Common Grounds Corner — Restaurant in District of Tuggeranong

Food good. Service terrible. I really want to like this place. I really do. It is the sort of cafe that is so rare on the southside but common in the inner north of Canberra. But the service has gone so far downhill that I can no longer keep going back. Which is a pity because it is my local cafe. If it was just one incident I could excuse that but it has become the norm. Yesterday’s example: my wife and I entered and sat down. It wasn’t particularly crowded. I proceeded to tell my wife how I thought the standard of the service had dropped dramatically from when the place opened. She asked if I wanted to go somewhere else. I said no, it should be fine. My mistake. We were ignored. Eventually my wife got up and got the menus. Then we waited some more. There were 5 staff behind the counter. So then she went and got one of the staff to come and take our order. After a while our coffees arrived. Without the milk I ordered. I got up and requested that. After 25 minutes our food (a croissant and fruit toast) still hadn’t arrived. Our coffees were cold. I’d had enough so we got up to pay for our coffees and told them to forget about the food. The guy behind the counter had the nerve to have a go at ME! I still haven’t worked out what for. The female at the register was apologetic. When Common Grounds first opened and I was going there regularly there was a young female staff member who really set the standard for service. As soon as you sat down she would bring menus and water and ask if you wanted to start with anything. She would return and take your order. She would check again later if there was anything else you needed. Always smiling and friendly. There is no one like that there now. I hope it picks up. I’ll go back in six months or...

Upon entering Common Grounds Gowrie, the initial interaction was rather lackluster, with no welcoming gesture from the staff. I had to initiate contact to request a table. An added inconvenience arose when our server couldn't provide the price of an omelette, which curiously, was also missing from the menu.

The tables, though small, would have been acceptable had they been clean. Despite the evident busyness of the cafe, a few moments to wipe down crumbs from the previous patrons would have made a world of difference.

On the brighter side, the staff, while stretched, managed to retain their friendliness and operated efficiently. The cafe offers varied seating options, from indoor areas to a somewhat weathered outdoor space, and even a dedicated dog-friendly section at the front.

Our beverages were satisfactory, with the coffee being notably pleasant. The bacon and egg rolls we opted for were generous in their fillings, boasting double bacon and eggs. However, a scarce application of the tomato relish left the roll somewhat dry and lacking in flavor. It's worth noting that the price was reasonable for the serving size.

Our dessert choice, the Toro Pancakes, unfortunately, didn't live up to expectations. The presentation was a bit lackluster compared to the tantalizing online photos, and the pancakes themselves left much to be desired. A slight burn and the absence of syrup made for a less than satisfying end to our meal.

The ambiance was lifted slightly by the enjoyable background music.

While every cafe can have its off days, my experience at Common Grounds Gowrie wasn't one I'd care to repeat. While I won't be returning and hesitate to recommend, it's possible this was just an off...

Common Ground Coffee is a delightful gem for coffee lovers and those seeking a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee sets the tone for an exceptional experience.

The menu offers a variety of expertly crafted beverages, from rich, full-bodied espresso to creative seasonal specialities. Their baristas demonstrate both skill and passion, ensuring each cup is prepared to perfection. For non-coffee drinkers, their selection of teas and other beverages is equally impressive.

The ambience strikes a perfect balance between cosy and modern, making it ideal for catching up with friends, diving into work, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a book. The staff are consistently friendly and attentive, creating an environment that feels personal and genuine.

The food options are equally noteworthy, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients in everything from pastries to light lunch offerings. Quality and care are at the heart of everything they do.

Common Ground Coffee truly stands out as a community-focused café where excellence meets authenticity. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a standout...