Common Grounds Coffee House & Cafe — Restaurant in Gretna

Pros- In a cute area, it’s open on Sundays, and most other local restaurants are closed, which is how we ended up here. It’s somewhat appealing, and it looks family-owned. We waited about 15 -20 minutes to be seated. Our waitress was sweet, and the previous owner, who her sister-in-law now owns. Con’s- We waited about 40-45 mins for the food until we asked our waitress what our food's status was. The food came out immediately after asking for a status. We ordered a kid's grilled cheese sandwich with French fries, Lizette’s medium-cooked tuna mixed greens salad, medium rare steak, eggs, and grits. The food came out cold. I got lettuce instead of mixed greens vegetables, which were old and brown. The fries and grilled cheese and steak were also cold. We send the food back immediately. Once the food returned, we noticed that the grilled cheese had just been reheated, and she got three slides instead of 4. The steak that was ordered medium rare was now fully cooked and unseasoned, and the mixed green salad was still just lettuce with overcooked tuna. I mentioned the salad still only had lettuce, and I was told they never serve it in mixed green vegetables and that the menu was wrong. When we asked about the grilled cheese, they said it only comes with three slides, and if we had an extra one, it was by mistake. We did get half of the salad. Additionally the hallway taking you yo the bathroom smell like urine and the floors were slippery. In all this location was extremely disappointing. This was our first time here, and we wanted to like it. We left to go eat somewhere else. However, there's another cute restaurant up the street with excellent food and...

So my daughter ordered take out Mind you I have never had a bad experience here(one of my favorite places actually) but I went and talked to the owner because I have known her not personally but in a professional manner However their are always two sides to the story not satisfied with what she told me I called her back once we got home because my husband and I pride ourself on repect especially from my children Long story short my daughter was the customer and she should have not been treated and told how much product you wasted because she asked for her drink to be remade. Needless to say I wanted to keep it classy and I refuse to get into a heated argument about a cup and some tea. My family and I now have to find another favorite place because we will never go back there Who touches a straw that the customer drinks out of to stir the tea? Unsanitary and unsatisfactory service If the tables were turned you would have felt the same way and If I were an owner I woruld have fixed the situation With a smile and oh you lied on my child and said she came And demanded you make her another drink thats why I called you to confirm that she was not disrespectful once we got home because it wasn't sitting right with me but I can tell you treated her baD bc she was almost and tears and when I came in their your demeanor was subpar Ughhh this has me sooo angry You lost a faithful customer..... After all of this I still didn't yell get disrespectful or treat you bad...

Eat here a lot. Fantastic breakfasts at good prices. Coffee flows freely. Lunch and dinner are not far behind in quality and value. Great neighborhood place. They have survived the pandemic restrictions and are still there. And they still adhere to the safety guidelines. Get the blueberry pancakes.

Adding to this in December, 2023

I am updating my review from 2021. A lot has happened since then. The pandemic hit and took its toll on the restaurant and staff. Kai Yee Chin, (co-owner of Common Grounds with his wife, Gaye), - passed from this life on November 13, 2023 after a very long illness. His family's decision to continue to serve at Common Grounds, in accord with his wishes, is a celebration of Kai's life and life's work, with his wife and family. Changes have been made in scheduling to accommodate post Covid realties, but there is a new joy there now that Kai is at peace. Please come if you've not been here in awhile or have never been to Common Grounds. Note the new hours and try the new specials on Wednesday night which include BBQ smoked brisket, ribs and/or sausage with macaroni, potatoes salad or smothered cabbage sides. All other menu items and specials are still available. Be sure to look at the Christmas decorations included with this review. The joy in moving forward is contagious. Also there is outside seating in the front where dogs are welcome with their humans, if the humans are...