Commonwealth Cafe
300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham
(248) 792-9766
Recent Reviews
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The food is good, however this place is overpriced, and you have to order at the counter after standing in a long line. Given that they have premium brunch place pricing, you should at least be able to order at the table. If you want a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa with your brunch, forget it, they don't carry alcohol.
The food and ambiance were really great. The line to order was somewhat long but the wait to get the food was fast after sitting down.
As a longtime local and someone who used to genuinely look forward to brunch at Commonwealth, it’s incredibly disappointing to say this: they’ve completely lost their touch. This used to be the spot for an elevated breakfast in Birmingham—simple, fresh, and consistently good. Sadly, that charm is gone.
The last few visits were nothing short of a letdown. The food has taken a sharp nosedive. What once tasted handcrafted now feels careless—bland eggs, dry bread, and flavorless, overcooked proteins. The attention to detail is simply no longer there. For a place that prides itself on farm-to-table vibes, the execution feels more like cafeteria-to-plate.
And the price? You’re looking at $30+ per person, easy. That might be tolerable if the food still lived up to the hype—but when the dishes are this bad, it just feels like you’re paying for the idea of a good brunch spot, not the reality.
It’s clear the place has gotten too big for its own good. Maybe it’s the volume, maybe it’s management burnout—but what used to be a cozy, quality-driven breakfast café now feels like a cliché. A pretty patio and cool vibe might fool some, but if you care about food, you’re better off elsewhere.
Case in point: I walked over to Café Origins after a terrible breakfast at Commonwealth and was blown away by their ham, egg, and cheese croissant. Perfectly flaky, rich, and satisfying. And guess what? They also have outdoor seating, minus the inflated ego.
Commonwealth had its era, but that time is past. Save your money—and your appetite—and go somewhere that still cares about what they’re putting on the plate.
I was very disappointed with the food quality I am not sure if it’s because they’ve become very popular. They just stopped caring I order the wrap and the chicken was dry. The salad smell like they washed it on wet towel water and then it tasted horrific so it definitely wasn’t fresh after tasting it
Their BLT muffin was okay the top was good the bottom was like an average grocery muffin
Their cappuccino was good also but nothing worth coming back
Also, I want to be very clear that I don’t mind paying the prices I know and understand that they are very expensive but if I’m paying such a high price I wanna be able to enjoy and I will hope my food is worth what I just paid
Disappointing Experience at Commonwealth Cafe
I recently visited Commonwealth cafe in Michigan, and I must say, it was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've ever had. Despite my friends' enthusiastic recommendations, I was met with an incredibly unwelcoming attitude from the moment we walked in.
The staff seemed annoyed to see us, barely acknowledging our presence as we entered. Instead of a warm welcome, we were greeted with a cold stare and a lack of basic hospitality. It felt as if our presence was an inconvenience rather than a reason to celebrate.
The staff took our table and gave it to another party while one of my friend sitting on the table.
To top it off, the atmosphere was anything but inviting. The café had a gloomy vibe, and the overall lack of friendliness from the staff made it uncomfortable to enjoy our time there.
I was truly disappointed, especially since I had high hopes based on my friends' recommendations. I would not recommend Commonwealth management to hire more friendly none discrimination to anyone. looking for a welcoming and enjoyable café experience. Save your time and money and choose somewhere that values its customers. If I can rate it -5 stars I would.
We went there for a breakfast before driving back to Chicago. Long line and moving extremely slow, we figured that it would probably be best to have one of us sit down to reserve a table while the other orders for the two of us for the sake of time, I was actually asked to leave the table and go back in the line. Anyway that wasn’t clear that you have to go through the line no matter what although I expressed that we are from out of town and traveling back. The guy was extremely rude, we walked out immediately appreciating the service we have here in Chicago and really everywhere else I have been to around the world. I have never been through such unpleasant experience before. It was really bad.
I didn’t like the churros pancake couldn’t eat it at all and the avocado toast was very oily. Wouldn’t try this place again
Commonwealth Café is a favorite of mine in Birmingham! I’m a big fan of their cinnamon banana matcha latte—it’s honestly one of the best I’ve had in the area. Unique, creamy, and packed with flavor. The food is always on point too, with plenty of healthy options that don’t compromise on taste. Great spot for both drinks and a solid meal!
The wagyu carne asada was well-seasoned. My only problem was the spiciness of the roasted jalapeño that came with my entree; it was a bit too spicy for me. I also purchased the blueberry muffin and the iced hibiscus drink. The muffin was nice and sweet, but the beverage I ordered was bland.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time diner here for breakfast with my wife. Very unique place , as they do automatic 15% gratuity but you have no waiter. Wife and I ordered breakfast items such as eggs bacon and potatoes as well as wife got specialty coffee and I got drip coffee. The busser drops off your food and does not return. No one check if you need more coffee or water. When asked for a refill on the DRIP COFFEE , They advise they will charge for a whole new coffee. No refill on drip coffee when dining in. 65$ bill and no service at the table. Never return , there is better places to dine in Birmingham where you actually get table side service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Not worth the huge line. Decent food, chai latte is bad. Expensive af
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Food is way overpriced for what it is. Ordered a egg sandwich with salad and it was $18 for just a plain overeasyegg and cheese on a sandwich. My fiance purchased a brussel sprout omolette only for it to be super basic compared to how it was described. Wouldnt come again for food but maybe pastries and coffee
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Best place for brunch in Birmingham. Everything is delicious from the French toast, macarons, banana bread, matcha. Lots of seating available. Long line moves pretty fast. Only recommend to offer halal options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I discovered this gem a couple years ago and have visited at least a dozen times. I can honestly say we have not once been disappointed. A good vegan brunch is tough to come by in the metro-Detroit area and we are grateful for their commitment to continue to offer delicious vegan options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan
I had an awesome Americano, just the right strength and flavor. The carrot cake was also super tasty and definitely worth a try. Highly recommend this place for great coffee and friendly service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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