I’ve been going to Groundswell for years and have always loved it, which makes this even more disappointing. Lately, though, every interaction I’ve had with the new barista has been frustrating.
Today, I meant to order a 16 oz latte but accidentally said 20 oz. She didn’t clarify—just charged me seven dollars and handed me a 12 oz cup. When I asked why it was so small, she said, “We don’t have 20 oz.” So why not mention that before I paid? Or at the very least, give me the 16 oz, which was the intended order?
And this isn’t the first time. Last week, she rang me up for two mochas when I asked for two chai lattes—for the kids I work with. Not only were they the wrong drinks, it showed a total lack of listening or care.
It sucks, because I’ve always had great experiences here—until recently. But every time this barista is working, something goes wrong. It’s the kind of thing that makes you rethink supporting a place you used to love.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Michael Damato
Solid coffee place open early, not very often I've run into a place that does kolache.
Interior is pretty tight with space for maybe 16 to 20 max, but it's pretty cozy.
Staff were friendly and service was quick.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Drip Coffee, Kolache
Mark Crandall
Great little coffee shop with a good vibe and nice baristas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin
Please promote more cafes like this in the States. Compared to Starbucks, it’s a revelation.
Dietary restrictions: Vegetarians and vegans can find coffees, but there is no vegan food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Knuth
A nice local coffee shop. The coffee is solid, albeit a touch more expensive than you’d expect. Small food menu. A bit dark inside, but fine spot to post up and work or chat with friends.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Max Tovstyi
Good coffee, food is pretty ok nothing special. Still a good spot for coffee lovers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Eagle Hawk
Employee stink attuide not friendly not professional no communication with deaf no write.. they spoke voice one star
Service: 1
Brett Brogan
Iced Americano is exceptional, I get it a couple times a week. Staff is friendly and efficient. Kolaches are solid, and they have Do-Rite doughnuts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kolache
Yumi Taguchi
Great, reliable coffee :) They always have doughnuts too in case you are looking for a snack. Such a cute space to do some work at too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray Mo
Best coffee in Chicago! I wish the seating were more comfortable, but the coffee is worth it.
Very friendly staff and it’s a clean and chill place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dylan Patton
Limited selections with subpar coffee.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Dorian Hight
Fell through on a lark as Groundswell was open at 6AM and was wildly surprised at how chill the shop was. Always passed by and had some kind of misread as to what type of coffee shop they were.Well I was hella wrong.The cortado was perfect and they had Chemex filters on deck.I hope West Madison Avenue residents appreciate the crazy good coffee shops they have nearby. Peace
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Brooks
You talk to my wife again I’m making a trip
Lukas Witkowski
Visiting Groundswell has been an absolute delight every single time. The highlight of my visits, without a doubt, is their flat white. It's not just good; it's consistently great, striking the perfect balance between espresso and milk every single time. This consistency is a testament to the skill and experience of their baristas, who not only craft excellent drinks but do so with an unwavering quality that keeps me coming back.Beyond their impeccable beverages, Groundswell offers freshly roasted coffee beans for sale, allowing you to take a piece of their excellence home. The aroma and flavor of their beans are unparalleled, adding an extra layer of joy to my daily coffee routine.There's no exaggeration in saying that there's no better place for coffee in the area. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just someone looking to enjoy a great cup, Groundswell is the go-to spot. Their dedication to quality, from the beverages they serve to the beans they sell, sets them apart in the best possible way.
I’ve been going to Groundswell for years and have always loved it, which makes this even more disappointing. Lately, though, every interaction I’ve had with the new barista has been frustrating.
Today, I meant to order a 16 oz latte but accidentally said 20 oz. She didn’t clarify—just charged me seven dollars and handed me a 12 oz cup. When I asked why it was so small, she said, “We don’t have 20 oz.” So why not mention that before I paid? Or at the very least, give me the 16 oz, which was the intended order?
And this isn’t the first time. Last week, she rang me up for two mochas when I asked for two chai lattes—for the kids I work with. Not only were they the wrong drinks, it showed a total lack of listening or care.
It sucks, because I’ve always had great experiences here—until recently. But every time this barista is working, something goes wrong. It’s the kind of thing that makes you rethink supporting a place you used to love.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Solid coffee place open early, not very often I've run into a place that does kolache.
Interior is pretty tight with space for maybe 16 to 20 max, but it's pretty cozy.
Staff were friendly and service was quick.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Drip Coffee, Kolache
Great little coffee shop with a good vibe and nice baristas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Please promote more cafes like this in the States. Compared to Starbucks, it’s a revelation.
Dietary restrictions: Vegetarians and vegans can find coffees, but there is no vegan food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
A nice local coffee shop. The coffee is solid, albeit a touch more expensive than you’d expect. Small food menu. A bit dark inside, but fine spot to post up and work or chat with friends.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Good coffee, food is pretty ok nothing special. Still a good spot for coffee lovers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Employee stink attuide not friendly not professional no communication with deaf no write.. they spoke voice one star
Service: 1
Iced Americano is exceptional, I get it a couple times a week. Staff is friendly and efficient. Kolaches are solid, and they have Do-Rite doughnuts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kolache
Great, reliable coffee :) They always have doughnuts too in case you are looking for a snack. Such a cute space to do some work at too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best coffee in Chicago! I wish the seating were more comfortable, but the coffee is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very friendly staff and it’s a clean and chill place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Limited selections with subpar coffee.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Fell through on a lark as Groundswell was open at 6AM and was wildly surprised at how chill the shop was. Always passed by and had some kind of misread as to what type of coffee shop they were.Well I was hella wrong.The cortado was perfect and they had Chemex filters on deck.I hope West Madison Avenue residents appreciate the crazy good coffee shops they have nearby. Peace
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You talk to my wife again I’m making a trip
Visiting Groundswell has been an absolute delight every single time. The highlight of my visits, without a doubt, is their flat white. It's not just good; it's consistently great, striking the perfect balance between espresso and milk every single time. This consistency is a testament to the skill and experience of their baristas, who not only craft excellent drinks but do so with an unwavering quality that keeps me coming back.Beyond their impeccable beverages, Groundswell offers freshly roasted coffee beans for sale, allowing you to take a piece of their excellence home. The aroma and flavor of their beans are unparalleled, adding an extra layer of joy to my daily coffee routine.There's no exaggeration in saying that there's no better place for coffee in the area. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just someone looking to enjoy a great cup, Groundswell is the go-to spot. Their dedication to quality, from the beverages they serve to the beans they sell, sets them apart in the best possible way.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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