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    The Common Cup

    4.4 (54 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    The Common Cup Photos

    Business Info

    THE COMMON CUP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for working
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Common Cup

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    Kevin C.

    Vibes on vibes from this little underground café. Found in the basement of the University Lutheran Church, you'll find a really cool entrance with simple yet warm embrace. The sense of community and everyone belonging is found here. Featuring a fully decked out coffee bar with pastries and board games on the side - opening up to a spacious area filled with tables and chairs lit up by subtle lighting with art on every wall space, it's the perfect spot to catch up with friends and family or to work (which is what a lot of UM students come here to do). The coffee here isn't too bad and it's a non-profit organization so I'm happy to support. We almost lost track of time by how much we were enjoying ourselves in this space.

    It's a vibe.
    Tyler S.

    A new favorite hang and a great chai latte. A special bonus that the very cool space occupies the basement of the University Lutheran Church next door to the Chi Omega Sorority. But to the God-Shy, don't let that deter you. The vibe is a buzz with good music, friends catching up, the dice of a board game hitting the hardwood and of course the tap, tap, tapping of UM students tackling their latest assignment. Finally the abundant string lighting, rotating art, and vintage barista bar (with an undoubtedly storied past) sets the scene. Don't miss.

    iced almond joy latte
    Paulina T.

    I love the vibe in here. They're always playing chill music that can be good for getting work done or hanging out. That being said, I don't love their coffee and drinks. I've tried a few of their coffee drinks and their matcha. Their iced matcha wasn't made properly and there was clumps of matcha powder at the bottom of my glass. While I didn't love their coffee drinks/espresso, I know my friends would like it. Overall, don't love their drinks, but I've been here to work many times in the past few days! Priorities coming here are the coffeehouse vibes, but not the coffee.

    a smoothie with a green straw
    Vaiva R.

    Best study spot and best coffee around. This shop is the best hidden gem around Ann Arbor because all of the workers are so friendly, and the space can be used for almost any occasion! There is always board games, puzzles and the best coffee shop music. Overall, a great place to be at, never too crowded.

    Current art exhibition
    Rebecca C.

    Delicious, lovely and strong espresso (Hyperion is wonderful!) and kind baristas. Quirky, in the basement of the church, has rotating art exhibitions and plenty of study space. Unique to the U of M campus area it has free parking (that it shares with the church). Sometimes drinks here take longer but that is because they are better quality and they are made the old fashioned way (pulling shots) and not on an fully automatic machine (in the way they would be at Starbucks). I personally don't mind waiting five minutes for better quality espresso, but keep in mind that if you're in a rush it might not be your go to place.

    Liz K.

    Here's a list of things I love about Common Cup: - Bizarre but convenient location (frat row on washtenaw, next to Angell Elementary) - Quiet - Fast, reliable wifi - Friendly baristas - Community environment (kid & board game friendly) - Decent coffee and snacks - Tons of seating and tables - Open late; take THAT Mighty Good! I've found the specialty drinks to be hit or miss. The baristas may be sweethearts, but they're not especially knowledgeable or talented. The "old college chai" was surprisingly tasty, but some of the lattes were definitely misses. In other words, stick to what you know you like here, and remember that you're here for the work/social environment as much as the beverages!

    Isn't their logo cute?
    Kate T.

    I'm going to start this review with a warning: you're in for a mushy read. Brace yourself. I started going to Common Cup because my roommate said that she'd heard it was good and closer than our usual spot. I think I've been back almost weekly since then. I have a lot to say here, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Described below is a list of what I really enjoyed and what I felt a bit iffy about. Skip to the end for a summary if you don't want to read everything in between! I loved... The COFFEE. I haven't experimented a ton with the menu because their mocha is to die for and it honestly hurts a little to come here and not get one. It's not too sweet, but not bitter either, and it's got the right amount of coffee to leave you energized but not jittery. I've also had their London Fog, which tasted a bit Christmas-y for me but was still good, their Chai latte, which was deliciously creamy, and their hot chocolate, also a fan favorite. I always fall back to the mocha though. They've also got self-serve water in these cute mint-green cups, which I appreciate because I need to stay hydrated when drinking coffee. The PORTIONS. They don't skimp here. The mugs are sizeable and filled to the brim. Seriously. They overflow if you bump the table. Also, if you choose to get whipped cream on your drink, don't expect a dollop. They layer it waaaaaay up. Be prepared, and get excited. The PRICE. There's only a 25 cent difference between a small and medium mocha ($3.75), which seems very reasonable to me for the amount you're getting. Also, it spells less guilt for choosing a medium over a small (added bonus). The DECOR. They've done a beautiful job with the decor. There's gorgeous paintings lining the walls. They're constantly changing them, either moving or putting up new ones, so the walls are never boring to look at. It's simultaneously cute and sophisticated, a difficult and impressive line to walk. The SEATING. They have plenty of seating, including two person tables, four person tables, couches, and individual lounge chairs. The seats, despite being wooden, are very comfortable. I often sit in them for hours without any pain, which is rare and refreshing. The ACCOMMODATIONS. They have extension cords EVERYWHERE. Seriously, there's two at every outlet, and there's a lot of outlets. If you have a long charger, it can usually reach the cords from the middle tables too. It's rather convenient for us laptop users who constantly forgot to charge their devices overnight (whoops). The SERVICE. Every time I've come in, I was greeted with big smiles and sunny attitudes. Every cashier that I've ever encountered has been cheerful and invariably makes my day better. One guy even went out of his way to tell me he hoped my day was miraculous. It was one of those unexpected experiences that leaves you smiling for the rest of the day. The ATMOSPHERE. The music is subtle enough to work with even if you don't have headphones, people are never too loud, the actual coffee-making is never above an obnoxious volume, the lighting is just bright enough to work with comfortably but not too bright so as to cause headaches, and the temperature is somehow always perfect no matter what I'm wearing. It's the perfect place to work. I WAS iffy about... The fact that it's in a church. I was wary about going to a coffee shop with a strong religious leaning. I respect everyone's right to their own beliefs and assume I will be afforded the same considerations. I was concerned that this choice of workspace would not be conducive of that expectation. Despite my reservations, I decided to try it, and was pleasantly surprised. Seldom have I found a more ACCEPTING environment. Everyone I've met in Common Cup, from customers to cashiers, has been overwhelmingly kind and amiable. I've never felt pressured or judged in any way, and I feel endlessly comfortable there. Literally NOTHING else. I love this place. TL:DR Common Cup is one of my favorite places on campus to do work or just relax. The coffee is fantastic, the people are better, and I'm addicted to the vibe it gives off. It's welcoming and cozy, a great place to write an essay or catch up with an old friend (I've done both here). I can't say enough about how Common Cup has completely won my heart. If I could give it 15 stars, I would. Don't let the fact that it's in a church deter you if you're not Christian. It's a lovely spot for all. Overall, a top-notch shop for college students or anyone else that has a hankering for a good mocha.

    A Simple Example how I can make a disaster @ Free Paint Night
    Harish V.

    Cool Ambience Friendly Staff Free Parking Free wifi Clean restrooms Free events like paint nights Good spot if you want to work in a calm atmosphere and don't want to worry about parking.

    Yae Sul J.

    This is definitely a place I can get down to study. It's super quiet so if you're into that it can help you focus. I do listen to my music while I get my study vibes on - and the WiFi was good and had the cutest password (you'll see it when you get there). Also they have enough outlets to charge your electronics which is necessary for me when studying :p I had my usual americano which was decent The paintings on the wall of local artists were definitely worth looking at in between my study session. In summary, Would come back to study here again for sure.

    Madi A.

    Probably one of Ann Arbor's best kept secrets. This spacious café is the prime location to sit down with a good book, to study for exams, or simply enjoy the atmosphere with friends, playing one of their many stashes of board games. The staff are extremely courteous and helpful, more than happy to french press ground beans sourced from places like Guatemala and Honduras or steam milk for a big, delicious cup of hot cocoa. Attending the University of Michigan over the past four years, I failed to discover this cozy little place just off UM's south campus. Soon becoming an official Ann Arbor "townie" post-graduation, I'm 110% planning on coming back to cuddle up in one of their armchairs with my next great read. I recommend immensely!!!

    Latte with whipped cream on the side
    Joshua S.

    My favorite study spot close to campus. A fantastic environment for work or meet ups with light music, board games, comfortable seating, and frequently updated local art hanging on the walls. I always have a pot of their seasonal tea every time I go; baked apple tea in the winter and pear mango tea in the summer. On top of having an amazing aroma, the tea can be served hot or iced and the pots can be re-steeped unlimited times.

    Caramel latte - they're very generous with their whipped cream!

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    9 months ago

    amazing coffee shop and community! delicious coffee and pastries- great study spot for umich students

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    All good here and hours that fit my rather late drink wants. Nice seating and other food and drink options. I'll be back again.

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    4 years ago

    Great atmosphere to get work done and enjoy a latte. They have puzzles and games as well, if you're looking for something to do.

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    Ask the Community - The Common Cup

    Do they have car parking?

    Yes

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    The inside! Clean and Modern!
    The inside! Clean and Modern!
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    Bagel sammie and cold brew with cold foam!
    Cherry Cheesecake

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    Cherry Cheesecake
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    Photos
    Inside of Cloud Bread ($6) - light, fluffy bread with butter cream filling and strawberry jam. The bread is just slightly too dry.
    Inside of Cloud Bread ($6) - light, fluffy bread with butter cream filling and strawberry jam. The bread is just slightly too dry.
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    Sweet Potato Cream Bread ($2.80) - very soft and fluffy. Surface is covered in cake crumbs.
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    Inside of Croffle ($4) - croissant waffle hybrid. Not great. Not crispy, just dense.

    The Common Cup - coffee - Updated August 2026

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