Ground Up Coffee & Bites

Staff incredibly rude, when I tried to use the bathroom I had to ask twice and the lady behind the counter rudely shouted “what are you waiting for” “it’s not our problem we don’t have the key”. Crazy service attitude especially after tipping

Service: 1

Coffee was not great, water had soap in it, charges for every cup. A bagel is $4 lol Starbucks has better prices and third wave is suppose to top Starbucks. Was disappointed to say the least. Felt like I was being rushed out. Very uncared for

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

The person that was handling the take out order was super rude. Sad because the cashier was super friendly ( only reason I gave an extra star). I will not be returning here. That person needs serious customer service training or to find a job she actually enjoys.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

The matcha tastes very fishy so it’s either terrible quality or stored very badly. Don’t waste your money this place cuts corners

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

As frequent patrons and enthusiastic advocates of Ground Up, my partner and I have consistently recommended Ground Up to friends and neighbors, particularly for the exceptional beverages in West Loop. ** HOWEVER ** a series of issues we encountered this weekend left us feeling deeply disappointed.

Attempting to handle the matter internally rather than publicly (a review, etc.), I requested to speak with a manager regarding our concerns. Unfortunately, my conversation with Mo concluded with a dismissive suggestion to "find details online," for an email/contact number to a manager as she was unwilling to provide that information.

Here’s what transpired: On Saturday, we ordered two London Fogs with alternative milk due to dietary restrictions. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the drinks were made with regular milk. We realized this error only after leaving the area to run errands. By the time we returned, Ground Up had closed, leaving us no opportunity to rectify the situation that day.

Returning Sunday with the undrunk and incorrectly prepared drinks, we intended to notify the team of the mistake and request a remake, considering the significant cost of $10 for two drinks we couldn’t consume. Regrettably, Mo refused our request, citing unwritten policies against remaking drinks the following day and insinuating that customers fabricate such issues to exploit the system. This accusation was not only unfounded but also offensive, as we were simply seeking a resolution to a genuine problem.

Despite explaining our dietary restrictions and the impracticality of returning the previous day due to Ground Up's closure, Mo maintained her stance, dismissing our concerns and implying dishonesty on Ground Up consumers. Her approach to customer service was, frankly, one of the worst experiences we’ve encountered.

We have valued Ground Up for its high standards and quality service, making this weekend’s experience all the more disheartening. We hope to engage with someone more receptive to resolving this matter, as we believe in Ground Up’s commitment to customer satisfaction and quality - with the obvious caveat of Mo.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Spinach Pie, Chocolate Croissant

I had a Cafe Au Lait - and I ended up throwing some of it away. It was the worst Cafe Au Lait I'd ever had. They used steamed milk on the top, and the drink was warm at best. When I brought it up, they just added a bit of steamed milk on the top. But that's not how it works. The prep is simple. It's hot milk with coffee. And then it was served in a foam cup, instead of a cup.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

cool space excellent espresso super friendly staff (345pm Jan 17)

I asked what a jade cloud was and the barista said it’s a green tea, which I could read it was under green tea I was asking for a description. I ordered the spinach and feta bite and it was ready in about 30 seconds, hard to chew through and lukewarm. I get my hair done down the street and I’ll more than likely not go out of my way to come back.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Sneaky 5% "quality assurance" fee added to every bill.

Every time I come to get a coffee I feel like I’m coming to visit a relative, Steve does a great job and provides great service, and Alex also makes every customer feel like they are royalty, thank you guys

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The seasonal drinks are so amazing and the spinach and feta hand pies are so delicious! I recommend!! Especially to those who go to UIC which is right around the corner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Sandwich and Mocha Latte, Spinach Mozzarella Breakfast Sandwich, Feta Spinach Roll

My new favorite coffee in the west loop. The oat milk latte with honey cinnamon syrup is so so good. I haven't been inside but all of my orders have been perfect.

Food: 5

Service: 5

The peppermint mocha is delicious, one of my favorite drinks to get over the last two winters here. Loved the energy of the staff and friendliness they shared!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mocha Latte

I love love atmosphere, people and of course coffee there. I’m pretty picky about my coffee, and here I always find my satisfaction ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unique seasonal drinks and a cozy place to work from

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5