Commonplace Coffee — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Commonplace Coffee has an earned reputation for being the hippest coffee shop in Squirrel Hill. If you're already in the neighborhood this is a great place to come for a top notch cup of coffee, pull of espresso, or quality latte art.

Many Pittsburgh businesses happily use the Commonplace beans for their house coffee, and the minimalist logo can be seen on hats, totes and hydroflasks all around the city. As a result of this local fame, the Squirrel Hill location is almost always thick with coffee connoisseurs. If you can find a seat on the weekend this is an excellent place to catch up with friends, do some reading, or bust out some homework. It is also a great place to run into a familiar face or two. Squirrel Hill is a very tight knit community and this is definitely the preferred daytime watering hole for most of us (rivaling Coffee Tree Roasters across the street).

Be warned, the word is out on Commonplace. I mentioned above that this shop has an earned reputation, and it has become a very high traffic venue. For this reason the furniture layout was recently reworked to accomodate more customers. The change was definitely a blessing for the Commonplace groupies, but on a cold Saturday afternoon the extra seating is still sucked up like a shallow puddle into a parched sponge.

The weekend saturation is a blessing and a curse. Obviously it means that the business is rightfully thriving due to its competitive standards. This benefits the business owner, and the killer baristas who earn their tips with skill and flare. On the flip side, the business has become so popular that it can't always accomodate the fans that enjoy drinking coffee while cooling their heels among post industrial vibes and quiet indie tunes. This exclusivity only drives the hip factor higher, and tends to stretch the line at the register. I write this review with guilty bitterness. I am a long time patron that is slowly finding that one of my favorite coffee shops might not be as dependable as I remember. BUT at the end of the day I'm more than willing to sit outside in the cold...

One of my favorite Pittsburgh coffee shops, definitely the best in Squirrel Hill, and an indubitable five stars. I've been coming here consistently since they made their foray into the city and opened this location several years ago, and I drink their product almost every day. Originally based in Indiana, PA, they've since moved their roasting operations to nearby Homewood. You can expect their coffee to be roasted within the past week or so.

Consider trying the cappuccino, pour-over or cold brew, but anything is fair game. Roasts are generally on the lighter side. They make some of their own flavor syrups, as well. Tea selection is smallish but diverse and good for my taste (I'm typically here for coffee).

Space is often crowded, seating not the comfiest, don't always count on a seat if you're here on a weekend. WiFi isn't great either.

Staff is knowledgeable and generally friendly, too.

Beans are a bit pricey but cheaper than, say, Intelligentsia, and worth the money. They also offer a free small drip coffee with beans purchase (though you may...

One of my favorite coffee shops in Pittsburgh! I came here multiple times a week to work and study or talk with my partner. On nice days you can sit outside and relax at their tables on Forbes Ave which is beautiful especially in the mornings 😊

I'd recommend trying their seasonal lattes like the maple and ginger latte. They also make good tea! I paid $6 for their seasonal latte but you can get regular coffee for less.

Peaceful ambience with calm music, but sometimes rock/punk music light in the background. There is great natural light from the windows and lots of plants and locally made art. You can also buy coffee beans here as well as art and merch (nice t-shirts). AND they have gluten...