Common Ground Vibe Cafe Pairs Art With Coffee In Lombard

LOMBARD, IL — Common Grounds Vibe Cafe recently opened at 22 W. St. Charles Rd. in Lombard, bringing artisanal coffees, teas, smoothies and a passion for the arts.

Before branching out with coffee shops, the family-owned Common Grounds was estabished in 2016 as a nonprofit located in DeKalb. with an aim to "[create] a space where anyone can get inspired," according to a former fundraiser page.

By 2022, Common Grounds had opened a cafe that "resonated with Northern Illinois University students, musicans and local artists," per the page description. They established an LLC, ultimately closing their DeKalb shop and shifting gears to come to downtown Lombard.

Owner Jeffery Foster told Patch he hopes the cafe will be "a place where people can gather for creative collaboration and diversity is celebrated."

Common Grounds Vibe Cafe will offer coffee roasted by the Lombard-based Spritus Roastery. In addition to coffee, chai and customizable smoothies, the cafe will offer locally sourced treats from Lombard Prairie Co-Op.

The cafe hopes to nourish local artists and performers creatively, as well, with art-focused events and initiatives. The space is filled with books, games an easel and other materials that aim to inspire guests.

Foster said, "My desire is that Vibe Cafe will be a hub where artists come to collaborate, promote and nurture creativity in others. Rather than a cafe gallery, I want an open studio where people can come to dabble or create professionally. We have plenty of space for art classes, writing workshops and music events, for example. I hope to develop a team that can find ways to partner with area schools and existing art programs."

Foster told Patch Common Ground Vibes has art supplies available for purchase, along with some materials that are free to use.

He added, "With a team in place, we can create art kits for sale to promote artists through instruction guides. We can host art classes, but also give people a place to paint and sip anytime.

Common Grounds Vibe Cafe is open Monday through Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.