I hate to go against the grain here, but I'm not a fan.

Poorly balanced, over extracted coffee, more vibe than flavour. Long lines and attitudes.

Clearly they've made a good name for themselves with events and location, but look elsewhere for where this city's going with coffee. Haven't eaten the food so I can't comment.

Just my piece. Take it for what it's worth.

It's like pretentiousness meets dive bar, with a side of ehh, it's neat I guess. I guess I'm always bewildered at the grime of it all, but no one seems to mind. I usually avoid it because I don't want to have to worry about not finding a seat. I wouldn't go just for the coffee. It's tasty, it's well priced. But at the end of the day it's not THAT great.

Best latte I've had in a long while and very affordable. Cookies are great too. Quiet vibe, a lot of people with laptops. Decent amount of seating for a smaller space. Will definitely be back when I'm in the neighbourhood.

The place was an unsanitary disaster during my visit! There were grinds everywhere, the espresso machine hadn't been wiped in at least 8 hrs I am sure, all the milk was left unchilled and disarrayed, but the most disgusting thing was watching the barista file her nails directly beside the milk steaming jugs.

My iced soy mocha was decent and the service was acceptable, by hipster standards, but... more

$2.50 for the most amazing small cappuccino made with organic milk. No menu on the wall - that's how exclusive it is lulz. But really, if you walk into a place like this, you know what you want and you know how much it'll cost. I love the dark wooden tables and old dollar bills on the walls powdered with grinded espresso. Ladies here are almost always wearing high waisted bottoms of sorts. Men... more

My friend performs here sometimes so I come to support him. It's a really tiny venue but they always manage to fit everyone (and their instruments in). There was once a nine-person group performing, and they handled it fine.

The place gets really full. So if you wanna see a show or grab a beer, plan to be here before 9 or 10pm. Otherwise, you probably won't get a table. Past 11pm, you won't... more

Effing good coffee!

This charming place is a little gem hidden along college street. I've only been here a handful of times, always in the afternoon, and it's jam packed and noisy! It's not where I go to work on my great canadian novel, but it is perfect for those times when you're looking for a strong and solid (not to mention tasty!) espresso. It reminds me a little of Montreal.

The brown... more

this is a great coffee shop, i come from Dundas and Grace to buy Americano here, only $2., unchanged for the past few years. I gladly pay another 50 cents as tip. They have a choice of dark roast or medium roast, which most coffee shops i have not seen. Giving you a choice of how much hot water you want in your Americano is also unique. Being vegan i love that they have organic soy milk and... more

My SO lives spitting distance from the Common so I find myself there very often these days. Usually on a busy weekend morning.
Ed (the owner) is nothing but charming and the homemade apple turnovers are a dream. I get sad when he's not there but everyone needs a day off. Last I checked the plugs seemed to be working again.

The clientele on college street seems to have shifted towards more of... more

The latte was nice and strong.. the granola bar could have been fresher, but was still pretty good.. The Common is a nice humble 15 seater and the great part is it's priced super reasonable!

I come here when I get my hair cut because by stylist works up the block. Otherwise, I wouldn't come here. The coffee is very good, no doubt. But the space is small, the chairs/benches are not comfy, and the barista (one certain female) is not friendly. Would it kill her to smile? Or say hello to a customer? All I ever get is a cold dead stare in the eyes prompting me to speak my order. What is... more

At first blush it seems disorganized, but the guy behind the counter moves fast and makes a great latte. Definitely going back next time I'm close.

Great coffee, great prices, nice guy behind the counter ... it's fantastic to have a place around the corner from home and work... but like some said previously... way too loud and kids running around doesn't help... Sorry guys but I tried to bring some clients in ... we couldn't hear ourselves talk.... but nice to have around for a grab n go!!!

Finally stopped by this place. Can anyone recommend a Bloordale coffee shop that's not a glorified day care with an espresso machine? Thank you.

In a city where there is a plethora of coffee shops, many of which I have visited, The Common continues to be my favorite. Great coffee, friendly staff that soon get to know 'your yewsh ' and still at a reasonable price. Try one of Ed's mom's tarts for w true delight.

Just moved into the neighbourhood and wanted to try this place out. It wasn't busy at all when I went (after work on a Thursday). The barista was super friendly and patient with my questions. I had a really tasty americano and I liked that they asked how much water I wanted.

Will definitely be back for coffee/beans, though I can't say the benches look comfortable for any type of lounging/reading!

Supposedly a lesbian hangout. Out of fourteen customers (it's Sunday afternoon), two probably gay women. So far, so neat. Otherwise: small, cold, only paper cups (environment!?) and overall not a place where you want to stay longer than just to drink your coffee. Too bad... more

Stopped by The Common the first time on a nipple-piercingly cold Saturday for an Americano and a cookie after hearing a number of good things from acquaintances and reading some good notices on the Yelp.

Really dug the simplistic, crusty vibe of this Brockton Village cafe. It's sort of on the verge of being pretentious, but the friendliness of the barista and cool-but-real crowd waiting in... more

I am just writing to push the review up higher. Three and a half stars is objectively wrong for such a famous place. Then again, I don't really care much about "coffee" so I don't really know if it's that great.

My friend, Buck, loves their coffee though...and he should know. I had to walk all over San Francisco with him one time...sightglass, blue bottle, a bajillion other places. Man does he... more

I've been to The Common twice and both times have been a pleasant experience. The first time I had a tea, the second time a soy latte. The latte was an awesome price at $3.50 and was delicious. Though I would like if they had raw sugar and not just the white stuff.

This place is always packed so I can never get a seat. But, they had set up some seats outside and since it was still decent... more

Everyone who stays on my couch-bed comes to The Common with me the next morning. This includes friends who have worked in other five star coffee shops around the world. They are always impressed and I consider myself really lucky to live so close to Ed's shop.

The Common has the best coffee in Toronto. You can choose a medium or dark roast for your $2 americano. Limited but decent food... more

Stopped in on the advice of a friend and was very pleased with the espresso quality and staff. The venue was small but comfortable with a laid back and comfortable crowd.

I've walked by this little cofffe shop a number of times on my way to and from the Ymca. It's a little hole in the wall that's always busy (mainly because there are only about 5 tables), and always has about 10 people hanging around outside. They're open until 9 throughout the summer, which is very nice, and they're licensed, if you want a drink. There were a number of free tables when I... more

I stumbled upon The Common while house hunting with a friend 3 years ago and have been in love ever since and it was in the summer (but I like it hot) and the iced cap was fab. Now, I live in the east end and drive 15 mins out of my way on way to work to pick up a cap a few times a week. The owner and the other barista are always friendly, come close to remembering my order (which is not... more

The Common is a welcomed oasis in the neighbourhood it is in. There are very little independently-owned cafes in the area. So it's nice to drop by The Common during a morning walk, on my way to Dufferin Mall or Dufferin Grove Park.

The coffee is excellent and strong. I find my lattes consistent and satisfying.

It can get very, very busy in the morning at The Common. It's a good thing the... more

The coffee is nice and kicky and I had a ham and cheese croissant sandwich that was excellent. It was crazy busy at 11:00 AM on a weekday. A lot of people were there with laptops. I was hoping to do some work too, but I found the atmosphere too frantic to concentrate.

The price for my coffee and sandwich was reasonable at $6.50.

Who doesn't love The Common? Everybody loves The Common. It's one of those mid sized quaint cafe's that draws both coffee loving hipsters, students and baby toting moms alike. Located in an otherwise dry zone at around College and Dufferin, it is perhaps the best place to get coffee in this particular area.

Atmosphere is comfy, simple and warm. Alt rock plays on the radio (at least last I was... more

Went to grab a latte. All the seats were taken around 3pm when I went during the week.

The initial coffee tasted strong, but it didn't have much body to it. Definitely have had better lattes in the city.

I've been visiting a new coffee shop just about everyday since arriving in Toronto and The Common wins the award for friendliest service and best iced coffee. The chocolate chip banana muffins were fantastic too. My friend from NYC was completely speechless when they broke out REAL organic milk in a glass jug and had to skim the cream off the top. It's the little things that count, right?

One... more

Cheap decent coffee, free (password protected) wi-fi. Looks awesome, eh?

Of course. I had to wait 15 minutes in line to be served (giant line, one barista who loves to talk with customers and acts as a cashier too), terribly hot inside and a c@!%!y fan to do the job of keeping the poor customers comfortable. I was going to ask for a espresso, but after the long wait I was melting and decided... more

I adored it here, but I have no idea how these cats stay in business. $2, tax in, for a cup of Silk Road tea (silkroadtea.com/about_us…)? Great brand and I really enjoyed the enlightening "Philosopher's Brew" of lemongrass, citrus peel, rosehip and lavender. As others have said they could easily raise the prices (but don't actually, OK?) and you'd still be getting a deal.

It's cottagesque and... more

Smooth and tasty $2 Americanos poured by friendly and efficient staff. They pour the water in front of you and ask you to "say when". Awesome.

Pain Perdu croissants. (I just found out this morning, my favourite!)

Indoor and outdoor seating, free wi-fi, but be forewarned it is a popular spot (obv).

I've got a fever... and the only prescription... is more Common.

Excellent americanos. Great service. The lines are long because the coffees are so good, but they move fast. I'll take a detour to grab a cup from common.

Well, I'm sitting here right now and I can certainly attest to the 'neighbourhood-ness' of this coffee shop...it's great. This place was recommended to me by a certain Pony Up band member as Toronto's version of Cafe Olympico in Montreal; I'm not sure if it's quite there, but certainly among the best I've tried in Toronto so far.

The americano is great, the cappuccino is amazing (properly... more

I can't say all that much yet about this place, cuz I have only run in there once to grab a coffee to go. I feel like it's sort of the equivalent of one of the cool kids who lived on my street when I was younger. There's something going on there that I am not a part of, but I sort of am, cuz I have to see it everyday, and I walk by and awkwardly say "hi" after like, the hundredth time, cuz I... more