Although the main function of Common Grounds is to provide a quick lunch for people appearing at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, the best meal through its history has been breakfast. That's when the regulars show up. They return late in the afternoon for a light supper if they missed lunch, and perhaps a drink. It also serves as a meeting place or a last over coffee, which is pretty good here.
Common Grounds opened in 1997, with a chef who had done pretty well at Petra in Metairie striking out on his own. It was primarily a coffeeshop with light lunches then, but over the years a succession of owner pushed the standards up a step.
It's a converted residence in the oldest part of Gretna, decorated in a contemporary style. The tables are crowded in there, but it's not uncomfortable. The service staff is friendly enough, but when an overflow comes it when the courts recess, the place can be overwhelmed.
Breakfast is always good here. Lunch is better the later you show up.
| Attitude | 0 |
|---|---|
| Environment | 1 |
| Hipness | 0 |
| Local Color | 2 |
| Service | 1 |
| Value | 1 |
| Wine | 0 |
