The Commonplace At The Mexican War Streets

First of all, I saw no wars happening in the street and as a matter of fact, no Mexicans come to think about it. Outside of the misleading advertisement, the coffee was fucking boss!!!
The people inside smiled at me and this made me feel great! The barista chatted with me and spoke in casual tones about the north hills.
It felt good to undo my flac vest and just sit back and enjoy my latte. It did, it really did. When I left the house that morning, I wasn’t sure if I’d make it back alive, I was ready to met my maker but nothing happened. I went and drank coffee and came home and kissed the wife and kids and as they hugged me, group hug style, I looked up into the sky and mouthed the words, thank you.

TJ Fairchild and Randy Gilson. Those guys are the two responsible for the revitalization of the North Side. For me, at least. Previously, my main pull to the North Side was Randyland. But what was I expected to do, stand there and listen to one of his massive stories withOUT a cup of coffee in my hand? Now TJ all fixed that. The new Commonplace is not even a five minute walk down from Randyland. The barista told me a bit about how it came to be that Commonplace opened shop in this location. Apparently it had always been some sweet little girl’s dream (gotta make it sound protagonistic, ya know) that a coffee shop would go into this building and Commonplace went ahead and fulfilled that dream. And look, it wasn’t just another Crazy Mocha or Starbucks. If you wanted better, then you’re a thankless ruffian.
The space is simple and beautiful. It’s a very relaxed but inspired vibe consisting of white walls and natural lighting along with some rugged wood pieces here and there. The coffee obviously is roasted by Commonplace, which has been a bit too roasty tasting for me lately and as my Guatemalan pour-​over confirmed. But hey, it’s still good coffee and I love what Commonplace has done for Pittsburgh. And if I can give the Commonplace in Squirrel Hill five stars then this one definitely deserves it too. I would even say it’s my favorite of the three locations in Pittsburgh and that I’d go to this shop quite often if I had half a chance.

Gorgeous interior. Friendly staff. Lots of light for working. Not overly pricey like many hipster joints similar. Coffee was yummy. Worth you checking out

I had to rush home to write this review! I was impressed with the customer service at The Commonplace. You tell me the last time you got a handshake and a first name intro to your barista? I will mention that not not only did Charlie just say, «Hi I’m Charlie» but he also chatted me up asking about my morning and my weekend plans and my name. This exchange was such a simple gesture but went a long way. I am looking forward to visiting my neighborhood coffee shop for my second cappuccino, which was very good.

Their coffee is so very good! And their location is adorable. The only reason I’m not giving them 5 stars is because I’m holding out for matcha and maybe a few more food options (because based on everything else they have I’m sure they’d be awesome!). When that happens I will never leave! (So maybe it’s better that it doesn’t… ;)

Great coffee, great vibe. Seriously the nicest baristas I have ever met. A much needed space in the War Streets, so happy to have them on the Northside!

If you’re into high quality coffee that tastes like coffee, this is your place.
If you like sweet, sugar filled drinks, try another coffee shop.
The menu here is limited, but they’ll make most anything you request.
They offer a small selection of syrups, one of which is lavender, to die for!
They also offer baked gods, but I’ve never tried them.
The décor and artwork are simple to compliment their vibe, also with limited seating.
Best place on the north side to get coffee.

So happy to have such great coffee in the War Streets! This cozy, light filled space has quickly become one of my favorite neighborhood spots. Frank makes beautiful, tasty, precise coffee drinks. They stock my favorite donuts from Gluten Free Goat Bakery.
There are only 5 tables in here, but the vibe is so welcoming that strangers often sit together. I love that I can come in with my laptop and do some work while also enjoying a great cup of coffee and a lovely neighborhood space.

Stopped in today for the first time and ordered an Americano. It was the best one I’ve ever had. When your espresso is that good you don’t need to add sugar or syrup.

Stopped by today (Valentine’s Day) after a trail of reviews on Unilocal.Great coffee and an excellent atmosphere. The folks working there were first rate and extremely helpful.
I had a standard brew coffee and a scone. The rest of my quartet mates had coffee and a sweet. I do wish that they had one roast that was a little darker since that is my personal taste in coffee, but the brew that I had was pretty darned good!!!
We’ll be back next time we are down on the north side!!!
Keep up the great work!!!

Fantastic cup of coffee. Rivals some of the best Coffee Houses I’ve been to in my hometown of San Francisco, and we take coffee very seriously. Service was awesome. The Owner was down to earth and all ’round an awesome dude. I’ll be back every time I visit from now on. That’s for dang sure.

Just tried this place out today for the first time. And I have to say I love it. The service was great my latte taste wonderful. Definitely going to become a regular customer.

Commonplace in the North Side is finally open, as a North side resident I’m so happy to finally have some good coffee nearby. I stopped in on the 3^rd day they were open and grabbed a latte to go and really enjoyed my drink. The inside is a bit smaller but it is a great place to drop in and grab a coffee with a friend and chat with the friendly baristas. You can grab a great cup of coffee for $ 2 and under or an espresso for around $ 3. They also have chemex pourovers. If Joe isn’t your thing, they have a variety of teas to choose from. I’ll be back!