Common Man Coffee Roasters

I came for a simple cappuccino, however the manager was not friendly, focused on the iPad, and playing with the please be waited to seat sign to the left of the door to the right of the door to almost the middle of the door (it’s now been moved 5 times in 17 minutes). When people came they weren’t greeted with a warm smile and a welcome that the other servers gave, they generally got a grumpy please wait awhile. This when the cafe isn’t busy with plenty of free tables. The coffee, when it came was pleasant enough. The other servers were friendly, smiled and actually said good morning welcome! If you want to charge nearly $8 for a cappuccino at least make me feel welcome, it’s not asking for much!

Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat is another reason why this café remains a favourite brunch spot. The Cubanos sandwich was packed with flavour—the pulled pork was tender, the ham added a savoury bite, the melted cheese tied everything together, and the pickles gave it just the right tang to cut through the richness. Toasted to perfection, every bite had a satisfying crunch. The Corned Beef & Avocado sandwich was equally impressive. The corned beef was tender and well-seasoned, while the creamy avocado balanced the saltiness beautifully. Served on fresh, toasted bread, it was hearty without feeling too heavy. As always, the quality of the ingredients shines through, and the coffee pairs perfectly with the sandwiches. The café has a welcoming atmosphere that’s great for brunch or a relaxed catch-up with friends. The only downside is that it can get quite busy during peak hours, so expect a bit of a wait. Overall, it’s a reliable spot for excellent food, great coffee, and consistently enjoyable dining.

There's better out there, sadly. CMCR might have gotten a bit too famous for it's own good. No fault to the servers, and the hardworking folks, but it's clear quality has taken a dip. Servers are really hassled, and food took quite a while to come out. As someone who's normally satisfied with most brunches I eat, I distinctly recall thinking to myself 'I don't want to continue eating this'. It's not bad, it's just... not as good compared to brunches I've had in other places, like Tolido's, Earlybird. It may have been an off day, or something. You're paying about 30-40 dollars here, which is comparable to most of the upscale cafes out in Joo Chiat and around Singapore. I think if you're putting out that amount of money, you can find another, better cafe place.

Currently, there's a "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" promo for their Asian Flavours dishes. The free dish is of the lower value dish among the three. I highly recommend Hokkaido Pork Katsu ($32). There's no "pork"/"gamey" smell of the meat. The batter is crispy and light (reminds me of the tempura batter), while the pork (insides) is juicy and soft. My man, who's not a pork fan, even managed to have 2 slices. The balance of vege, meat and sauce is just perfect. Meanwhile, he had the Seafood Dry Laksa Spaghetti ($24). It's pretty good but it's quite rich... It can get a bit too greasy to stomach after eating a whole bowl. We chose the Crispy Duck Curry ($32) to make up the promo, and also because it feels like the least filling among the other Asian Flavours dishes. My man didn't like duck, so I finished the whole duck leg by myself. The entire dish was quite salty, which I didn't like but I think it's probably necessary? The croissant is fluffy on the insides, and crispy on the outsides. We love the croissant, however I won't be ordering this dish if I ever return. I also had Glow With The Flow Juice (carrot, green apple & turmeric). It has great taste but too little for $9. You can skip this. Buying the juice shots, like Jiva, from Cold Storage is more worth the money. Overall experience was positive but the things here felt rather overpriced. Save for the Hokkaido Pork Katsu and possibly the ambience, I don't think I'll come back again.

Stopped by Common Man Joo Chiat for breakfast and the food was good, but nothing to shout about — especially for the price point. But to their credit, most cafes within the Joo Chiat area are priced similarly. I ordered a sandwich set. The fries and coffee were good, but the bread of the sandwich was too tough for me. You can expect one meal (without beverages) to go from $20-$40 and the prices on the menu do not include service charge and GST. Average price of a coffee is $6-8. You can expect a 1-person meal to come out to about $50. Besides the above points, I love the atmosphere and most of the staff service (excluding when I asked for my food to be packed for takeaway and got left there for 15 minutes with no updates). I’d say this place is good for an afternoon coffee with friends.

Cruising through the rain along Joo Chiat Road felt like stepping into a pastel dream, with its iconic Peranakan shophouses setting the perfect backdrop for a slow afternoon wander. A big thank you for the ideal pit stop at Common Man Coffee Roasters - Joo Chiat, where the atmosphere is just as inviting as the coffee itself. My partner opted for a slow drip Colombian filter, which was brewed with precision and depth, while I chose a classic cappuccino that was smooth, balanced, and comforting. We shared an almond croissant and a lemon tea cake—both light, buttery, and just the right level of indulgent without feeling heavy. The café had a relaxed, stylish energy with a steady hum of locals and visitors alike, making it an easy place to settle in and unwind. A perfect rainy-day pause in one of Singapore’s most charming neighbourhoods.

I visited alone on a weekday. I arrived at the shop around 3 PM. The shop was about 30% full. I decided to stop by because it was high on the AI's recommendations. It was unfortunately raining, but the pleasant atmosphere and the modest yet calm and friendly service from the well-built male staff member lifted my spirits. Like everyone in Singapore, the staff here were very kind and tried to understand my less-than-perfect English. I ordered an iced Americano and a matcha tart with ice cream, as recommended by the male staff member. The warm berry tart and the cold vanilla ice cream paired well with the iced coffee. I chose iced coffee because I had walked there, but something hot might have been good too. I expected it to be crowded, as the reviews suggested, but even popular shops can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere if you avoid certain times and days. I recommend this shop.

Common Man Coffee Roasters, Joo Chiat – A Must-Visit for Breakfast During my last visit to Singapore, I stopped by Common Man Coffee Roasters on Joo Chiat Road with a friend for breakfast. Joo Chiat is a fantastic area for exploring all sorts of cafes, and this one is definitely a must-visit. Vibe & Ambience: The cafe is very spacious and beautifully designed. It has that polished, upmarket vibe that fits perfectly with the surrounding neighbourhood. It’s a great place to start your morning. Food & Juices: We absolutely loved the breakfast and the fresh juices. • Juices: These were served in jars with dried orange slices and metal straws—they looked as good as they tasted. • The Meal: The food was excellent. We had a sourdough toast topped with avocado mash and a generous portion of mushrooms, served with perfectly creamy scrambled eggs on the side. We also tried a breakfast bowl with granola, yogurt, coconut flakes, and fresh fruit, which was very refreshing. Service: The staff were very friendly and helpful. They didn't just take our order but actually gave us some great recommendations, which we really appreciated. The Coffee: Interestingly, we didn't actually sit down for a coffee this time, but I am such a fan of their brew that I bought a bag of their coffee grounds to take home with me. Verdict: If you are in Joo Chiat, do not miss this place. Between the friendly service, the spacious seating, and the top-quality food, it’s a brilliant breakfast spot.