Groundswell Coffee Roasters

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3 months ago

I wanted to enjoy groundswell, but the espresso just tasted extremely weak to me, so much so that I questioned if I even got 2 shots or just one. It ended up tasting like oat milk with a splash of espresso. I ended up having to get a matcha in the afternoon as a pick me up as I didn't quite feel awake. I didn't try any of the pastries but they did have a few. Despite the lackluster coffee experience, the cafe is a decent area to work in, with seating, free wifi, bathroom, and outlets. Sorry I forgot to take pictures :( read more

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Bobb S.

345

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2 months ago

Stopped in on an early Thursday morning as it was in walking distance to where we were staying. A cute cozy spot with a minimalist industrial feel, the space was definitely comfortable to do some light work but not a place I could see myself camping out for a few hours. I opted for one of their pour overs. I didn't pick up on the advertised flavor notes but also wasn't disappointed-it was ok. For those that are craving food options, they do have some bakery and breakfast sandwich/burrito options. It wouldn't be a destination cafe for me but perfectly acceptable for those seeking a solid cup of coffee. read more

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Gia G.

228

33

45

7 months ago

Such a cute spot. The space itself is really nice warm, cozy vibe, and thoughtfully designed but it is pretty limited on seating, so it can feel a little tight if it's busy. Definitely more of a linger-with-a-friend than a big group place. I got the chai latte and that spice comes through in the best way. It's not just sweet milk with a hint of chai you actually taste the cinnamon, clove, and that little kick of warmth. Super comforting and flavorful. Friendly staff! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Chai latte! - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Susan B.

0

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21 days ago

The girl today didn't want to make foam which is easy to make, ruined the customer experience

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Myra Y.

62

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1 year ago

This is a super cute and intimate coffee spot! I stopped by to do some work before an appointment in the area. I ordered an iced matcha latte and found it to be smooth. I asked for it to be unsweetened as I wanted to be able to add stevia to my own liking. My order came quick and without issues. I would be happy to return again if in the area. It's a great alternative to other shops in the area. read more

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George C.

105

163

304

9 months ago

Great coffee place came here on two days in a row and would come everyday if I lived here. Service was fast and friendly the ambience was chic and modern perfect for working remotely both times I got the latte with oat milk and it was delicious. Great place for people that like their strong coffee. read more

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Kenna G.

59

424

1061

1 year ago

Super cute, earthy, vibey, coffee shop! Very small, only around 5 tables. Not the best for WFH if you have to take any calls, and getting a table is a gamble. Coffee flavor was very good. Staff were friendly. read more

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Stephanie N.

264

256

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1 year ago

We got macchiatos and a cortado and they were all perfect, just a perfect fresh flavor of the espresso matching well with the milk while also shining through with fresh brightness. It was pretty addictive, to be honest. Absolutely lovely servers too, felt very welcome. A cozy space well lit by sunshine on the one whole side, such a nice place to just sit and focus on your coffee. Hope to be back soon! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Corridor - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Two macchiatos, each served with sparkling water - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Mark O.

0

47

46

8 months ago

The only third wave shop in west loop. Great beans, pulled very well by the baristas, with a nice vibe. Not a ton of seating, but still nice to remote work at when there's room! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Cortado - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Paige D.

1

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10 months ago

Great spot, quick service, and cozy vibes. Love their breakfast sandwiches on the go and they have delicious cold brew and lattes. If you get there early enough they have a great selection of local donuts as well. read more

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Sofia M.

0

1

1 year ago

10/10 coffee and atmosphere. Randomly stumbled upon the shop after a quick Google search and this is one of the best lattes I've had in a long time. I asked the barista for her go to and she recommended a honey cinnamon latte. It didn't disappoint! Normally, I'm a "sipper" but not today. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Honey cinnamon latte - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Janelle P.

Elite 25

294

173

756

1 year ago

Stopped by Groundswell Coffee--cute spot and pretty busy when I went. I had a chai latte and the green chile breakfast burrito and both were was just okay, nothing special in my opinion. I also tried the green chile breakfast burrito and it also Not bad, but not something I'd go out of my way for. You can definitely work remotely here, but it's a pretty small space. read more

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Mark M.

137

234

349

1 year ago

I always walk over to groundswell for a cold brew after my morning skates. I'm always greeted at the door. Nice and chill vibes. Highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Mary G.

4

14

5

1 year ago

Rolled into Groundswell in River West and dropped about $16--grabbed a pour-over single-origin drip and a ham & Swiss panini, plus an everything croissant. The drip was fire--bright, clean flavors you can tell they roasted in-house--and that panini hit just right, melty cheese and warm ham on perfectly pressed bread. The croissant was flaky and buttery, exactly how a pastry should be, and not too heavy. Baristas were laid-back but sharp--knew their beans and made that pour-over like pros . Chill spot with some patio seating and a mellow neighborhood vibe, great for hanging or grabbing a quick bite. Everything's top-notch--coffee, food, staff--so it's easily a five-star go-to for local java fans like me. read more

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Autumn B.

203

123

138

2 years ago

Maybe it was the delayed gratification of having to get ready for work with no coffee at home, but I stopped here this morning for an emergency coffee and it was the best work commute ever! Ordered a large iced latte with almond milk, lavender, half sweet (my go to!) I haven't passed by here recently but it's always been a great experience. Gonna have to add them to the rotation! I will say the inside of the store was nice and cozy this morning and they made my coffee unbelievably fast, so I even made the bus! Adding them to the summer rotation for sure! read more

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Casey W.

5

286

228

11 months ago

Very quick service! The line was almost out the door, but staff kept the line moving quickly! Ordered an iced chai and a cold brew that were both good. read more

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Justine C.

119

518

2170

2 years ago

Easy and simple coffee menu which makes ordering so straightforward and efficient. The coffee shop is small with a few tables to do some laptop work or enjoy your meal. I loved my iced vanilla latte with to whole milk and the service was fairly fast. It's about $7 total for the iced latte which is typically priced in the West Loop area. Great spot to try! read more

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M. C.

0

16

0

9 months ago

Groundswell's in-house-roasted coffee is good. They hire well, too, based on the staff we ran into. And they've put some thought into the design of their pleasant space. read more

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Mi S.

1

143

625

2 years ago

Great customer service. Very friendly and kind. Disgusting burritos. They should stop selling them.

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Ailun H.

143

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3 years ago

The cold brew here was solid - probably my favorite cold brew that I've tried in Chicago during this trip. The cold brew was super smooth, and the flavors were fruity and light with a fantastic and lingering after taste. The barista and I had a small conversation about the beans that were used to make it (some of their left over Ethiopian single origin mixed with another, I believe). It was the first drink he recommended after I asked for some suggestions. Most coffee shops just use left over junk coffee beans to make their cold brew (which is often nasty). I'm glad I was able to sample a bit before buying a cup (5.00 for 12 oz, I think). Great place for my friend and me to chill after lunch this Tuesday. There is a good amount of seats here and there were a few people doing work in the shop, too. If I didn't have so many bags of coffee beans already, I definitely would have bought a bag here. read more

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Marisol R.

Elite 17

8

107

27

2 years ago

Coffee was great definitely exceeded my expectations Small place cozy and their pastries were good Good service read more

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Kevin Z.

Elite 24

203

251

541

3 years ago

Their doughnuts are excellent. No idea if they make them in-house, but they are well worth the price. Way better than other chains' doughnuts. Will have to try their coffee next time. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - a variety of donuts - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bridget A.

1

2

4

3 years ago

Great spot to stop in for a coffee or sweet donut treat in the West Loop. Service is always fast and the staff always friendly! For a small shop, the vibes are grand at Groundswell. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Cold brew and storefront - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Add your own cream and sugar bar - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Carlie H.

70

6

1

2 years ago

Delicious vanilla latte! Loved the atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!

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Nathan D.

927

918

3593

3 years ago

stopped in for coffee. nice friendly staff.. coffee was way too mild for my taste.

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Gobohae L.

0

35

0

2 years ago

Great local coffee roaster. Always consistently good. Good, friendly people. Love the local vibe!!! read more

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Jonna N.

376

477

2915

7 years ago

Super cute cafe! I can't give 5 stars because the lighting was okay. It was a gloomy morning with light flurries and the inside was dark. They have big windows for natural light but when the natural light isn't there, it's kinda dull. The decor was super cute though! The chairs are wood or they have stools near the front so it's not the most comfortable place to sit and study for hours but it's good for a quick coffee break or coffee run in the morning or quick meeting. I also wasn't a fan of their matcha latte. I took one sip and all I got was grainy texture. That was a bummer! I forgot to ask for some honey or some kind of sugar in it so it tasted just of matcha. The latte art on it was cute though! I also got a chocolate croissant and it was tasty. read more

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Yiting K.

60

81

13

2 years ago

I had an exceptional cup of pour over. It was the pink borbon from Columbia. Will be back to get coffee from them.

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Craig H.

27

222

500

5 years ago

Excellent coffee and lattes. The roast on the filter coffee is excellent. The latte featured housemade vanilla syrup, which is a serious plus given my wife has an allergy to high fructose corn syrup and that stuff is in EVERYTHING. Thanks for the great cups of joe, Groundswell. read more

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Midori G.

730

687

1328

8 years ago

$4.15 for a 16 oz iced coffee. I think that's more expensive than other places. The coffee is very good, but super strong! I haven't tried the other drinks so I can not vouch for them. 4 stars for the wonderful selection of quality coffee products and the nice atmosphere. I do think the iced coffee is a little overpriced, but maybe that's just how it is in this area! They have some bakery products that looked good and they serve paninis and wraps. There isn't much seating! Just 6 small tables and some bar-style seating. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - My $4.15 16 oz iced coffee - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Rosa J.

542

1248

4062

9 years ago

"Groundswell Coffee Roasters" are probably my favorite coffeeshops to spend quiet Saturdays and Sundays at. There are three (3) locations in the city: on Damen in Ravenswood, on Madison in Near West Side, and on Lincoln in Lincoln Square. Hubby and I took a break at the Near West Side one after visiting a thrift store near the United Center. This particular location doesn't have the big-community table sitting, yet featured more small, intimate sitting arrangements with a plenty of natural lights coming in. I would say the decors are quite minimalist. I like the earthy color tones and the transfusion machine on the barista's work station, which keeps me calm and relaxed and make me feel "home away from home!" Check out their seasonal specialty drinks! I had their "espresso soda." The main ingredients were an espresso shot, mineral water, orange bitters, and vanilla. Hubby was curious on how it was done and the tall-n-skinny barista gave him a run-through on how it was made. It really was very nice of him. They offer donuts from "Glazed & Infused." I have seen patrons ordering their made-to-order panini. They all looked appetizing. Whenever I come in to a "Groundswell" coffeeshop, I don't plan on leaving for at least a hour or two. I purposefully slow down my day so that I can recharge, unwind, and refocus. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Espresso soda - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kristine H.

10

229

277

4 years ago

Love this place! Super cute and small place to grab your fav coffee! Me and my boyfriend both love this place. The lattes and flat whites are on point with flavor and always consistent. The kolaches are delicious too! read more

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Mike G.

154

632

90

7 years ago

Nice little coffee shop in the West Loop. Groundswell is located on Madison and right around the corner from where I work. Their coffee is always good, especially their iced latte. Their panini sandwiches are delicious and a great thing to order for lunch (or breakfast!). Prices are a little high but their quality is A+...well worth it! read more

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R K.

Elite 11

52

72

0

5 years ago

I felt initially reluctant to write this review bc my own knowledge of coffee is limited- however this website is full of people who call themselves foodies and think bc they 'drink LOTS of coffee' their opinions need to be shared with the world. The person who taught me about coffee has led coffee programs for a major restaurant group, goes to tastings and competitions, teaches baristas, has been interviewed by major publications for her thoughts on the topic, and the set up in her tiny space (and even when traveling) to make a cup of coffee looks like a mini lab. With scales, blooming, a chemex, an exact temp water heater, etc. Groundswell is one of the 2 legit WL coffee shops. I don't have the palate or nose to appreciate the nuisances of all the things done right (and wrong) at the many WL spots (the roasting, the extraction, all these things I tried to absorb from her) - but this spot was loved by her with lots of repeat visits. They are purists. They purchase and make really good coffee and don't focus a lot on drinks adulterated by added flavors. Their regular "syrup" options are 3 total, all house made, and syrup is in quotes bc they are flavor forward with high quality ingredients (not just sugar). Despite how focused they are on coffee- when they have a limited time specialty drink on the menu it's really F'ing good. Their current one: pumpkin pie latte is so much better than the cliche'd PSL. Maybe that's why the name is a little different? Their house made 'syrup' combines pumpkin purée and mulling spices and is not at all overly sweet (ie most PSLs). The 12 ounce size with oat milk is somehow the tastiest size and milk combo. read more

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Colleen M.

1001

787

464

10 years ago

As if an answer to my matcha dreams, Groundswell brings me matcha lattes that pack a punch, not too much sweetness, and are slightly cheaper than Sawada Coffee. Such a welcome addition to the area, with friendly staff and solid offerings (hello donuts!). The service was a little slow when I last went, but maybe they've worked the kinks out. Wifi is good, it doesn't get too loud, and they have hot food (paninis). read more

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V D.

0

19

15

6 years ago

Good coffee, paninis, and pastries. What I like most is that first thing in the morning the baristas are playing new wave or punk. No sleepy acoustic playlist here. read more

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Cindy C.

1

31

14

8 years ago

This place is awesome. Customer service is fantastic. Walked in not sure of what to get (because im usually at starbucks), but the girl at the counter was very nice . There was only 4 things in the display case to munch on ... but she offered to help if i had any questions . I will definitely be coming here more often . Pictured * Drip coffee with almond milk and a blueberry muffin ( that was fantastic BTW) read more

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Len L.

1.1 mi•River North, Near North Side

473

978

709

8 years ago

Love the area and love the coffee at Groundswells. Large selection of brews and I just went with my favorite - Americano. I liked the fact that they tell you the order of your drink so you know the wait. Seats are limited so were the plugs. I would come here without a doubt for my favorite java, just to watch other coffee enthusiast. read more

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Quinn B.

8

68

44

5 years ago

Latte and the weekly special: Cinnamon-Brown Sugar latte were exactly what I hoped for and so delicious without being 'too much'. The staff was kind and helpful, plus the slow drip apparatus is so impressive. Don't go to Starbucks- support your local coffee shop! If you're in the area, I recommend stopping by. read more

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More info about Groundswell Coffee Roasters

1168 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60607
West Loop, Near West Side
Directions
(773) 754-7590
Call Now
Visit Website
http://groundswellcoffeeroasters.com

Hours

What time does Groundswell Coffee Roasters open?

Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Groundswell Coffee Roasters close?

Groundswell Coffee Roasters closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Groundswell Coffee Roasters closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 6:00 AM - 3:00 PMFri 6:00 AM - 5:00 PMSat-Sun 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters take Bitcoin?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not take Bitcoin.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters take credit cards?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have catering options?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters allow dogs?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have bike parking?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has bike parking.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have outdoor seating?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have parking?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Groundswell Coffee Roasters wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters is wheelchair accessible.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have free WiFi?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Coffee roasted in small batches, single origin coffee, rare teas, local bakery selections, house-made panini.

History

Established in 2015.

Groundswell Coffee Roasters is a micro-roaster based in Chicago, with a mission focused on quality and a friendly approach to coffee education. Our importers source coffees from regions spanning the world. We roast these coffees to achieve the optimal flavors offered by the specific origin and processing method of each bean. Then, we share it with you in our coffee bars. Located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Groundswell is dedicated to providing a warm, friendly and welcoming community destination for our neighbors, near and far. Stop by to see what we're all about. Groundswell offers free wi-fi for all guests.

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4.1(181 reviews)

Some people might say, "if you been to one Blue Bottle, you've been to them all", well I beg to…read morediffer when it comes to this location. Located near the Merchandise Mart and overlooking the Chicago River, this location has floor to ceiling windows with amazing views in every direction. Considering the layout, I am sure this place is frequented those who work and/or live nearby. There are plenty of table/chair combos; the perfect setup for laptop and tablet work. I stopped through on Saturday morning and there was a number of people already setup with their respective devices. They also have music playing in the background (at a very acceptable volume level) which for me, just added to the vibe. The staff, were friendly and helpful. Add to that, they did an awesome job of managing the line as it never got too long. As for drinks and food, no complaints here. It's consistent with the Blue Bottle level of quality I have come to expect and appreciate. Overall, I highly recommend checking out this location.

This spot is bustling! Can't say that I'm surprised given its prime real estate in the heart of…read moredowntown along the water- great for both downtown employees and tourists alike. I ordered a cappuccino and set up my laptop at their wrap around bar to work for a few hours. The energy here is great and I loved the abundance of natural light. The Wi-Fi was strong and the bathrooms were clean. And of course, the coffee was great. Note that it can take a while to get your order given the long lines. They have a variety of seating types for those sticking around. Overall, a positive experience!

1.4 mi•River North, Near North Side

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TARY Coffee

4.4(221 reviews)

Loved the food here so good . The coffee is way better than…read morein fam coffee shops . Try matcha too

the food is mad good for a quick snack. i love central asia cuisine, and i will most definitely be…read moreback! this place gets busy quick. limited seating, so we got rlly lucky having found a seat right as it got busier in the afternoon.

1.4 mi•River North, Near North Side

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American with oat (poured) and a Cinnamon Rollcinnamon

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Caffe Umbria

4.4(386 reviews)

I went here twice on a recent visit to Chicago and ordered a latte with a touch of honey and…read morecinnamon. Perfection is how I would describe it. This shop knows how to make an elevated latte! Highly recommend!

The sign of a good coffee shop TO ME is if they 1) make their syrups in house and 2) don't charge…read moreextra for plant-based milks - they charge $1 for plant based milk - the honey in my honey oat latte was described as half honey, half water (so a honey simple syrup) - no working space, this is more of a grab & go shop, with bar seats and 2 small tables outside - /+small latte is 1 shot of espresso (could be useful for a late coffee when you don't want to be wide awake). This is the first shop I've been to that offered a single shot in a small latte. + if you like straightforward coffee this is the place for you + my half sweet latte was perfect. Some shops my half sweet latte is still very sweet + they have tea options + clean interior and friendly staff + extra shop of espresso is only $0.50 + honey oat latte was delicious + they sell their beans This coffee shop seems to fit the area, working professionals coming in for their caffeine fix and leaving.

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4.2(125 reviews)

Happy hour specials

Takes reservations

A top tier professional environment to get work done. It's on the second floor of the Merchandise…read moreMart, and if you make a left after entering, steps will lead you right there. The iced latte was tasty and there's a variety of seating. I sat at a hightop which had a prime view of the World Cup match.

Came here just to grab coffee and ended up loving the space. The pistachio latte was amazing. I…read moreordered it hot but got it iced, and honestly... if it were hot, it might've been the best pistachio latte ever. The flavor was still really good. The collagen protein latte tasted okay for what it was. The ladies were very nice and offered to remake the drinks. The space is huge with comfy chairs, lots of room to work, and water stations which I always appreciate. Great chill spot if you want to get work done or just see the river.

What happened to service? Used to be so good.

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4.4(88 reviews)

1.2 mi•The Loop

Excellent espresso, excellent service, and pricing is really reasonable. This coffee company is…read moreclearly one of the best in the country.

Came by for coffee the other day and it was a decent experience. The coffee shop had lit vibes as…read morewell as chilled out staff. Opted for an iced mocha and it was ok. The espresso was on the bitter side. Luckily the chocolate wasn't too sweet. They said that the chocolate is made in-house! There were plenty of seats to hang out, including some seats facing the street. $7 for an iced mocha.

1.4 mi•River North, Near North Side

Chai tea with lavender

Iced lavender latte with oat

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4.5(216 reviews)

holy shit this was SO GOOD. we got chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate peanut butter, and twice…read morechocolate chip. we got all of them freshly baked piping hot at 10:45pm 15 min before closing they also had a few options left if you don't want to wait for them fresh. the overall store was also super cute, lots of decor and history and merch! CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT SO GOOD BEST CHOC CHIP COOKIE???? crispy outside melt chocolate inside so yums dark chocolate peanut butter v rich, same crispy outside gooey inside. p good but kinda too sweet after a few bites twice chocolate chip has hella chocolate chips and also dark chocolate. tasted diff then the og walnut one i think too much chocolate takes away the cookie flavor idk... yummy but not as good as walnut I WOULD GO BACK JUST FOR THE CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT AGAIN OMG

Let's get to the point... - small menu, with most cookies…read morehaving chocolate in them (I'm not much of a chocolate person) - no fun cookies, like you would find at other bakeries - $6 for a single cookie is WHEW! + they stay open late + I LOVED the composition of the cookie: a biscuit/cookie mix, giving you both a crunch and soft interior + impressed by the fact that my cookie wasn't warm BUT when I split it in half, the chocolate was gooey + they have ice cream + coffee, I didn't get either

1.1 mi•River North, Near North Side

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4.0(5 reviews)

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1.3 mi•River North, Near North Side

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3.1(70 reviews)

This place is so cute and awesome. The coffee was super yummy and the good was good. The staff was…read morereally nice and helpful and they are located right by the train station. It's a spot I would like to go back to

I stopped here a few hours before leaving Chicago. I wanted something healthy and quick as I was…read morefeeling a little under the weather from how old it was!!! -2 degrees! I ordered me a sandwich and a "Feel Good" juice which includes Carrot, Turmeric, Ginger, Lemon, Apple, Olive Oil. Super yummy and very delicious. The female at the register was new and still learning the system so I was very patient with her as she was patient with me trying to figure what I'd like to order. She mentioned a few of the popular drinks and I ended up choosing the "feel good". She did make my drink and let me tell you she did not disappoint! She did make a bit extra and offered to pour the remaining juice in a different cup which I thought was very nice of her. This is a mellow, laid back juice bar where once can simply study or simply people watch like I did. I ended up sitting here solo for about 30 - 40 minutes people watching lol! I thought the restroom sign was very unique and had to take a picture of it! Definitely recommend to those in the area or simply visiting.

1.2 mi•River North, Near North Side

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$16 juice

Doughnut Vault

4.3(1.2k reviews)

Geeeeez my sis *inhaled* the old fashioned donuts lol. She's a big fan of old fashioned donuts and…read moreclearly she enjoyed the ones that we got here. :p For me, they were a little too sweet (I have old AzN lady taste buds in which "not too sweet" is a strong compliment), but wow the crispiness for old fashioned donuts was on-point! The buttermilk one particularly gave county fair funnel cake vibes and the lemon poppyseed one reminded me a lot of a lemon bar lol verrry lemon-y (in an indulgent-good way). Friendly lady at the interior counter nook. We visited on a Monday at 9 am and there was no line at all.

Doughnut Vault exists in a weird limbo for me, because the donuts are excellent and the rotation of…read moredaily specials are fun. However, these donuts are pricey which to be fair they're based in River North. I also usually prefer the old fashioned donuts, because the filled donuts can be too sweet for me. Verdict: fun as a once in a while treat but not a regular stop for me along the way to the office.

Glazed vanilla

Vanilla Birthday Cake

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Firecakes Donuts

4.1(2k reviews)

1.5 mi•Near North Side

Delicious! Simple house made donuts, fresh espresso and hot chai were perfect. Firecakes offers…read moremultiple locations, with easy access throughout the city, open early and closing late, making it the perfect sweet treat all day long. The raspberry bold orange donut truly was fire, no premade compote here, fresh raspberry filling was a game changer. The cinnamon roll donut was decadent but totally worth it with all the walking you do as a tourist.

I think unfortunately people in Chicago might have never had a good donut in their lives. Firecakes…read morehas endless rave reviews, but the donuts I tried from here were borderline inedible. Horchata Donut: I don't know what the filling is here, but it was kind of oddly rancid / sour. No one in my group had more than a nibble. The fried dough in the Jelly Donut and the Cinnamon Sugar were both painfully dry, but the toppings themselves were fine. Glazed Cake Donut: This was the most palatable of the donuts we tried, but it's a very average cake donut. Kinda dry and Do-rite honestly does these way better.

Happy Birthday!

Vanilla Sprinkle Donut

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Erica S.

Elite 21

117

250

133

5 years ago

Sweet lil coffee shop right next to Pure Barre West Loop, which is super convenient. I got a chai with oat milk and my hubby got a mocha. The small size drinks are pretty small, but they tasted good and were ready quickly. Staff was decently friendly and the ambiance is cozy. We would definitely stop by again! read more

Naomi T.

1

3

1

6 years ago

I ordered a green tea wasn't good, very powdery and didn't taste how it's suppose to. Got a latte. Wasn't good I tried going on two different days and wasn't satisfied but was trying to support a business. read more

Tyler M.

265

18

427

10 years ago

Best coffee in Chicago. The location is great. I love the rustic feel in the shop. Jason and his staff make your coffee with joy. Always pretty girls in there too. read more

Masson C.

0

6

0

3 years ago

The hours listed on the internet are not accurate at all. Wish they'd fix it. Been this way since December 2022.

Helen D.

0

8

0

7 years ago

Good coffee and friendly service. Love their lavender lattes.

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - coffeeroasteries - Updated September 2026

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The Wormhole Coffee

4.4

(1.4k reviews)

•$

Haven't been here in years (2018?). Still a great hang with couches for catching up with friends…read moreand socializing. Staff was friendly and it's always a nice little luxury to get a coffee not made from home in this economy! I had the vanilla bean latte, half sweet, oat milk And my friend had the koopa troopa, half sweet, oat milk They've had the same menu a long time so it's tried and true and then their seasonal offerings as well! Love this place. Bit of nostalgia for a different time. I remember the cereal bar. Now that I've made myself sound about a million years old it's time to sign off! Go catch up with friends here

Not sure how Matt managed to get hired here, so I assume being rude is part of their training…read more After hearing great things about their coffee and being in town for a trip, I payed Wormhole a visit. I ordered 5 coffees one morning, and all the register guy did was write a few names on some cups and placed it down. I understand tipping culture is a divided topic of discussion, but at the end of the day, it is OPTIONAL. After pressing the skip button from what I believe to be non-tip worthy service, he threw a fit and said "Wow you're serious? After I did all that?" Meanwhile all he did was write names on cups. Now I would understand if he was the barista working hard to pump out the coffees, but two lovely ladies were in the back doing that. He shooed me and my friend out of line as we were still processing what he just said. The next customer orders and he had the audacity to talk about us to them while we're 5 feet away. Delusional as he was, he had the nerve to say we were holding up the line and made him do "all that work", and I could promise you, we knew exactly what we wanted to order the second we got up, and took no longer than 45 seconds. We also witnessed he got into it with another customer, so it seems like he's the problem here. Most wild service I have ever received, all for some milky coffees. I ended up tipping the lovely ladies in the back though. Be warned. There are much better spots.

Engine Coffee

4.7

(39 reviews)

I was visiting Chicago and stumbled upon this spot in my buddy's neighborhood. The drip coffee was…read moreabsolutely stellar. I went back every morning. Ample seating with a spartan aesthetic. Right up my alley. Good stuff.

Cute coffee shop in West Town! Cool minimalist design and laid back atmosphere. Fun tunes playing…read morein the background. They also have a record player and sell vinyl. Spacious interior and large tables in the back. Smaller tables available by the window. I loved my bright window seat! It's a relaxed place to catch up with a friend and get some work done. I ordered two of the specials: coconut matcha, and cold brew colada. I found the coconut matcha to be really smooth and refreshing. The cold brew colada was really interesting and tasted just like a piña colada. It was a little too sweet for me but I'm glad I tried it. They have some breakfast and lunch food items, such a breakfast sandwiches, empanadas, and pastries. I'll try some next time. Open everyday from 7am-3pm. Right off the blue line at Division. Friendly and fast service.

Move Along Coffee

4.9

(27 reviews)

Stumbled upon Move Along Coffee on Grand in River West when I just needed a quick pick-me-up, and…read moreit was perfect. There's no indoor space, just a simple walk-up window hence move along coffee haha but the barista was super friendly and made ordering easy with the menu right in front of you. I grabbed a drip coffee, which I don't usually go for, but it was cold out and it seriously hit the spot. Price was great too: about $5 for a large even with tip, which feels like a rarity these days. Overall, a simple, no-frills coffee window that delivers exactly what you need: fast, friendly service and a solid cup of coffee. Perfect quick stop in the neighborhood.

Fantastic coffee and selection of pastries, including this Korean bbq danish. So good!! It's…read moretakeout only through a window that faces the street but the staff are super nice and I'll definitely be back to try all the other goodies and get more coffee.

Candor

4.4

(42 reviews)

Cute spot in Wicker Park! Nice back patio seating. The line moved pretty quick for a Saturday…read moremorning crowd too Ordered the vanilla bean cold brew, which was so delicious holy cow. The nutmeg on top was a nice touch as well. Kinda tasted like a vanilla coffee milkshake! A bit on the pricy side (almost $9) but honestly was worth it as a special treat.

Miso maple matcha! The interior has tables for work, and looked pretty comfortable. My friends got…read morethe cold brew which was quite delicious I might say more than the matcha. The matcha itself was a gorgeous green. I subbed my milk for almond milk which did overpower the drink a bit, perhaps oat would have been the better option! The miso made for a savory bite while the apple added a slight sweetness. Overall a good matcha although with the milk substation this ran me close to $10 .

Kapéj Coffee

4.6

(106 reviews)

•$

This place is really cool with a very chill, cozy vibe inside. I was visiting my sibling over the…read moreweekend who lives just down the street, so I ended up stopping in twice. On my first visit, I tried the dulce de leche hot latte, which was good but nothing particularly stood out. I also had the egg, sausage, and cheese sandwich on a jalapeño cheese bagel. It was huge and overall good, but I found myself more of a fan of the bagel itself. On my second visit, I tried the vanilla lavender hot latte, which stood out much more to me. It had a great balance of coffee and sweetness. I also tried the egg, ham, and cheese jalapeño bagel and definitely preferred it over the other sandwich. It was savory and filling. I'd come back again the next time I'm visiting!

Cute, cozy cafe. Good amount of seating. Iced lavender vanilla latte was just okay, nothing…read morespecial. Would like to come back and try their food!

Drip Collective

3.6

(76 reviews)

This place doesn't get enough recognition! Tucked away off Racine lies this dope coffee shop with…read moretons of space and good vibes. I enjoyed the imperfection of the shop - giving an overly chill vibe, one beyond your standard coffee shop. I enjoyed the menu variety and speciality items as well. With me being risky (and not being a consumer of coffee) I tried the mango sticky rice matcha with a cardamom bun to pair. Like who had options like these at a non traditional shop, right? The matcha was decent - I wanted a bit more of an equal balance - and for the Vietnamese dessert to peek through in the flavors. The bun was alright - even with it warmed up. I love the effort of the shop to throw out something fresh and new but next time I'll stick to a regular beverage and pastry.

This is a super vibey spot and for sure one of my favorite places to study. They have a great…read moreseasonal drink menu that never disappoints me. My most recent favorite is the banana miso hojicha that's definitely worth a try! I've had their food before and it was ok but not something I would specifically come here for. The service here is always friendly which is definitely a plus. For the space they always have some great music playing in the background so depending on how you like to study/work this could be a plus or minus. I will say that despite having a lot of space they don't have a lot of places to actually work so you do have to get there early or go at odd hours.

Printer’s Row Coffee

4.5

(29 reviews)

One of my favorite coffeeshops in the city! I'm a little puzzled that there seems to be no printers…read morerow location, but regardless it delivers the coffee. The espresso is always pulled expertly. Very cool chill vibes. And one of the few places you can actually work on the weekend.

A great little coffee shop, with super friendly staff and plenty of seating…read more I drop in here whenever I am going to REI, next door. The iced amaretto latte tastes like an almond croissant. A delicious sweet treat, that's not overly sweet. They used good quality espresso and oat milk. I prefer my lattes, "short" (with less milk) and they have no problem accommodating that. Will be back in soon.

Tomokohi

4.6

(15 reviews)

I stumbled across TOMOKOHI on a random Thursday from just walking around the area. It was a cute…read morecoffeeshop that was full but not overly crowded on a weekday afternoon. Their menu had some delicious-sounding options in terms of both drinks and pastries. I went with the Tea Time, which they described as a lemon poppyseed muffin in a matcha latte. It came with the MOST delicious cold foam on top that I've ever had. I would literally order this drink again just for the cold foam. The matcha itself was nothing noteworthy, but I overall enjoyed my drink. The tables are quite small but they do have free Wi-Fi. It's a decent place to get some work done but maybe not stay for hours or anything. In general, I will hopefully be back!

We visited because it has good reviews and is near the house. I had their Matcha with cherry syrup…read moreand it was good but didn't taste too much like cherry. I'm a bit picky with Matcha, but I would definitely come back for it. I also had a cold brew and that was smooth and delicious. The inside is small, but cute. I'll definitely be back!

Kinsley - Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

3.7

(24 reviews)

It's attached to the UBS Tower on the opposite side of Wacker…read more The vibes are on point, it has a beautiful interior with plenty of space. The options on the menu seem pretty extensive and I went with the Vietnamese Cold Brew. It wasn't bad, but for the price I expected more to it. The staff were friendly and chatted with the customers. I only ordered a coffee so there really wasn't much of a wait. Overall it's a bit on the expensive side for what you're getting.

Such a pretty place and the interior is really well done. Free WiFi and charging stations in some…read moreareas. Super clean and modern. Food and drinks. Wait staff and no waitresses tables too. Optional. Great peaceful place to read a book. Free water in glass cups. Outdoor and indoor seating. Friendly staff.

Oro Chocolate & Coffee

4.3

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