Groundswell Cafe
Groundswell Cafe — photo 2
Groundswell Cafe — photo 3
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Groundswell Cafe — photo 5

Groundswell Cafe

201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

★★★★★4.8(193 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Groundswell Cafe operates on a pay-it-forward model that creates genuine warmth alongside excellent coffee and standout pastries like their celebrated bread pudding. The volunteer-run team radiates authentic kindness that reviewers consistently mention, making this downtown Cedar Rapids spot feel less like a transaction and more like a community gathering place where your morning coffee comes with real human connection. Whether you're settling in for a full breakfast, a pulled pork sandwich on pretzel, or just great coffee and a pastry, you're supporting something genuinely special.

What to expect

Slow sitFull breakfastMeetingsTraditional drinksPastriesFamily friendlyLight food

Google Reviews

TeAhnna Eicher
★★★★★2 months ago

This place is amazing. The man that helped us was a volunteer and he was the nicest person ever. I can't wait to go back. Also I didnt like bread pudding until I tries theirs! Beyond good.

Michelle Fitzgerald
★★★★★3 months ago

I have the barbecue Pulled pork sandwich On a pretzel bun with the coleslaw. Amazing taste! And their coffee is pretty good too. This café is a pay it forward to eatery. That means with your tips go 100% to help feed hungry people in the community. They also have 3 event location options that you can rent for showers, weddings & parties.

Ahavuel Barayah
★★★★★3 months ago

This place is phenomenal, I encourage anyone looking for a good place to spend money on a great breakfast to come here the food is totally fulfilling and the employees are smiling and happy and the atmosphere is very family friendly. This place should be very popular it's one of the best breakfast joints I've been to in the Midwest the food is hot and fresh and priced reasonably for the gargantuate meals they serve, can't beat it with a stick.

Lyna Raha
★★★★★6 months ago

Thank you to the generous person who made a "Night out at Groundswell" possible. May the Lord bless you beyond measure. Having recently been laid off; this experience was much needed. The staff were great and attentive. Thank you to the two young ladies (teens) who periodically checked in and Courtney for stopping by to say hello. Dick's sense of humor and kindness was the cherry on top. The food was really delicious and the lemonade refreshing. We were entertained as well; kudos to the young violinists 👏🏾. God bless you all 🙏🏾

Maddie Belding
★★★★★3 years ago

Amazing place downtown on the sw side of the river. First time being here since they opened in 2018 and I was beyond impressed!! They are so kind and generous to every person they meet. The next time I come back I will pay it forward. Great food and amazing house punch! They used to be a musical arts center that helped allow kids in the area have a safe place to go after school and draw, sing, comedy, open mic you name it! Truly amazing to see how this community has grown and this place is planting seeds for God to grow! Love it will be back again definitely!!!🥰

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