Best of Boston

1996 Best Escape, Urban

Common Ground Cafe & Bakery

Outside, it’s simply a corner building in Dorchester. Inside, it’s another world of wooden floors, thatched-roofed alcoves, and muted lighting. Half the space is a casual cafe, the other is a store with handmade shoes, furniture, candles, and soaps.

2243 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, 617-298-1020,