09/14/08

I won't be returning.

by locavore

I'm not sure why Uncommon Grounds feels entitled to gouge its customers, perhaps it was the Rachel Ray endorsement. Ridiculously overpriced drinks for the quality of what they serve--what we ordered tasted like gas station cappuccino. I would know, I've worked in the industry nearly 10 years. The top 40 radio playing on the speakers was distracting and didn't mesh with the Victorian charm they were presenting. As much as I hate to give a negative review to a local, independent business like this, I sincerely cannot recommend this place to anyone.

08/25/08

Still the best Minneapolis has to offer

by jeanskor

I highly recommend this place for everyone. Whether you are new to town and checking out what the city has to offer, or have dwelled here for over 20 years because you love the area, Uncommon Grounds appreciates you and your business. I've seen this place change a lot over the past two years that I've been coming there. Just to clear things up, I think they've finally got it going again!! They got rid of the bouncer at the door, which, hopefully proved to be a bad idea, and have changed the staff around many times over the years, but finally have a full staff that enjoys working there as much as the customers enjoy being there. I went there last week and was greeted by both staff members with smiles and "hellos". I, too, was impressed. The girls working there are very nice and friendly and enjoy sitting down for chats with the locals during breaks. As for the place, I too feel the music is a bit loud and ruins the atmosphere. When I worked there (probably like 2 years ago now) it was soft, serene, and mellow; now it has been replased with loud, love themes that range from poppy. overly happy songs, to the songs we've listened to in the 80s. THe drinks still are a bit more in price, but I ensure you, you pay for the quality. The owner uses nothing but high-quality products, and foods that you will ONLY find at the shop. As for the brands of Chai, chocolate, and where the baked foods come from... You will never know. Thats the fun! They all taste so gooood and keep you coming back for more. It has more of a "chill" atmosphere, they still ask each customer to buy if they are going to sit down for a while, but why would you go to a place and not buy anything anyways? Its great, also, no more jumping down your throats to leave promptly when you finish. If you have a computer it must be upstairs after 8. I love that, more room for socializing downstairs and more light for you studyers upstairs. It's one of the best places to bring first dates.

• Pros: Credit Card purchases must be over five dollars, bad music choices
• Cons: good ambience, atmosphere, parking after 9!,

03/09/08

I know great little places, and this is one of the greatest.

by Greatcafe

What a fine little upscale cafe! The espresso is one of my 2 or 3 favorites, the Chai is great! I tried to pull the recipe from the young, tattooed, pierced barista, but she held her secrets! My wife and I moved to Milwaukee, but when we go back, we meet friends there!

02/15/08

Not what it used to be, apparently...

by KirstenRose

I just want to tell you all how helpful your reviews have been. I moved back here from Montana after seven years away, and my fellow new mom and I are looking for a non-club atmosphere to go hang out. Needless to say, I remembered Uncommon Grounds being fun and inviting. The general theme in these reviews is that they've turned into the 2-drink minimum gestapo. No fun. I truly appreciate you all saving me the time and energy heading out that way. I am trying to get away from the stress, not add to it. Oh, and if you work at (or own) Uncommon Grounds and you're reading this, you should know that unhappy customers who share their stories DO influence other potential customers.

11/16/07

Poor Customer Service!

by yogi79

I was not impressed with Uncommon Grounds on my last visit. I usually go to Caribou Coffee or Dun Brothers downtown; generally spending four to six hours at a time studying, on average spending anywhere from $10 to $20 in the duration of my visit.

I decided to venture to uptown for something different; overall I was very happy with what I ordered, and the atmosphere was pleasant as well. However; the music was so loud I couldn?t hear myself think. I decided to go upstairs thinking that it would be quieter up there only to find that it was louder! After trying to do some reading; about 20 min?s later, I went down to the counter and asked if they could turn down the music. The lady working stated that there was nothing that she could do. Stating that the ?owner? wants it that loud; and there was nothing she could do about it.

At this point I was thinking to myself, wow! I can?t believe this. Needless to say Uncommon Grounds has lost me as a customer for life! I found this response to be uncalled for and I will not waste my time returning.

Had I been content with Uncommon Grounds I probably would have started patronizing this establishment more often, along with my study groups, generally consisting of 4 to 8 people. In the time frame that I was at uncommon grounds it was quite obvious that I was not the only one that was not appreciative of the overwhelming volume of the ?background music?.

• Pros: Location, Building.
• Cons: Overkill "background" music, rude staff, parking, etc. etc.

09/16/07

Still the Best Coffee House in the City

by vbrees

Normally get their Chai and saw them in Rachel Ray's magazine this month for their White Mocha. Tried one of those and I see why they made it in the magazine. Keep up the great work. I love the owner. OH and by the way computer losers, please do get the hell out. Nobody cares to see you hogging up space buying one drink and sitting their for 6 hours. Get the hell out, the musics perfect. If it's too loud and you want to study go to the damn library down the street. Holla!!!!

• Pros: Best Drinks, Awesome Atmosphere, Great Staff, Tasty Deserts, Great Music
• Cons: To Many Loser Computer Users Hogging up Space

07/25/07

things are brightening up

by jenababy

I frequented this shop 3 or 4 years ago, and stopped going due to the obnoxious staff behind the bar and the spastic bouncer. I have been back a few times recently, and it seems the bouncer is gone and has been replaced by a staff of VERY cute girls. I have yet to enter this place in the last 4 months without being greeted with a smile, an odd change from the people that used to be behind the counters. Though they do still ask everyone to buy one drink (reasonable, right?) they wont be jumping to your throats the second your cup is empty or shooing you out after an hour and 5 minutes. Owner is a real sweetheart, chat with him for 5 minutes if you get a chance. He obviously loves his shop more than anything. Expect your stereotypical coffee shop regulars, but they're mostly harmless. Drinks are a little over priced, but worth the experiance. Upstairs was repainted as well, looks great and has lost that "16 years of people smoking in here" smell.

• Pros: better music. better people. better vibe.
• Cons: a specialty drink is going to cost you $5.

09/29/06

Inconsistant Service

by lancasterpa

I've gone here for years. The service has been at times downright rude. Yet other times, the owner has gone out of his way to accommodate. The lattes are pretty good.

Popular coffee shop in a renovated Victorian house.

by Contributor

In Short
From the silently spinning ceiling fan to the antique brass lights to the faux marble tables, Uncommon Grounds is uncommonly romantic. Tables are spread throughout many small rooms, with outdoor seating in the fenced front yard and large back yard. Favorite drinks include Uncommon Mocha with hazelnut and nutmeg. There's also carrot cake topped with an icing carrot and served on Fiestaware. Sandwich platters including turkey on focaccia and ham and brie.

03/14/06

not a 9.3 that's for sure

by third_s

My first experience here was nice. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and people. So a friend and I went back a few weeks later and i have no clue what happened. Server was rude, and yes, you are asked to leave if you have no drink or a few sips left. We were being watched the entire time we were there! It was creepy. Our plan was to sit and drink coffee and tea for a few hours, but after the icy welcome and looks, we went somewhere else and won't be back. I suggest these guys figure out a better way of doing business if they want to stay in business. oh, and the "romantic" part, I could barley see in there it was so dark!