I spend a lot of time working from coffee shops around Vermont. Sometimes I need a change of scenery, other times I’m meeting a new real estate client, and occasionally I just need to be around other people instead of sitting at my desk all day.
Uncommon Coffee at the Essex Experience has become one of my regular spots for all three.
There’s a communal energy here that I love. People are working on laptops, friends are catching up over coffee, and the space is usually busy enough to feel lively without being distracting. I’ve had plenty of productive afternoons here.
The coffee is excellent, too, with a few unusual drinks that make ordering more interesting than your typical latte.
A Coffee Shop With Great Community Energy
Located at the Essex Experience Local favorite: Essex Experience in Essex, Vermont, Uncommon Coffee has a spacious, modern interior with natural light, communal tables and smaller seating areas.
For client meetings, it’s casual enough that conversations feel comfortable without the formality of an office. And when I need to tackle a few hours of writing or computer work, I find being around other people working surprisingly motivating.
It’s also a great place for a coffee date, especially if you want somewhere you can actually sit and talk rather than feeling rushed out the door.
Creative Coffee Drinks Beyond the Classics
Uncommon’s menu isn’t enormous, but there are some interesting options alongside the usual espresso drinks.
One of the prettiest is the Ube Latte, made with purple yam, an ingredient popular in Filipino desserts. The drink is a beautiful shade of purple, with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. It’s a fun change from the usual vanilla or caramel latte.
The Tiger Claw is another specialty worth checking out, particularly if you’re in the mood to try something different. House-made dark chocolate meets fresh orange syrup, a double shot of espresso, and milk.
They also serve Hojicha, a Japanese roasted green tea with a warm, toasted flavor. Unlike matcha, hojicha has a nuttier taste from the roasting process, making it a good alternative for anyone who isn’t particularly enthusiastic about grassy green tea flavors.
Of course, you’ll also find cappuccinos, americanos, lattes and brewed coffee for those mornings when you just want your usual order.
There’s a small pastry case, too, although I wouldn’t come expecting an extensive breakfast menu. The coffee is the main attraction.
Coffee Roasted In-House
One detail that distinguishes Uncommon from many Vermont cafés is its in-house roastery. The team roasts its own beans, giving them control over the flavor profiles of the coffee served in the café.
If you’re interested in coffee beyond your daily caffeine fix, it’s worth asking about the different roasts and beans available to take home.
Uncommon also offers a coffee subscription, allowing customers to receive freshly roasted beans on a recurring schedule. It’s a practical option for regular coffee drinkers and a gift idea for someone who already has enough coffee mugs.
Make a Stop at the Essex Experience
Another reason I frequent Uncommon is its convenient location.
The Essex Experience is home to a variety of independent shops, restaurants and businesses, so it’s easy to combine a coffee meeting with errands or a little browsing afterward.
It’s also a convenient meeting spot for people coming from Burlington, Williston and other parts of Chittenden County.
And unlike some smaller coffee shops with limited operating days, Uncommon is open seven days a week, which makes it a reliable option when I’m looking for somewhere to work or meet someone.
What to Know Before Visiting Uncommon Coffee
- Location
- Essex Experience, Essex, Vermont
- Known For
- In-house roasted coffee, creative specialty drinks and a work-friendly communal atmosphere
- Menu Highlights
- Ube Latte, Tiger Claw, Hojicha, traditional espresso drinks and a small pastry selection
- Hours
- Open seven days a week; check the website for current opening and closing times.
- Parking
- Free parking is available at the Essex Experience.
- Coffee Subscriptions
- Available through the Uncommon Coffee website.
- Website
- uncommoncoffee.com
Why I Keep Coming Back
Uncommon has become part of my regular rotation because it’s somewhere I can get work done without feeling isolated at my desk. I appreciate the communal atmosphere, enjoy the creative drink options and find it a comfortable place to meet someone for the first time.
And when I need a little motivation to tackle a few hours of writing, I know where I’m heading.
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