*exact date removed for privacy*
So, I entered into Common Grounds Coffee House about 8:00 a.m. The place was mellow and quiet - maybe only two other folks there. There was no line, so I was able to order right away - some black tea for dine-in. Still, the fact that one must specify dine-in is so very puzzling! I always still assume dine-in, because that's what is familiar. Take-away should be non-existent or very optional.
The tea was reasonably priced at $3 USD for an entire pot, which came along with a dine-in mug. The brand of tea was Townshend's Tea. I didn't like much that I had to retrieve the tea from the take away shelf, as opposed to having it brought *to me* where I was sitting. The tea was "called" and then I picked it up from the little shelf. I was at a different Tea House in Portland, once, called Townshend's Tea (same name as the brand of tea this place serves). There, the tea is brought to you.
Anyhow, there was a generous amount of tea and I wasn't able to finish the entire pot during an over 1 hours stay.
The speakers were pretty perfect - the sound of the music wasn't blaring nor too soft. So I liked that element a lot.
In terms of the layout of the store, all the tables seem to be in one big room - there weren't a lot of 'hide away' coves if you really desire to sit and focus on a project. There were some stools along a window, so I suppose going into a corner on either end would suffice. I really disliked that the stools had no backs. I have back problems and that would have helped so much to have stools with backs.
Plugs are very limited for anyone desiring to study and plug in a laptop. Although, I kind of liked that, because it may operate more like an actual tea house, and attract a different clientele who aren't a bunch of zombies or millennials.
Some kind of odd visuals were the fact that the coffee/tea space had a high chair for a baby right out in the foyer. So, babies drink coffee now? I'm really confused on that one. Going off the baby theme, the bathroom to the far back and on the right had a baby changing table! Kind of odd vibes there.
Dog treats were offered next to the bus bin - again very puzzling. Portland is a very 'pro' dog city. Which is kind of strange, because what if you aren't a dog person, or allergic to dogs - both of which apply here. I'm not going to harm a dog, just simply not into domesticated dogs with sweaters and the whole deal. Kind of makes it uncomfortable and showcases a bit of narcissism all around the city, this 'pro' dog culture. What about cats, rabbits, ducks, ravens etc.? Fortunately, there were no dogs in the establishment when I went there. This little rant obviously excludes legitimate 'service animals,' which in this city is about 1 in 3.
Overall, I had a positive experience. I enjoyed looking at the local art on the walls, which I am not sure what medium it would be referred to - perhaps mixed media? It looked like a pen/black paint artwork. I would make the suggestion to hang the artwork somewhere else, because it was really difficult to see because of chairs/couches in the way. I would have liked to walk around and taken a real look at the art. And, the artist I am sure would appreciate having more viewers!
I'd come here again, because Common Grounds is very independent, and stands alone. I also like the Fox and Chicken logo and received a free sticker. I really like foxes!
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