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Ground Up

4.5 (177 reviews)
Open • 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Ground Up Takeout or Delivery

Ground Up Photos

Business Info

GROUND UP ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Good for working

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Recommended Reviews - Ground Up

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Reviews With Photos

Frappe
Sarah B.

Great new addition to the loop. I got the frappe with mid sweetness and it was perfect. I've been seeing this place become more popular over the last few months so hoping it's here to stay for a while.

Freddo Cappuccino; Greektown Frappe; Greek coffee; Americano
Katia S.

Ground Up has officially become my "accidentally ordered too many coffees again" place--and honestly, no regrets. The cappuccino freddo is the star of the show. It's smooth, perfectly foamy, and dangerously drinkable. I order multiple every time because apparently I believe I'm running a small coffee distribution center from my home. Every single one arrives amazing. No weak links. Just great coffee across the board. The spinakopita pastry deserves its own fan club--golden, flaky, warm, and packed with spinach and feta in that perfect savory balance. It's the kind of pastry that makes you pause mid-bite and go, "okay... this is really good." And the blueberry muffin gets an honorable mention because it quietly does its job extremely well--moist, full of blueberries, and not overly sweet. The reliable supporting actor of the order. Bottom line: if you're ordering from Ground Up, maybe plan on getting more than one coffee... because you'll probably wish you had anyway.

Philip W.

NOT just another coffee house! Ground Up has a beautiful blend of coffee that gives you a variety to choose from for your pick morning or afternoon pick me up. Berries, Bananas, Brain and more for Muffins. Home made style doughnuts, and avocado toast. A warm welcome when you walk in, and the aromas to stimulate your senses. Fast friendly and helpful. Great spot to catch up on emails or with colleagues and friends.

Exterior
Sean Y.

Neither the best nor the worst, it's a good coffee shop serving the area and a ton of UIC students. Strengths of Ground Up are its expansive menu and abundant seating and free WiFi, but no item on the menu is particularly standout in my opinion. The paper cups are flimsy to the point I had to drink half my coffee in store before being confident to bring the rest home. Staff are friendly and the loft look is very cute.

Bar
Luke W.

Spacious and inviting downtown espresso spot, I found 15 minute parking right in front. Staff was friendly and happy to use my glass mug however odd it didn't add any personal cup discount. I got the nutmeg latte, well balanced and tasty. The best of four on my Chicago roadtrip along with Conscious Cup Cook St Dubai chocolate in Barrington. There's a neat main room and quiet side room. It's a cool place.

This is some type of matcha drink. It was a bit sweet but quality matcha.
Michelle R.

This place was so welcoming. I had to leave a $2 tip only because the guy taking our order was absolutely welcoming and let me tell you... an awesome sense of humor. I would come again just to get some positive energy.

Runzer W.

I ordered a medium hot latte and stayed there for about an hour. Friendly staff. Nice vibe, while the light inside might make you sleepy lol.

Justine C.

Great coffee shop in West Loop! Their raspberry muffins are to die for! You have to request it heated for 100/10 flavor. Their specials are always a hit and are all so unique. I usually opt for my vanilla iced latte and they get it done right. Prices are fair and there are plenty of seats to do work or hang with a friend.

Cashmere caramel
Kenna G.

The Cashmere caramel latte was insanely good, I've never had a latte that tasted like it!!! The pastry case here looked delicious, I am dying to come back and try one of them! Decent sized cafe, kind staff. Provided good recommendations. Only complaint is my medium latte WITHOUT upgrading milk was over $8 which is a bit painful.

Turtle turtle mocha  Matcha latte  Cinnamon Latte
Maitri S.

They have seasonal items and I loved the verdure latte! It was a creamy pistachio drink which fresh pistachio. So comforting

Fresas Con Crema

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the quality coffee and drinks, delicious pastries, and friendly staff. The welcoming atmosphere is also appreciated.

Read the full review summary in the app

5 years ago

i sincerely love this place. i live pretty far away but whenever im in the area i always stop by.

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9 years ago

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

Great coffee, amazing spanakopita, fantastic service. This is such a great place to grab a quick bite for breakfast. Love it!

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7 years ago

Cool place. Industrial look... however it is still organic. Great stuff. Great coffee.

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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Page 5 of 5

Ask the Community - Ground Up

Do they offer milk alternatives and if so, do they charge extra for it?

Yes they have milk alternatives for an extra charge when you order in person. They have oat milk and probably soy/almond milk too. They may have coconut milk depending on the seasonal drinks available. For some reason however there's no option to… 

Are there outlets by the tables?

Not all tables do. The bar-style tables do not but most of the small ones have two outlets by them.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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#chicago #flyforfriends #yelpfriends #gourmetcoffee…read more So the real question is what does one do in the great city of Chicago? Well, if you are with Matcha snobs and coffee snobs, you will end up visiting Sawada coffee Located on the second floor at 112 N. Green Street is Sawada coffee. It's together with another establishment. The tables inside the establishment do not belong to Sawada Coffee The trick to securing the seat belonging to the other establishment is to purchase something from that other establishment so that us Sawada coffee drinkers can peacefully sip on our drinks Don't ever think that coffee is just coffee, because it isn't you will learn this if you would to visit with Sawada Coffee if and when you are in the area in Chicago. A post script to this review is I just happen to be traveling with a bunch of people that are coffee and Matcha Kings and Queens I am a pawn still learning

As a matcha girlie, Sawada Coffee was a must-try spot in Chicago. The vibes here- I'm all about…read morethem- and the drinks were pretty good. We came on a weekend afternoon, and it was popping! The line was out the door. To get in, walk up the stairs (there's also a menu posted), then order at the register. You'll then pay and pick up your drink when it's called. Drinks are made pretty quickly; the service was kind, and they also have pastries on display. Seating-wise, they have some bar seating. But what gets you is the ambiance; it's rustic and chic! I'm all about trying either a basic or specialty matcha. I got a Matcha Latte, Tokyo Style, with Oat Milk. The matcha was good quality, a bit on the milky and creamy side, but the Tokyo style made it sweet. It was a good pick-me-up, but for the price, it was a bit expensive. I tried my friend's seasonal Hojicha Spiced Pumpkin Latte, and it was strong and good. If you're into matcha or coffee, Sawada Coffee in West Loop is a popular spot. Find them off N Green Street, close to public transportation. Happy me and Irene M. could get our matcha fix!

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Ground Up - coffee - Updated October 2026

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