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Welcome to Common Grounds Café

At Common Grounds Café, nestled in Raleigh, NC, we strive to be a beloved community hub for students and locals alike. Our story began with a simple mission: to craft delicious and affordable food and coffee that fuel your day. Featuring an array of sandwiches, wraps, and signature treats like our renowned Zebra Mocha, we prioritize quality and flavor. Patrons have praised our fast, friendly service and the cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect stop for late-night study sessions or casual gatherings. With standout options like luscious cinnamon rolls and locally made ice cream, we invite you to discover your new favorite spot on campus.

Common Grounds Café: Reviews & Ratings

Penny Barboza
Penny Barboza

As an evening student with late hours, the crafted coffee is a life saver, and the location a definite advantage.

Benjamin Watson
Benjamin Watson

Good coffee, quickly and inexpensively made. Friendly staff. And... Howling Cow ice cream --- locally made over the hill. One of the few places in town where you can buy it.

Jaimica Wilkins
Jaimica Wilkins

Since reopening under new management, the food is excellent. I am enjoying the variety from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Good is reasonably priced for the quality.

Ariel Tarrand
Ariel Tarrand

Love this place! I don't drink coffee, but their hot cocoa is lovely and the whipped cream tastes real and they don't skimp on it. Service is super fast and friendly. They have a microwave so you can heat up your food as much as you want. Lots of refrigerated options, the sandwiches and wraps are a little pricey but very tasty. And the cinnamon rolls, oh my GOD. Heaven, seriously just go treat yourself to a giant gooey cinnamon roll. I have tried so many different cinnamon rolls in my life and these are some of the best ever. This place is the best part of Centennial.

Kristine Amari
Kristine Amari

The ice cream is fantastic and the coffee is great too. Convenient location on campus and lots of snack and food options for people studying in the library or visiting for a conference. The table area is a little small and the lines can get long when its busy, however, and the parking can be tricky too.

Nicolas G
Nicolas G

Best place for an iced chai! Love it. Mandatory stop before going to study at the library. Thank you guys

Jonathan Champ
Jonathan Champ

Located in the modern Hunt Libary, Common Grounds Cafe is the prime location on Centennial Campus to get Howling Cow Ice Cream (a product of NC State University's Department of Food Science). For the rest of the world, there's Coffee and Snacks... Edit: Since my original review, the location was modified to no longer offer scoops of ice cream. Pints of ice cream may be available instead.

Hemil Mehta
Hemil Mehta

Good place, serves the best coffee on campus. For the sweet tooth try Berry White Mocha Cooler, Fav drink: Iced Mocha.

Location

Welcome to Common Grounds Café, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Raleigh at 1070 Partners Way. This café is not just another stop for coffee; it's a vibrant hub for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a cozy place to unwind. If you're on the campus, this is the perfect spot to fuel your day or fuel your studies!

As a food reviewer for Res Menu, I can confidently say that Common Grounds Café excels in both beverage and food offerings. The café serves a variety of coffee options, including Peet's To Go, Café Au Lait, Iced Cold Brew, and classic Drip Coffee. Each cup is crafted with care, making it a staple for evening students like Penny Barboza, who praised the café for being a "life saver" during late hours.

  • Howling Cow Ice Cream: One of the standout features here is the locally made Howling Cow ice cream. With flavors like Chocolate Chip Mint, Cookies And Cream, and decadent Butter Almond, it's a treat you won't want to miss. Customer Benjamin Watson aptly highlighted it as one of the few places where you can indulge in this local delight.
  • Coolers: Refresh yourself with their vibrant coolers, available in flavors like Vanilla, Caramel, and Berry White Mocha. Each drink is slightly refreshing at just $5.69.

Food quality and variety have truly flourished since the café's reopening under new management. As Jaimica Wilkins shared, the menu now encompasses breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options that are not only flavorful but also reasonably priced for the quality offered.

Even if coffee isn't your cup of tea, Common Grounds Café welcomes everyone with open arms. For those who prefer something sweeter, Ariel Tarrand raved about the café's hot cocoa and its indulgent cinnamon rolls, claiming they are "some of the best ever." The taste of these gooey delights is a testament to the café's commitment to quality and flavor.

While the ambiance is lovely, with friendly staff and quick service, be prepared for a bustling atmosphere. Kristine Amari pointed out that the tables can fill up quickly, especially during busy hours, and parking can pose a challenge. However, the fantastic coffee and refreshing ice cream make it well worth the hustle.

In conclusion, Common Grounds Café stands out not only for its exceptional menu but also for its community spirit. Whether you're looking for a caffeine boost, a sweet treat, or a cozy space to relax or study, it promises an experience you'll want to repeat.