A very welcome addition to this part of Lincoln Square/Ravenswood. I'm a huge fan and believer in small business and am excited when something like this cafe opens up. The smells, sights and tastes of pure goodness. Very happy about this. Service is friendly and quick, product is excellent, and the place is simple and clean. The artwork on the walls is a great touch, as well. Wishing Groundswell much success. Peace. :) read more

Updating to 3 stars because someone from management did reach out to me and tell me that they are making immediate changes to have multiple tongs for the various food groups and discussed ways to help make the whole bean coffee buying experience a lot more pleasant and informative. read more

My husband and I stopped in earlier today for a coffee and breakfast. My iced latte with oat milk was good, but I more so want to call out the great customer service. My 5 month old decided to demonstrate her great grabbing skills and spilled my first latte all over the floor. I was extremely embarrassed, but the two working behind the counter didn't judge. They quickly came over to help me clean up and made me another drink. Not the reaction I was expecting. Thanks so much for your great service! read more

I really like this place. First and foremost, the coffee is really good. Both times I've been here (weekday mornings) the atmosphere has been awesome: steady stream of customers but still quiet, chill. The music and music volume are both perfect. This place reminds me of the Espresso Royale I used to work at in Urbana, in terms of atmosphere. Very laid back and conducive to getting work accomplished. Would love to see them introduce punch cards or some other kind of loyalty program. Would definitely entice me to come in even more often. read more

Mediocre at best. Their large vanilla iced latte is $5 and it's basically a small cup relative to most places (I'd hate to see what a small iced latte looks like). Customer service is below average; I've never been to a place that doesn't call the name or order of the drink after being placed on the counter. When I asked "is this mine?" the barista condescendingly looked at me and was like "yeah." Really? How do I know it's my coffee? Is it someone else's that placed an order before me? It's not that hard to state the coffee that's being placed on the counter. Jackalope, La Colombe, Bridgeport Coffee, La Intelligentsia, etc. The list goes on. No one does that. Overall not impressed. Latte is decent but you don't always go to a coffee shop just for the coffee. Find another place. This review took more effort than the phrase "large iced vanilla latte to go." read more

Literally awesome, zero pretentiousness with the baristas, save $2 on whole beans on Mondays and when you buy your Monday beans, they give you a comp coffee to drink or a coupon to take away. The focus is not the savings, but the glory of a seriously good cup of joe. Groundswell roasts their own beans (their roaster used to be in the shop and it was gorgeous but took up too much space as they started to become known around town and space became a premium). Snacks and sammies are good - I think Floriole bakes their pastries. Really good coffee and nice environment and after a few years, feels like a second living room. read more

Finally found a local coffee roaster, the price was a little high but the quality was well worth TJ

The only thing I REALLY craved during the height of quarantine was an iced mocha from Groundswell. Everything always tastes exactly the same, and it's always great. This is an awesome shop to have in Ravenswood. read more

I love where this place is located! It's across the street from some houses, how convenient for those people who live there. The tables, stools and benches in there have that nice modern industrial look to them. I ordered the iced vanilla latte and it was delicious! They played great music in there, and the wallpaper was rad! Glad to have visited this artistic coffee shop read more

Stoped in here since Bang Bang had a line out the door. Almond cappuccino was delish and the ham and cheese croissant was even better!

I've lived in Ravenswood for about 10 years, but have usually avoided Damen Avenue since there's not much going on there. I was thrilled, however, to recently find that Groundswell had opened up, as well as a couple of other interesting businesses. I usually just stop in for a coffee, sometimes for a pastry, and so far everything has been really tasty. The employees have all been really welcoming, and the interior is very attractive. I'm looking forward to having some time off so I can hang out there with a book and enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Great coffee. They just started very pleasant outdoor seating - which on Damen with the larger sidewalks actually means would don't have pedestrians rubbing past you. The interior is very cool, maybe a touch sterile, but works. But the coffee is awesome. Never had a bad shot pulled yet. Good pastries and sandwiches for lunch, but really awesome coffee! read more

Almond croissant was dry and ho-hum. Black iced coffee was favorable. The outdoor seating area is pleasant. The indoor design is attractive but doesn't necessarily stand out relative to other area coffee shops. read more

When I visited: 03.15.16 What I got: Lavender Latte Drink Review: Lavender often takes a more prominent role as a fragrance, as opposed to a flavor. Yet in this case, it is a welcome remix on a cafe mainstay. As advertised by a chalkboard in the shop, it is a "taste of spring" with a blend of mellow, floral/herbal notes transposed on your more traditional milk foam and coffee flavors. Served hot but not boiling, I was pleasantly surprised by this offering and had to accordingly pace myself to avoid slurping down this delicious mix too quickly. Cafe Review: Solid music selection, not too loud with many patrons quietly typing off and away in their laptops, working. The bar area is well adorned with wood and overall the cafe offers plenty of seating. Friendly staff and a solid location near the Damen Brown line. The modern look and large front windows make for a wonderful spot during the Spring/Summer, but it could use a nook or other spot to bunker down in during the winter. Overall Visit Rating: 8/10 read more

WiFi acting up, they should have close lit for some of their trash can coz you can smell them linger with the coffee smell.

Great coffee, nice space. But today a barista played a straight hour (probably more since we left) of early-aughts emo rock, which objectively contains: nasally singing, screaming, upbeat and loud guitar music. It stands out. And what you like is what you like, I know it's subjective. But I feel like, as an employee in a place where people come to read, work, and talk, you should have an understanding -- no matter how much you like the music -- that music that is energetic, loud, and contains treble-heavy nasal singing, will be objectively unpleasant and distracting to a large percentage of your customers. We left early because the music was extremely grating. read more

Third places are crucial for community to not only grow, but thrive. In Ravenswood, there's no lack of "third places" within a mile radius of Damen and Ravenswood Avenues. I find myself really loving Groundswell. The staff are routinely friendly, offering not only great drinks (chai latte and iced tea for me), but warm smiles too. The music choice is diverse ranging from the Fugees to, Daniel Caesar, to Cold Play, to even Stevie Wonder. In fact, the other day when I was taking up space, sipping my tea, and people watching (I was supposed to be taking this time to bill clients--got that done too), I was acutely aware the music on continuous loop was "urban" (read: Black). I was elated, especially since I was the only one who phenotypically appeared to be of African descent. What made this so special beside the aural pleasures flooding my ears and soul? It made me feel welcome. I'm so accustomed to visiting local coffee shops who take zero consideration in their choice of music, which is such a crucial part of a space's landscape. For the first time in my life at a local third place I didn't feel like an extra in Grey's Anatomy (you know, at the end when the sappy music plays during the soliloquy.) I'll continue to frequent this lovely third place as well as recommend it to my family, friends, and colleagues. ifagbayi read more

I hate Groundswell so much I wish I could give this 0 stars. I've gone twice, the second time this morning to give it one more chance. Never again. They are so much more expensive than other coffee shops in the area, and their medium is definitely a small. They only do 'double extractions' and refuse to give a triple shot. They also have no flavors except bougie crap like 'chocolate ganache' which is literally just too much mocha. The baristas have always been condescending. The server this morning didn't ask me my milk choice and I was so frustrated already that I didn't remember either, so I can't wait for my lactose intolerance to keep me in the bathroom all day, poisoned by this wretched business. The final nail in the coffin- I dared to ask the server for that triple shot, she said no, and then refused to announce my order when it was complete while she announced everyone else's. I live around the corner and could have been a loyal customer but I will never enter this hellmouth again, and I will sing it's anti-praises through town. Good day to you, worst coffee shop ever! read more

I long awaited the opening of Groundswell as I live nearby. Now, a few months in, I can say I like it even more than I thought I would! Great atmosphere, perfect music, nice balance between a steady flow of customers and quiet study time..oh and their cold brew is on point! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Love the mural on the wall! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This coffee shop is conveniently located down the street from Over Easy Café so if you're on the wait list over there you might as well stop on by for a cup of joe at Groundswell while you wait for your name to be called. Groundswell had great reviews but I wasn't the biggest fan of my iced vanilla soy latte. There was something off about the flavor but I couldn't quite place what it was. Their baked goods look delicious though and if I stop by again I would love to try one. read more

Excellent coffee, excellent cold brew but $$Food is good but Panini's are way too expensive for the amount of ingredients in them. $9 , should be thicker. Staff is good. Definitely the non-Starbucks crowded here.pretentious? read more

Stumbled across this shop while in the area. Very cute shop. Loved the staff and options for food. Great outdoor seating on a beautiful sunny day! Will be coming back again read more

All coffee shops are nice, but there's something about the atmosphere here that makes me feel so at peace lbs! It was a chill afternoon, and I just wanted to go to a coffee shop and get some writing done. The employees are very sweet, and my chai tea latte was on point! I find that most places don't make chai beverages with enough cream and flavor and groundswell does it just right. I will definitely be back, and try other menu options. read more

Cute little coffee shop tucked away in a mostly residential area. They offered two options for pourovers-- a more acidic, delicate option and then a more earthy one. I had the latter but wasn't a huge fan--thought it was a bit on the watery side and couldn't really distinguish the taste notes. Friendly service, good prices and nice seating area, but not a huge fan of the products. read more

This is my second time here and can say with certainty that this is quickly becoming my go-to place to study on the weekends while enjoying their delicious green tea latte and breakfast panini. read more

Great coffee, great space and a perfect place to wait if you're trying to get into Over Easy Cafe. Had the cold brew which was strong and flavorful. Highly recommended!! read more

This place has slowly spiraled down over the summer. The staff are less and less helpful. Just ordered a cappuccino and as the only customer waiting sat at the window seat. Barista made the drink, looks directly at me and calls out "cappuccino!", then places the cup down at the furthest end of the bar. Sorry I disturbed your peace and quiet by besmirching your coffee shop. read more

Not really that great. The coffee was pretty typical and when I went there were just a bunch of people talking in the front while one guy was working the espresso machine whipping them out super quick. I'm not going to come back here because it really just wasn't worth a premium price. read more

Coffee- good. Service- good. Almond croissant - absolutely uniquely delicious! Ambience - interesting. I like that they were playing rock instead of the usual poppy elevator music The only thing that I would ask for is some larger tables for collaboration, but I suppose one could put two smaller ones together or sit at the bar. read more

Solid 3 stars. Coffee was good but pastries and sandwiches looked tragic. Great service but kind of a sterile atmosphere... Beautiful big windows, but what is with this new trend of NO COMFY SEATING in coffee shops??? I do not approve. I want to snuggle with my coffee and my muffin and my book. I'd come here again if I happen to be passing by, but given the choice I'd much rather hit up The Perfect Cup down the street - same quality coffee but much better vibe. read more

I come in a few times a week, it's the best coffee in the neighborhood, and a great place to get some work done. The staff is always super smiley and great, it's a nice spot. Also a good place if you have questions about coffee in general, the staff is very knowledgable. read more

Impressed with the delicious iced americano with Oatley. Friendly baristas. Enjoyed the vibe, the music played and the street view from the window. read more

What can I say, this place can make an excellent cup of Joe. The service is great and they seemed very knowledgeable about the different grinds and roasts, which is important to me! I love coffee and it can be so different from one place to the next, its good to know there is a spot in ravenswood that is looking out for us caffeine heads. I will be back for sure, keep up the good work! read more

Another awesome coffee spot that was worth a nice walk to get to. Atmosphere was relaxed and we liked the rustic feel of the wood trim around the bar. We had pretty simple drinks... an Americano and a Flat White. Nice touch that they have hemp milk and they gave the heads up about a bit of a cooler drink temperature. Would go back again next time we are in town for sure. read more

I stopped by here several months ago. Thought coffee was just ok - I'm not a fan of acidic type and it was just way too acidic for me. I gave it another try some time later for a usual drip. Still acidic and nasty. Acidic coffee aside, both times, there was a girl behind the counter and one barista. It's never been busy because I've never been here in the morning when it would be expected to be busy. Maybe that's why they were just too busy chatting with each other before acknowledging a customer. Fine. It's ok to socialize at work, I don't blame them. However, what I didn't realize until after I got home was that she charged me more than $7 for a cup of regular old, acidic joe on my second visit. That was it. I never went back after. Until recently....coffee was better. Noticed that the chatty girl wasn't there this time. Service was infinitely better. Coffee price, normal. Still, 2 out of 3 visits have been terrible. I've given it a fair chance. I wouldn't recommend this place to my friends. UPDATE: customer service for this place got back to me, offering me a refund. Nice gesture. I would give it another try some time only because I live few blocks away. But then again, I've gotten used to walking a bit further in Andersonville for better coffee and better service. read more

Seanathon Bishop is the best goddamn barista I've ever had. Not only does he make delicious espresso drinks; but he's a gem to talk to. I will absolutely be a regular here at Groundswell read more

Damn good cup of coffee.... the kind you don't need to dress up with cream or sugar. It stands on its own. So glad this place finally opened! read more

Great new cafe in an area filling up with other great new stuff. Love that they roast their own coffee here, you can already feel the dedication to making something really great and memorable just a couple weeks in. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff too. Kudos to Groundswell. read more

I love this place. Drinks are fantastic, folks who work there are kind and chill. Music is upbeat but relaxing. My favorite neighborhood cafe. read more

Amazing place. Very friendly and bubbly people. Everything besides the drip coffee is great. Capp is my favorite, very delicious, just right. Probably the best Capp I've ever tasted. Drip is too bitter, burnt, and buttery, but with cream it's okay. Great place to chill but not super spacious, a bit crammed. They can't help that though. Good area/location. I live right down the street. read more