Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Tea
42 Church St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Tea Menu
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Address :
42 Church St
Burlington, VT, 05401 - Phone (802) 662-0336
- Website https://www.ugvermont.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Good for Working : Yes
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Katherine L.
The first thing I noticed here was the expansive pastry and baked goods display. They were inviting in variety and appearance, but not interesting in ingredients for me. However, then I saw the menu and the prices and couldn't get over the prices. So incredibly reasonable, it's a steal. They have multiple sizes, and you can add almond or soy milk. The espresso had a unique and satisfying flavor bouquet- blueberry top notes on my palate. Delicious. If you order regular coffee, you can still add almond or soy milk in your drink with one of the carafes. Cool. Not needing to ask for non-dairy milk?! Wow. Sold. I will be back for the latte whenever I am here. The store is a slight hallway feel to the layout, with a short walk to the ordering/ counter area. The fixings area is along the same counter a bit further back, but elevated higher than other fixings area. Interesting touch. There are many tables lining the wall in a bright, inviting space for a game of chess or reading the day's events on your electronic device... or in paper. The choices of coffee that you could pick were impressive. Great choice for coffee aficionados. I would just ask for..... a bigger vegan and/or gluten free selection of beautiful pastries. 5 stars for the coffee though - flavor was superb.
(4)Lynda M.
The pros of uncommon grounds lies in its proximity to the church street bus stop, long hours and good selection of pastries (many accommodating gluten intolerance, etc). I started coming here a few years ago. I've since stopped for several reasons. The main reason is the removal of power outlets (perhaps they have also removed wifi, not sure). Supposedly, they thought they could get business moving more by doing so. That said, without that perk they are just an 'OK' coffee shop and definitely not in the top 3 for the Church street area. Their coffee is 'OK' (Speeder and Earl's is better), pastries are good but the atmosphere is poor (loud and packed hallway style unless you are at the window end)- I would not come here for a casual conversation with a friend. With the removal of power outlets and the option to work here for a bit (I always keep purchasing if at a coffee shop) the food and beverage is not good enough to make up for the semi-claustrophobic and now extra-loud atmosphere.
(3)Daniella B.
Excellent coffee and nice atmosphere. Servers are friendly, too. I would have given this place five stars if it didn't close so early in a COLLEGE TOWN full of customers who stay up late STUDYING.
(4)Katie O.
My dirty chai latte was delicious. Some staff seem to do well, others seem tired, bored, lazy. Even unhygienic.
(3)Paige K.
This place was SUPER hipster, and I was very weary upon entering but it was quite good! I got a muffin that was different but delicious and some sort of smoked black tea that was also good once I took the bag out! We came here because of the no line, but it ended up being a great place for the start of our day- very light, quick and veryyy Burlington.
(4)Carolyn B.
Really delicious and thoughtfully prepared lattes. They were roasting beans while I was there which was really cool. I suppose typical for a tourist spot but the service was s. n. a. i. l. speed and the service was really not pleasant. I couldn't see the bathroom key hanging at the register so when I asked a girl working where to find it, she responded to me as if I asked if the world was round.
(4)Matt E.
Excellent coffee - interesting and wide variety of menu options. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Amanda P.
Are we in an episode of Portlandia? Ah well... the coffee was great, and so was the service.
(4)Jessica L.
Many selections of teas and coffees. Very hip location and quaint inside. Lots of nice desserts to choose from. Staff is underwhelming in the friendly department.
(4)Lois M.
Every time I have gone in, the help acts like it is a big deal to wait on you. The spenda is available in a large jar instead of packets, and there is no way to measure what is going into your coffee. The place thinks its too cool for customers and going there is irritating to say the least. They do not belong in downtown Burlington. Maybe they would be less irritating in Soho.
(1)Sarah C.
Long, narrow, cozy place with a great coffee and tea selection. They also, of course, have hot cider and chocolate. Even though I didn't get to try their desserts and pastries, they looked absolutely delicious. We got our hot cider and mint tea to go since we were walking around church street in chilly weather. There is a $3 debit minimum. On the left hand side there's a fair amount of seating available for those that want to read or surf the web while they enjoy their cups of joe or snacks. Staff was friendly and service was quick. They seem to have a lot of coffee knowledge. Nice little local alternative to a Starbucks chain.
(4)Matt G.
Church Street in Burlington is about as hipster meets hippy as you can get: Farmer's Markets, Random Stores, a violin repair shop... and this gem of a coffee shop. As other reviewers have mentioned, the decor is filled with a lot of "old coffee" stuff. Old roasters, burlap sacks, antique grinders... Their menu is extensive, if you want it they pretty much have it. -Kombucha -Pour over coffee (takes a few minutes) and they have one "of the day" -tea -lattes -many brews of the day -equal exchange This isn't Starbucks, they take their time making each coffee and each espresso shot is hand packed (whereas starbucks they have a machine do it) and its worth the extra time-- YUM. The line can seem a bit overwhelming, but they move pretty quickly, and hand pour everything. (Even to-go latte's come with a fancy milk pour with a design on the foam, even though you will cover it up with a to-go lid). The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars, is that when its busy it can be very confusing to figure out who to pay, and who is making your drink. Its easiest to just realize its a TEAM effort and everyone is helping everyone... if you try to follow "your" barista, you'll just get confused in the 3-monty-of-baristas going on. haha. Everyone is friendly, and seemed to value each customer. They do have a lot of sitting areas, but on weekends its very busy, so you may have to wait for a seat. Overall, great addition to the Church Street area.
(4)Briana Leanne Q.
Hot cocoa is delicious, prices are super affordable, but seating can be a pain in the butt. I sometimes feel intimidated walking in because when I peek in the window and can never tell if seating is available. So if I walk in and it is way too crowded, I walk right back out. On the plus side, they are open pretty late, which is great for those looking for a place to study or get work done :)
(4)Adam N.
This is definitely a great place to grab a drink when you want to sit and do some work for a few hours. It's your standard hipster coffee shop with awesome variety, friendly service, and friendly people. I've been going here off and on in the summer for the last 8 years since I've been in Burlington. The nicest part is that nothing really has changed. Uncommon Grounds stays true to having some of the most unique and flavorful coffees around. They're always mixing up their "standard" drinks with something unique. My favorite part about this place is that there's no rush. The atmosphere is very laid back. I've gone in before, ordered a drink, and read a book for 2 1/2 hours before. No one cares. There's no feeling of rushing. Everyone else is there to chill out and either type away or converse with people. This place doesn't attract the phone-glued-to-the-ear crowd that Starbucks typically does. I'll be back. I'm always going back!
(4)Jonathan S.
Stopped by for a quick coffee while in Burlington downtown. Best coffee we found. Much better than the other shops we tried. Line was long, but moved fast. We didn't sit down, but looked like there was a decent selection of seating. Great vibe. Definitely a step up from your standard Starbucks.
(4)Jasper W.
Probably the best coffee place in Burlington I think. People who work there are enthusiastic and friendly. And they make amazing coffee. Iced Mocha is what I always get from there. It's so relaxed to sit there and enjoy your coffee and food!
(4)Bunny N.
Walking in, it looked really neat with all the paintings on the walls, a huge coffee roaster near the entrance (which they had a sign saying that it actually is used) and tons of burlap coffee bags, which were actually full of coffee beans. The set up was pretty cool. The girl who took my order was nice. Then another girl completed my point of sale, and those behind her that I had already paid. After I received my cappuccino, the first girl was trying to charge me. I stated that I had already paid.She looked confused, looked back, and then nodded her head saying that I was good to go. While the whole process was going through, there were these two guys behind the counter who had their arms crossed and looked like they didn't want to be there. Why were they even there if they weren't observing or actually helping out? I dont know. Overall, the experience was OK. I'd go back because the coffee was good.
(3)Alex C.
Five stars for coffee, two for the baristas. If you're looking for a friendly smile or any sign on happiness, this is not the place for you. They do have almond milk for dairy free folks. If you need a strong caffeine buzz, try the cold brew. The ginger lemonade is pretty rocking too.
(3)Matthew M.
I walked in and saw a huge coffee roasting device. My first thought was "aw cute they have a bean roaster for show". Then some kid started messing around with it and I thought, "aw cute, the little hipster kid wants to pretend to roast coffee beans." Then he started pouring beans in the top and I noticed all the burlap sacks of beans lining the walls and I realized that this place meant business. Over my trip from Boston to Montreal and back, this place had the best coffee drinks, hands down. I made quite a few trips: had a killer latte, an outstanding iced coffee, a delicious locally produced kombucha from the tap, a quality lavender chamomile iced tea, and an interesting drink called "The Dark Side" (espresso and root beer) which tasted like licorice and was not at all bad. Wow. Maybe I should pull it back a notch on the cafe spending. The staff was rad, and showed me to a kick-ass lunch spot on request. 5 stars for quality and service, minus 1 star because no outlets and not too comfortable or interesting for hanging out.
(4)Jess K.
I love the variety of types of coffee and tea this place has. My husband had a regular coffee but it was fun to choose the type of bean. I had a cup of green tea. We also bought a piece of some hazelnut chocolate cake that had yummy icing but a forgettable interior. We bought some espresso beans to go and that made my husband's cup of coffee free. Grab the key from the counter if you need to use the bathroom!
(4)Jordan M.
I come here all the time. The coffee is always great and the staff friendly and efficient. There are enough tables for finding a seat. They roast the beans on premise- can't get more fresh than that!
(5)Mirsad S.
Uncommon Grounds has always been first choice café for me in Burlington area. I remember when Starbucks was opening just across the street. I worried that the place will go out of business but thanks God that did not happen. I love the easy going vibe of this place and squeaky hardwood floors, along with the roaster machine which at times is actively roasting beans, it creates the atmosphere that throws you back in time. The tip mugs war adds nice character to the place (who will you tip harry potter or star wars characters etc..) :-). The service is great and you are served with a nice smile all the time. I like that the staff does not wear standard uniforms unlike other places such as Starbucks. Definitely will be coming back to this place on my visit back to Burlington. It is always the first choice for the cafe place to meet old friends from Vermont.
(5)Greg F.
Home of the Maple latte, long line on a Sunday morning, but worth the little bit of a wait, properly pulled and made, if you are on church stop by and grab one for here or to go.
(4)Stuart B.
Came here on a sunday afternoon at 13:15 to get a cup of coffee on church street. Used yelp first and saw many reviews good and bad and the bad ones were mostly that the service got worse over the Past year or so. In addition there was one review that said almond milk was free... It no longer is. Prices were decent. Staff did smile so i got lucky i think based on other reviewers. People watching was awesome or as they would say in vermont awesome-esk
(3)Duane B.
Cool place, all hipsters....great coffee though. Very busy and crowded. Located in a cool walking section of Burlington.
(4)Susan G.
I absolutely love this place. The coffee is excellent; fresh and delicious. The baristas are also great. :) Anytime I am in Burlington I make it a mission to get myself here as much as I can! I highly recommend this place for any coffee lover out there.
(5)Bryan S.
Staff is efficient and helpful for the most part. Customer Service lacks the busier it is on the downside... and is a bit more expensive when compared to other similar companies in the area, but the coffee is excellent and their tea variety is great!
(3)Ryan S.
So far I've had several drinks at Uncommon Grounds and I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality and service. I feel this is the best coffee spot in Burlington, the coffee selection and quality is much better than Muddy Waters but I feel less inclined to sit down with my friends and enjoy the coffee due to the awkward layout and seating arrangements.
(4)Stephen E.
Try the matte latte! It does not disappoint!
(4)Eric K.
Best coffee in town and a huge variety of beans. Keep it going!!
(5)Hallie W.
While in Vermont this place was our go to spot, why you ask? Because they had MAPLE SYRUP LATTES, I REPEAT MAPLE SYRUP LATTES....sorry it was actually heavinly. Anyways, it's located right on Church st. and it was bumpin' every morning. We didnt really get anything else since we wanted to try tons of other places for food, but their baked goodies looked good! The staff was a little slow, but other than that I loved this place!
(4)Mike S.
Different styles of coffee to match different tastes. The gf tea cakes are great. My friend had a soy latte that was "superb," and the fact that the barista employed a little art suggests that they take greater care than most places when making drinks. 4 stars means I'll be back if I'm looking for a safe choice.
(4)Jamie G.
I must have been catching the Uncommon Grounds folks on an off-day to have written my previous review. What causes me now to up by two stars is the attention I've been given when going in to ask for advice. For example, I wanted to get coffee for a couple of friends of mine (a flight of four half-pound bags) and for my boyfriend (a pound of a light roast). Bear in mind that I know next to nothing about coffee. Both times I went in asking, "I want to get coffee for coffee lovers; what would you recommend?" and I have been totally taken care of. Furthermore, my coffee aesthete friends have raved about their gifts. I've yet to have a satisfactory baked good here (I'd recommend Mirabelle's or Stone Soup for that), but when I want gift coffee or a cup of the Dark Side, I'll beeline for Uncommon Grounds.
(4)Rachel N.
Obviously I got 'tude from the hipster barista for my popped collar, but the dark Brazilian blend is deliciousssss -- I highly recommend for getting your caffeine on in Burlington. I didn't try the baked goods, but they have a delightful array of tasty treats (obviously including vegan foodstuffs b/c we're in VT), and it's certainly worth a repeat visit. Good space for studying, though you have to get there early to snag a table. Coffee drinks range from $1.5ish-$4+, esp if you hit soy milk -- omg, how could I forget that you can add a shot of maple syrup to anything!? Is that not fabulous?
(4)Matt K.
Five different coffees of the day make this coffee shop intriguing. I had the Tanzanian pea berry since it seemed cool, not heavy and over roasted like my nemesis gigundo corporate piece of crap Starbucks. It WAS good, a bit spicy with good acid. Hey, when you have had a thousand coffees you start to notice differences. This place is long and narrow, has not very many muffin-like foodstuffs but the coffee is serious. That is cool. The croissant was average.
(4)Liz I.
Yeah, my more recent couple of visits to Uncommon Grounds have been less good than my previous ones. I don't know if it's new staff or what, but I've had some weirdly bad experiences lately. A couple of super rude baristas and some really entitled college students essentially telling me I should leave so they could have my table (what the eff?) have all left me feeling like I may not return for more than the chocolate covered espresso beans. My most recent couple of coffees have also all been far too hot. So hot that I had to wait a good 5 minutes to drink them, and that's not how it's supposed to be. I'm willing to give them one more shot, but I'm losing faith. Most of the staff are pretty friendly, but the couple of bad seeds make it tough to love them as much as I used to.
(3)Kelly B.
A little pricey, but a great selection. I didn't find the place very inviting or cozy but at least it is wheelchair accessible unlike Muddy Waters with all the stairs. Also, meh, an extra star just for having wifi...I don't use it but it's a great perk for those that do.
(4)Ruby S.
I really liked this place. Awesome ambiance and lighting. Really cool selection of teas and coffee. Everything tastes great. Service is a little frenzied and awkward but whatever. I actually work for Starbucks so I don't ever mind supporting the little guy.
(4)Sarah W.
Excellent lattes in a great location in Burlington. We also bought a bag of beans to make more coffee at home.
(5)Matt S.
Three and a half? NO! Five five five! My wife and I spend a lot of time in Burlington. This is one of her favorite places and it's mine--for coffee anyway (or lemonade)--in Burlington. It's one of the best anywhere. It's the only place I know (aside maybe from my apartment office, but that has books and shirts everywhere) where I can slam down five "Dark Sides" (Rookie's Root Beer with a double UG espresso) while "working" on my "dissertation" and listening to some Tom Waits tracks that hipsters really have no clue about (the other music is cool too). Fuckin' A, there's nowhere better in Burlington. Muddy Waters comes close. But no Wi-Fi! Uncommon Grounds: Wi-Fi!
(5)Sarah M.
The drinks at Uncommon aren't bad-- I like the iced mocha or the hot cider-- but there's really no reason to go here rather than Muddy's. The weird layout and sterile environment make it an uncomfortable place to stay and hang out, but for some reason it's also IMPOSSIBLE to get a table, ever. The limited number of snacks available, like cookies and pastries, are yummy but overpriced. Uncommon is definitely a step above Starbucks, but if you want the real Burlington experience, go to Muddy Waters or even the Radio Bean. Neither are very far away!
(2)Bailey Z.
Isn't the most important part of being a barista, perhaps arguably even second to making a good cup of coffee (or maybe equal), getting the order right? I ordered a mocha breve, but got a regular breve. Where's my chocolate?! My first sip consisted mostly of foam so of course I didn't realize the error until after I left. The coffee itself tasted fine, but it also could have been hotter. My search for the perfect stop for coffee continues on Church street.
(2)Aimee T.
Unfortunately I was just visiting Burlington because the London Fog is probably the best coffee/tea drink I've ever had! Imagine an iced chai but earl grey themed instead. Heaven. Highly recommended!
(5)Brett D.
Excellent coffee- don't go to Starbucks.
(4)M D.
Rolls were hard not fresh. Espresso drinks weren't hot I would go to one of the many other coffee places in town.
(2)Karen C.
That's it; the absolute last time I go in to this coffee shop. I have repeatedly been put off by the staff in this cafe. Yesterday's unpleasant scenario cinches the deal FOREVER. I left Stowe thinking about an Uncommon Ground's Latte or maybe Chai Latte, delicious! Did some Christmas shopping and went in for my anticipated treat. The tall 20 something gal with the midriff bared for all to admire asked if I was next. I asked about the Chai Latte and decided to stick with a cafe latte. My order went something like this "Double 12 oz latte - Please make it extra hot- not scalding but close to". Something about my barista turning away and responding "yes sure" over her shoulder made me wonder if she really listened. I then called to her, apologized for breaking her stride and asked for about 10 oz overall- she responded we don't have 10 oz, only 8,12 or 16. I asked if she could leave about an inch and a half of room so that it would be a little stronger. Something about her "Ya sure" over her shoulder had me continuing to wonder. She presented me with a 12 oz brimming over the cup... I picked up the latte and said "this isn't even hot, I asked for it to be hot" and was met with a dissertation that they aren't allowed to make it hot as it curdles the milk. I then said "you didn't leave me room" at which point she said she would pour some out. SO what could possibly be wrong with this picture? My barista paid no attention to my request, refused to make me a hot coffee (and I've had plenty of hot coffees there in the past), she has no knowledge that the only issue that she as a barista might concern herself regarding overheating steamed milk is that she will burn the sugar in the milk and wind up without the lovely sweetness of the milk, which I am happy to forgo so that I can have a hot latte- my latte my rules thank you very much. If my barista cannot 'get' that by leaving room that I am having what I want - a stronger coffee- well then, what... what the heck is that non thinking behavior? I gave her $5 and said I do not want that coffee. Her response as she pushed the coffee toward me "it's on me"- still another broad miss on her part- I told her again "I do not want that coffee." Again she pushed the coffee to me and said "it's on me." REALLY? For the record I've had some of the best coffees at Uncommon Ground, however, I've had some of the most dissatisfying experiences as well. I do not wish to have to fight for my coffee (after all I'm paying cash) and I'm not into hit or miss - farewell Uncommon Grounds.
(1)K. Brooke Z.
Not the best coffee house in Burlington, but still enjoyable. It often gets crowded, and that's when the service gets a bit snippy. I like the chai there, in all its forms!
(3)Ron B.
Being some kind of tea partisan, coupled with favoring places to have tea later in the day when they're already closed I've never spent much time here. But when I was shopping for tea to buy and a teapot that wasn't an arm and a leg, they had just what I needed. The tea is affordable, staff helpful and offerings solid. For a coffee shop denizen, they turned a casual visitor into a repeat customer and I think that's something worth noting every time.
(3)Olivia B.
How many hipsters does it take to make a cup of iced tea? All six working behind the counter. Order iced tea, and you'll get a 24 oz cup of scalding hot water, a tea bag, and a dixie cup of ice. With that said, I'll probably go back.
(3)Wes M.
Uncommonly Excellent! What can I say I am very new to Vermont and fresh out of the package here in Burlington. On a recommendation from some family members when asked " Coffee, music, location..." First to mind was this place and let me tell you they hit the mark spot on! I went in on a Monday night so there was not much other than people studying but the location is prime for people watching and free WIFI. Oh yeah! BTW they roast the coffee on site. Anthony Bourdain would think this is awesome and who am I to disagree! Needless to say I think I have found my new coffee haunt and favorite since the 4th coast in Kalamazoo (yes it does exist). So why only 4 stars... well room for improvement is always a good thing and I was hoping to find a game of chess but it will keep me coming back for more.... Till then Eat, Live, and Enjoy!
(4)Huberta B.
I would definitely come back. I didn't get to try any place else in town but when you find a latte that doesn't have a bunch of foam and has latte art, it's a good sign. Admittedly a latte snob, I have a tough time finding a decent drink on the road. I was pleasantly surprised that I found a good one on my first try. Thank you for the latte art, always appreciated!
(4)David B.
The first time I stopped in here, there was a guy working at the coffee roaster out front. Although he had probably talked about this with countless customers, he was still friendly and enthusiastic while answering our questions and showing us how everything worked. After talking about coffee and chicken coops, we got around to ordering some coffee. The coffee here is delicious. Uncommon Grounds is located in the thick of downtown, so it's the easiest place to stop at while checking out the shops. Everything is clean, and the customer service is great. Stop by the next time you're in Burlington.
(4)Brian M.
I love coffee. My wife, baby and I went to this 'must visit' Burlington location. The coffee was good. Nice big cup of cappuccino. My wife had tea. They don't offer much in decaf, but what she had was good. We had a bakery treat - a cookie. It is a bit cramped in there. The comfort is a bit lacking. But, still.... if you are new to Burlington, you should go! I went here a number of times. The best spot for me was a window seat. Nice cup o' Joe and easy people watching. :)
(4)Damoon R.
I don't really drink coffee, but the tea here is great. Try their keemun tea next time you go. Baristas are friendly and always in a good mood. The veggie cream cheese is also great and prices are very reasonable. It can be hard to find a seat sometimes, but turnover is rather fast. Outlets for your laptop are only available in the back which makes sense cause otherwise people would just plug in and never leave which would make all the seats always occupied. Outdoor seating available when it's not raining/snowing. The internet has recently become much more reliable and I haven't had an issue in a long time.
(5)Christina L.
A great long standing, family owned company. The current owner, Brenda, kind of reminds me of Ben & Jerry in the sense that you will never see her in anything more than an Uncommon t-shirt and jeans. She's a very knowledgeable and laid back woman who I'm sure most others have mistaken for one of her baristas. I'm not a huge coffee fan but I did get addicted to Uncommon while working long days over the summer. The coffee is very strong and it doesn't take much to give you a desirable caffeine kick. The coffee is roasted fresh on site which is an extremely rare find these days. The beans however are imported from all over the world. I believe they have been around for 30 years or so, which I think shows in their great selection. I'm a bit of "girly" coffee drinker so I typically get an Iced Mocha in the summer or a Mochaccino in the winter. Because the beans are so fresh roasted, despite the sugar in both drinks, there's also a bit of an earthy sort of taste which quite separates it from somewhere like Starbucks or Brueggers. They have a showcase of pastries to go with your drink. These are delivered regularly from Mirabelles down the street. I'm not vegan but the Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes are amazing. They're very moist and chocolately. The frosting is more of a glaze which is great because the cupcake itself is so rich. These are seriously some of the best and I recommend them to anyone, even people who love their meat and dairy. Uncommon I think is really one of the first and consistent places to support local artists. Every month is someone new. The art is always very different but somehow goes perfectly with the vibe of the store. I had a friend who worked there a long time ago and they supported him greatly by letting him often showcase his pieces. I think the only real down fall to this entire cafe is the lack of outlets, but maybe with the tinier space, there's a purposeful reason. Either way, this is a great place to go any time of year and any time of day. Don't let the lines fool you either. I find they are always well staffed and even at the busiest of times, the line moves quickly.
(4)S. C.
I don't need overly enthusiastic customer service. I don't need someone to chat me up or compliment me. It would be nice if they were polite though. When I ordered my coffee, the girl behind the counter asked another employee to make it for me because she didn't "feel" like it. He responded by sighing and telling her he would but he makes them all the time and it was annoying. Then because of the cramped space and I had to wait for the person making my drink to ring me up, I had to stand at the counter an continue to listen to his sighs and complaints about how irritating it was to make the drink I ordered... Seriously? The coffee was good and the wait was not bad, but customer service like that is just insane. It was embarrassing and so uncalled for. By the way, this happened at a very slow time where I only saw three other people order anything between walking in the door and leaving.
(2)Stacie S.
A little bit on the pricey side, but their pastries and hot chocolate are delicious!
(4)Spencer T.
Delicious coffee and skilled baristas.
(5)Sir James L.
While visiting the lovely city of Burlington, my friend and I were searching for a great cup of coffee. We had been to a couple of cafe's, breakfast joints, and so on and experienced very good coffee to begin with. We walked into UC and asked a bit about their selection. I prefer chocolate, some floral notes, and typically medium to a pretty dark roast. The men and woman behind the counter were happy to help me with a selection, but didnt just send me a cup of what they prefer. They told me about each choice, narrowing it down, and I made my choice- the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. WOW! What a brew! My friend and I looked at one another with astonishment. Truly...it was something we hadnt yet experienced. This particular roast was sun dried and supposedly enhanced the experience. While tipping the cup, the aroma hits you and what follows is just as lovely. I bought 2 pounds and in hindsight, wish I bought more. They even gave me specific brew instructions for the roast. Chill music, helpful, "crunchy" baristas, and plenty of room to stretch out and sip your fav roast.
(5)Christopher I.
Quality Espresso. Average Service. Nice Location. This was a great coffee place to pop into on a weekend afternoon for a quick pick-me-up. There are chairs for sitting outside and while the inside isn't the coziest, there are options for sitting and chatting with friends. Didn't blow my mind, but I'll continue to stop in for an Americano while I'm on Church Street.
(3)Doreen L.
Love their fresh ground coffee, their chalk written menu, biscuits in jars and chairs near the window to people watch and chat with friends. Did I mention the coffee had free refills?
(4)Ashley E.
I love this place. I really do. All of their drinks and sweet treats are amazing. My only gripe is the service. I go in almost everyday, get pretty much the same thing, and they still can't give me service with a smile. Ok, not entirely true, but the ones who clearly don't care ruin it for the select few who do. I go to Uncommon Grounds because it is the only coffee place in between my home and my work. I would hate to have to find someplace else to get my caffeine fix.
(3)Brian K.
Best spot in Burlington. Coffee, atmosphere, customer service, location. Top notch.
(5)Petra W.
The coffee here is great! Anybody who says otherwise does not know what they're talking about. I've come back multiple times for my americanos, and they have been consistently well-pulled. The atmosphere is ok. I like the music, and if I can get a table it isn't a bad place to work on the laptop. The only thing is it can get really busy and crowded. I also don't understand why the person making your espresso must also be the one to take your payment. It doesn't make sense, and service is slower that way. Either way, I would recommend it. It's mostly about the coffee, anyways.
(4)Stavros M.
Worst cup of coffee I've ever had. EVER. I came here because Starbucks across the street was closed for renovation. I ordered a medium house blend coffee. It was given to me at room temperature, and tasted like dirty water. Honestly, one night I had to get a coffee from the Mobil gas station on South Winooski Ave because nothing else was open, and it was better than this place...which is pretty mind blowing. (At the time, THAT was the worst coffee I'd ever had). Additionally, a medium here, is the same size as a small at Starbucks, but they charge you what Starbucks charges for a medium. Additionally (Yes, there's more), they wouldn't accept my American Express card. That's a permanent deal breaker for me, no matter what. If you can't run your business so that all consumers can pay for a product you sell, you have issues. I can't wait for Starbucks to re-open so I can have a hot, flavorful cup of coffee! I ended up going to my office, dumping out their coffee, and making a packet of Starbucks VIA that I had just for circumstances like this!
(1)Douglas P.
Love the coffee, but the setup and and chaos when you go in isn't great. Also, often friendly staff, but often enough I've encountered a borderline angry bearded 20-something who keeps me from feeling great about coming in here. Thankfully, several competitors nearby to choose from....coffee may not be as good at those places, but service is much better.
(2)Ali K.
Nice little laid back coffee and tea shop. Most of the stores, restaurants, and cafes i have been to in Vermont have this laid back comfort of home feel to them and Uncommon Grounds delivers. Quick and speedy service, big menu display board written in chalk behind the cashiers. Always seems to be a line in this place but it goes relatively quick. Friendly staff, wide selection of Coffee flavors (all of them are pretty good) Did not get the tea here but one of my friends who had it said it was superb. Also i ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE THEY SERVE HERE! i would suggest getting it no matter what season it is (fall, summer, spring doesn't matter) it's absolutely amazing, probably the best hot chocolate i have ever had at least so far in my life.
(4)Nick K.
I think Uncommon Grounds has the best coffee in town. Mostly I come here to buy coffee beans to use at home. They roast their own - there's an awesome old roaster at the front of the store - and it's better than beans I've bought anywhere else in town. I've tried several varieties and they've always been good. At the front of the store there is a menu of all the different beans describing what they taste like. I love this because I feel like at most places I'm coffee semi-blindly based on a region I like. The menu helps and the descriptions I thought so far have always been dead on. For the coffee I think they deserve 5 stars. The reason I could really only give them 4 is that they have some of the slowest wireless in town and if I remember correctly it has a time limit. So if you're looking for a place to work or study and need the internet, you might be better off somewhere else.
(4)Eliot C.
FourSquare tells me that I check in here more than anywhere else. Still, it's not what I'd call my go-to place. Its more like my default place. Not that it's a bad place by any stretch. There are two coffeehouses nearby that I would go to more often, if only... Basically I go here because it has wi-fi (which Muddy Waters does not) and because when I want to use that wi-fi, there is almost always a table and no live music (unlike both Muddy and the Radio Bean). The staff here is friendly, the coffee's good, the pastries are all good. Just what I would expect. The ambiance is nicer at the two aforementioned competitors, but Uncommon Grounds still passes the test. The only real complaint could issue is the fact that it is not the most efficient place to get an espresso drink; the same person that takes the order, makes the order, and rings up the customer for whom they made the order. While I hate to compare any indie coffeehouse to Starbucks, the more regimented system works well there, and to be honest, coffeeshops that have that system can really crank it out. To end on a positive note, though: this is definitely the best place on Church St., and you will not be disappointed here
(3)C M.
Go for the no-bake cookie. The coffee is solid (better than Starbucks right across the street), the teas are excellent, and the no-bake is worth the price of admission. It's not perfect; service seems hit or miss, and the lighting and long space feel awkward and not really conducive to lingering. I'd go elsewhere if I wanted coffee and some to read. But yeah. That no-bake cookie.
(4)Cat S.
If I had one coffee-shop wish, it would be that Uncommon Grounds and Muddy's would join forces. Uncommon Grounds could supply the delicious brews for which they are known and Muddy's could supply the atmosphere I love without UG's weird, sometimes overpowering raw coffee bean smell and lack of comfy chairs. That said, Uncommon Grounds does have the best coffee in town, all fair trade and roasted on the premises. Likewise, their chai tea is perfectly brewed and lightly sweetened and their fresh lemonade is a wonderful summertime treat.
(4)Christina B.
I tried Uncommon Grounds because Starbucks is closed for renovations right now. The line was slow when I went at 9:30 but I did enjoy my large Italian roast. There is a $5.00 minimum for credit cards but they are accepted.
(4)David M.
We stopped here the morning after a great day on jay peak, before the long drive back to Boston. Its a pretty standard high end coffee shop. Compared to the long wait that the other restaurant had for breakfast, we were able to walk right in and get a table. Granted, the food menu was a bit limited. The highlight for me for this place was the bagels. They were awesome. Friendly service, reasonable prices, I might even stop by again.
(4)Bungalow B.
I think Yelp needs a 2.5 star rating. Uncommon Grounds is less than the 3-star "A-OK" and better than the 2-star "Meh. I've experienced better." I'd call it a "Meh-Ok." Their coffee is decent. I've never had a bad cup. Likewise for their tea, iced or hot. Their selection of food is assorted bagels and pastries, cookies, desserts, and some fruit and yogurt. Their bathrooms are clean. And considering the flow of traffic they get, Uncommons is an excellent venue for people watching. So, Bungalow, why the Meh-OK rating? 1. For starters, they need to take some lessons from Patra and Muddy's and provide better (and hot) food. Whether it be soup, or paninis, or some sort of salad, these small appetizer-like dishes would serve them well in my opinion. 2. Uncommons has free wifi for customers, or so I'm told. The times I've been there, one of two things has happened: either the Internet has been down or my computer has repeatedly failed to connect to it. (My computer and I don't have this problem with any of the other free servers around town.) 3. No matter how hard they try to spruce up the place with local artwork, there doesn't seem to be anything they can do to make this train-car-of-a-shop (long and narrow) into anything other than a slightly-less-than-comfortable environment. As one previous commenter mentioned, the chairs make it next-to-impossible to stay here very long, which doesn't make it an ideal place for reading or blogging or studying or even socializing. Again, they need to pull a Muddy's or a Patra and get some big comfy chairs with a few coffee tables and place them in the back corner. Maybe turn one of their front coves into a cushioned booth; something, anything to give this place more character and make it more inviting. 4. As great as it is to display local artwork, they're still the establishment that banned a local street photographer when he refused to stop taking pictures of employees on public property. Not cool in my book. So, Uncommons, that's why you get the Meh-OK rating from me. I'll always choose you over Starbucks, of course, but you're losing the battle with the other locals. It's time to step it up!
(2)Danny F.
Good coffee and tea drinks. Every dessert I've had there had been great. The downside to the place is that it gets busy sometimes and the place is noisy and I feel a little rushed.
(4)Allison D.
Sorry, but this place only gets 2 stars in my book. It feels overcrowded, making me a little nervous/rushed. If there is no open space at the window or if there is a line at the counter that can be seen from the street I usually move on to New Moon, which also offers fair trade but is much more pretty and nice.
(2)Josh P.
It makes me sad when a place I used to enjoy takes a such a nose dive. Also, if you happen to snap some photos on the street in front of their shop, better make sure to get out fast; They frown on civil rights.
(1)Kelly G.
There are three main coffee shops in Burlington-- the artsy coffee shop, the hippie coffee shop, and the boring coffee shop (sometimes also referred to as the rude coffee shop). This is the latter-- and while it has the reputation for being boring (because it has almost no atmosphere) and rude (because the staff is oddly full of itself) it's still a fun spot. Uncommon, like I said, has no atmosphere. There are boring little tables with weird vinyl table cloths under glass, the art is pretty average, and the service is just fine. On the up side, the coffee roaster is right on the main floor, there is almost always a seat even at rush times, and as it's the only coffee shop right on church st-- it has the best people watching and it's the most convenient. Because of its total lack of atmosphere and its convenience, I used to meet prospective wedding clients there. I figured it would be inoffensive, easy, and there would always be a seat-- and I was right. Also, it's directly across from a starbucks (that came much later) and apparently when the starbucks went in the business at Uncommon went up. Vermonters are loyal to their own.
(3)Adhish R.
Some good coffee and a very good selection of coffee beans. Every time I go to Burlington, I go here at least for coffee. This time I also got a chocolate-based macaroon, which was pretty dang good. And if you like macaroons, also try Stone Soup's macaroon, it's good too. Most places only bother with milk and h&h for regular coffee drinkers, this place also has a soy milk container in the mix. It's a bonus if you're lactose intolerant.
(4)Joe S.
Uncommon Grounds is a classy operation. Excellent coffee and superior service. Coffee to "stay" gets a free refill. While I don't know anyone who works here, I always feel welcome. Whatever the training or selection process for staff is, I'd love to know. Even when the line is long, it moves fast. By the way, the space has been restructured in the last couple of months. Instead of a bunch of four tops, there twice as many deuces. Highly recommended. Update: 4 1/2 years later and if anything it's better than ever. Yes, the power outlets have been removed. Doesn't bother me. The Wifi is still in place.
(5)Kelly K.
Cappuccino was very good and made correctly. Staff was competent.
(4)David V.
Yuk! I was recently visiting an old high school buddy up in Burlington. One afternoon we decided to grab a coffee and he took me here (we had some other shopping to do also). What a horrible experience. I'll sum it up for you with a few bullet points. - OVERPRICED - RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, I'D RATHER TALK ON MY CELLPHONE THEN HELP CUSTOMERS STAFF. - I HAVE TASTED BETTER COFFEE AT AA MEETINGS. Don't waste your time. Find a Dunk's.
(1)John M.
Good at what they do - serve coffee in a comfortable, pleasant environment. I always enjoy stopping in when we're in Burlington. Coffee is quite good and the baked goods more than satisfactory. Can be crowded during the day, but we're generally there later in the evening when the place is active, but not overrun.
(4)Jack R.
As a coffee lover, Uncommon Grounds is a tricky review. The coffee is fine, but I've never left remembering an amazing drink. Some of their espresso drinks are quite good. Several of the staff members are very nice, while a few others seem a bit grumpy. The interior of the coffee shop is rather bland and not particularly memorable. Without a doubt, I prefer it to the nearby Starbucks, but I wish the owners would give it a fresh coat of paint and a good polishing. In previous years, the shop offered outdoor seating, but I believe they stopped putting out their tables this past summer because vagrants kept sitting down for long periods of time. Overall, I like Uncommon Grounds and go there at least once a week (more often during the summer). I just wish they would spruce up the interior a bit and put the tables back on Church St next summer. If you're on Church St in Burlington, VT, Uncommon Grounds is a good pit stop for a cup of coffee.
(3)Chris C.
Nice local place that has the best Chai I've been able to find in Burlington so far. I don't drink coffee so I can't speak for the rest of the menu.
(4)Daniel H.
The Gist: a mainstay in the Burlington coffee scene and a great cafe anywhere. Fans of fine coffee will love it. The Place: it's somewhat small inside, and the tables and chairs are not the best. To be honest, it can be uncomfortable for long stays. I do like the music - usually light classical or jazz that is not distracting or too loud. Location and Hours: on Church St. They have good hours, but they're not open too late. The People: they're not the most smiley bunch. Sometimes I find them a bit aloof, although I've become quite friendly with a few. They do know their coffee, and the very nice owners are there often. The Product: I can only speak on one thing - their brewed coffee. UCG turned me on to fine coffee, and they've been my yardstick ever since. They roast in-house and use single-origin beans (you can read about their harvesting and buying on the walls). And they know how to brew, always accentuating the bean and roast. They usually feature the full and earthy house blend plus a couple regionals. My favorites are the Tanzanian peaberry, the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, the Celebes Kalossi, or the Java Estate. The French and Italian roasts are great too - smoky and clean. Their baked goods are good, and their bagels are great (from The Bagel Cafe on North Ave.). Get some coffee.
(4)Jim W.
I travel to Burlington for business regularly and I always visit Uncommon Grounds. Great independent coffeehouse. I love the big coffee roaster right out in the open in the front of the place, roasting coffee while you watch. The staff is super friendly and courteous, great fresh roasted coffee. I've been to many a coffeehouse, and this remains one of my favorites.
(5)Bill B.
As an out-of-towner I was walking up Church Street and wanted a coffee house with some local color. I can find a Starbucks in any city, airport, mall or now, Target or national grocery chain. Let's find something unique! So I walk into Uncommon Grounds. Nice name. Reminded me of Starbucks in layout and food selection. The guy behind the counter was friendly, courteous, and made an excellent coffee. Was not disappointed. Would go back again. Looks like a good spot on a snowy day to set up the laptop and work on the computer.
(3)Nathan H.
Come for the coffee (and the artwork). Leave when you realize the staff is kind of surly, the chairs are hard and they've covered all the outlets to discourage you from lingering with your laptop.
(2)Hilary V.
Good coffee shop on church street. The coffee is good and they have bagels, pastries and sweets. Several tables and chairs--nothing "comfortable", but more practical.
(4)jon b.
With a student at UVM, we're in Burlington every other week or so and we always start here. With the exception of Irving Farm in NYC, Uncommon Grounds serves the best latte I've ever had in my life.
(5)Shaina S.
I found the menu a bit overwhelming and almost left without ordering anything. Luckily I stuck it out because Uncommon Grounds is cute and funny (the internet password cracked me up) and the staff was really helpful at sorting everything out for me. I had a mediocre chai which was only mediocre because it didn't have a lot of taste and only didn't have a lot of taste because it was made from real tea and not some kind of chemical-y syrup or powder that's been sitting in the back room for months. So it's actually a good thing. Props for that and for reasonable prices and free internet.
(4)David B.
The coffee here is mediocre. I've learned from bad experience not to order anything fancy like a cappuccino. But even a simple double espresso tastes burnt and stale. As many others have mentioned, the service here is poor--does not even come close to Speeder and Earls, Muddy's, or Starbucks. Which reminds me, to all those corporate coffee hatas out there, it's interesting to note that Uncommon Grounds had refused to make soy cappuccinos until Starbucks moved in across the street a few years back. Though I do have to give UG some credit for having survived this long with such formidable competition close-by. I'm not sure how they have managed to stay in business with such poor service and product. As far as atmosphere, this store has very little. It's overly-lit at night, making it not a very pleasant place to hang out, though I do like the counterspace by the window in the daytime. And since the tables are covered with glass, it makes this place not very laptop-friendly, if you like using a mouse.
(1)Ben L.
Tasty and well done independent coffee house. I think if I were a coffee drinker I'd get even more out of it, but for me the teas and fancy barista drinks are certainly enough for 4 stars, at least.
(4)Michael M.
Uncommon grounds is the best coffee in Burlington. Freshly roasted every day. The aroma in this place is great. And you watch the roaster in action when you wait for your beverage. Great owner. Great staff. Much respect to all.. Free Internet. PW LATTE A local favorite. Stop in if you are driving through Burlington.
(5)Jen M.
A-Mazing! Went there on a trip a few months back, in fact we went there a few times! Every drink was made perfectly to order and the coffee was so fresh I could imagine them growing the beans outside the back door and grinding them specially for me on each trip. Corny? Yes. But that is how I felt with each selection. I had tea, coffee, frozen coffee drinks....you name it we tried it. Each one PERFECT!!!! Staff take a while to make your creation but it is worth it!
(5)Clayton C.
Great coffee and great selection of Vegan yum yums! And the hipsters working their have all been imported from Portland, Oregon.
(4)Girldrinkdrunk S.
Huge line that went by shockingly quickly. No upcharge for soy. Cute spot right on Church St. Watery Americano.
(3)Danielle B.
Uncommon Grounds is a must stop for me while in Burlington. Though the service may be a little slow, they always have great lattes and a pleathera of vegan pasteries! I also visit the Saratoga Springs location, but Burlington tops it!
(5)Noah J.
Rude service. Overpriced coffee. Weak coffee. The manager, a young woman with long brown hair, was sitting back and doing nothing while the place was a mess. Never again.
(1)Matt W.
Just visiting but excellent mocha; great coffee taste with just enough chocolate. Good size shop for sitting and reading. Prime location for shopping before or after.
(5)Jackie V.
This is *almost* as good as the UCG in Saratoga. Almost. What it's missing has been noted here: atmosphere. (minus one star). What's missing that hasn't: the cash-only-ness of the place. What makes it stand out from all other coffee shops: SOY MILK. Real soy milk. Not behind the counter. The kind you can pour yourself without getting the looks and sighs when you ask "Do you have soy? Because there isn't out"...well, that and vegan chocolate covered espresso beans. They DO have very good, very dark coffee here....but their menu is missing the "moodswing". For you Burlington-ers (or UVMers, whicheves) who are still there: go in and order one sometime. See what happens.
(4)Roy L.
The coffee might be good (I don't partake); but the tea is expensive and some of the blandest and stalest I've had. Add to that the surly attitude of the staff, and the unremarkable setting, and you're better off just avoiding this place. Much better tea is available just down the street at Dobra.
(1)S R.
I really want to give a good review because I like to support local businesses, but their coffee is not that great and more importantly, always inconsistent. More often than not the milk in my latte is scalded and the espresso too weak. They need to close for a day for staff training to get everyone on the same page. It's not hard to make a good espresso drink.
(2)Jessie Y.
They know their coffee and it is a great location and atmosphere...but cash only? even for a $15 bag of grounds? seriously?
(3)Melissa S.
A little cramped and a little too sterile-feeling. Despite this subjective evaluation, the coffee is good, roasted on the premises, and boasts tons of different blends. The bagels are debatably the best in Burlington. The baristas can be pretty self-absorbed (I've gone in there are more than one occasion and waited between 10 and 15 minutes while they cavorted in the rear of the shop, not noticing when new customers came in). Still, the coffee, with its free refills, is worth it. Oh, and lastly, don't overstay your welcome (yes, I'm talking to those of you who like to camp out), but DO try the latte (iced or not -- it's delicious).
(4)Carrie M.
What a great way to start the morning, even better when it's the weekend before Halloween. My boyfriend and I went here our first morning in Burlington, to go grab a drink a small breakfast before exploring the area. My boyfriend said his coffee was really good, and my iced chai was just what I had wanted. I liked that the place gave a discount for providing your own mug, something that more places should do. We also split an apple oatmeal bar, which was good, but would have been even better if it were warmed up. One of the other highlights of our visit was that it was the weekend before Halloween. Church Street was filled with little (and big) trick or treaters getting candy from all the businesses. It was nice to sit back and watch them come in all dressed up and get their candy from the girl at the door. With or without the trick or treaters, this is a great place to start your morning. If there was one near my house I could see myself frequenting it quite often, which in a way makes me and my wallet happy that there isn't!
(4)Madeline L.
I was originally a little cautious when I went into Uncommon Grounds, only to go in for a quick espresso or coffee when I was on the run. The atmosphere is what pushed me away - it reminded me of a lunch room or something. But then I began doing my homework there, and it definitely grew on me. The coffee is much better than Muddy Waters coffee, which in my opinion, has a sorta burnt taste to it. Uncommon Grounds coffee always has a smooth and rich taste. Their tea is good, too! I
(5)Zoey C.
Yeah for fresh brewed chai! I always leave here with a smile on my face, a hot cup of yumminess warming my hands and wishing I could bottle up the delicious smells of brewing coffee that lingers in this place.
(4)Steve F.
Good selection of coffee and tea. I happened to have a hot chocolate (it's hard to go wrong with hot chocolate, so I can't say anything about the coffee). This place was busy on a cold Sunday evening, which I take as a good sign.
(4)Jess N.
I love the coffee at Uncommon Grounds.. and the treats are pretty amazing as well.. Unfortunately I had a pretty terrible experience there this past weekend. We live in Brooklyn, NY so every time we go up to VT we make it a point to stop in and get coffee to take home because it is so so good.. This weekend we went to order the same two lbs of ground coffee we always get. The only problem here are the people they employee.. who think that because they dye their hair pink, or pierce their noses.. they are in some way better than those of is who do not look so alternative on the outside. When we first got there i needed to use the bathroom and asked for a key.. I literally just watched pink hair employee girl leave the bathroom with the key.. instead of handing it to me, she walked it back to the cash register, which I had to follow her to get the key.. Now she works there.. and was just in the bathroom.. you think she would have noticed that she used the last bit of the toilet paper.. But pink hair girl.. is likely too good.. to change TP.. she is more adept to make coffee.. Anyway.. that wasn't even the real problem. The chick who ended up helping us.. moved as though she had just smoked a giant blunt She asked us twice what kind of coffee we wanted.. and then literally stood staring at the EMPTY coffee bags for about five minutes.. It then took her close to 15 more minutes to get the coffee and hand it to us. OK fine, you're slow and likely stoned.. no big deal, its VT we don't expect the speed. But when we got home.. (to Brooklyn NY, 6 hours away) we realized when we went to make the coffee.. that stoner girl.. had not ground the coffee.. For sure she heard us ask for it to be ground, because she asked if we used paper or metal filters, and what the hell were you doing for 15 minutes.. if not grinding the damn coffee What a moron.. If we had a grinder.. fine no big deal.. but we asked it to be ground.. because.. well ...we don't have one! The reprieve of this whole debacle.. is that I wrote an email, to what I assume is the owner.... Who very graciously apologized and offered to mail us more ground coffee or a grinder. Which I think is pretty AMAZING!! I wish NYC had costumer service of that caliber. That is why this company deserved four stars, well.. that and their incredible coffee. I just wish they would bring their employees down from their esoteric existence.. to treat the customers.. as customers.. and not an annoyance!
(4)alana c.
I liked the people that worked here and hung Out here and the coffee they made Me. Some Art opening was happening here while I caffeinated up. tWas a hip crowd and for that I was happier than sitting in that muddy waters cafe.
(4)Matt S.
Good coffee, Good bagels, quiet and relaxing.
(4)CKYelp Y.
Hands down, the greatest coffee place in Burlington. Granted, the staff is a little pretentious, but it's an independent coffeehouse. You'll have that. We've never been disappointed with this place. It's warm, and the coffee is great. As are their tea options.
(5)Michael V.
Uncommon Grounds has been a regular haunt of mine for years. It's located on Burlington's infamous Church St. directly across from the entrance to Burlington Commons (formerly the Burlington Square Mall). This coffee shop has a nice casual atmosphere. People are often coming and going. There are several small tables that fit up to four people, and bar style seating with stools flanking the entrance. The shop has a bit of a vintage feel to it that is best illustrated by the old fashioned looking coffee bean holders behind the counter. Also the music playing throughout the shop is an interesting polka style tune. Something Slavic in origin that adds a little to the feel of the shop. When I used to go to Commuity College of Vermont - Burlington (a minute walk from the shop) I would always relax in Uncommon Grounds before class and read a book. A testament to the shops quaint feel. Unfortunately I can't comment of the coffee because I don't drink it. I usually stick to hot chocolate. Additionally I haven't yet tried the teas in all this time, but plan to at some point. A variety of confectionary delights are available to go along with your coffee, tea, or cocoa including: biscotti, muffins, scones, and filled croissants to name a few. What I usually get is a french vanilla hot chocolate (hot chocolate with a shot of vanilla syrup added) and either a chocolate filled croissant or a couple biscotti. Lastly for those wondering, I went to the shop the day I wrote this review and had my laptop with me. I don't beleive they have wireless internet available for those of you that like to bring your laptops with you to coffee shops. Uncommon Grounds is one of my favortie places to stop into on Church St. and just relax. I reccomend those of you that frequent Church St. regularly or that are just visiting to stop in and check it out at least once.
(4)Jillian B.
Best coffee in town - hands down. If you disagree with me, you haven't been there. I get CONSISTENTLY amazing lattes. Say that about Starbucks - a major corporation! They probably have a handbook on how to squeeze the syrup into the cup. If you're lucky, you may get the barista who thinks he's the duke of wellington.
(5)Cory N.
I found this gem a few months back on a trip to Burlington and have been back many times. They have the best cup of coffee I have ever had. I prefer a darker roast and the French and Italian (there darkest) was great.
(5)reuben j.
Whenever I am in Burlington (which isn't enough for me, but that's my whine, not yours) I find time to grab a cup of joe here... Yes, it is often crowded-and sometimes the wait staff is a tad snippy-but the coffee.. Oh-the cofffee....!!! This is a great place to sit, sip, and just-as Kevin Costner's character said in "Bull Durham"- "be."
(5)Sira D.
My second favorite coffee shop in Vermont (first has to be Village Wine and Coffee in Shelburne)! The coffee is amazing and the service in always quick and good, even when they are busy. I love the coffee roaster out front.
(5)Cai L.
Solid drinks and tea selection, but I was appalled that one of the staff behind the bar had headphones on. Not one of the three folks I interacted with was particularly friendly, and I think a dress code could do some good, too -- at least to keep the dirty hippie/grunge look to a minimum.
(2)Paolo L.
I really love this place! Not only does it serve the best coffee drinks in town (as a previous poster said), but I also love the nice cozy feeling of the place. I feel like I could spend the entire afternoon (and night) just reading, studying, or hanging out here. Every town I've been to, I try to look for THE coffee shop where I'd go if I had nothing else to do. This is definitely the place I'll be here in Burlington.
(5)Dave S.
There are better places to get coffee in Burlington. Their coffee is generally burnt.
(3)Jason C.
This is the best place to get coffee in town. I've never had any other items from there, but assume they are good. The coffee is freshly roasted and you occasionally get the chance to watch them roasting. The house blend is a really good choice if the other available roasts don't look appealing. I've never eaten food there, but know they get their stuff delivered daily from a local bakery and includes bagels and other pastries. I often buy beans to bring home or to work. As a coffee lover, when I'm looking for a great cup, this is where I go.
(5)Anika K.
Now THAT is what I call hot chocolate. Friendly staff, cozy setting, and late hours make it a perfect post-dinner hangout.
(4)