GroundLevel 105 — Restaurant in Lombard

My husband and I used to dine in and order carry out from Ground level 105 in Lombard, until last week... I ordered dinner for my husband and I last week, a few days prior to Christmas. I ordered at 6:25PM and they told me it would be ready in 10-15 min, My husband arrived at 6:40PM and went to host stand and was told that our meals were not ready they should be out in 5 min. He was asked to pay for his meal at that time, which he did. He went to the host stand again after 15 MINUTES and he was told that the kitchen was busy it should be about 5 more minutes. After another 10 minutes my husband went to hostess stand AGAIN and asked about our carry out. He said they are backed up. Finally at 7:07PM (42 min after we ordered and 37 minutes after they said it would be ready) they brought out our carry out meals. They said nothing, just gave my husband the bag and he left. They gave no explanation. I had no idea where my husband could be after leaving our home almost an hour prior. After he arrived home and explained what happened, I called Ground level and asked for an explanation and she said "they were busy". I asked to speak to a manager and she said there wasn't one there. The bar tender was the "acting manager" per the hostess, and he would not speak to me. I asked for the owner to call. The owner did call and said that an Uber eats or some other delivery service took our dinners from the kitchen. But my husband was never told that at the restaurant. Then she said that the hostess didn't say anything because my husband "cursed" at the staff. I was ready to explode because my husband does not and never has cursed!! So not only is the staff lying to cover their own behinds, but this is a case of deformation of my husband's character . I would not go to this establishment again for the unscrupulous way they treat their customers. Walk a block east and enjoy a delicious meal at BABCOCK GROVE, 101 W St Charles Rd, Lombard, Il ...

UPDATE: Since my last review, I have gone back several times to Groundlevel, (in-person dining and carry-out), and any prior concerns addressing the food have been resolved. Their cocktails are phenomenal, (Spicy Habanero Margarita) and menu is really well-rounded, (recommend the Shrimp Po' Boy). We've enjoyed all the updates and glad they've nestled nicely into Downtown Lombard.

Previous Review: My girlfriend and I went here about a week and a half-ago on a Wednesday evening. We were seated immediately and the interior was modern and clean - very welcoming to the Downtown area. Our server was prompt and patient as we took our time looking at the menu. After we received our cocktails and food, it was immediately apparent our food was completely inedible, and the drinks were entirely too strong. My Smoked Brisket Panini was burnt, fatty and greasy. My friend's sandwich was under prepared. We both had to send our food back, and ended up going over to Babcocks, afterward. The manager came over and thoroughly apologized for our experience. Her professionalism and how she handled our bill, was sincerely appreciated and noted for future. However, this location has been a sore spot for Downtown Lombard, in general. (Between Capones and the BBQ place before that). I hope that things turn-around for GroundLevel 105 - I would like to give them a second chance...

I just wanted to get the word out for people to try this place if they have not. I have been there several times, ordering something new each time, and loving all the meals. But I was not prepared for last night. I went for my birthday and decided on a whim to try their ribs. I've see them advertise their smoked meats, but never really took it for a serious BBQ joint. Well, I was wrong. At first bite I discovered these were some of the best in the entire metro area. Honestly, they could hold their own with some I’ve had in Memphis. The ribs were tender, but not pot roast tender. They stayed put until I gave them the most gentle of tugs. The sauce was sweet, but not too sweet. And that smoke. Yes, they were legit smoked, not simply slow roasted. It was a pronounced, but not overpowering smoke. For me, it was right on the money. The value was incredible too. A got a half slab, very tasty coleslaw, and some insanely good garlic fries, all for $14. You can’t beat that. I hate to say this, but I think they’re better than a well known BBQ joint off Geneva Road a few miles west of here. Anyway, I told the server they should advertise themselves more of a smokehouse because this is a hidden gem. I now cannot wait to try their pulled pork and brisket. ...