50 Best Cafes near Clifton

“Clifton Cafe is our new favorite evening spot on the weekends. We’ve been customers since the original owners opened it years ago, but until this past fall we did more to go orders than dine in since the service and time to prep food was often slow and unpredictable. Now we go almost every week. We’ve noticed big improvements since they expanded their kitchen and redesigned the bar area. Their new pull up bar is beautiful and spacious. The new owners and management are great too! We love the evening staff as well, especially Ian and Nicole. They are very personable, accommodating, and attentive. They have great happy hour specials from 3-6 and make the best margaritas and espresso martinis. Some of our favorite dinner items include the crab dip, Mediterranean salad, cuban sandwich, burgers, crab cakes, quiche specials, banana pudding, and too many crepes to name! We also appreciate that they have become more family friendly. We had a last minute party of 14 on a Friday evening (half of which were children ages 1-11) and they didn’t hesitate to pull some tables together in a private nook to accommodate our large group (again thanks to Ian and Nicole). We noticed they finally got a changing table in the large bathroom, which they are about to install. Our kids are past that stage, but there were several times when they were little that a changing table would have been helpful.“

“buena atencion y todo lo que tienen es delicioso, ambience agradable por dentro y por fuera 👏👏👏👏“

“From out of town and came to Ocean8 Hookah Lounge and had an awesome experience! Ended up going multiple times! The hookah was top-tier and the food was fresh. If you're in VA and looking for a great vibe with quality food and smoke, this is the spot!“

“Super nice owners. Delicious food.“

“best“

“Friendly comfortable environment with great coffee and sandwiches. I don't eat a lot of ice cream, but patrons I've watched really like it.“

“​Amazing experience! Great atmosphere, clean and well maintained.
Fresh, top-tier smoked salmon toast and top-notch service.
Dela was super friendly, humble, and really knew his stuff. Couldn’t have asked for a better recommendation. Will 100% be coming back!“

“Not sure how to graciously ask this question, but I am usually taken back when I see foodies without prices on their menu. It makes me think those preparing the menu may be arrogant to believe that price means nothing to patrons. Price matters. Are foods and drinks priced too high to be transparent? Are all patrons so well off that price to them really does not matter? I will sometimes pass over a place if they hide their prices, just because there are so many others that do not hide them. The atmosphere just by itself deserves a reluctant visit.“

“came to this place like 4 times now and it never misses!! 1st off the music and ambience is ALWAYS on point. 2nd, staff is great and the place itself is so clean. nothing else to say but it’s noticeable that this spot is well maintained. 3rd, the food!!! just wow. you can tell all the ingredients they use are fresh! i could have the avo egg + cheese sandwich and shrimp burger all day… 4th off — the drinks 🙂‍↕ bruh…. misugaru latte w oatmilk …. iced or hot…. that will change your life. still need to try some of the other stuff but this is a pure 5/5. thanks to my boyfriend who works in this building, we wouldnt have discovered such a gem!!!!“

“My barista I think his name was Yubin was super nice and polite. He had a smile on his face and showed no attitude. The taro was little less flavorful then what inliked but I just ask for extra flavor next time and the boba was soooooo full of flavor and chew warm and I knew it was made fresh. This is a 9/9 spot with amazing drinks customer service from Yubin. I WOULD recommend.“

“This is THE BEST pastries I’ve ever had! So fresh, delicious, creative, flavorful, and appealing to the eye!!!!!“

“The moment you walk in, the environment is so welcoming, fresh, and vibey. It's like you know " this is going to be good". Then you are greeted, and the service was just that much better. She was awesome, super friendly and likeable. Didn't have to wait too long for food, clearly it was made fresh to order because when i got it (chicken ceaser wrap with fries) it was AMAZING. the fries were so perfectly crisp and warm, the wrap was balanced, warm, but not too warm because of the lettuce. Cannot rave enough about my experience, and the food. I'm looking forward to when i can make it back for another meal!“

“This place offers some of the highest quality sandwiches and plenty of delicious desserts! The staff is very friendly! It is very big inside and plenty of seats to sit in, whether it is with family or friends, or even your significant other!
It is definitely a hidden gem!
Definitely recommend this place, so give it a try!

Go get brunch and try their delicious sandwiches and desserts!!!“

“Senberry is such a standout spot if you’re craving something healthy that still feels like a treat. The açaí bowls are delicious and surprisingly filling, and the smoothies taste incredibly fresh. I also loved the chicken avocado flatbread—so flavorful and satisfying. What really made the visit special was the warm, welcoming service; the owner was genuinely friendly and created such a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.“

“I had a great experience at Lil Cow All the workers are super friendly and welcoming, and the food was honestly 10/10 Everything was delicious, and it’s a great place to come eat, relax, and chill I definitely recommend Lil Cow to anyone looking for good food and a friendly atmosphere.“

“Best Matcha ice cream and other soft serve…. Yummy 🤤“

“Delicious tea , friendly staffs“

“Oh my gosh! I love this place! We were visiting from Texas and this was our everyday morning stop (and it may or may not have been an evening snack or two also ). All the different pastries were awesome (my son had a mango cream bun every time). You HAVE to try the Tiramisu latte. Oh! Oh! And the Black Forest Cake was the friggin bomb! More than how great the food was, the ownership and staff were spectacular! We felt like we were popping in and seeing old friends. If I am ever anywhere near here, I will definitely come by for more delicious treats!! If you live nearby, support this locally owned shop. They deserve all the success possible.“

“Had an absolutely wonderful cortado (strong taste and velvety finish) and tasty tomato burrata toast (nearly ordered three more). Folks were very nice and clearly enjoyed the place, and it showed in the coffee and service. Pleasantly busy but neither packed nor loud. Look forward to being back. Compliments all around.“

“It is called secret garden for a reason. Of your first visit is in the dark at night it will be a secret where it is located. But when you find the narrow stairway to the second floor between buildings, it will be worth the climb! Nice people, good food“

“Hands down, the best cheesesteak I've ever had — a solid 10/10.
If you're local, this spot is an absolute must-try. The meat was perfectly seasoned and tender, the cheese melted just right, and the roll was fresh and held everything together without getting soggy. Plus, you need to add jalapeno, it's a kick!!! Every bite was packed with flavor. You can tell they put care into every detail. Whether you're a cheesesteak connoisseur or just looking for a great meal, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Food is always great. Last visit Jenna waited on us. Such an attentive, personable professional. She made the meal a pleasure.“

“This place is absolutely phenomenal. It’s a great place to go and meet people let alone buy some fine pastries and sit down and have a conversation with somebody that you don’t even know. I come here quite often. Just sit down and relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a Boba tea. I need a fine pastry. I end up leaving with 50+ dollars or more in pastries either for my family or friends and family at work each and every time I come in this place it’s absolutely amazing. The service is beyond the people that come to this place are awesome. I’ve never ever in the last few years that I’ve been going to this place had a bad experience every each, and every time that I come into this place is amazing.“

“Genuinely one of my favorite coffee shops. The people are very nice and you can learn a lot about coffee there.“

“I hosted my weekly "Coffee Klutch" meet here this morning on behalf of my campaign for State Senate and the ladies of Old Town had a fabulous time! The decor is so pretty and the sweets are delicious! Thank you so much for hosting us! Please visit my website to see where we will be each week! www.sophia4va.com“

“homey“

“First time visit and it was great! The food was fantastic (best French fries ever) and the staff was very nice and friendly. I will be back!“

“It takes a bit for me to review, but after a number of pleasant visits, here I am.

The lattes are excellent and creative—the Butter Beer is my favorite. I love their philosophy on flavoring: they start light because you can always add more, but you can’t take it away—i.e., salt when cooking.

The staff is incredibly accommodating, too, and cheerfully made one of their previous drinks that wasn't on the menu.

The prices are nicely reasonable, making it easy to get a great drink within your budget, and my husband loves their suitably priced pour-over options.

The atmosphere is light, clean, and beautifully minimal. As a parent with school-aged kids and a toddler, this calm space provides a true, low-stress retreat—emphasis on the treat.

While they have just three locations and offer franchising, they completely avoid that overwhelming corporate-chain color scheme that hides their logo everywhere and advertises their wares and new things on your path to order. Something I never realized was subconsciously exhausting until it was scaled to a minimum.

It's a welcoming, child-friendly, local spot. So very glad it's not another copy and paste coffee place.“

“L'AMI Bakery and Cafe is a celebrated destination for its gorgeous, Korean inspired pastries and exceptional specialty coffee program. I highly recommend the light and flavorful signature Roll Cake and their unique beverages, particularly the cream topped Einspanner and the vibrant Purple Sweet Potato Latte. With a focus on high quality ingredients and an inviting atmosphere, L'AMI offers a delightful escape for enjoying freshly baked goods and handcrafted drinks.“

“Delicious food, Everything Good.“

“authentic Japanese, fuffly pancakes are amazing“

“I really enjoyed my experience here. I was here a half hour before they opened and they still served me with great service. The pound cake and coffee I got were delicious and it is a really cute little spot among all the government and business buildings. It must be nice to work next to this place. I would be here everyday!“

“Stopped in this evening to pick up meals. LOTS of choices! My family and I each tried a different meal and all three were very good! We will definitely be back for more!“

“Great Cafe! I have a few favorites here. Try the Lee's favorite, Italian Cold Cut, or the California Club. They have daily specials that include combos with fries and a drink. The ladies that work here do a great job and everything is delicious.“

“Great place, great prices 👍🏾“

“This was my first time going to this place. I was searching for a nearby place that had sourdough bread sandwiches and this one came up so I decided to try it. It did not disappoint. Very refreshing to not have to drive to Lorton 15 minutes away! thank you!“

“Fenwick Library, located at George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia, serves as the primary academic library for the university's students, faculty, and staff. Opened in 1975, it has undergone several renovations to meet the growing needs of the university community. The library is named after a generous donor, and its central location on the GMU campus makes it a vital hub for research, studying, and academic support.

Fenwick Library provides a wide range of resources and services, including an extensive collection of books, academic journals, digital archives, and databases. It supports diverse disciplines with specialized collections in fields such as law, business, and government. In addition to its physical holdings, Fenwick offers access to numerous electronic resources, including e-books, online journals, and multimedia materials, making it an invaluable resource for research in the digital age.

The library features quiet study areas, group collaboration spaces, and computer labs equipped with the latest technology. It also provides study rooms, meeting spaces, and a café for students and faculty to collaborate or unwind. Services like research assistance, workshops, and access to archives further support academic success.

Overall, Fenwick Library plays a pivotal role in the academic life of GMU, offering essential resources and services that enhance the learning and research experience. Whether students are seeking a quiet space to study or need expert guidance for research projects, Fenwick Library meets a wide range of academic needs.“

“That great and the shop decorated good“

“Had eggs Benedict from there today. Awesome. Tasted wonderful! I was impressed for my first visit there!“

“This Panera is well-run. It’s a “to-go” place and Hina is always welcoming with a smile. All the staffs are welcoming to be honest and place is clean. More like my favorite mobile ordering location for Panera. Kudos guys!“

“As a true tea lover, Bengong is definitely one of my favorite destinations! The jasmine and osmanthus flavors are beautifully balanced and really stand out.

Their milk tea is the perfect mood booster—comforting, refreshing, and a great way to unwind and reduce stress.

Staff: 10/10 — Super friendly and welcoming
Atmosphere: 9/10 — Relaxing and cozy
Drinks: 100/10 — Absolutely amazing!“

“Great place to dine and relax! Ordered the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, and a chocolate croissant. The food was fresh and delicious, though I would’ve preferred the soup served a bit hotter. The staff were super friendly, and all of my requests were handled perfectly with no problems. Will definitely be back!“

“amazing staff super kind and helpful. also the best breakfast in the area!!“

“Nice placê, wonderful food!“

“homey“

“If i could i would give this place zero stars..but not an option. I was a new visitor to this establishment, and let him know that prior to ordering. Wanted the turkey (happy place) a drink and a scone. I get my meal and there is no turkey on it. So I got back and explained I wanted the turkey happy place. He said no you ordered the "our happy place". I said sir I even pointed to what I wanted on the menu. I didn't realize there were two items with the same name. He said that is your fault and you should know the menu. I said we'll I had let you know prior it was my first time here. He said I don't care if it's your first or 3rd you should know the menu. He said I'm not going to remake it., that's what you ordered. I said I would of never order anything with spinach because I'm allergic to it. He said so..I'm not remaking it! So not only did I have to wait a long time for thr sandwich, I couldn't eat it cause I was allergic to the ingredients. So I get back to my office hungry and upset to realize he didn't put the scone I paid for in thr bag. So I call and he says oh next time I will give it to you. No apology or anything. ..and next time, I paid for it this time. Very rude to new customers and would never spend my money there again. I don't understand why he was so rude. You think you would want to retain customers so they will do repeat visits.“

“Amazing experience! Large portions.“

“After a long, lackluster day of a birthday—I went to Lulu cafe. And it was the best way possible to conclude my birthday last night. The vibe was really chill and energetic at the same time. The staff as well as the customers just made it a wonderful place to celebrate with my friends. The karaoke rooms had great sound quality and everything about it was designed for a good time. I will definitely be back. Everyone was dancing and getting hyped, even if they were just sitting down and drinking. It was like being on an episode of Adventure Time. High energy, humorous and just solid times.“

“This was my first time trying Thai food, and honestly, I’m not usually a Thai food girl, but OCha definitely surprised me! I got the chicken drunken noodles with crispy chicken wontons, and I actually ate the whole plate 😂 The food was good, and I’ll definitely be coming back to try more.

But that Strawberry Dubai Chocolate smoothie??? OMG. 🤤 It was SO good and looked exactly like the picture. I’ve never tried Dubai chocolate before, but I’m officially obsessed with that smoothie!

The service was also amazing. I originally ordered for pickup but decided to eat there instead, and they were so nice and accommodating. They even put my food on a plate and brought me water.

Overall, I’d give it a 4. The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 is because Thai food isn’t usually my favorite, but this place definitely made me want to give it another chance. I’ll absolutely be back! ❤“