BY PETER ECCLESTON, CULTURE EDITOR and MACKENZIE REAGAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
New to Campus? Looking to find places to unwind after a long week of hard work? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered together a list of some of the great places at and around campus to keep you cultured.
Entertainment
- The Amazing Comic Shop
Address: 10647 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
Hours: Monday to Tuesday 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday to Thursday 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 12–6 p.m.
Description: Are you a fan of comic books, anime, manga or card games? Then check out the Amazing Comic Shop. The Amazing Comic Shop offers a wide selection of comics and manga to enjoy, assorted collectibles to remember your favorite TV shows and movies, and staff who can even help you find new series to get interested in. Check out more about them on their website at amazingcomicshop.wordpress.com.
2. Corner Pocket
Address: The Hub, first floor (4400 Rivanna River Way, Fairfax, VA 22030)
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12–8 p.m.
Description: Looking for a place to play some pool, play some games and hang out with friends? Look no further than the Corner pocket. Located at the Hub, Corner Pocket offers students the chance to use a pool table, Wii and other fun games for a small fee. So if you are looking for a place to have a good time with friends or to meet new friends, come and visit the Corner Pocket.
3. Center for the Arts
Address: 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Varies
Description: If you want to see live performances, inspiring acts and find a good place for a classy date, then the Center for the Arts is the place to go. Mason’s Center of the Arts holds several different plays, musicals and so much more every month. Want to know the best part about it? If you are a Mason student, you can get two tickets to every show free if you show your student ID. So go check out their programs at cfa.gmu.edu.
4. Comics & Gaming Fairfax
Address: 10385 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Description: Do you play games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering or Pokemon? Do you ever want to find a large, open spot to play and find new friends who share your interests? Well, Comics & Gaming Fairfax is the answer to your wildest hopes and dreams. Comics and Gaming holds tournaments for almost every type of game you want to play, sells gaming supplies to fit your every need and allows you to interact with others who share your interests. So if you are looking for a good time then check out what Comics and Gaming has in store at cgoffx.com/home.html, and let the games begin.
5. The Cave Gaming Center
Address: 10621 Braddock Road – Suite B, Virginia, Fairfax, VA 22032
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Description: Ever want to meet a bunch of people who are all interested in video games? If so, come to The Cave, a place where people meet to play video games. The Cave hosts tournaments for multiplayer games such as Hearthstone, Smash Brothers, Pokken Tournament and so much more. To find out more about what events and video games The Cave offers, check out their website at cave-gaming.com.
Food
- East Wind Cafe
Address: 10414 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Description: Want a change from campus food? Want to try something a little different? Then come down to East Wind, a unique Vietnamese restaurant that can add a little variety to your palate. East Wind even has a great vegetarian menu for everyone to enjoy. For more information, check out their Yelp page at yelp.com/biz/east-wind-fairfax.
2. Victoria’s Cakery
Address: 10430 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Description: Have a sweet tooth? Sick of eating at chain restaurants? If so, you are going to love what Victoria’s Cakery has in store for you. Victoria’s Cakery is just dying to give you a taste of their delicious family recipes. So come to Victoria’s Cakery, their food is sure to bring you back for more. Check out their menu at victoriascakeryinc.com/.
3. Havabite Eatery
Address: 10416 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Description: Looking for a small place with wonderful food for a romantic date? Then check out Havabite Eatery. This family-owned restaurant specializes in wonderfully-cooked Mediterranean food and is just small enough for that special someone. So why wait? Come in and you’ll be sure to have a bite. Check out more about Havabite Eatery at yelp.com/biz/havabite-eatery-fairfax-2.
Music
- Epicure Cafe
Address: 11104 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Friday to Wednesday 5 p.m.–12:30 a.m.; Thursday 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Description: The family-run, music-themed cafe has been in its new location on Lee Highway since 2014. Stop by for food, drinks, coffee and live performances from local and emerging artists, or just check out their website at epicurecafe.org.
2. Mobius Records
Address: 4007 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 12–8 p.m.; Sunday 12–5 p.m.
Description: Nestled in the heart of Downtown Fairfax, Mobius Records is your go-to for both mainstream and indie vinyl. The shop specializes in current artists, but with a vast selection of LPs and 45s, you can find just about anything. Check them out at mobiusrecordshop.com.
3. Jammin’ Java
Address: 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 3 p.m.–1 a.m.; Thursday 9 a.m.–1 a.m.; Friday to Saturday 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
Description: A quick drive down 123 takes you to Jammin’ Java, one of the Northern Virginia area’s biggest concert venues, drawing artists like Paramore, Bon Iver and RDGLDGRN. Check out their lineup this semester at jamminjava.com.
