Groundswell Coffee Roasters

Coffee and scones are good, but service is questionable at best. Very annoyed after waiting 15 mins for our drink order, which apparently never made it from the cashier to the barista (who was standing a whole 2 feet away). If it was a chaotic morning, I might understand, but it wasn’t really busy at all.
Perfect example of why tipping ahead (via iPad payment) is stupid. Would appreciate being able to retract my 15%, which was given in anticipation of good service.
Update: manager contacted me via Unilocal,apologized, and offered to refund tip. Appreciate that they acknowledged the issue.

A semi-​gloomy, chilly, but could-​use-​a-​stroll in a neighborhood day, with «Tell Me» by Groove Theory playing on my Pandora while riding the CTA, I felt like I needed some coffee.
I was glad I had spare time before heading to work. I checked my Unilocal bookmarks and saw «Groundswell Coffee Roaster.»
As soon as I walked, I had an instant connection with this place. The decors were quite minimalist. Pastries and merchandise were laid out nicely. Patrons seemed to be comfortable and diggin’ the atmosphere.
I ordered a large, 16 oz. mocha. It was smooth, calmative, yet deceptively strong. The balance of chocolate, hot milk, and espresso was spot-​on. I initially felt that I wanted to cuddle with my blankets and take a nap (though I was heading to work), but their post-​caffeine effect kept me energized. Overall, it was a delicious cup of mocha and was well worth the trip.
I wish I could actually stay and enjoy my cup of joe. I promised myself that I would come in and relax under no time crunch on my day off.
Although it wasn’t ideal weather for sitting in the patio, their sidewalk patio area was delightful and inviting. This part of Ravenswood has many local shops and boutiques and is very walking-​friendly.

Dear Groundswell,
Please get it together. For the fifth time in three weeks you did not have drip coffee brewed for customers who stopped in at 7:30 a.m. on a weekday. You apparently had time to stand around talking, but not the time (or the forethought) to make sure you had more than six ounces of coffee ready. The first four times we waited while one of you hurriedly put the coffee on. Today it was too much, so we walked out. Your «sorry about that» might mean something if this were a one-​off problem. It’s not. Maybe the staff is new. Maybe the warm weather has made the atmosphere of a coffee shop even more relaxed. Either way, please pull it together. We like you guys, but we will walk the extra block to get coffee in a number of other places, if you can’t find your way to being a coffee shop that has coffee ready when your customers walk through the door.
Thanks.

Love, love, LOVE Groundswell! Their coffee is amazing, they have a great selection of pastries, fantastic atmosphere, and the staff is so friendly and efficient. If I could get coffee here everyday, I would consider myself a success in life :)

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.

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.

I had a cup of Chemex brewed Rio Palanda coffee today. It was a perfect cup. I enjoyed the taste and aroma of the coffee.
Coffee: Excellent
Price: Reasonable
Service: Ok but suggest to improve. It took 15 mn for my coffee to be prepared, It was slow. The brew job needs to be better coordinated and spontaneous.
Ambience: clean and welcome

Wow!!! Awesome coffee, excellent food (spicy beef is delicious), and comfortable environment. A+

It’s a coffee roaster and the drip coffee was balanced and smooth, but this place got the breakfast panini just right – and it’s a small twist that makes it.
Instead of scrambling eggs which become sorta bland, they hard boil eggs and then smash them into a spread on the sandwich with cheese, ham and grill it. The result is a lot stronger yolk and egg flavor. Nice.
Staff friendly and efficient. Seating is limited but long rail and long bench make good use of the smaller space, and the full panel glass windows let in a lot of light.

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.

Groundswell is a member of the Chicago coffee passport. Very modern atmosphere with reclaimed wood and clean lines. Not a huge seating area, but enough small tables and bar seating that I had no trouble finding a place to park and do some work. Free wifi. The baristas are very friendly and are currently playing Spice Girls pandora radio (it is nearing closing on a Sunday night), so they are my favorite people ever. «I am giving your everything, all that joy can bring… Say you will be there…» Hearts.
They use a homemade mint syrup for their mint mocha. It is sweet, but you do get the espresso come through and not just sugar.

My wife and I are coffee shop addicts, and we’ve been to this one more than any other in the city.
In fact, we start pretty much every weekend day with lattes from Groundswell, even if that means driving out of our way to get them (we don’t live in the ‘hood).
The vanilla latte – which my wife gets hot and I get iced – is the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. It is so smooth and creamy that, for a long time, my wife and I were convinced they were sneakily making all drinks breve. But we’ve watched them and – nope – it’s straight up milk.
I don’t know what magic they perform, but I must attribute it to the fact that they roast their own beans, resulting in the silkiest espresso I’ve ever tasted.
They also have wonderful pastries and sandwiches, and the staff is very kind.
It’s a small space, but there’s usually a table open, despite there clearly being a series of devotees who frequent the shop.
It’s also part of a great, new stretch of shops on Damen, including a few really great furniture and design stores. So, if you are making the trek just for the coffee, take a little time to look around.

I was in the market for a new coffee shop to do some work in, and stumbled across this on Unilocal.
WOW! I am ecstatic that there is a coffee shop like Groundswell in my neighborhood now. Its modern and simple design still feels very cozy.
I had a full load of work to do so I was there long enough to try a vanilla latte, green tea latte, and their breakfast panini. Without a doubt, some of the best food and drink! Their vanilla latte was SO fluffy, it was amazing. Their green tea latte had just the right amount of sweetness to it. And their breakfast panini, perfect! It’s filled with cheddar cheese, ham, crumbled egg and sriracha aioli! YUM!
Definitely coming back here as much as possible!

I ran across this café while on my way home from the salon. The place looked really sleek so I was curious to check out their food and drinks. I got one of their iced teas and it was excellent. The best and most unique flavors I’ve come across in a café. Definitely worth a trip and I’m planning on going back.

My husband and I moved into the neighborhood back in May. Groundswell opened within a month of our joining the ‘hood. So, I feel a weird kinship to this establishment because we joined the neighborhood around the same time (now you are all probably thinking I’m super weird).
Anyway, I have been to Groundswell a few different times and I’ve never been disappointed. We had some friends visiting from out of town and we wanted to take them to a coffee place for some pour over coffee. So, we went to Groundswell and enjoyed a cup of their pour over. If I’m remembering correctly, I think they switch their pour over flavors from time to time. The coffee that we had included a citrus-​esque flavor which I really liked. But I also love citrus flavors, so that’s totally up my alley.
Another time that I have visited Groundswell was to get my husband a drink. He told me that he wanted an autumnal drink. I had been walking by Groundswell earlier that day and they had a sign out front that advertised a sweet potato flavored coffee beverage. So I went in and ordered that for him and it was delicious! Pumpkin spice lattes need to watch out because this drink was delicious with hints of maple and cinnamon. For myself, I ordered an autumnal tea which had a cranberry apple flavor. I wish I had gotten the larger size because it was so good.
I’ve never had the food, but every time I’m in there, someone orders a grilled cheese and it smells like Heaven.
Overall, definitely give Groundswell a try!

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 café 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. :)

Cool bright space and ambiance is the first thing u notice when u walk in. Proceeded by friendliness and super knowledgeableness of the baristas (I know it’s not a word but it just fits!). They roast their own beans and its a lighter roast coffee/​espresso beans, just the way I like it!
Their pastry line up is super impressive as well — banana bread, muffins, croissants — not sure if they make them in house or get them from a bakery… but they are solid! The almond croissant and the apple cranberry (?) muffin is a must!
Plenty of street parking since this place is in a neighborhood area (Ravenswood). I highly recommend visiting this shop. I live in South Loop and would make the trek out there for a morning cup of joe any day! (Sorry I didn’t post any photos of the actual coffee and pastries we got — we gobbled them up way too fast! Lol)

Looking good, what a nice spot, looks like it has been worth the wait. This is a great addition to the growing Damen N of the Brown Line station shop options.
Solid service and a welcoming atmosphere. Will be back to try some of the sandwiches they have on their menu.

What a great new addition to the neighborhood! I came here with friends with our toddlers on an afternoon and was pleasantly surprised.
The coffee is strong and flavorful, the food delicious, and the people so nice! I don’t want compare it to Starbucks because it definitely is not one. The vibe is way better. Yes, there are people working on their laptops but the music was loud and I felt like you can talk without worrying about disrupting your neighbor.
I will be back, and will tell more friends about it. Good job, Groundswell!

I went here when I just moved into my new apartment. It was a nice day, so I decided to walk around. I was actually headed to The Perfect Cup, but got lost (since I’m a newbie to the ‘hood).
Boy am I glad that I decided to check it out! The décor is chic and modern. It is a small place, but is perfect for sitting and getting some work done or relaxing.
The staff is very friendly and sweet. The girl at the cash register smiled and was very helpful with the menu. I definitely felt at home.
I was hungry and wanted to grab a bite, so I ordered the ham and cheddar panini. It was fabulous! First of all, all sandwiches should be panini’s because they are just that delicious. As I finished up my meal, I decided to stay and admire my surroundings. One of the employees was cutting the cheese from the block so you know it was fresh and delicious.
If you want somewhere local and cute, come here! Reasonable priced sandwiches and delicious drinks.