Common Grounds

Location is perfect to stop by if you have a small gap between classes. It’s quiet and not a lot of people come by so you can expect to gave a table to yourself most of the time.
What I don’t like is the lady who works there. She can be nice but I’ve seen her be very snappy at people and when mixes up orders, you’re better off just taking what you get. The pastries are also mostly stale.

I’m pretty pissed off. I’ve worked for Cal Dining Peet’s before, so I know the drink sizes and prices. That being said, I visited Common Grounds for the first time today, brought my own (Peet’s) thermos, and not only did I not get the usual discount for bringing your own mug, but also I got charged for a large when the thermos was clearly a 16 oz. medium! Maybe I’m just being a hater, but I did not like getting overcharged first thing in the morning.
So, just something to stay aware of if you’re bringing your own mug!

This place is very quiet, so it’s a great place to study. Food and drinks are alright, I guess. They run out of the pastries pretty early lol

Nice place to do some reading when you have an hour to kill in between classes. Atmosphere is very peaceful – sometimes maybe too peaceful for a café.
Limited drink menu. Actually, what am I talking about – there is no drink menu in sight. So just prepare to recite your favorite, most basic espresso concoction, because I have seen them run out of the simplest things, like peppermint syrup. It seems like they’re never really fully stocked…
Beware the rush right after 12pm, when everyone gets off class and needs a noontime pick-​me-​up. But don’t worry, the baristas are (usually) efficient and you will be out of there in about 5 minutes.

This is my favorite on-​campus study spot, mainly because most of my classes tend to be in Dwinelle or close to Dwinelle, so I love it for the convenience of it being on the top floor. There is usually access to an outlet no matter where you sit if you can find seating in the main area. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait it out or share a table.
It’s nice that they have some snacks to grab if you get the munchies, but the snacks themselves are kind of overpriced, in my opinion, so I tend to avoid buying them and just bring my own instead. There is also a Peet’s Coffee in there, and that’s usually what I frequent if I need a caffeine boost. The staff is super friendly and always willing to accommodate your needs to the best of their ability.
The place does tend to get pretty hot and stuffy very easily, though. They don’t lie when they say that heat rises. It’s especially bad on hotter days. Try to sit by an open window if you can. The small breezes that make it through feel refreshing and make things less stuffy.

Cookie is kinda hard, the place is always full :(maybe we can get an app for all the cafes @ Cal and tell people which places are have open spaces. HAHHAA