The Common Cup — Restaurant in Rogers Park Township

I feel very lucky to live just a block from Common Cup. Over the past 5.5 years, I've stopped there often before running to the "L" on the way to work to grab a piece of quiche, egg sandwich, or one of their delicious pastries (their pain au chocolat is amazing--and their almond croissants are, hands-down, my favorite outside of Paris! Seriously). During the Pandemic, it's also reassuring to know that this business with its friendly and welcoming staff is right down the street --and open for take out.

(During "normal" times), they have ample seating in the front room (great for working remotely or people watching)--and a back room with tons of additional seating as well. Hanging out in this light-filled cafe always feels uplifting.

Common Cup has a strong commitment to the community, always displaying interesting art on the walls from local artists, facilitating clothing drives, and selling items (coasters, ceramic mugs, gloves, candles, etc.) from local artisans. I'd love to see even more items like this available!

Lately, with the new owners, I believe they've been expanding their food selections, which is great. (Just as long as they keep their almond croissants, I'm happy).

If I have any suggestions at all, I'd love to see someone from CC respond to the questions people post in response to CC's Facebook posts, as I often have the same questions. I'd also love for the place to stay open later (alas, this is my hope for all Chicago coffee shops, where evening hours just don't seem to be a thing--unlike many other cities) and perhaps host some live music (perhaps on the patio), as I usually have to work the hours they're open. I'd definitely hang out there in the evenings if I could.

They even have a printer here that's available for use (for pay)--super convenient if you'r printer is always out of ink (like mine is)!

Super-lucky to have this place in our neighborhood! Thank you.

Editing my review May, 2023 (and removing a star): Lately, I’ve been disappointed in the customer service and atmosphere. There’s one particular worker that seems like he absolutely hates his job and all of the patrons and can barely be bothered to help them. He won’t greet people who are waiting in line, won’t smile when it’s your turn, and seems much more attuned to the other workers than to the people who are, you know, actually paying for stuff. He acts like each item I ask for is a huge inconvenience— and makes little effort to be efficient. I feel almost invisible. Most of the other workers seem all right and almost try to overcompensate for his lack of basic customer service skills. I was in line earlier today – – but saw how rude and bored he was acting with the customer in front of me, so I walked out. I wouldn’t want to bore him with my business. Even though I live half a block away, I’d almost rather walk a half mile...

I write a lot enjoy or don't, not my business.

TL:DR I come here to relax and enjoy my drinks in a nice community hang-out space. One of the rare 3rd spaces where you can just be. You need to stop by to feel the connection you will have with everything.

OK long ranting go!

They have light bakery goods and some breakfast quiches. Sandwiches and oatmeal. It's some good noms you will brag to others about.

I come over, order a tea, have it refilled with some hot water now and then, and sit and enjoy the atmosphere for hours while listening to music or the daily chatter that recharges, or stretch out, your social energy in a more passive way.

Enjoy a cup of some good coffee of the many they have. If that's not your thing then have some tea with the many types and flavor shots. I am having a tangerine ginger herbal tea with a shot of rose cardamom. Like actual flavors that go well with tea and not in a crazy expensive boutique?! Prices are very fair. Starbucks honestly is more expensive in my opinion.

I try not talking about the people who work there cause it feels like a judgement on people not the establishment sometimes while not even knowing them. They are nice, friendly, and real. None are alike yet all give off the same great energy you feel good to be around.

Great pit stop, but I recommend coming often and enjoying the sense of connection. You will feel enveloped with the rest of the community too. Local artists hang up their art for view and purchase. Even the walls are fun geometric dimensions to just observe.

It's difficult to describe but if you have a moment to sit down and breathe, here it is. If you want to be alone but not by yourself, here it is. If you want to meet up some friends and enjoy time together, here it is. If you want to meet up to plan your grocery trip with your SO where morse market is right next to it over a cup of coffee in the morning, here it is. (That one is very specific)

Trying to describe it more cont.

It's your living room, it's your kitchen, it's your parlor, it's your back yard where you see your neighbors without the need to talk to them. Or you can. It's a rare 3rd space and it's open in the mornings. They love the community with all the local posters that people ask to hang and seem to always add more and more inclusive living in the city.

Lastly

Take a break, sit, drink, breath in, the world outside can wait till you take your "your" time. Let your imagination wander, you are a traveler in a new city while staring out the windows. You are a secret agent sitting in the corner watching out for enemies, you are reading a book in the arm chair lightly imagining the story going on, being able to be enraptured by the words with no interruptions. All while enjoying a place you feel it's encouraged to...

If I could leave this place zero stars for the customer service experience I encountered today. I would. Around 9am December 11,2024 I ordered a cappuccino, which wasn't too satisfying to taste. I literally took one sip and asked the employee to add sugar due to it tasting like a cup of expresso and its cappuccino. She added simple syrup and it still tasted really bitter. I then told the lady who was working that morning that I didn't like it can it be made over or replaced with something else on the menu. She took my cup and poured it out. Me thinking it'll be made over. She told me i’ll have to pay for it to be made over or replaced with something else. I kindly told her I didn't drink the cappuccino and just wasn't satisfied. She stated this wasn't “Starbucks” and had so much attitude like she wasn't at work talking to a customer. I never received a good experience. She was very rude and had a nasty attitude. I then asked for my cappuccino back she told me no she poured it out. Didn't offer me a refund or a simple sorry for me not liking my order. Her co-worker then came over and attacked me. I just left. The whole experience was rude and made me feel like an unwanted paying customer. No manager was not on duty for me to even talk to. And based on the response from some reviews, this kind of attitude is common. Sad because I really wanted to...