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I was searching for coffee shops nearby when this place popped up in my recommendations a few times, so I decided to give it a try. When I check out a coffee shop, the coffee itself is important, of course, but I also care a lot about the atmosphere, comfortable seating, and access to outlets. This place seemed to check all those boxes. Parking was easy, and the entrance looked pretty fancy. I went inside and placed my order, and the staff greeted me with a big smile and were very friendly, which immediately put me in a good mood. I ordered an Einspänner and found a seat. The first seat I picked was a little unusual because the table and the seat were basically the same height. It wasn't very comfortable, so when another seat opened up, I moved. But then I realized the table was way too small. Another seat opened up next to it, so I started hopping from one seat to another like a grasshopper until I finally found my spot. Once I finally settled in, my coffee came out. From the very first sip, I could tell it was good coffee with really good cream. It was delicious! I also loved that they serve the coffee in a glass cup when you drink it inside. It makes the experience feel a little nicer. The one downside was the acoustics. The inside is quite echoey, so people's voices seem to bounce around. Once a few people start talking, the quiet café suddenly feels like a busy marketplace. So I wouldn't say this is the best place if you're looking for a quiet atmosphere to work or study. But if you're looking to relax and treat yourself to a really good cup of coffee, this is definitely a place I'd recommend. Sometimes all you need is good coffee to feel a little better!
Quality beans = quality coffee! I love the cafe decor, giving industrial modern with a whole car in the back! We got the spanish latte and cream top latte to try. The spanish latte was probably the best one ive had in a while- not too sweet and the cinnamon complimented the dark notes of the coffee. The cream top itself is not sweet, but was perfect for me as I dont like super sweet drinks. The drinks came out as dine in as default which we didnt know, so do ask for it to be togo if thats your plan! The cups were so cute and very aesthetic! We loved the coffee so much we ended up buying their beans for our espresso machine, and its been really great so far!
Commons Cafe has a quiet atmosphere and a cool interior. I visited close to closing on a weekday and there was no line, so it was a pretty relaxed experience. I ordered the Hojicha Latte, which comes unsweetened by default, and added agave syrup. I wish they had asked what sweetness level I wanted because the default amount was too sweet for me. It was hard to drink until the ice melted and watered it down a bit. The hojicha flavor itself was good, but the texture was slightly powdery. I'd come back to try the Matcha Latte with an adjusted sweetness level and see if it's a little smoother than the hojicha.
I tried the Einspanner and really enjoyed it! Commons has such a cool vibe. I loved the inside, and there was ample seating in the coffee shop. It's located in an Irvine complex so there's a decent amount of parking as well. I really liked the touch of giving you a card with the notes of the espresso!
Such a cool little place. I would never have expected this type of place in a random Irvine business complex. The drinks are well thought out. They feature beans from popular places worldwide, which makes the steeper pour over price. The baristas are well versed in the menu. I ordered a dai dai latte and it was refreshing and strong. I love how the drinks come with a little card to provide background. Extra points from a junk journaler lol
This coffee shop is the one to remember. The inside is sooo cool. There are tons of stone tables/chairs to do your laptop work at. There should be more coffee shop like this. My lavender latte was delicious and beautifully presented. It came out HOT too! One HUGE awesomeness: you could step out and see planes landing at John Wayne Airport! Yes, it is that close to the airport! I will be back for sure!!
Went here the past weekend since it was close to my condo. This place gets busy. The interior of the business was very cool, very modern and they had a car in the back which was cool. This is a spot definitely if you want the vibes and also good drinks. I ordered the iced matcha, the matcha was very smooth. Not the best matcha I've had in OC area but it was quite good. It was a sip for sure and helped me through the day. I give this matcha spot a solid 4/5 star review. The vibes alone will get me back to the front door step. Matcha was very smooth.
Trendy aesthetic new coffee shop in Irvine. It's a little off the beaten path, but they have ample parking and indoor seating. Customer service was ok, I wish it was a warmer, more personalized experience. We ordered the mango matcha and an iced decaf flat white with oat milk. The mango matcha was very balanced and refreshing, but unfortunately the coffee was pretty milky/ watered down. Maybe their decaf isn't as good as their other roasts because I know they use high quality, internationally sourced beans? The highlight for me was the coffee bean samples out on the front bar. You can see and smell all of the different roasts they have which is a cool interactive experience!
okay the matcha is delicious but the price ($9) is a little ridiculous given the size the cafe isn't huge but there are some tables so it could be a nice study spot. the staff are super friendly!
I think I just found one of my newest favorite cafe's in OC! I found this spot while looking for a new one and I had to go see the interior and taste the drinks myself!! I walked in and immediately was greeted with smiles on the workers faces. I needed a minute and the worker told me no problem, she was very sweet and even complimented my jorts Their menu is straight to the point and they have a couple options of pastries to choose from! The interior is dark but also calm and I love it so much! I would say it's my style. There were a couple of chairs and tables where you can chat or study and there was a little sitting area in the back with little couches and books about cars. The noise level was not too loud or quiet and my cousin and I stayed for at least an hour because we loved the shop! Drinks we got were the Cream top Matcha latte w/ oat milk and sweetened with vanilla (the drinks do not come sweetened) and a Cream top latte w/ oat milk and sweetened with vanilla as well! Parking: 10/10 Drinks: 10/10 Sitting area: 9/10 Interior: 10/10 Service: 10/10
Finally got to check out Commons. It's hidden in a business park, not a place you can find by accident. Parking is easy. The cafe is spacious and modern. There was only one person manning the store the day I visited. He was friendly. I got the cream top matcha latte, which was really good but expensive. It was about $9 after tax and tips. I would come back if I'm in the area.
Nice sized coffee shop in a commercial area, modern minimalistic design, ample seating and music playing in the background. The staff is nice and fast with their services. I ordered the Madagascar vanilla latte which was rich, smooth, and creamy.
Pretty cafe, with solid matcha lattes. I like the black and chrome interior with the car inside. I wish they brought the porsche back though. I got a matcha latte with vanilla cream top with vanilla sweetener. Easily $10 matcha but it was worth it. The seats are pretty tiny in the front of the cafe. If you want to lounge there are sofas at the back where the car is. Service is quick, friendly and they said bye when we left :) will be back!
beautiful interior, great service, and you can tell how much time and consideration goes into their coffee. this is probably one of the best coffee shops in oc. the espresso was phenomenal. the design of this place was incredible. it was chromatic, with black accents and dark wood. they switch out the car in the back every month i believe. the concept is just awesome. read more
I came back this time to try Commons' lattes and pasties (last visit was the Glitch pop-up event). The vanilla and Spanish lattes were rich, creamy and delicious. The pastries were amazing as breakfast. I love the ambiance here of car and coffee. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Will definitely come back for more in the future. read more
The hot Spanish latte was on point, with a highly complex coffee profile and a velvety, smooth sweetness from the condensed milk. It is my favorite milk-based espresso drink. The baristas here are very coffee knowledgeable and super courteous. There is plenty of seating inside. The interior is very modern with a masculine feel (the rotating car inside adds to the ambiance). read more
Commons Cafe is a newer speciality coffee shop in Irvine definitely worth checking out. Wifey and I got the Mango Matcha and the Cream Top Hojicha Latte and enjoyed our drinks. All of the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. Overall, a very cool and aesthetic shop for your next coffee or matcha run! read more
Really strong matcha taste which I like but for those that aren't used to matcha might find it too strong. I got the regular latte which has no sweetener, just whole milk and matcha. The biggest turn off to me about this place is the upcharge to add sweetener and another upcharge to switch to almond or oat milks. And offer no sugar, stevia etc on the side either so you are forced to pay the extra 50 cents for sweetener. Service was fast I got my drink within 10 mins of ordering. Besides the upcharge turn off their matcha quality is great. read more
First Visit To Commons Cafe!! New Coffee Place Located In Industrial Business Complex, Irvine!! Relaxed Atmosphere, Cool Vibes & Trendy Interior Decor!! Friendly Staff & Service!! Menu Offers Coffee Drinks, Specialty Lattes, Matcha, Cream Tops, Loose Leaves Teas & Pastries!! Ordered The Guava Danish Paired With Cream Top Matcha Latte!! Good First Matcha Drink, Creamy & Not Too Sweet!! Line & Service Was Helpful & Courteous!! Will Return Again!! ThankU read more
I was excited to see this cafe open up in Irvine but left disappointed but not surprised to see yet another spot relying more on the vibe than on quality. I ordered their regular matcha latte and opted for their plain salt bread. For a $7 matcha the taste was light and honestly disheartening to see cafes continuously charging high prices on subpar matchas like this. Despite the tiny size of their salt bread I wanted to give it a try which I regretted as it was pretty dry. While I did like the nice aesthetic they had going on, there are many other cafes offering better quality drinks/pastries for the same price. read more
Had a chance to stop by a second time at Common Cafe, a bit after the last time I was there, and it's crazy how even a short span of time can show how much things can change. And in a good way, with my experience. I came here a second time this morning, and evidently, the weekday crowd is definitely less intense than in the morning. The vibes were chill as always, and people there were either working, chilling, or grabbing their quick pick-me-up before leaving. I didn't have to wait long before I got my order, and this time I was able to have a bit of a conversation with one of the workers there. They still gave off that friendly attitude I experienced the first time, and we even talked a bit more about their specialty pour-overs. As mentioned, I'm not a huge coffee expert, but I am a curious person and did ask a bit about their specialty pourovers and prices. After a bit of conversation, I was convinced to try their iced pour-over with the Glitch Colombia Huila Quebraditas beans. The wait wasn't as long, and I was able to get a seat to try the drink, which came out pretty shortly. The staff member I spoke to mentioned that it has a pretty fruity taste, just like the notes written on the card; however, it wasn't too acidic and had a clean taste, just like when I would drink tea. The card mentioned some strawberry and whiskey-like notes, which did come through with each sip and honestly changed my perception of how coffee can and has the potential to taste. Although the pourovers would definitely be a treat for me, the amicable service and time to go over each coffee really shows dedication that this place has to offer and I am excited to come back and see what else they have in store. read more
I got the matcha latte with oatmilk and less sweetness. It was pretty good! It had a dark matcha flavor and tasted smooth. The interior of the cafe is super minimalistic and monochromatic. Would come back, the only downside is that it's a tad bit on the pricier side. My drink came out to be $8.08. Would come back to try something different. read more
11 days ago
4 months ago
Great latte, very balanced flavor profile. Will have to return and try their matcha and pour over. Unique new coffee shop with a more metallic/clean feel. Lots of seating along the hallway, seems like a nice and lowkey place to get work done if needed. read more
13 days ago
5 months ago
the squid ink salt bread was soft and chewy and had great butter flavor :) black sesame pound cake was yummy and not too sweet! the white chocolate topping added some light sweetness. my matcha latte drink was great! not too sweet either and had decent matcha flavor (but not the strongest ive had) i got it sweetened with agave instead of vanilla bc i prefer a matcha forward drink. though i do wish it wasnt a $0.50 surcharge for agave vs vanilla :( the hojicha was pretty good and had some nutty chocolatey flavors. the coffee beans at the register smell super good and are definitely reflective of the descriptions listed! id love to try the pour-overs one day service was so great! the worker was so friendly and sweet. she gave me helpful recommendations when i was deciding between two drink options :) this place is doing well! there was a decent amount of people when i visited on a late sunday morning. i heard they just opened recently. hope business flourishes!! read more
Great vibes and great coffee! It's rare to find a place like this in OC where the vibes are really good and the coffee is quality. Not only do they allow us to smell the beans but all the employees also seem knowledgeable about the coffee. We sat at a table that allowed us to watch the barista make the pourover and we could tell he was experienced and committed to making it good. Excited for this spot! read more
5 months ago
The cafe has a cool, minimalist vibe. The coffee was great, the staff were friendly, and overall I was very satisfied. read more
5 months ago
I had been waiting for this place to open for a few months after hearing about it, especially after seeing that they had collaborated with a coffee roastery in Japan before launching. After several visits, I can confidently say this shop exceeded my expectations. The first thing I tried was their single-origin pour over. They keep a single-origin menu on the counter along with sample tubes of each bean so you can smell them before ordering. During opening weekend, the pour overs ranged from $12-27. If you go the pour over route, I recommend smelling the beans and choosing based on the notes you like the most (and what you're comfortable spending). I went with the Ethiopia Yirgachiffe, and it was delicious. It was my first time trying jasmine washed coffee, and it changed my perspective on what coffee can taste like. I also got the chance to speak with the owner about it; he was really chill and happy to talk about his experience and knowledge of coffee, even while listening to my amateur coffee takes (sorry about that lol). If the over prices are too steep, you can also order an americano and upgrade to a single-origin espresso for an additional $1 (you can also request single-origin on any espresso-based drink). They rotate the single-origin espresso beans frequently, every week it seems like, but so far every one I've tried has been great. It's a good alternative if you want variety without the pour over price (or if you want something different from their standard espresso). Some other drinks I've tried so far: Daidai Latte: My favorite besides the pour overs. Inspired by the Japanese bitter orange, it has a nice bitterness that cuts through the milk, balanced by a bright orange sweetness. I hear they use the same syrup for the tonic, which I definitely want to try next. Mocha: Basically a dessert latte. They use chocolate ganache, so it's sweet, rich and indulgent. I downed this one pretty quick. If you order it iced, you'll also get some tiny chocolate bits with each sip, which adds a nice texture. Hojicha Latte: Very smooth and balanced with a nutty taste. I personally prefer a toastier hojicha, but the quality is still excellent. All in all, this might honestly be the best coffee shop in Orange County in my opinion. The level of care they put into sourcing and making the coffee, as well as the consistency across visits hard to match. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this place goes from here. read more
If you are looking for a coffee shop that focuses on delivering flavor through high quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, this is the place for you! The matcha tonic and espresso tonic are both so yummy and refreshing. As a lactose intolerant girly, I appreciate the variety of drinks that are dairy free. I also like that there are coffee beans that you can smell, paired with descriptions of origin and taste to help you decide on which coffee to order. Theres also an assortment of baked goods to choose from. The financier and egg tart were delicious. My drinks were made quickly despite the cafe being quite busy on a Saturday afternoon. The interior is sleek and modern with plenty of seating. I will definitely return to try the coffee pourovers in store. read more
2 months ago
great chilling atmosphere here. Tried Hojicha Latte, taste great and pretty big cup too. There are also varieties of coffee beans available. Lovely place to hang read more
2 months ago
Such a gem! Hard to find. Go towards the umbrellas in this remote area surrounded by offices. Ham and cheese croissant is so good and so are all the drinks! This place is so cute. I sent photos to my kids because this is really a great spot for high school and college students. Not loud, super friendly and very chic! read more
5 months ago
Just checked out one of Irvine's newest coffee spots and I'm seriously impressed. They offer an incredible selection of beans sourced from Japan, Taiwan, and local specialty roasters, and the team really knows their stuff they took the time to walk me through the flavor notes of their single-origin options, which made the experience even better. The space itself has a clean, brutalist design that gives it a modern, minimalist vibe perfect for enjoying a great cup of coffee. Everything from the atmosphere to the quality of the coffee was on point. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to explore more of their beans! read more
2 months ago
A very aesthetic, pleasing café with decent customer service, although on the pricier end of other cafés, the café offers a nice and sleek interior with a nice display and a very nice and clean restroom. I had their matcha with cream top and it was good. The cashier had said that the drink would be sweet, but I found it more on the bitter end and the cold foam wasn't really sweet at all. Overall, I wouldn't come back for the drink, but the vibes were cool! read more
2 months ago
Great place to hang out with a friend and catch up! I went with a friend to study on a Monday at 9 am and the place had a few tables open. I got the Hojicha Cream Top and my friend got the Daidai latte. When ordering the Hojicha Cream Top, note that it isn't sweetened so make sure to add sweetener if you are someone that prefers more flavorful drinks (even if it adds a bit of money). From my understanding, this place uses styles that are Japan-based and the execution was good! I wouldn't recommend this place for studying, however, as there are limited tables that are large enough to fit two, much less, one person. The tables most available are tiny circular tables with only one seat that is comfortable for table use, and a wall seat that is quite high in comparison, making it a bit uncomfortable. In addition, I couldn't find any available outlets to plug my laptop charger. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place for people coming to hangout and spend time with friends, but it if your looking for a study spot, I would suggest you grab a drink and find a workspace elsewhere. read more
2 months ago
I am an Irvine local and, since I've discovered this place, all other coffee shops within the OC area are pretty much dead to me. This is THE best coffee shop in Orange County for third wave coffee enthusiasts. 1. It's so consistent. The biggest issue with cafes for me is consistency. Whether the espresso shot is over or under extracted, it's hard to find a cafe with consistently tuned coffee. Other third wave coffee shops like Play in OC have similar offerings but the consistency in the execution just isn't there. I've been here at least 10 times, and it's never been a miss. 2. They serve single origin espresso. It's so rare to find this because most coffee shops don't bother to tune single origin beans (makes sense as there usually is little demand for it w the price increase). If anything, they will only serve it as a pourover, which is just good but isn't as fun imo. The offerings I've had from Commons have uniquely distinct, isolable flavors -- ambrosia, floral perfection. 3. I love the fact their owner/founder is always there working behind the counter as a barista. That's just how you know this shop is dedicated to their craft. 4. I love their matcha and cold foam. I love the added detail of the card explaining the origin of the matcha. 5. Their collab with Glitch?? F***KKKKK [INSERT EXPLETIVE] read more
3 months ago
Salted bread 5/5 !!! So good!!! Ambience 5/5 Service 5/5!! But Coffee 3/5 ...not very special.. read more
3 months ago
This is definitely one of my favorite cafes right now. I love the interior and the drinks are a fair price and tasty. The matcha was smooth and also the perfect shade of green and I really like that it comes unsweetened. I also really enjoyed the seasonal fruit tea which is lychee black tea right now. I would definitely come back again for both drinks and I really want to try the breads and vanilla latte next. The customer service was great and I found the staff to be very kind and sweet. The seating is ample for the space and it's not overly bright and the music is calming and not loud, which makes it the perfect place to get work done. read more
5 months ago
First time visiting and ordered an oat cap and hojicha latte. The Hojicha latte was very watered down like other reviews mentioned -- it tasted like I was drinking tea that I make at home but with foam and barely any milk. The cappuccino was under extracted and had too much acidity, so it was pretty sour. Service was very friendly and plenty of seating on a weekend morning. Parking is ample but fills up quickly. read more
5 months ago
Visited this cafe on a whim after seeing it on social media and it didn't disappoint! Me and my friend ordered the hojicha latte and daidai latte and both were fantastic. The drinks are not on the sweeter side, but the actual taste of the coffee and hojicha were great. The hojicha had a great nutty and umami flavor, while the daidai latte had just the right amount of sweetness with the orange flavoring (this is probably my new favorite go to drink). The interior was clearly designed with intention and I can see why a lot of people appreciate it so much. Customer service was also great, front staff did not mind taking the time to go through the menu clearly and ask any questions we had. Lots of seating and great spots to sit and study/work! Will be coming back! read more
4 months ago
Aesthetically pleasing space and atmosphere, however product was not up to par. I love trying new cafés in my area, which offer tea, matcha, and coffee. The hype around this place must have been from the friends of the owner, perhaps. Service was okay, greeting upon entrance was non existent, however upon exiting, it was a bit better. I tried three different drinks, and none of them were memorable in a good way. I have had a few different drinks with citrus, but the DaiDai here had a very subtle citrus taste and the milk ended up being the most prevalent. I was excited to try the Hojicha, but it also wasn't great. I tried two different variations, one sweetened with agave, which you have to pay extra for, coupled with a cream top, and one as is. Great equipment, great vibe, great space, but I came for the product. They are in their soft opening still, so maybe things will improve as time goes on. read more
Stopped by Commons Cafe on a Monday morning and it was hustling and bustling for a weekday, given it was also a holiday. The line was slightly out the door, but it was moving somewhat quick! You are greeted by the dark and metallic interior with a long corridor of seats/stools and small tables along the wall. Not much table space to comfortably utilize as a workspace, but definitely a cute spot to chill/catch up with folks! There's also outdoor seating with patio lounge chairs, which is nice in the summer! At the counter, there were about 4 pastries/croissant options for the day - didn't opt to try it this time, but maybe on my next visit! Now for the drinks! The DaiDai latte sounded like a unique specialty drink, so I decided to give that a try. It was a latte with brown sugar and orange syrup. The flavor combo was not too sweet and oddly reminded me of fruity pebbles cereal! The matcha einspanner was typical - strong earth flavor, but wished it was a little more smooth on the tongue. Overall, it's a nice coffee shop that gives LA vibes in the mist of OC corporate park. read more
1 month ago
My first visit, and it turned out to be the priciest single-origin Americano I've ever had. My wife questioned the price, and the staff confirmed it was correct because the coffee is from Japan. The coffee was okay, though somewhat weak, and I don't think it deserves the $12.50 charge. read more
3 months ago
100/10 . It is the most authentic matcha I've tried. It feels like I traveled to Japan. Please make bigger sizes though!!!! read more
3 months ago
Dear Yelp Community, I visited this new coffee shop for the first time. Located right under the flight path for John Wayne Airport, this is somewhat hidden from the busy streets near the airport. Great ambiance, appealing design, a variety of indoor seating (with outdoor seating from the commercial center), friendly service, and a simple food menu of various Asian-influenced options. I recommend this venue if you are looking for a drink, not very hungry, and a nice atmosphere that is in a quiet location (except for when planes fly over). Well wishes. Sincerely, Anna read more
1 month ago
Excellent beverages. The bacon scone was okay. The scone itself was a good texture but the bacon was really tough. The drinks were amazing some of the best coffee and matcha I've had in a long time read more
More info about Commons Cafe
17941 Sky Park Cir
Ste D
Irvine, CA 92614
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