Every time I get one. Because the other hallmark of good espresso drinks is CONSISTENCY. There are rules and ratios for making these beverages. It should not depend on who is making your mocha, everyone at the spot should be able to make the drink just like everyone else. Ya dig?? I have been known to SNEAK out of my parents' house to drive downtown and get myself a mocha from Common Grounds. I have been known to HIDE my mocha from Common Grounds from my father (who has his own, home espresso machine and loves to make me a mocha - his are good....don't get me wrong...), who is offended if I buy a mocha rather than drink his. But Common Grounds makes me The Perfect Mocha every time: 20 oz size, add 2 extra shots of espresso (if you just order a 20oz you will only get 2 shots...) with whole milk. Every time I take that first sip...Joy...Bliss... All you people who live easy driving distance from Common Grounds: LUCKY!!! read more

The ambiance is great. Particularly love sitting outside. The coffee is delicious and always hot. However, today we tried a variety of their baked goods for the first time and that was not good. The biscotti is edible but a bit sweet. The blueberry crumb bar was very sweet and heavy. The scones (blueberry and cranberry) were pretty inedible. Very hard, dry, and not really scones. They were more like dry old muffins. This part was particularly disappointing as we really wanted to like the food at this place as we love the coffee. read more

Great spot right on the main street. Always good service and lots of coffee/latte options and almond milk for us vegans. They are very accommodating. Had a great lavender latte. read more

Common Grounds - Lavender vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

It's a nice coffeeshop in the Branford area especially on the green. They usually have a nice selection of coffees to try and various baked goods. This becomes a regular hangout for ppl and newcomers. A good meeting place or work area, there is limited plugs which go fast. read more

Common Grounds - Standard medium cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

My favorite coffee shop of all time! Cozy atmosphere, great menu, and great coffee. Commons Grounds has been my go-to place to get work done for the past 4 or so years! They have a wide selection of beverages as well as a wide selection of flavors to add in to each of them! My favorites are the Grasshopper, their Chai Tea Latte, and their Italian soda's. They also have delicious scones and crumb cakes to snack on while you work! Definitely one of my favorites! read more

This is a charming coffeeshop, a bull's-eye among coffee places. It's tucked into a strip mall-type center, not a very attractive surrounding, but that's forgivable once you enter & absorb the fresh, deep fragrance of coffee roasted on-site. I enjoyed a plain cappuccino, along with sour cream coffee cake, and took bite from my companions' biscotti. The baristas were friendly, professional, and interacted with us. Frankly I miss the good old days of customer service, apparently a pre-COVID luxury, so I wish this place the best & look forward to returning. read more

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Common Grounds is a local treat! The drinks are delicious, the variety and options are wide, and the vibe is warm and comforting. It smells delicious from the moment you walk in. The tables and decor also make it a great place to catch up with friends or to work. There are also a few outdoor tables overlooking the green- great location! read more

There is a reason this place has been in business so long. It's truly the best coffee in the state and service is always fast and precise.

Been going to this location since the early 90s. The mood and atmosphere in there leaves you feeling very chill. While the aesthetics changed a little it's still the awesome place I remember. I love the coffee grinders they keep out and the smell you're met with upon entering. The coffee and tea is amazing. Second to none. There is really nothing like going to Common Grounds. I recommend their coffee and tea to anyone who is in the market for a new location to make their fav coffee/tea spot. It's great to do homework in and study to some beats or just chat with a friend. Frankly going in there takes you back to simplistic times. Really great location and staff is super kind too! read more

The coffee was delicious! One the best I've ever tried. The desserts are really tasty and the have a big variety. The place is nice and clean and has a great environment overall! The only little detail that I didn't like was the girl at the register, she didn't know the name of the products and barely spoke English, she was the only one so there was no other person to go to and the line was long! I will definitely go back for more read more

I needed a treat after a Dr appt. The iced passion fruit green tea is amazing! Cool vibe. Lots of people chilling for a workday afternoon. Service was quick. Baked goods are huge. read more

Good coffee and atmosphere. Wi-Fi is restrictive, so not a good option for accomplishing any web-based work, etc.

Great local place in Branford for coffee and a pastry type snack. They have different blends of coffee to try and to buy by the pound. A wide assortment of pastries and some tasty large biscottis to try. I always seem to end up having their cappuccino and am never disappointed. A great place to stop after an urban stroll in the area to kick back and relax read more

Coffee here is your typical dark roasted heavily bitter.. Similar to Dunkin' Donuts. Food here is also disappointing. Just an array of sweet processed pastries. What happened to good breakfast foods a sandwiches that get your eyes talking to your stomach! read more

Very good coffee and atmosphere. However beware that they charge for a cup of water which is insane.

This place was seriously awesome. Wish it was in Pvd but then we'd have WAYYY to many local roasters. Whenever making the trek from RI/Boston to NY, be sure to pitstop in Branford for some of CC's perfect cups of coffee read more

Well, this coffee shop is a great local gem. This was what a coffee shop should be. It was large, clean, great selection of coffees made fresh, friendly staff and not expensive. We stopped on our way up to the Cape, and were in need of a pick me up on this rainy and cold day. Branford is most definitely an unassuming little town, that has charm and a great selection of local spots. Enter this busy coffee shop. This is where the locals must go for their caffeine fixes, a little New York Times action and a hello to the neighbor. I went with the Red Eye and the man went with an iced red eye. We get to choose the coffee we want? Great, I'll have your dark roast from Guatemala. The separate room with milk and cream was a nice touch, so we weren't crowded anywhere. The art on the malls was great - from a local photographer. I would definitely come here on the regular if I lived closed by, and I will definitely be back on the road. read more

Walking in here was weird. It felt like walking in to a singles bar full of past-their-prime couples looking for a third. Why so many older folks gawking??? The layout forces people to walk down an aisle flanked by spaced out people. It was really uncomfortable to intrude on 'their space'. Anyway. Lots of options for coffee. I ordered a large mocha with soy and no whip. I was disappointed. It tasted like a cup of hot chalky soy milk with a dash of coffee and a smidge of chocolate flavor. It was also not a full cup. The cup was short from full by about 2 inches. I paid nearly $6 for that cup of hot soy. I would at least expect it to be full, if not taste like a $6 cup of something. You can do better somewhere else. The biscottis were quite large and varied but I didn't get one. read more

Common Grounds - $6 won't get you a full cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Craft coffee drinks are incredibly sweet - too sweet in my opinion. It's like drinking melted ice cream with a hint of coffee flavor. There are a big variety of jumbo biscotti in jumbo cookie jars (pretty cool) though I didn't try any. The sour cream cake/coffee cake was sort of oily on the bottom and was 50% rock hard topping, served up in styrofoam. Also way too sweet. Not a big fan overall. The ambiance is nice and there is a decent amount of seating and free wifi. read more

When speaking of non chain coffee shops Common Ground coffee shop is close to at the top I have been comming here for here off and on for over 25 years the coffee has always been the best in the early days NY bagels were sold here no longer but if your into top quality pastries and large assortment of biscottis you have found the match to Rome it self. read more

Common Grounds - No words needed visibly tells the whole story - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Lovely, accommodating barista One gf pastry (a cookie the size of my hand) plus fruit cups Not "purist" coffee--syrups, concoctions, that sweet smell when you walk in from the flavored beans Beautiful carved tables, high and low, group and solo Spotless, tasteful decor Friendly clientele Gets a little noisy but, yknow, life is a party so soak it up and join the fray. Way easier than trying to tune it out. :) Points off only bc I'm a coffee snob and the latte was just average--bubbly foam, milk a bit burnt. Come anyway, support locals. read more

Common Grounds - Large soy latte with cinnamon. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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I am a coffee lover. Really. Like, really really. Like scary, stop drinking so much coffee really. My mainstay for judging "boutique" coffee houses is their mocha latte. Everything in the process of creating this delicassy takes careful attention and love. A perfect mocha is just a little bit sweet, so subtle that at first you may ask "did they put ANY syrup in here?". But slowly, as you sip, the flavor builds to a graceful note of chocolate and espresso, just barely detectable through the warmth of the milk as it caresses your tongue. A great mocha is a thing of beauty; a great mocha is hard to do. Too often you might get a dump of syrup, overwhelmingly sweet. Or perhaps the milk is steamed too long, producing a burnt , off flavor. Many a barista has been tested under my watchful eye and many a barista has proven themself uncaring and uninterested in their art. Common grounds is not the perfect mocha. No, but common grounds is a damn fine mocha. I was initially unimpressed by the pour and began bracing myself for my morning to crumble away in a rockslide of disappointment and regret. I was wrong. This was no swan, nay, more an ugly duckling of a coffee drink but this mocha was an exceptional companion to my morning routine. I will be back. read more

Common Grounds - Cinnamon scone. Delicious. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Branford, Connecticut