Tucked away in the Twin Tower Plaza at Fulton and Madison, this cafe can be a little tricky to find the first time. There are two entrances, one on Madison and one on Fulton. The Madison side is easier to spot since it has a larger sign, but when I visited those doors were under renovation. I walked around to the Fulton side, which does not have a big sign but is still open. Look for the glass double doors near the corner, then step inside. It feels like a small indoor walkway or hidden plaza. Once inside, stay along the left corridor and you will see a green fence on your right that marks the entrance to Cultured Grounds.
The moment you step in, the space feels welcoming and calm. There are cozy couches, a colorful rug, and sunlight streaming down from the tower above that naturally brightens the room. It feels peaceful, inviting, and different from most downtown spots.
They offer sandwiches and salads ready to go, along with a simple menu that includes my favorite avocado toast. It came with arugula, tomato, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning that added great flavor. You can ask how you would like your toast or customize it a bit, which I thought was such a nice touch. I ordered an almond milk matcha and it was smooth and balanced. You can choose sweetened or unsweetened, and they also offer soy and dairy milk options.
The seating setup is great with couches, high top tables, and regular tables near the counter. There is also a shared food court area near the other entrance if you want extra space.
It was lively but not loud on a Tuesday morning, the kind of place where you can sit back and enjoy your drink without feeling rushed. The charm alone will bring me back, and next time I am trying one of those salads to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremy Cook
Not bad food pretty basic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jack Boss
Super nice family owned business, and extremely fresh food made right in front of you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Twisted Pasta
What an amazing place! Everything here is so good! We’re a frequent customer
Ashley Deveraux
Breakfast sandwich, decaf cappacino, banana bread. My first time. So yummy and sweet hearted ladies. 💕 . A cozy environment too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Dan Cole (Cole Farms)
Great service and good food.
Jamie Work
Convenient area downtown to stop and grab a coffee or sandwich. It's delicious and plenty of healthy options too!
Sheri Bay
What a charming and cozy coffee spot! Cultured Grounds offers select options for breakfast and lunch, coffees and teas, and has a warm ambiance. With soft cozy couches and chairs, Cultured Grounds is a great spot to take a break from a conference or time out with a friend. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jams Jams
Love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffrey Inman
The service is top notch, and the experience was GREAT. That said, there was just *something* missing from the Chicken Salad croissant.
Also, it was a bit confusing to get to, but once I figured it out (that's all on me!) it was super cozy and comfy. I had zero idea this place was in the towers!
All of that aside, I am definitely going to go again and try something different. It's more likely personal preference than an issue; but I just wasn't a fan of the flavor of the chicken.
I work in the towers and this is my absolute FAVORITE spot for a quick bite to eat. The owner is so personable and friendly and makes the best breakfast sandwiches! I told her I wasn't sure what I wanted and to surprise me with something yummy. She created an amazing sandwich that I come and get almost every day! Definitely should come check it out if you have never been here!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Georgia Greenberg
Very sweet service and a delicious chicken salad sandwich ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Daily
Review Visit: May 7th, 2018The definition of ‘cultured’ is defined by the dictionary as: enlightened; refined. Is Cultured Grounds a cultured place? Yes, for the odd location.Cultured Grounds has taken over for where Novitasso Coffee was. Sadly, I never got to go there so there; so I made sure to visit Cultured Grounds to avoid that mistake. The coffeehouse is located on the main floor of Twin Towers Place in Peoria. The location is a rather odd place, as I am not familiar with the buildings and never would’ve guessed there were businesses located there.Cultured Grounds is located on the ground level, in the middle of the main area surrounded by a green fence. The coffeehouse itself is lit by a giant skylight that provides ample lighting. The layout and decor are really nice. They have these big brown couches that were super comfortable. The cashier must’ve known I was cozy as she brought my drink to me. I give props to whoever decorated the coffeehouse as it was well put together.I ordered an iced caramel latte and it was pretty yummy. It was a decent blend of caramel and espresso but the espresso was a bit overwhelming for my tastes. Not bad by any means, though! They offer packaged and homemade snacks to compliment your drink. I snagged some milano cookies and those went perfect with my drink.It’s a good thing I don’t live in the towers. I would spend all my free time lounging on the couches, sipping coffee and eating milano cookies.Check it out… if you are cultured enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Yosha Riley
Really amazing vibe everyone is so friendly including the customers. Everyone want to talk and it's really hard to cultivate such a comfortable atmosphere like this.
Vegetarian options: There are several egg based or just vegetable and cheese based sandwiches. As well as salads.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ILL NOiZ
Super nice and cozy place to eat. The food and coffee is Amazing. Very friendly people behind the counter. I highly recommend stopping in for a quick bite to eat.
Tucked away in the Twin Tower Plaza at Fulton and Madison, this cafe can be a little tricky to find the first time. There are two entrances, one on Madison and one on Fulton. The Madison side is easier to spot since it has a larger sign, but when I visited those doors were under renovation. I walked around to the Fulton side, which does not have a big sign but is still open. Look for the glass double doors near the corner, then step inside. It feels like a small indoor walkway or hidden plaza. Once inside, stay along the left corridor and you will see a green fence on your right that marks the entrance to Cultured Grounds.
The moment you step in, the space feels welcoming and calm. There are cozy couches, a colorful rug, and sunlight streaming down from the tower above that naturally brightens the room. It feels peaceful, inviting, and different from most downtown spots.
They offer sandwiches and salads ready to go, along with a simple menu that includes my favorite avocado toast. It came with arugula, tomato, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning that added great flavor. You can ask how you would like your toast or customize it a bit, which I thought was such a nice touch. I ordered an almond milk matcha and it was smooth and balanced. You can choose sweetened or unsweetened, and they also offer soy and dairy milk options.
The seating setup is great with couches, high top tables, and regular tables near the counter. There is also a shared food court area near the other entrance if you want extra space.
It was lively but not loud on a Tuesday morning, the kind of place where you can sit back and enjoy your drink without feeling rushed. The charm alone will bring me back, and next time I am trying one of those salads to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not bad food pretty basic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Super nice family owned business, and extremely fresh food made right in front of you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an amazing place! Everything here is so good! We’re a frequent customer
Breakfast sandwich, decaf cappacino, banana bread. My first time. So yummy and sweet hearted ladies. 💕 . A cozy environment too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great service and good food.
Convenient area downtown to stop and grab a coffee or sandwich. It's delicious and plenty of healthy options too!
What a charming and cozy coffee spot! Cultured Grounds offers select options for breakfast and lunch, coffees and teas, and has a warm ambiance. With soft cozy couches and chairs, Cultured Grounds is a great spot to take a break from a conference or time out with a friend. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service is top notch, and the experience was GREAT. That said, there was just *something* missing from the Chicken Salad croissant.
Also, it was a bit confusing to get to, but once I figured it out (that's all on me!) it was super cozy and comfy. I had zero idea this place was in the towers!
All of that aside, I am definitely going to go again and try something different. It's more likely personal preference than an issue; but I just wasn't a fan of the flavor of the chicken.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I work in the towers and this is my absolute FAVORITE spot for a quick bite to eat. The owner is so personable and friendly and makes the best breakfast sandwiches! I told her I wasn't sure what I wanted and to surprise me with something yummy. She created an amazing sandwich that I come and get almost every day! Definitely should come check it out if you have never been here!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very sweet service and a delicious chicken salad sandwich ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Review Visit: May 7th, 2018The definition of ‘cultured’ is defined by the dictionary as: enlightened; refined. Is Cultured Grounds a cultured place? Yes, for the odd location.Cultured Grounds has taken over for where Novitasso Coffee was. Sadly, I never got to go there so there; so I made sure to visit Cultured Grounds to avoid that mistake. The coffeehouse is located on the main floor of Twin Towers Place in Peoria. The location is a rather odd place, as I am not familiar with the buildings and never would’ve guessed there were businesses located there.Cultured Grounds is located on the ground level, in the middle of the main area surrounded by a green fence. The coffeehouse itself is lit by a giant skylight that provides ample lighting. The layout and decor are really nice. They have these big brown couches that were super comfortable. The cashier must’ve known I was cozy as she brought my drink to me. I give props to whoever decorated the coffeehouse as it was well put together.I ordered an iced caramel latte and it was pretty yummy. It was a decent blend of caramel and espresso but the espresso was a bit overwhelming for my tastes. Not bad by any means, though! They offer packaged and homemade snacks to compliment your drink. I snagged some milano cookies and those went perfect with my drink.It’s a good thing I don’t live in the towers. I would spend all my free time lounging on the couches, sipping coffee and eating milano cookies.Check it out… if you are cultured enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Really amazing vibe everyone is so friendly including the customers. Everyone want to talk and it's really hard to cultivate such a comfortable atmosphere like this.
Vegetarian options: There are several egg based or just vegetable and cheese based sandwiches. As well as salads.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super nice and cozy place to eat. The food and coffee is Amazing. Very friendly people behind the counter. I highly recommend stopping in for a quick bite to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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