When Josh Cotton of Uncommon Café and Roasters told me a few months ago that they had rented a space across the road from their first café, I was a bit befuddled. But Josh had a plan. The new Uncommon Bar would take the existing concept of great food, excellent coffee and wonderful service to the next level by focusing on more exclusive coffees and making insane pastries. Then, the waiting started.
Every now and again, I’d check in with Josh or his co-founder Clay Tobin on the status of the construction work, eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new coffee place. Then, at the end of 2024 it finally opened. Uncommon Bar is inside a beautiful space with a mix of table and bar seating. There’s a kitchen at the back, which is also used to prepare dinner service in the weekends, a first for Uncommon.
During the day, it’s all about coffee and pastries. The menu also offers interesting options to explore other coffee-related beverages like the Signature Coffee Experience. This consists of a Cascara Soda, a Geisha Blossom tea and a shot of espresso. This is definitely something unique and different to explore.
Espresso-based drinks are prepared using the high-tech Mavam MM Super Auto under the counter espresso machine while all pourovers and loose leaf teas are brewed by hand. On the menu, you can find seasonal and more exclusive picks for filter and espresso as well as a fantastic decaf.
I really love the warm tones chosen for the interior design that takes cues from the original Uncommon Café but takes things to another level. The very open bar and kitchen offer excellent views of the baristas and chefs at work while the big street-facing window is great for people watching.
The evening menu is composed of largely foraged and fermented foods that get paired with excellent natural wines. I am yet to give this a try but I love that this team is not afraid to take its concepts into new areas.
