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Ground Up Coffee

4.5 (94 reviews)
Open 6:30 am - 5:30 pm

Order Ground Up Coffee Takeout or Delivery

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GROUND UP COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Dogs allowed
Good for working

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Recommended Reviews - Ground Up Coffee

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Cappuccino .. meh!
Padma A.

The barista didn't know how to make an extra dry cappuccino... place is cute inside , just picked up my order to go

Jason S.

Stopped into Ground Up the other day while running errands and was pleasantly surprised. It's a smaller space, but it wasn't crowded, which made it a great little spot to settle in with my laptop for a bit. I grabbed a medium cold brew (really solid, next time I'll go for the large since I flew through it and it was a little heavy on the ice) and an egg, ham, and cheese on an English muffin. The sandwich hit the spot it was simple and tasty. A nice touch I appreciated was the free water station with reusable cups. Love seeing spots make those small sustainable choices especially with free water! Overall, it's a chill coffee shop tucked into the quieter part of River North; definitely a nice find for getting some work done or just grabbing a good cup of coffee.

Did you really have to charge the extra dollar?
Diogo T.

Coffee 2.5/5 Food 4/5 Experience 2/5 Honestly, I'd probably round this up a star if it weren't for the barista's attitude. I saw a google review talking about negative behavior towards asians. I brushed it off before I came, but it confirmed for my family as well. Could be a coincidence, or could be a pattern. Coffee: 2.5/5 The coffee is better than Starbucks' usual burnt roast, and they clearly invest in equipment and technique (fancy Italian machine, special tamping, etc.), but the flavor just doesn't deliver. My espresso was lukewarm .. around low 170°F when it should be closer to 190-205°F .. which really affected the taste. Food: 4/5 The pastry was solid .. I tried their pie and it tasted like quality ingredients were used. I'm knocking off a point because it was a bit on the greasy side, but overall, it was enjoyable. Experience: 2/5 This is where things went downhill. I ordered a double espresso, but was handed what looked like a single shot. When I politely asked, I was told it was a single - and instead of correcting it, the barista said, "If you pay for the extra shot, I'll top it up." For $3.50 an espresso, "topping off" isn't acceptable - just remake it. After reluctantly paying the extra dollar, I was told to wait again while five other people behind me were served first. Sound levels: one minor thing that doesn't affect the rating: I think the music is too loud. Normally, you would expect a coffee shop to be around 60-70 dB to be able to have a conversation with a friend. The music itself was at a solid 80 dB - so you would have to raise your voice if you want to have a meaningful conversation with someone. No wonder people just drink up and go. Maybe it's unintentional?

Iced Lavender Latte
Kelly R.

Three Cheese Pie & Iced Milk & Honey Latte were both delicious! Service was quick and I was able to squeeze in a quick work session.

Hot Very Vedure Latte (seasonal)
Anthony D.

A bit out of the way if you're spending time along Michigan Ave, but a pretty cool coffee spot. We were hitting a workout class nearby and decided to give it a shop. It's really the only thing on the street you would go to unless you lived in one of the apartment complexes. We ordered their seasonal Very Vedure Latte both hot and iced and it was pretty tasty. A mix of mocha, pistachio, and cinnamon. I would definitely recommend it if it's available still. The place has some seating but it's not designed to really hang out in. The staff was nice as well.

Coffee double expresso, 3 cheese pie and chocolate muffin
Terry W.

I have been coming to Ground Up since my daughter moved to Chicago. The coffee shop is close by in short walking distance. Every time I come in I am greeted with a hello or welcome. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They always thank me for my business. The coffee is excellent and the Three Cheese Pie is yummy. Also the Double Chocolate Muffin is another favorite of mine. They have many more selections to choose from. Great taste and friendly service. Ground Up is a place

Le Brume
Steve A.

Checked out this coffee place in River North to get perked up early. Ground Up is one of the many coffee places around here that is locally owned. It has kind of a small menu but there's still plenty of things. A lot better than the big ass chains. There's not that much room inside but there's a few seats by the window. An early wake up was needed so I came in for coffee. It's not one of the busier places around here. There's so many other places to go so it gets overlooked. Okay prices for a hip urban area. The menu isn't that big but that makes it easier to order. It's about $6 for a specialty coffee. Le Brume is London Fog with a French twist. Also has a few baked goods. There's some donuts and muffins but who knows how long these have been here. Good urban place to get coffee or another hip beverage. It's also got juices as well as pastries. The inside is pretty small so most people get takeout.

Entrance
Rohan H.

The was a great find! It was freezing out and we wanted to get out of the cold and decided to grab some coffee and found this place on yelp. It was amazing. They have a selection of meat pies that aren't the traditional for a coffee shop but a great combination. The coffee was good and they have a good selection of flavors. The only downside I would say is there aren't many places to sit and seems like it's always busy. So only a couple stools aren't enough unfortunately.

Wessrick H.

Excellent pastries. Customer service was really good and the look of the coffee shop is eclectic but welcoming.

Freddo Cappuccino with almond milk
Sydney H.

My favorite coffee shop in Chicago!!!! You have to get the Freddo Cappuccino. It's the best, most fresh tasting & smoothest espresso I've ever had. They also have food items that looked good! Breakfast sandwiches, croissants, & apple fritters just to name a few.

Matcha latte
Yuchen C.

Matcha latte is not a legit matcha latte, they make it from a premix with lots of sugar. It tastes like straight sugar, can't taste anything else.

Cappuccino
Blaise H.

My favorite coffee from my entire trip to Chicago. The espresso is really high quality and their syrups taste just as good. I got an iced vanilla latte and it didn't taste artificial at all. It's probably one of the best vanilla lattes I've ever had (and I've had a lot). My boyfriend got the cappuccino and said it was amazing. There's seating inside but it does get busy. The service was super fast and friendly!

Retail coffee bag of Rise & Grind
Meagan M.

I chose to venture to Ground Up Coffee & Bites based off one of my local free s's recommendations and I was not disappointed! They have seating both along the window and at the coffee bar, it was the perfect temperature inside, they have free WiFi for customers, and I always appreciate a healthy looking coffee shop plant. The cashier let me know that the three different sizes have different amounts of espresso; small has 1.5 shots, medium (16oz) has 2 shots, and large has 3 shots. For the espresso, I recommend ordering it with Half-Light so that you get the light roasted espresso beans. It makes a smooth and balanced hot oat milk latte that you're sure to enjoy when it's cold outside, and it was my perfect companion for my chilly walk back. The Half-Light is their Pure Gold Espresso Roast; an inviting front, smooth mouthfeel, with a subtle zesty finish to seal the deal. A broad, balanced, and deep cup with a rich, nut-milk body and riesling acidity. Base tasting notes of black cherry-chocolate mousse are complemented with honey and almond for a blancmange finish. You can also just simply order any espresso-based drink with the light roast and the staff will know what you are looking for. It's a little extra for oat milk and the light roast, but it's worth it. The barista Osama was hilarious and made a perfectly balanced oat latte. He truly made me feel welcome and seemed so genuinely grateful that I chose to purchase today's coffee there; his hospitality makes me want to return again and again. The theme is black and shiny gold, being the colors the walls are painted to the custom retail bags. I enjoyed the motivation printed on the back side of the retail coffee bag displayed, which read: Remember why. Why you filled your tank on the way home. Why you picked your outfit and prepared lunch the night before. Remember why. Your why is an unparalleled standard and how you go about your pursuit should be no different. Rise & Grind's why is how you fuel yours. Truly crafted for purpose. A lively beginning, peppy core, and natural urbane demeanor. Just like you.

Freddo Cappuccino

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29 days ago

Best coffee ever! We need this in Kansas City! The banana speciality cappuccino was amazinngggg! Staff was also very friendly and speedy :)

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2 years ago

Eh maybe I ordered the wrong thing but their espresso was whatever. My husband enjoyed his cold brew though

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Ground Up Coffee - coffee - Updated May 2026

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