Common Bond Bistro & Bakery — Restaurant in Houston

I was very put off by my experience here. The location on Westheimer is much more friendly, but I live just down the street so I thought it would be convenient. When I walked in there were a few people sitting at tables but it wasn’t incredibly busy. I waited at the register for a few minutes for someone to greet me or acknowledge that I wanted to place an order. When someone did arrive he asked for my name, then asked if I was picking up. I said no but I would like to place an order, and asked if that was alright. He said it was but then he made a comment about how it was difficult to watch the register and do everything else. I ordered a croissant and an iced americano.

The second issue I had was when I asked for a “splash of cream” (in my mind a one second pour), the barista poured 1/4-1/2 cup of cream in! My picture is not of an iced latte; an iced americano should definitely not look like this unless requested. It was in drinkable so I threw it away. If you like your coffee with a splash of anything, be specific about your quantities - lesson learned. That being said they do make lovely croissants and other pastries so if you want a nice treat, order pickup.

Overall, very little hospitality; definitely will consider other options for a quick coffee before returning.

• I am looking forward to giving this place another chance since the manager is so sweet, and I genuinely had a wonderful impression of the...

I have mixed feelings about this place. I've been here 3 times in the past few months.

The first time I went for breakfast, I can't recall what I got but I remember thinking it was good enough to return.

The second time I went, I got the Nashville Hot Chicken for dinner to go. I was surprised at how fast the food came out but when I got home, I was extremely disappointed. Parts of the bread tasted dry and stale and the edges of the chicken were so dry and tough that I had to pick it off. I live only a 3 minute walk from this place so it's not like I waited too long after receiving the food that it would go bad. It seemed to me that they must have pre-made the food and reheated it. I would have returned the food but I was already home and had a long day. I could manage to finish most of it so that's why I left 3 stars.

The third time, I went for breakfast again. And it was easily 4 stars. In fact, I would give the pasties 5 stars. I got lox on toast and my boyfriend got the Chef's Scramble. The food appeared and tasted fresh. I have no complaints about the breakfast. Avoid going on Sunday around 11am if you don't like crowds. It was very busy and cramped when I went but that didn't bother me.

Overall, I would recommend this place for breakfast and pastries. I may try dinner here again soon just to see if my dinner experience here was an anomaly. I'm all about...

Do you enjoy overpaying for your food and eating in a cramped, self-serve dining room? Then Common Bond is for you!

We paid over $40, and waited over 20 minutes for two unremarkable breakfast items. BTW, the register requires you to tip - it doesn't have a "no tip" option. So we tipped $6 for counter service. One item had potatoes - but we both thought it was bread or cake (its not good when you can't identify what's on your plate).

While sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other customers at a tiny table, we witnessed a staffer hand food/plates to diners from one hand while carrying/using a broom and dustbin in the other hand. Hope he hadn't just cleaned the restroom with those hands!

Don't worry though, your time under the wonky AC will go quickly due to the underwhelming portions. However, if you aspire to see and be seen in a trendy fashion, this may be your place. BUT... you won't meet Schwifty here. I have no plans to return.

SUMMARY: Very little value for dollar spent, cramped uncomfortable conditions. Cleaning crew serves food. Two stars for not charging for a 2nd teabag, and having a Shell with reasonable gas prices...