It is a comforting thought knowing that sometimes—especially when you think you know them all—you can still discover new gems and delightful foodie spots in the metro. Or it could be that I am simply woefully unaware and late to the latest trends in the city. I blame my millennial self for this. Oh well.

Nevertheless, the recent discovery of Common Man Coffee Roasters in BGC, which I learned has already established a foothold among discerning coffee connoisseurs, proved to be a great spot for relaxing, decompressing, meeting up with friends, studying, or working. The coffee is excellent, and the grub is good, too.

Common Man Coffee Roasters, or CMCR, recently opened its newest branch at West Gallery Place in Bonifacio Global City, continuing the Singapore-born specialty coffee brand's expansion in the Philippines. The café joins its flagship Manila location in Makati and brings with it the same focus on quality coffee, approachable food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Stepping inside, guests are greeted by a bright, open space designed for both quick coffee runs and long stays. Large communal tables, flexible seating arrangements, accessible power outlets (a big plus!), reliable WiFi (an even bigger plus), and a pet-friendly (the ultimate plus, for me) policy make it a great gathering place for professionals, students, families, and coffee enthusiasts alike. The café feels equally suited for morning meetings, afternoon catch-ups, and solo work sessions.

At the center of the experience is coffee. CMCR has built its reputation on specialty-grade Arabica beans sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions and roasted in small batches to preserve freshness and highlight the unique characteristics of each origin. The BGC branch even features an in-store roastery, allowing guests a glimpse into the journey from bean to cup. We chatted with the coffee guru stationed there. Sitting with his sacks of beans, straight from Colombia and other coffee growing countries. The man knows his stuff, I guarantee.

The coffee menu offers something for both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts. Among the standouts are the Philippines-exclusive Araw-Araw Specials. The Taho Latte transforms the familiar flavors of the local street-side breakfast staple into a specialty coffee drink, while the Turon Latte draws inspiration from the beloved fried banana snack. For those seeking something smoother and more contemporary, the Nitro Honey Oat Latte remains one of the café's most popular beverages. Nitrogen infusion gives it a creamy texture without overwhelming the coffee itself, my absolute fave of the three.

Food is equally important to the CMCR experience. The all-day menu reflects the brand's philosophy that brunch should not be confined to a few morning hours. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfast plates, sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food throughout the day.

Among the signature dishes I tried, my favorite is the Common Man Full Breakfast, a substantial plate featuring free-range eggs, bacon, pork sausage, house-made hash browns, portobello mushrooms, chorizo beans, and artisanal sourdough.

For those seeking something lighter, the Mushroom Avocado Toast offers a hearty and balanced option. Meanwhile, the Common Man Burger (another fave) provides an indulgent choice, with juicy beef patties and house-made accompaniments that pair well with a cup of coffee or a cold beverage. The Prawn Mac & Cheese also remains a crowd favorite.

Other notable dishes from CMCR's broader menu include the Turkish Breakfast, which combines a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg, hummus, feta cheese, fresh greens, and pita bread with a drizzle of honey. The Beef Brisket Benedict showcases tender braised beef topped with poached eggs and chive hollandaise, while the Smash Burger features house-made patties paired with beetroot barbecue sauce and onion jam.

Those with a sweet tooth are not left out. The Not Your Common Pancakes arrive topped with caramelized bananas, walnut crumble, salted caramel sauce, and berry coulis. The Common Man Churros come with toasted coconut, walnut crumbs, and both caramel and chocolate dipping sauces. For dessert, the flourless Not Your Common Chocolate Cake and the citrus-forward Yuzu Cheesecake offer satisfying finishes.

Oh, and did I mention, the service is top notch as well. I always compare cafes to Starbucks, because in my view, they provide the baseline for excellent (or even just acceptable, bare minimum) service in cafes. Servers smile, they know the coffee and dishes they serve, and go the extra mile to help and make your stay enjoyable. CMCR is this too. No Gen-Z stare, that blank stare some servers give you when you ask them a question or an opinion—that blank, hollow, occasionally condescending stare those young’uns sometimes give. Or sometimes they hurry you out. In CMCR, no. You feel like they want you to stay.

What ultimately makes Common Man Coffee Roasters stand out is not any single dish or drink, but the atmosphere it creates. I may be late to discovering Common Man Coffee Roasters. The coffee, the food, and the welcoming atmosphere make a compelling case for returning.