Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

Students find study space, strong coffee, and a sandwich worth writing home about.

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nestled in Old Town Fairfax, and a pleasant stroll from the Mason campus, lies my personal favorite café, De Clieu. This cozy local spot has captured the hearts of many with its signature house-made syrups, unique drinks and all-day breakfast sandwiches. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., De Clieu hums with activity the moment it opens its doors, drawing both early risers and afternoon loungers alike.

Having frequented the café precisely at its opening hour several times, I can confirm its consistent popularity. With diverse options catering to both vegetarian and meat-loving patrons, there’s something delectable for everyone. My personal recommendation is the “Crazy Irishman,” an irresistible blend of egg, cheddar, a crispy hash brown patty and mustard aioli, enveloped in baked focaccia. 

Sophomore Mohamed El Hadj Sidi, declared the Irishman was, “One of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve had. After eating it, my life changed. I didn’t know what a breakfast sandwich was until I had that.”

Faris Madani, another Mason student, enthusiastically recommends their roast beef sandwich. He said, “Every one of their breakfast sandwiches hits the spot, but their roast beef sandwich truly fills me up for the day.”

No visit to De Clieu is complete without trying their famed Matcha Blossom—a matcha latte infused with organic, house-made rose syrup. Faris described it as “a beautiful blend of earthy matcha and sweet floral notes.” Mohamed enthusiastically added, “The matcha is absolutely ridiculously amazing.”

What truly sets De Clieu apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. Junior Terrel “Rell,” a barista at the café, highlighted how Du Clieu stands apart from other cafés: “Our syrups are nearly all house-made. We use real vanilla beans and vanilla bean paste for our drinks, making each sip truly special.”

Rell emphasized that De Clieu prioritizes balancing sweetness with authentic flavor profiles. “We try to match the concentration and sweetness of our syrups with our espresso to truly highlight our fresh beans and partnership with the quality-focused company Intelligentsia,” he said. The seasonal menu is particularly innovative, offering new and trendy syrup concoctions regularly.

Whether looking for a place to study, unwind, or simply savor delicious food and drinks, De Clieu is undeniably a spot worth frequenting.