Ground Up Coffee & Bites

August 9, 2025

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Ever since I was a grad student, Ground Up has had a special place in my heart. Whether it was avoiding some work with a cheeky coffee run or needing to grind out a dozen or so pages of work, Ground Up was the spot for UIC students to get work done that isn't on campus.​​

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Their seating, if you can secure a table, is immaculate. Spacious tables allow for at least two to three people to get work done individually (together). Booth seating is also somewhat ample with end seats having outlets that one can access. Finally, there's a secret (not-so-secret) secondary seating area that Ground Up has access to and appears to share with the rest of the building. 

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Today, I was picked up a seasonal drink called Freddo A'Blu. Made up of light espresso, vanilla blueberry syrup, and a dash of cocoa, it was an adventurous tasting experience. While I didn't order it today, I guarantee a peak experience if you order a pistachio matcha latte from them. 

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Ground Up reminds me of my first love. You see them as perfect, beautiful, and introduced you to a whole world you didn't notice before. But over time, you realize that there's more to love than what lies on the surface. I thank Ground Up for always being affordable, safe, and close to home, but there's many more cafe experiences to be had. 

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I'm writing about coffee right? I think I got sidetracked here...