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Stopped here for coffee and breakfast while staying in a hotel down the street. My oatmilk latte was creamy and tasty and frothy and hot. You'd be surprised how many coffee shops serve hot drinks closer to warm. I like my latte to be nice and hot when it comes out, and still warm and enjoyable to drink minutes later: anyhow - I also ordered one of their spinach and feta hand pies. The hand pie was crunchy on the outside with a nice, warm filling on the inside. Service was great and the ambience is inviting with high ceilings and plenty of seating.
The barista didn't know how to make an extra dry cappuccino... place is cute inside , just picked up my order to go
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.
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?
Three Cheese Pie & Iced Milk & Honey Latte were both delicious! Service was quick and I was able to squeeze in a quick work session.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Excellent pastries. Customer service was really good and the look of the coffee shop is eclectic but welcoming.
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.
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.
5 months ago
Good vibes only in here! Staff were very friendly and welcoming. I ordered the banana latte they currently have and got it the way one of the staff suggested and it was pretty good. It did have a faint banana flavor, but just right where it didn't overpower the taste of the coffee and not too sweet. I also got the spinach and feta hand pie. Although I'm not sure if there was much feta because I thought I kept seeing yellow cheese in it, it was still tasty and filling. It's also dog friendly which I'm obsessed. Would def come here again when I'm back in town read more
This latte was really good. You can taste the spices and quality, and it's not overly sweet which I liked. I do think it would hit even better hot. Service was amazing. The barista was super patient and gave great recommendations, really sweet overall. The vibes are nice and cozy, very classic coffee shop feel. They have water if you want to work, but seating is mostly stools by the window, so not the most comfortable for long sessions. I'd definitely come back to try more lattes since they have a lot of syrup flavors. read more
I have yet to find a better coffee shop in Chicago!! The coffee is roasted and brewed to perfection every single time. It's so addictive. The spanakopita - oh my god. I'm a total snob about Greek food (shocker) and this checks all the boxes of a good spanakopita. Get it every single time you come here and thank me later. The seasonal drinks are fun too, and you can tell a lot of care go into them and maintaining the cozy vibe of the cafe. Everyone is always so kind. Love it here. read more
3 months ago
Stopped here for coffee and breakfast while staying in a hotel down the street. My oatmilk latte was creamy and tasty and frothy and hot. You'd be surprised how many coffee shops serve hot drinks closer to warm. I like my latte to be nice and hot when it comes out, and still warm and enjoyable to drink minutes later: anyhow - I also ordered one of their spinach and feta hand pies. The hand pie was crunchy on the outside with a nice, warm filling on the inside. Service was great and the ambience is inviting with high ceilings and plenty of seating. read more
1 month ago
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. read more
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? read more
2 years ago
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. read more
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 read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
2 years ago
Excellent pastries. Customer service was really good and the look of the coffee shop is eclectic but welcoming. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
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. read more
4 months ago
8 months ago
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! read more
2 years ago
Place and staff were very welcoming and quickly explained the Greek influence on the coffee offerings, including a Freddo Cappuccino, so we each ordered one. The staff member also walked us through their levels of sweet and helped us decide. Don't know how to order coffee? Don't worry here, they will help you through it. The inside was so cute and because we walked in near close, suggested that we could use the lounge style seating in the entry of the entire building if we wanted to linger after close, but they also didn't pressure or rush us out. We picked out a 2lb bag of beans and are excited to get them home to make our own drinks! read more
7 months ago
I'll keep this short and sweet (kinda). This coffee shop rocks! After a hearty lunch and walking around on a hot afternoon, I needed a quick pick me up before heading to the airport. Yelp led me to Ground Up Coffee, and I was blown away by the moment I walked in. Even if the coffee sucked (it's not), the service I received from the perceived owner was outstanding. I felt like a VIP getting the royal treatment. Better than most fine dining restaurants where you're spending hundreds of dollars. For a $3.75 coffee, this was miles away from any other coffee service interaction. He asked me which roast I wanted, explained them both, and asked me where I was from (saw my suitcase in tow). Extraordinary stuff! The coffee itself matched the customer service and brought me back to life. It's a cute, trendy shop with limited seating, but has outlets and wifi and all the goods. I won't be coming often because of my proximity to the shop (since I live 1000 miles away). I just had to shout Ground Up Coffee from the rooftops! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
I'm always particular about what good coffee is, and this is great coffee. Loved the black & gold themed logo. Small business yet with great employees, everyone was so kind. I recommend the 3 cheese hand pie, I may have to try a different one tomorrow! Make sure you stop in for a grab and go breakfast, you'll be happy to start your day! read more
2 years ago
This is my all time favorite coffee shop. It's conveniently located in my neighborhood and I look forward to Saturday mornings when I treat myself to a coffee here. I love the house music being played and the vibe it brings. Also they know my name! It's nice to go somewhere where they know your name. Love you ground up ! read more
5 years ago
I ordered a seasonal drink, an iced pumpkin spice latte and it was really good! The drinks are solid, but what I think really makes this establishment shine is the service that they provide. The shop owners/baristas are friendly and greet all customers with a smile and warm conversation. I really like the neighborhood feel of this little coffee shop, and would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to support a local coffee shop. One thing to note is that there are only 5 or so chairs in total, so not a lot of space for people who are looking for a place to study. However, if you are lucky enough to snag one of these chairs, the wifi is strong and there are outlets available to keep your devices charged. read more
3 years ago
Found this little neighborhood gem! Great coffee and pastries!! Breakfast sandwiches yummy!! read more
I've come here a few times because the location was convenient for me, and each time I would say my impression was, "not bad!" I've gotten lattes here before and thought they were all right, and this time I got the Ham and Cheese Pie. The flakiness was on point, but I definitely felt like there should've been more filling, and the ham tasted just okay. The people are nice and it's a cute spot though. They do seem to allow dogs inside. All in all if it's convenient for you, it may be worth a stop, but I wouldn't go out of my way. read more
1 year ago
I've been here 3 times to pick up a bag of coffee. The first time I came, the owner/manager was very kind and discussed what options he had and provided recommendations. He was gracious and welcoming. After selecting the Red Honey Nicaragua, he gave me the option of a complimentary espresso shot or drip coffee. I went with the drip, and he gave me a Large Coffee to go. This was a 5 star experience. My second visit, I couldn't find the Red Honey Nicaragua, so I got the Rise and Grind, which turned out to be a nice bag of coffee. One of the staff showed me where the Red Honey was hiding after my purchase. On my most recent visit, I quickly grabbed the Red Honey and they gave me a medium (12 oz) drip coffee for the road. Overall, this is a nice little shop. The Red Honey Nicaragua is the only single origin coffee that they have, and it's $20, but it's quite good. If I had to nitpick, I'd provide 2 suggestions: 1. Make the complimentary drip coffee a Large every time. A $20 bag of coffee isn't cheap, might as well do a little extra, particularly for those buying the Red Honey. 2. The to-go cups/lids are a bit cheap. I don't know how expensive it would be to upgrade the quality, but I had coffee leak through the lid and onto my hands every time I walked home with it (see image attached)... Not a huge deal, but this could be a focus area for improvement. read more
3 years ago
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