Global Grounds Cafe

The Mies-​van-​der-​Roast is very good. I’m an avid coffee drinker, and most of the coffee there is pretty great. The decaf makes my stomach ache though.
There are a few of the shakes that I don’t like very much, but overall it beats starbucks by a long shot!

The coffee is worst. Literally. I travel long way from my dorm to Starbucks rather than have IIT coffee. It taste bitter and plain, and the staff aren’t that professional. It said on their face:“yea it’s just a stupid part time job to get some money.”

This location is currently run by Sedexo. They have «health smoothies» (for weight loss, muscle gain, immunity boost, etc.), milkshakes, coffee & baked goods.
I mostly purchase coffee and smoothies here (though the milkshakes are pretty damn awesome).
I would give Global Grounds 5 stars, but there are certain staffers to avoid. There are those few (evening workers mostly) who really make the experience (AND THE COFFEE) better… much better. Also, the choice of hours is odd & dependent on events and student presence. :’(
There is a newly furnished, quiet area to sit comfortably at with plush seats and small «coffee tables.» From here you may view 32^nd street.
Cost is lower than Starbucks with, in my opinion, better coffee. They serve it in a variety of ways with a variety of beans. As a result of being run by Sedexo, the entire menu changed in the last year or so.
ALSO, there is a spending program for each $ 5+ you spend in non-​university currency.
WiFi is only available to students.
If you’re going to park, either use the meter parking on the east side of the building, or park a block away (east) on Michigan Ave. or Indiana Ave.

Funky building — good drinks (better than most chain coffee places like *bucks and the like).
The staff is really diverse with 100% student workers from all over the world ie. «Global» grounds café.
The fresh baked pretzels, and smoothies are unique items not found at most coffee shops — oh and the chocolate cake milkshake is a must try!
This is the college hang out with music chosen by the barista from 7am-​11pm so you get quite a diverse cultural experience from Indian to dance to rock.

They have really good flaxseed muffins which I’ve been able to find elsewhere. As a campus coffeeshop, though, I’m not all that impressed, mostly because the students make really, really horrible drinks. Don’t ever, ever order a soy chai latte here, and if you see a guy with a ponytail at the counter, I’d recommend staying away from the milkshakes as well.
Yeah, I lack school spirit, I know. All too easy at this institution.
Some kudos: GlobalGrounds only serves FreeTrade coffee.

This is the patron coffee shop of IIT, owned by IIT alumni and run by students. However, since there is so little food near campus, I’ve seen area medical interns frequent it as well. However, as a coffee shop, it does a pretty bad job. It’s very expensive, and you have to know what you’re getting, because most things taste the same, despite the menu being enormous. The best are the Oreo shakes and mango smoothies. Occasionally, some of the stuffed pretzels are good, if you get a student who can make them well. The only reason it gets a decent amount of business is because students have it as a choice on their meal plan and many tourists, who can afford the prices, come to the campus to see its well-​known architecture.