Strong Coffee and Dry Scones

One of my favorite things in the world is a locally-owned coffee shop with incredible baked goods and strong coffee. So when I moved to Waltham last summer, I was ecstatic to discover Cafe on the Common, right on Main Street. The cafe's interior is contemporary and inviting, with small bistro-style, marble-topped tables and comfy chairs. (There's free Wi-Fi in the house, too, although last time I was there it failed to work, and the woman behind the counter had little interest in looking into the problem). Regardless, when it comes to the food choices, Cafe on the Common's got cases full of freshly made baked goods, including homemade scones, biscotti, cakes and various other treats.

The menu, which includes a fairly healthy variety of sandwiches and less healthy coffee drinks, is written on a chalkboard on the wall behind the counter. I've frequented the cafe on numerous occasions for their regular iced coffee, which is consistently strong and delicious, but I hadn't tried their food until recently. Although I've only sampled their baked goods so far, I have to say - I'm not that impressed with their food.

Example: On my way to New York last weekend, I popped in the cafe for a large iced coffee and an oversized chocolate chip scone. The scone was coated in an appealing, sugary icing, and I was so eager to eat every last bite before I even hit 95. However, after a bite or two I discovered that the scone itself was pretty dry and the chocolate chips were few and far between. Plus, a scone doesn't have to be that big. Leave the supersizing to McDonald's.

I still plan to try Cafe on the Common's sandwiches, and even more of their baked goods, but I hope my future meals are more impressive. If anything else, I'll go there for coffee before Dunkin's any day.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in your town? 

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