Common Grounds

Great coffee and fun atmosphere

New to Waco, I love this place. Great coffee, good vibe, and plenty of space to chat with a friend or camp out to work. It’s usually pretty busy, but they seem fairly well staffed. Prices are moderate, depending on what you order. They have almond milk, which is great for people who can’t have dairy or soy. Every time I’ve had a latte, the milk/​foam are impeccable.
Cons: 1) Little to no parking. Even though it’s practically on campus, a lot of people drive and parking is badly needed. 2) Their Wifi is inconsistent and sometimes goes out. It’s never out for long, but it’s a little irritating. 3) I think their almond milk brand is Blue Diamond, which unfortunately has the preservative Carageenan, which a lot of studies have shown is not good to consume. I really wish they’d change to Silk or other non-​Carageenan brands.

My favorite coffee shop. The coffee is good, and there are often fun seasonal drinks. The vibes are pleasant and there’s usually good music playing. Live shows here are also so much fun to go to – I’m kind of in love with them, and have discovered lots of new bands just by looking at the list of upcoming shows.

Great coffee! The place is clean (which is a big deal).
The service was great and quick. It seemed like a regular hotspot for college kids, as well as a stop for tourists like me.
It’s easy to find, and the parking is great.

I’ll be honest, I went here because of #FixerUpper. I’m glad I did. The coffee was delicious. My sister ordered the Arnold Palmer and it was without a doubt the best Arnold Palmer that we had ever tasted. Very quaint. A definite stop whenever you go to Waco.

Stopped here with my boyfriend on the way to Austin. I heard about this coffee shop after watching the «fixer upper» show that featured the owners. Ever since then I wanted to try it. So we stopped here for a break from driving. It was easily accessible from off the freeway. Parking FYI is in the back. We didn’t know this at first and circled around a couple times before calling: p when you first walk in (from the back) it’s almost like walking through a quirky vintage/​antique warehouse. They have all sorts of funky furniture and chairs. Looks like the perfect spot for college students to grab a coffee or talk over a book. The staff at the coffee shop were pretty nice which is always important to me.
I read a couple Unilocal reviews before coming (of course) and so I ordered the vanilla Carmel iced latte. It was really tasty and refreshing ! My only regret is not getting the large: p. My boyfriend ordered the powered chai latte hot and it was amazingly delicious ! I will for sure come back ! Thanks common grounds for a great experience.

Very alice in wonderland feeling w all the odds and ends. You can get lost there, each corner; indoor and outside; is a chapter of its own book. The variety of drink choices on the menu is all handcrafted and well put together. It’s right next to Baylor university’s in Waco. You’ll find a lot of students cozied up studying or enjoying time w their mates. When you step outside you feel like your entering– secret garden meets Woodstock. Out-​door live music and great coffee go really well with the food truck sitting right outside the outdoor patio area. All in all this little magical place not only stirs creativity and induces relaxation it also fulfills your tastebuds desire for the finer drinks in life :)

This is a main stop for me anytime I’m driving from Austin to Dallas!
But last night I drove up from Houston to see a show and as always it didn’t disappoint!
The coffee here is really good, and a lot of times parking isn’t too difficult to find. I love all the fun specialty drinks they have, they’ve got great Fall options and solid classics.
The main thing that draws someone here is the atmosphere. Chill and put together, the inside is a modge-​podge of things thrown together. But it all works! Comfy and friendly and warm, I can see why Baylor students sit here to study.
Take it to the outside: their covered patio and outside seating area is great! But the stage and backyard is where they get their 5 stars. Every show I’ve ever seen here just is so personal and so fun! You feel like everyone knows everyone and that you are friends with the band.
So bundle up this winter, grab a coffee and see a show at Common Grounds!

I saw their business on fixer upper and have always been curious about their coffee. I consider myself a coffee snob. I only do local coffee where I live and I was not disappointed by this place. It’s a corky eclectic vibe with the young hipster crowd which I envisioned it to be considering their are neighbors of Baylor university. Coffee was perfectly roasted. Staff were sweet and friendly. If I were in college I would like this type of place to go hang out or study. There were older people like myself there also enjoying a cup of joe and getting work done. I’m glad we stopped by. The owner is just as lovely as she was on T.V. May you continue to be successful. God bless!

Rodeo Clown is absolutely one of the best iced coffee beverages I have ever had! It is well worth the stop and wait anytime I am passing through town. It is one of those places that I could see myself spending an entire afternoon reading a book. Any chances for a location closer to Austin?

Fabulous coffee options – hip and rustic vibe.
Cowboy coffee is my go-​to… over ice. Half+half and coffee = the perfect caffeine jolt with just the best flavor.
Run by college kids, but service is still pretty decent. Prices aren’t bad. I haven’t attended any of their music shows, but they bring some pretty great acts to Waco!
A great place for those, young and old, to swing in for a coffee treat.

We finally got to pay this place a visit! A popular place with BU students I can see why! Definitely a cool place to hang out to surf the net. Relax with a coffee or tea or catch a concert on the weekend!
We ended up sitting in the back area and enjoyed the cool breeze while sharing the afternoon with other visiting families!
Service was prompt, courteous and friendly and it was nice just spending time with my daughter enjoying the activities of the day! Her first year here she lived right across the street in Collins one of the older all girl dorms on campus and she discovered this place rather quickly! A nice place to take a study break, we would hear a lot about this place and I’m finally glad we had an opportunity to visit!
A real homey place and a fantastic setting located on the edge of Baylor University!
Definitely worth dropping by if ever in the Waco area!

Common Grounds atmosphere, community and coffee is 5 stars. Why 3 stars? I don’t think they have a parking lot. With easy access off I35 northbound, I love the idea of making this a stop on my way back to Tulsa from visiting my parents in San Antonio but then I always remember the hideousness of parking. There is a Pizza Hut next door with aggressive «You will be towed» signs. Across the street is all Baylor students or faculty parking only. The last couple of times I’m one of those who parked illegally in one of these lots. However, now traveling with my 6 month old solo I decided to brave the parking disaster to have a good spot to rest and entertain mister baby with all of the cool art and stage area for a bit. There’s not a changing table in the restroom though we discovered.
Onto the 5 star qualities:
The coffee menu is extensive and always fresh tasting. I had the coconut roast iced last time and it was perfect.
The staff: kind.
There’s lots of seating options for the college student and group get-​together alike.
There’s a TURBO RAD stage in the back patio!
It really is a beautiful space that emulates an atmosphere I want to live in all the time.
Please build a parking lot, CG! Until then, I will still love you despite this flaw.

Ahhhhh this place is great! Makes me wish I’d made college choices based on coffeehouse selections within walking distance of class. I made the wrong decision after coming here.
This place has such a welcoming vibe as soon as you walk in. We parked in the back and walked up through the backyard where there was a collection of different tables and chairs and benches and a stage amongst the many trees that I imagine provide great shade during the summer. We came at night. Once inside, there are couches, funky chairs that look well worn and loved, and walls covered in art and funny pictures and just… this place immediately offers a feeling of belonging, even if it’s only your first time.
They have a fun menu and after reading reviews I tried their Mint Madness Mocha. Quite tasty! The counter service was great. Very friendly and happy to help.
I think I need to go visit my sister soon so I can pass through and stop again!

Officially an unofficial Baylor institution. If you’re driving through Waco between SA, Austin, and Dallas, this is a perfect stop off of the 8^th street exit next to Pizza Hut.
I’m old and have watched CG go over a few makeovers from «back when I was young and in college» to now. For the most part, the recipes and concept are still the same with just some cosmetic changes. The good news is that the porch swing out front has stood the test of time.
This is a fabulously busy coffee shop with the most awesome outdoor grounds for a nice day. It’s inviting and makes you want to stick around to read or socialize. Bistro lights somehow always have powers to transform any jailhouse into a wedding chapel, and the mishmash of shabby furniture and hipster thoughts are inviting as well. I would stay away from the seats in the back left room though… unless you like getting poked in the butt. With springs, people! Springs! Get your silly little mind outta the gutter!
You know a place ain’t cheap when prices aren’t listed on the menu boards. Though it’s priced like a Starbucks, I’m not entirely sure how Baylor kids can afford the coffee here since I was busy splitting a Taco C fajita’s chicken into two different tortillas to save money when in college. Then again, this is Baylor… where ever kid is either loaded Southern money or hella poor on a scholarship.
Parking can be «meh» on a high traffic day. There’s some in the back, or if you’re crazy lucky you can snag one of those «ten minute» spots out there to get your coffee. Other than that, the Pizza Hut guys are watching your vehicle like a hawk to give you a solid slap on the wrist if you park in their lot.
CG is a blend of hipster and progressive, with no shortage of items that seem to abound with hemp seeds, chia, flax, and namaste. They also have an occasional local pastry made in town, but none of them looked appetizing on my most recent trip. Regardless, you’re bound to find something here, so give it a stop even if you are just transiting through.

I discovered this coffee shop after watching Fixer Upper. It’s a very eclectic shop with mismatching furniture and a funky layout. I really like it! The have a big outdoor seating arrangement with what appears to be a stage for entertainment. Unfortunately, it was raining so much that there was no entertainment during our visit.
I ordered the Hot Rod and it was pretty good, but I’m not so sure I liked the «secret sauce.» My friend enjoyed her cowboy coffee and the secret sauce. It is a different taste and will probably take a few coffees of getting used to the flavor. Overall, a great coffee shop!

We stopped at Common Grounds on the way back from Comfort, Texas. I really enjoyed the vanilla & caramel iced latte I ordered.
Common Grounds is located right next to the Pizza Hut, right off of the highway and next to campus. If I went to Baylor University, I would have to get a second job to pay for my coffee obsession because I would come here everyday. As someone who is no longer in undergrad, I probably would not hang out here. There were so many college kids «studying» and hanging out. I don’t think I would be able to get much work done.
All in all, this is a great location and I enjoyed my coffee. When we drive through town again, I will be sure to stop.

This place is my favorite thing about my recent trip to Waco! Ok, admittedly, that’s a pretty low bar… but seriously, I wish I could pick this place up, gorgeous patio and all, and move it to Dallas. The covered porch with comfy chairs is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and the backyard space is great.
I didn’t spend too much time inside, but the people behind the counter were super nice. I ordered the iced cowboy and was not disappointed — very reminiscent of an iced turbo at Joe’s in Austin.
Obviously it’s a college scene since it’s right across the street from Baylor, but that just makes the people watching phenomenal. Sorority girl BINGO, anyone?

This place is so delicious and crowded! Students set up shop and stayed forever, but I can’t blame them. It’s a really cozy shop and the coffee is so good. I got the Cowboy in the morning, shopped all day long, then came back at night for another Cowboy. I love iced coffee drinks and this one is so great. I don’t like complicated cold coffee drinks and I usually get plain iced coffee to test out new coffee shops, but I heard so much about the Cowboy that I had to get it. Just awesome.
I’d love to go back and be able to relax inside on a couch for a while, but it’s right on the Baylor campus so I doubt that’s going to happen during the school year. Highly recommended, tho.

I really like Common Grounds and anytime I’m in Waco (or passing through Waco), I try to stop. The coffee drinks themselves are very creative and tasty. I like it that you can get any of their drinks hot, iced, or frozen. The frozen drinks are like a COFFEE SLUSHY!
The atmosphere of Common Grounds is also nice — they have lots of cozy couches and chairs and a large, shady backyard.
With those positive points stated, let me say: CG seems to always be crowded. Like can’t find a seat, stand in a long, long line kind of crowded. Granted the line went quickly, but still, it can be kind of a stressful environment.
Also, they’re not opened on Sunday until noon! They’re missing out on soooo many coffee drinking hours! This past Sunday, I sat in front of CG and watched one person after another walk up to the door only to turn away confused and disappointed. Why CG, WHY?