When a coworker told me that the best mocha she has ever had can be found at a little coffee shop in Squirrel Hill, I was sold. I went two days later. I was NOT disappointed. The coffee shop itself is adorable- there's some seating outside and a decent amount inside as well. The shop has a modern and rustic vibe, it's cozy and cute. They have a decent selection of baked goods and some delicious donuts from the gluten free goat bakery. Tons of coffee, tea and friendly staff as well. I ordered an iced mocha latte and it was delicious. The chocolate was so rich and obviously high quality, which made it the best mocha I had ever had. You could just taste the love that they put into it. I am dreaming about the next time I will return and have another.. mhmmm. read more

On Thursday afternoon I was in here to get a coffee and coffee cake for mike while he was scrubbing carpets. This is only the second time I'd ever been in here but I walked in the girl looked right at me and ignore me and looked a way from me looking at and wiping the coffee pot... I figured she had to finish the coffee real quick before she could wait on me so I was patient and stood near the checkout for about 10 min then suddenly in like " are u open " THIS WAS AN AWKWARD EXPERIENCE. I WONT BE BACK HERE FOR COFFEE. MCDONALDS IS BETTER ANYWAY read more

Quite hipster inside but friendly staff with tasty quiche and coffee. Basic enough but tasty, especially when you need a quick stop to refuel with a snack and pick me up. Loved the quirky interior. read more

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Small coffeehouse with great teas. Some room to sit for those who are staying to use WiFi or take on the ambience. Really nice place!

There are very few places that do house coffee right. This is one of them. The Mwalyego coffee available today was smooth, with emphatic citrus notes and no bitterness at all. I usually add cream and sugar to my coffee to temper down the acidity since I end up having multiple cups of coffee a day, but for this coffee, it seemed a waste. The atmosphere is fun, with lots of cool signs and (CAD) diagrams to add to the ambience. Highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood. read more

Commonplace Coffee - Coffee made of grounds from Mwalyego, Tanzania. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Commonplace is my all time favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh. Commonplace has amazing coffee, though I like their hot coffee more than their cold coffee. The latte is my go-to and the cappuccino comes in second when I need more of a caffeine boost. I also love to study here! Right before stressful exam weeks, I practically live here. It's not too loud from the people or the machines. It's the perfect background buzz if you need to study with white noise. There are a decent amount of seats inside and three tables outside. The only downside is that the seating is very cramped and when it gets busy there are no seats available. The tables are only about a foot away from each other. But there is also a good amount of outlets along the walls of the shop. It would be amazing if they could upsize! The service is always good too! The employees are all very friendly. Their location is also very convenient as it is on Forbes Ave next to lots of other shops/restaurants. tldr; coffee (hot) 5/5 service 5/5 location 5/5 design 4/5 read more

Commonplace Coffee - latte, best coffee in pittsburgh hands-down - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Good house coffee, good tunes (but volume level is a little on the elevator music side). Interpol 'PDA' just doesn't sound right at the barely audible level. Definitely try their flavor adds for 50c especially raspberry creme! read more

Commonplace Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Come here if you want fine coffee served by RACIST HIPSTERS. I remembered this place fondly, because of the previous owners. Goodbye to all that. I am black, came in with my Arab friend. We stood there near the register for a few minutes before the Portland-looking man in the plaid shirt decided to bother to take an order. His voice was brusque, both he and his female barista coworker kept looking at us all screwfaced, like we didn't belong there. Once he finished making the drink he dropped the lid on the counter top next to the drink, loud enough for all the patrons to hear it, versus handing it to me like a normal person. Sure, I want all the germs on your counter to leap onto the lid of my drink. I kept trying to imagine, maybe he thought I was some elitist b/c of my CMU sweatshirt. Never again. Who knows, they might treat Asian folk better, but I was not about to stick around and see if they were equal opportunity jagoffs to various other minorities. Hope the recession has room for another failed business venture... read more

I went in here to get beans. I had only been to Commonplace Voluto in Garfield before, but never this location so decided to check it out when I was in the area. It's a small space and was fairly crowded when I was there, but mostly with people on their laptops. I think it was finals week for a few of the universities so it looked like a lot of students studying in there. It was crowded but quiet, and luckily, it was a beautiful day and they have outdoor seating. I like coffee a lot, but don't know anything about what type of beans are good for different methods of brewing. I looked at everything while I was waiting then when the barista was free asked her. She was pretty helpful and explained some details about the beans she recommended. I decided to go for it. It was a good choice. I went with cold brew for my first batch and it's delicious. I also didn't expect to be offered a free coffee after buying beans, but gladly accepted. It was a really good coffee and I defintiely want to check out one of their lattes sometime and pick up other types of beans. read more

Commonplace is a great coffee shop on a warm day, especially if you can snag one of the tables right out on Forbes. Inside is pretty cool too. There is a decent amount of seating under local art work. I don't know if the artwork changes, I'm sure it does, but right now there is a cool mural thing made out of blue painters tape. I really dig it. The coffee here is really strong too. Strong with bold flavors and not watered down at all. If you are looking for a caffeine buzz then Commonplace is your place. To top it off the employees are all really nice too. Prices are a little more expensive than nearby coffee joints, but is worth it if you are looking for quality. read more

Just the kind of hip Third Wave coffee place that PIT needs! They provide excellent drinks of all types and stripes. I'm a big fan of a few blends. The quality for the price is outrageous! Love the painter's tape mural. It's such a cheap and creative way to decorate. So far it's my favorite coffee place in town. read more

This place has got all the basics down pat...great coffee, espresso drinks, good service, free wifi, a clean and inviting atmosphere for chatting or working, and shaded outdoor seating. It's the less hipster (and, ironically, the original) version of Commonplace Voluto -- not surprisingly, considering its location. But to me, the real draw of this coffeeshop (and its sister location), the thing that sets it apart from other great coffeeshops like Espresso A Mano and Big Dog Coffee, are its BAKED GOODS. Drew's Pie Supply, you have got major talent. Your baked goods are better than almost any others I can find anywhere in Pittsburgh, actual "bakeries" included. Inventive and creative, always delicious. I have yet to try an item I didn't love. Grapefruit vanilla bean muffins? OMG. Parmesan black pepper scones? Sign me up! Spicy chocolate cookies? How did you know that chocolate and spiciness are two of my favorite things? Ok, seriously, there are times when I don't need coffee at all but I'll come here for one just so I can pick up a baked good... or two... or three. read more

Your cup of coffee will be brewed exactly as it was meant to taste. Here, there are always tons of choices in single cup brew coffee. Don't know where to start? Just talk to the staff, they know everything there is to know about coffee. Some of the baristas there do the roasting as well, since "The Commonplace" is a micro roastery based in the quaint old college town of Indiana, PA (sorry, I love old towns). These guys take the time to create a "profile" for the green coffee bean so that the roast displays the best the bean has to offer, taking into account the region and growing circumstances, etc. They're serious about coffee! If you're looking for that special cup, this is the place to go (or if you just want an 8oz for a buck they've got that too, which is rare nowadays). I can honestly say that the coffee was in great hands before it reached yours and the people in charge have done their best to make certain that its lived up to its fullest potential. Now that's a real love of coffee- and you! Sweet, huh? P.S. If you're a coffee geek keeping tabs on Pittsburgh's flourishing coffee culture, you might want to check out the article in June 2011's Fresh Cup mag, where Commonplace, 21st St, Espresso A Mano, etc... all given proper laud. ;-) read more

This is the best coffee in SqHill. That is all. The macchiatos are the best I've had, and the cappuccinos are spectacular as well. It really is some of the best as far as espresso drinks go. I can't actually speak to the brewed coffee because I never get it! read more

I came to Commonplace because I love lavender, to the point that whenever I go to a new place I search "lavender" on yelp and go to any place that comes up. In this case, it was the lavender vanilla latte, and it was on point. I've had a few disappointing experiences with lavender lattes, but my theory is that lavender with something else (so lavender vanilla, lavender white mocha) makes for an awesome latte. Their lavender vanilla syrup was homemade, according to the very friendly guy at the counter, and it is delicious. This won't change your mind about lavender if you don't like it to begin with, but it may change your mind about lavender coffee. For $3.50, or $4 for a large iced, the latte seemed a little steep for Pittsburgh, but then I came back to New York and remembered the true meaning of steep. Speaking of New York, growing up there left me very tolerant of sharing cramped benches with strangers, but the communal wooden bench they have against the east wall is one of the most uncomfortable seating arrangements I've ever experienced. It's a little rickety, and what that meant for me was that I could feel the guy next to me wiggling his ass for several minutes at a time. I don't know why he was doing this, but bottom line is I SHOULDN'T KNOW THAT HE WAS DOING IT. If you want to dance to the music in your head or do kegels at a coffee shop that's your business. Nobody else should be able to feel it, but with this bench everyone could feel when I so much as scratched my leg. Other than that bench, the space was fine--a little generic looking, but spacious and open. One other bizarre thing about this place is that they have little card holders saying things like "Table share, go!" for people to put at their tables. The idea makes sense, but it's just sort of sad to think that people can't even be bothered to talk to each other about sharing a table. I go to a school known for socially awkward students, and even I can ask someone "hey, mind if I sit here?" read more

So this is a nice place to hang out and chill. The coffee is good and the atmosphere is worth paying for. HOWEVER.. And this is a HUGE however because it has happened twice now. The workers there are ARROGANT and RUDE. They are not nice. I asked them why they don't serve their espresso to-go. A man with a beard looked at me and said "Because we just don't." For goodness sakes I'm a customer! At least be polite. He was NOT. Beware: THE MAN WITH THE BEARD BEHIND THE COUNTER. read more

One of the best coffee places I've been to in the Pittsburgh area and I love it! Their lattes are worth sitting down and enjoying. It's nice and quiet, I just wish they had a bigger space to allow for more seating, but that can't be helped. The have a eclectic selection of lattes, the last of which that I tried was the Vanilla Lavendar latte (mmMM). You definitely have to check this place out to see what they have. read more

I used to love this place, like really really love it but there's been strange ominous signs saying "things will change" lately. What things? Why are they changing? It's great the way it is! It's a home for so many locals with the greatest people behind the counter and coffee. read more

Commonplace Coffee - Was perfect place to hang out but strange signs have been prominently displayed lately. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I came here after work and when I walked in it was so quiet that I almost felt like I had to stop myself and take a few breaths to tip-toe my way in while everyone stared. I didn't want to be too loud. The space is smaller and bright with some casual art up on the walls. It was basically full and everyone had their faces in a laptop or book of some sort. I kind of like this. I think if I needed to get work done then I could come here, but I'd have to show up early because it will get busy. I saw some treats in a small case to the left and I picked out a brioche apricot something or other, which was so freaking good. Like SO good. It wasn't too sweet or too bland. The apricot flavor was just right. Man, I really want another one right now. I ordered a lavender latte and holy moly, my new favorite! You can really taste the lavender flavor, but it blends nicely with everything else in the cup. It's not overpowering at all. I need this in my life on the regular! read more

This is more of a review for Commonplace Coffee Roasters than Commonplace Coffeehouse. The coffeehouse is a decent house with coffee, I just wouldn't drive 500 miles out of the way for it. It's kinda like that time when you were a kid and your "favorite" uncle was gonna take you to Disney World, but instead he took you to an old burned down factory. (See Jack Handey's Deep Thought #113.) Still cool but without the flair and the bright and shiny objects of the real Disney World. Still an acceptable third wave coffeehouse but with a somewhat underwhelming design and presentation of their wonderful coffee. Especially when compared to some of the rad styles of other places. The roaster part though. Commonplace is a wonderful coffee roaster. I don't really know what can be said about them except that they simply roast really good coffee. Good enough to be somewhat recognized across the country. Not overly famous but good enough that they have carved out a nice little niche in the coffee world. A few cafes around the area use Commonplace coffee. There's Commonplace Voluto a couple miles away in Garfield, and in Columbiana, Ohio there's Generations Coffeehouse. (Forgive me for mentioning Ohio in this Pittsburgh pride review.) And yes! That is the best part about Commonplace. It's from Pittsburgh. Oh, and you know how I know that Commonplace has good coffee? Because I've Tried it. The last time I was there, I got I believe it was an Ethiopian pour-over, with tasting notes of Fruity Pebbles™. A little of it got cold thus producing a nice mimicry of eating soggy cereal. Good soggy cereal. Commonplace coffee gets a healthy five stars even if the house part would only get four. read more

Ok. I'm glad there is an independent roaster that is in the region and that runs this cafe, and the staff are nice. And yes, they have all the fancy coffee making gadgets and know how to use them. However, this is a problem. Their coffee needs some work!! Not the preparation or the service, that is fine. But the actual roasted bean simply tastes 'off' to me. I have tried espresso, multiple roasts brewed any conceivable way, and brewed their beans at home. Every time I get a slightly rancid taste reminiscent of wet sock, leaves, and fruit cake. This coffee is simply no good. And in case you are wondering, yes, I've had good coffee, and been to tastings at Intelligentsia, Ritual, and 49th Parallel among others. So I know good coffee, or perhaps BAD coffee. To be honest, I'd rather go anywhere else than drink this. This presents a quandary, I'd rather support a local roaster, but cannot do so when they consistently serve such an inferior product! Step up your game guys! Get some better quality beans! read more

Loved the coffee, really nice ambiance, and Katie was super sweet and helpful. I'll be back.

Love this place. This is the best coffee in Pittsburgh. The beans come to the store fresh to be roasted on site. They're always ground fresh and there are typically several bean options every week. The home made simple syrups provide an awesome flavor variety if you're looking for something to augment your latte. I recommend the teas as well. read more

These guys are serious about their coffee. And probably about everything else. But they make an excellent brew and/or espresso drink. I like the lavender espresso, though my budget surely appreciates the $1.25 brew, which is also excellent. Very serious patrons as well, and not super comfy seating. For those reasons I would find it a hard place to relax and study, especially with the amazing library just doors away. But a great place to grab a cup for sipping while perusing the wares of Squirrel Hill. read more

After a bagel at the Bagel Factory, my husband and I came down here to Commonplace for actual coffee (as opposed to the free stuff that came with our challah purchase.) As a recent transplant from California, this place reminds me of home: clean and sleek design, minimalist menu, a third-wave coffee spot if ever I've seen one. As a coffee enthusiast? I love these kinds of places. I'm not a huge fan of bright and acidic coffees from the Americas, which is what is popular in coffee right now for some reason, but I can deal when I need to. Service was quick and polite. The coffee did the trick. If this place appeals to the coffee snob in me, it does NOT appeal to the parent in me. It's not a very toddler-friendly spot. It seems like folks do a lot of studying and computer work here, all the food offered this morning was sweet pastries, and all the (very cute and cool) merch is at toddler level- prime for knocking stuff over lol. But he's my responsibility and it's my job to make sure he's staying out of the way. Hence, the five star rating. I would come here alone or for a quick in-and-out thing but probably wouldn't hang long with the toddler in tow. read more

Best coffee in Squirrel Hill and one of the best in the city. Can get crowded at times but there is both indoor and outdoor seating, just not a lot. When busy it can be slow but worth the wait. Takes Square for credit cards. read more

Commonplace Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The commonplace is cozy, inviting, and pretty much always packed. I am no coffee connoisseur, but they seem to have premium roasts and their barristas serve up lattes with fancy foam art. My only real complaint is that seating can be difficult to come by and there aren't a ton of outlets. One man's "small" is another man's "intimate atmosphere," but I could do with a few more seats. read more

Commonplace Coffee - Winter spice latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I love Commonplace. Their coffee is fabulous, and it's a great (and convenient) place to do some work on a rainy day. My only complaint is that their music is - consistently - well, weird. Today I'm listening to some odd wailing electronic music that sounds like it belongs in a haunted house; the other day it was intensely loud. Other days it's a more pleasant mix of singer/songwriter, jazz, or old-school country, which is more accessible to a wider audience -- but I always plan on bringing headphones to drown out the weirder (and more unpleasant) days. Despite this, their coffee and lattes are great - and completely worth the noise on those off-days. Just bring yerself some headphones. read more

Independent in the best possible way. They care about making great coffee quickly, consistently and usually with a smile. It's a no brainier to walk right by the big chain coffee places on the corner and head to Commonplace. Just don't get caught running Windows. read more

Walking down Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill one day I decided to try Commonplace Coffee. I ordered just a small house coffee, $1.25 for an 8 ounce cup. Not a bad deal for a great tasting cup of coffee I enjoyed while sitting on one of the many benches that line Forbes. While the coffee speaks for itself, there are other things that were negatives for me. I had the same experience as Terry B. with my lid - it was just thrown on the counter as opposed to handed to me or put directly on the cup itself. Also, I was asked if I want cream and when I said yes, I was given a carton that is kept behind the counter. I found it odd that they don't leave a container of creamer out with the sugar like any other coffee shop. The coffee was good and hot, though, which leads to my last criticism - the cup itself. The to-go cup is not very heavy and they did not offer nor did I see a holder to place around the cup. So instead I nearly burnt off my fingerprints while I held the cup. Long story short: good coffee and probably a better experience if you stay there and not get it to go. I'm just undecided as to whether or not I want to find out. read more

I frequent this coffee shop probably once a week or so. It is right down the block from my boyfriend's place so it is super convenient. I really do enjoy their coffee, my regular drink is a cold brew. You can also find me drinking a latte with soy. Their espresso is okay, just not anything to write home about. They typically have a small selection of baked items. The primary reason that this location gets a 4/5 instead of 5 stars is that the environment, no matter the weather outside, is always stinking hot. Every time my boyfriend and I go there within minutes we start to drip with sweat. My only other complaint is that there always seems to be a shortage of seating. Overall, this stop is great for a cup of joe or a shot of espresso. There is always people studying away or sharing in conversation. I suggest stopping by soon. read more

I love getting to support local places. And I have a special care for this location, since I was going to school in Indiana when they opened their first location and roastery there. That said, I prefer the other location - it's more homey and comfortable. This location is a little more sterile and modern, which I suppose fits a more urban mentality. I have enjoyed my visits here, though. I usually have an espresso drink (always delicious) or tea. This last time, I had a mandarin orange green tea - and it was everything you want out of all those terms in your mouth. Glorious! Stop by for a drink, I'd say. If the decor doesn't match your mood, get it to go, and you'll be fine. read more

Commonplace is a relatively new place on my list; I only just discovered it over winter break this year while walking around downtown with my family. This relaxed and modern coffee shop has a few locations in Pittsburgh, but I have only been to the one in Squirrel Hill. The shop has simple and clean designs that are enhanced by the natural lighting inside. One thing that sets locally owned coffee shops a part from chains are the wide variety of ways to make the coffee; pour overs, French press, specialty milks, this place has it all! This is one of my favorite places to sip an iced chai and gaze out onto the beautiful city. read more

Visiting Pittsburgh for a few days. Came across this coffee shop. Cool, hip, and busy (not overcrowded) coffee shops seem to be hard to come by here so I was happy to find this spot. Ordered the Americano and it was great. Free wifi that was fast so I say around for a couple hours to work. Environment: good music. Good to work on your laptop, read a book, or chat with a friend. Coffee: good coffee. Obvious they take pride in what they brew. Staff: friendly, helpful, and seemed to get a lot of regulars that they knew well. Definitely would come here again. read more

I didn't see what was so great about this place. The staff was not very friendly and I agree with the reviewer who said the interior was cold and industrial (which for me isn't a plus). My wife is the big coffee drinker and she said hers was "just ok." They are reasonably priced though, and I thought their coffee chalkboard diagram was pretty cool and informative. read more

My favorite coffeeshop in Squirrel Hill. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they work very hard and efficiently, considering they're usually staffed with one person. Be ready to be patient. They've got a great selection of coffees--drip, trifecta/clover by the cup, espresso, and lattes with house-made syrups. They've got a pretty big loose-leaf tea selection as well. Lots of the tables & chairs are wobbly, and the cafe is immediately cold every time the door opens.. but I go there for the coffee. read more

great coffeeshop to just hang out and chat, hunker down and study, or even sit solo and gaze at the eclectic art pieces up on the walls. the baristas know their coffee- from the flavor profiles of an espresso bean to the technique of making the perfect cortado. they have options of both coffee and tea (with unique flavors like a lavender vanilla latte!) so there's something for everyone. they also offer baked goods and fresh juices/sodas. i have noticed seating can sometimes be an issue. at times, it is super packed and there is nowhere to sit. other then that, i love this coffeeshop :) read more

Commonplace Coffee - cortado & lemon lavender donut from gluten free goat bakery! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I was craving some lavender spiced latte and found this spot on Yelp . Must say their interior decor is very cozy and calm . The latte was smooth and had some of the lavender spice but I think it definitely need a little bit more lavender flavor to it . It was well blended in it with the vanilla flavor . Overall : it needed more flavors. The staff was really friendly . read more

Commonplace Coffee - Lavender vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

+5 stars for the great coffee, convenient location, clean shop, and friendly welcoming ambiance. -1 star for the horrifically slow internet and the staff's unwillingness and inability to fix it. I understand that some coffeeshops don't want to have people camped out on their computers all day, and that's their right, but if that's the case please don't advertise your free internet in big letters on the wall! read more

Consistently a great experience. Good coffee and pastries. Pleasant employees. I just wish it was a little larger since, even though there are a lot of seats, it can fill up quickly. read more