Before Friends and Apple products made it popular, people used to hang out in coffee shops to talk, discuss life, and meet new people.  I was never a big fan of coffee until I went to grad school and discovered how great it was to keep you alert late at night doing experiments with herpesviruses (that and cocaine*).  However, my friends would regularly go to Common Grounds to study and/or hang out (since we were still in high school, and coffee shops represented one of four things you could do socially).

I was meeting my friend Malaka for a coffee during my whirlwind trip of Kentucky, as he was massively busy studying for boards and I was busy… reviewing restaurants?  Anyway, while I waited, I ordered a cup of coffee, which amazed me that it a) came only in a 20 oz cup and b) was under $2 and c) came with one free refill!  I could get unlimited refills if I paid another 50 cents, but I was going to do some meth later, and decided that that would be a bad idea*.

I usually never ordered real food at Common Grounds, as I often was there meeting with friends after dinner.  Much to my surprise, the food at Common Grounds is really good.  I ordered a veggie sandwich which was basically hummus, banana peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and onions with cheddar cheese.  A strange combination, but it still somehow worked - though I maintain it would have been vastly improved by using feta instead of cheddar.

The strength of Common Grounds is their desserts, which unfortunately are not made on-site, but are fantastic.  My favorite is the carrot cake, which is Lexus-like in its rich opulance.  On this occasion, I had to pass from the carrot cake as all the Kentucky food I have been eating on this trip finally caught up with me.  But I would recommend it if you’re in town.  Overall, Common Grounds is a great place to come, hang out, and meet some crazy people.  Especially on Monday which is open mic night where all the emo kids come out and complain about how their parents didn’t really love them because they only got the Megatron Transformer doll, but not Optimus Prime.  There are even a few vegan options, but they’re not great.  Overall, I’ll give Common Grounds three and a half cheese sandwiches.

*Just kidding.  Herpes and cocaine do not mix.

*By meth, I mean take Sudafed so my allergies don’t kill me.

Common Grounds
343 East High Street
Lexington, KY 40507-1509 
(859) 233-9761