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    Gathering Grounds Coffee Bar

    3.8 (214 reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Gathering Grounds Coffee Bar Photos

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    GATHERING GROUNDS COFFEE BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for kids

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    Coffee & scone
    Terri D.

    cozy, moody cafe with great coffee. I'm sucker for scones - more creative flavors than Starbucks, but sadly more dry. Nice quiet spot to hang out on dreary rainy day.

    Smoked salmon croissant bagel itself

    I've come here before and have had good coffee, but this time I tried a matcha and this new croissant bagel smoked salmon sandwich. Matcha: Ive been making my own matcha at home for several years and have used low grade to ceremonial grade matcha. The matcha they use isn't very pleasant and has a very dark color. This resulted in a burnt after taste I haven't tasted before with matcha. Croissant bagel: the bagel itself is so good, but it lacked a lot of substance as you can see. A few pieces of salmon with a thin overcooked egg. I think the whole sandwich was heated up together, because the salmon looks to be cooked through, as opposed to most bagel shops who heat the bagel and then add the ingredients to keep the smoked salmon from cooking. It's a new item so I don't want to knock it too much, but the dry salmon was a let down If I'm spending almost $40 for two people, I'd expect a little more value. I understand that this is a coffee spot at heart, but lacking out on the quality is going to bring me to go to other breakfast/coffee places first

    Iced Specialty Latte and Bacon, Egg & Cheese on Croissant
    Katie S.

    This place is cute for a gathering with friends or a coffee date. Ambiance is casual and cute. The staff is kind and friendly. I got an iced caramel latte and the coffee was phenomenal. I also got a bacon egg and cheese croissant and it was so flaky and buttery. I would recommend coming by here for coffee it's pretty affordable in comparison to chains and much better!

    Decor - flower ceiling
    Esha Z.

    I went to the cat cafe near here and decided to try this cafe With my mom and sister right after. Since it was a weekday and around 230pm, it wasn't super busy. We were helped quickly and there's lots of seating. I loved the current decor (I've read the reviews that it changed seasonally) and the service was quick. My sister got a blueberry muffin, she and I got seasonal lattes (she got a Mountain Mint (had peppermint and some other stuff) and I got a Trail Mix latte (white chocolate, almond and raspberry) - iced versions), we tried the beignet trio (so filled fluffy donuts), my mom got the almond poppy seed muffin and a strawberry mango smoothie (they can blend two fruits for you). The smoothie was by far the best item and so delicious. They heated the muffins up for us and the staff was so nice; they smiled and had great energy! Would love to return here with friends ! Besides the pastries and coffees and smoothies, they have breakfast items, savory items such as sandwiches, and drinks such as boba.

    Inside pov~
    Joy S.

    Parking: there's a lot of parking because it is located in a shopping center. But it can get a little tight because there's a lot of cars. There are two entrances to the cafe! It is also located right across from George Mason University, so it can get hectic with college students. Seating: there's a good number of tables and seats inside. They also have a few seats outside the cafe. I like the cozy vibe. Food: their coffee is pretty good. They have some fun and creative flavors! They also have some good pastries and sandwiches. Bathroom: they have one individual bathroom. It's kind of in the middle of the cafe. Price: it's average like other cafes. But it is a little pricey, especially considering it's in front of a college. Service: our cashier and server was very kind and attentive. She made our drinks in a timely manner :)

    Front desk where you can place your order.
    Gilbert G.

    Gathering Grounds is still my favorite place for dark roast coffee in the GMU Fairfax campus area. The service is friendly and generally pleasant. It can be a little confusing if you're here for the first time. After taking your order at the cash register, guests are supposed to wait along the side wall. There's another entrance on the back side of the cafe, which is convenient if you need to walk to the Giant supermarket. Also, I found the restroom in the back of the cafe and was impressed by how clean it was (at 11:50am). The owners of this local cafe really care deeply about keeping the interior as clean as possible for customers. Hygiene is a positive signal of quality. I'm nearly approaching my first reward (at 50 points) through the Gathering Grounds rewards program. Can't wait to try a cappuccino or fancy espresso drink later in December!

    Bacon, Egg & Cheese on Croissant
    Monica T.

    Cute coffee shop in Fairfax. The lattes! Ask for the specialty latte menu, as it's not on the board. The have so many fun flavors like trail mix, Lavendar cloud and Killer Bee. So fun! I did an iced latte with raspberry, Lavendar and vanilla and it was tasty. The bacon, egg and cheese croissant was also yummy. Adding this to my favorites list for coffee shops in the area.

    Amanda S.

    Promptly greeted me when I arrived. Friendly staff and owner, encouraging about the local events they have planned. When asked what to try offered a recommendation for the apple danish that was worth the try.

    Alex P.

    Came here for an evening coffee. The atmosphere is great for studying, catching up, or anything in between. It's not too loud, soft music playing in the background. There is plenty of seating in the back if you're studying, or comfy seats in the front for relaxing. The staff were great, super kind. Coffee was affordable and reasonably priced. I ordered a caramel macchiato which was delicious. I will be back to this location and suggest you try it out as well.

    | WITCHES BREW + STRAWBERRY DUET PASTRY |
    Ashley K.

    A meritorious café, located conveniently for Mason students in University Mall with the perfect atmosphere for doing work and/or studying! I have been going to this coffee shop for the past few years, and I have had a very pleasant experience each time! I thoroughly enjoy the space and ambience as it is relaxing, comfortable, and clean. Also, their seasonal items constantly feature fun and festive drinks to try! I recently had their Halloween special, the Witches Brew--which paired nicely with a strawberry duet pastry. Gathering Grounds is your classically dependable, local coffee shop that offers an expansive variety of foods and beverages to try with a cozy space to get your hustle + grind on! P.S. Make sure to check-in upon entering the café for a sweet 10% off discount on your order!

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    3 years ago

    Service was friendly. Food was so greasy other than that it tasted okay. It was pricey

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    3 years ago

    Good coffee, two workers were uninviting as if I burdened them with my visit. Ambiance is nice.

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    Photo of Sora Y.

    Sora Y.

    Sorry, we all have bad moments, but you should come again!

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    7 years ago

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    Sora Y.

    Thanks, Sirius, I am glad you like it

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    3 years ago

    cute little local spot for coffee. love the seasonal menu board that constantly changes!! the person taking my order was so sweet.

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    Sora Y.

    Thank you, Laura, for your kind words!

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    5 years ago

    A very cute little coffee shop outside of George Mason University. My absolute favorite drink there is the Bees Knees!

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    4 years ago

    The lady was rude and workers had an attitude. Terrible costumer service never coming back

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    3 years ago

    love their coffee and food! Great atmosphere too, i like reading here

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    8 years ago

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    Gathering Grounds Coffee Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Gathering Grounds Coffee Bar

    What non-dairy milks are available?

    They have the same as most Coffee shops, while I am not the fan of pretend milk, they do have soy as well as plant base, like oat milk.

    What kind of coffee do they serve? Stumptown, counter culture?

    We serve Cafe Kreyol, organic coffee, direct trade, and locally roasted.

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    I had an iced americano and a BLT. Both were really good. The iced americano has a robust flavor…read moreand the BLT was packed with bacon and mayo is always a nice touch The music was insane though. Like TikTok mog compilation hard rock hard edm crazy stuff. Not what I expected at a place called de Clieu. Pretty distracting during conversation and while working.

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    Gathering Grounds Coffee Bar - coffee - Updated September 2026

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