Fairfax, Virginia is part of both the Washington metropolitan area, as well as the Northern Virginia region. Whether you’re considering a move to Fairfax or you’ve called the city home for a number of years, you won’t want to miss out on these area highlights — including delectable handcrafted coffee, award-winning gelato, and plenty of options for dining out when you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply skip the dishes at home!
The Best Coffee Shops in Fairfax
It’s no secret that many people rely on their morning dose of caffeine to kick-start their day. Check out these local Fairfax coffee shops to explore the range of specialty lattes, handcrafted coffee, and tasty baked goods that they’re serving up!
Fairfax Simply Social Coffee
Where? 11281 James Swart Circle
The menu at Fairfax Simply Social Coffee features all of your favorite tried and true staples, as well as a few new concoctions that you’ll be tempted to try. From white chocolate mocha frappes to crème brûlée lattes and perfectly pulled double espresso shots, you’ll find everything you need and then some to get your morning in Fairfax off to a running start. The menu also includes a range of chai options, as well as hot cocoa, kombucha, and even refreshing fruit smoothies! You can opt for an alternative milk to make your drink dairy-free, such as almond, coconut, soy, or oat.
Compass Coffee
Where? 10400 Fairfax Boulevard
Compass Coffee is obsessed with making great coffee as easy as it can be. Whether you pick up a bag of your favorite roast to brew at home or you swing by the shop and leave the latte to the pros — your day will be brighter whenever you sit back and relax with a cup of Compass Coffee. The menu can fluctuate seasonally, with springtime favorites such as the cherry blossom cream cold brew and refreshing summertime treats like the strawberry dragonfruit breeze. During the holiday season, surprise the coffee fanatic in your life with a bag of the Holiday Blend, which has notes of festive spice!
Caboose Commons
Where? 2918 Eskridge Road
The Fairfax location of Caboose Commons is a three-in-one gathering place, featuring the Mosaic District Brewery, a restaurant, and the coffeehouse! Dive into specialty coffee treats using award-winning, ethically sourced coffee from Lone Oak Coffee Co. from Winchester. All syrups are made in-house and patrons can opt for alternative milk options like oat and almond. Whether you pair your coffee with breakfast or brunch or you take it to go, it’s all up to you! From iced lattes to warm, comforting cappuccinos — Caboose Commons is the place to go on the mornings when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Where to Wine & Dine in Fairfax
Whether you’re in the mood for Irish fare, Asian comfort food, or fresh seafood specialties — dining in Fairfax is diverse and delicious. Enjoy these local restaurants and don’t forget to pair your entree with a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail!
The Auld Shebeen
Where? 3971 Chain Bridge Road
Once you step foot inside of The Auld Shebeen, you’ll be instantly transported to Ireland. This Irish pub and restaurant is well-known for its classic hospitality, traditional Irish fare, and of course, the well-stocked bar. The menu skillfully combines traditional recipes with American cuisines, making it accessible for visitors across a range of palates. Whether you’re hankering for fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or even the signature Guinness beef stew — The Auld Shebeen is excited to welcome you. Check out the weekday happy hour from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM where you can score the Irish of the Month for $6, house wine for $5, a Bud Light draft or Yuengling for $4 and so much more!
Coastal Flats
Where? 11901 Grand Commons Avenue
Coastal Flats is a bustling coastal-inspired restaurant that’s serving up traditional dishes from Maine to the Carolina low country. The restaurant offers its signature spin on classic seafood, steaks, and pasta. Starters include the lobster bisque, the Yucatan shrimp cocktail, and the baby cake sliders with sautéed crab and shrimp. Dive into an order of the crispy fish tacos or the pecan-crusted trout or keep things on land with the hickory grilled chicken breast or the wood-grilled filet mignon. Sample wines by the glass or sip on a tried and true lager. If you’re feeling celebratory, imbibe with one of the specialty cocktails like the mango martini, the pineapple mojito, or the Coastal Mule with Tito’s, ginger beer, and lime.
P.J. Skidoos
Where? 9908 Fairfax Boulevard
P.J. Skidoos is a family owned restaurant housed in a large brick building in Fairfax City since 1978, offering up classic American fare and a lively nighttime bar scene for those looking to kick back with a cold one or celebrate their recent promotion with a cocktail or two like the Cadillac Margarita or the Bourbon Smash. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, offering some of the cheapest prices around! All entrees served at P.J. Skidoos include a garden salad, with mains ranging from the Chicken Scallopini and the BBQ Baby Back Ribs. Their house specialty is their slow cooked Prime Rib, which is served Monday through Saturday after 4:00 PM and on Sundays after 12:00 PM. Patrons can also order salads, sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials — such as Monday’s Chicken Parmesan or Wednesday’s Prime Rib Sandwich. There is a Saturday Brunch Menu served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and also an amazing all-you-care-to-eat brunch buffet offered every Sunday. They also feature a large private banquet room for your next celebration that can accommodate 30 to 150 people in their lower level that features a private entrance, dance floor and bar and they charge no room rental.
Marumen
Where? 3250 Old Pickett Road
Marumen was established in 2015 and has been bringing Asian comfort food to Northern Virginia for nearly a decade. The ramen shop’s menu includes warming bowls of specialty ramen, such as the Braised Short Rib with a beef-based broth, and accouterments like radishes, bean sprouts, scallions, and onions or the Seafood variation with mussels, scallops, octopus, shrimp, and squid. Patrons can also opt for a specialty plate or a rice dish, such as the pork buns filled with pork belly, scallions, cucumbers, and a sweet ginger hoisin sauce or the Yakisoba with stir-fried noodles and vegetables. Marumen also offers a wide selection of sushi, such as the Spicy Rainbow, the Alaskan, and the Candy Cane!
Fauna Latin Flavor
Where? 10266 Main Street
At Fauna Latin Flavor, patrons are invited to experience a tantalizing blend of Latin-American flavors and classic American favorites through a seamless blend of fusion cuisine. The menu also features exotic cocktails that are perfect for a girl’s night out or for date night! The lunch and dinner menu features appetizers like the Causa Roll with crab meat, roasted salmon slices, and ceviche sauce, and the Tabla de Quesos which comes with a variety of cheeses, honey, grapes, and toasted bread. Mains include Spaghetti al Pesto, Tallarin Surf and Turf, and the mouthwatering Fauna Burger with sautéed mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and a specialty house sauce.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Fairfax
Craving something sweet? Whether you’re in the mood for ice cream, gelato, or pastries — these local Fairfax staples have you covered.
Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream
Where? 11208 Lee Highway
Sugar Mama’s is located in the heart of Fairfax, making it the perfect spot for when that craving for ice cream strikes. Flavors range from the classics, such as chocolate, Oreo, strawberry, and vanilla bean to more innovative creations like green tea, coconut chocolate crunch, espresso chip, and more. You’ll even find an array of Indian and vegan flavors on the menu, such as rose petal, gulab jamun, vegan mint, and vegan pistachio. Whether you’re in the mood for a single, double, or even a triple scoop — Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream has you covered!
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee
Where? 2905 District Avenue
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee is proudly serving up old-world gelato crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Hailed by many, including the New York Times, as being among the best in the country — a trip to Dolcezza is mandatory if you consider yourself a sweet treat aficionado by any means. The shop has also won awards for Best Coffee and Croissants in the area, as well as winner of Best Ice Cream by the Washingtonian. Pick up a pint, such as a coconut with dulce de leche, the black and white cookie batter, or the irresistible dark chocolate fudge that will have you coming back for more!
Chocolate Passion Pastry
Where? 3050 Mission Square Drive
Chocolate Passion Pastry is one of the area’s purveyors of fine pastries, desserts, and confections that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The shop uses the best chocolate sourced from France and Switzerland, so whether you need to cater an event or order a from-scratch cake, this should be at the top of your list! Whether you enjoy something fruity and light, like the guava mango mousse, or you want to indulge in the Chocolate Delight — you won’t be disappointed by this family-owned Fairfax pastry business.
Fairfax’s Parks & Green Spaces
Fairfax is home to various neighborhood parks and city-run green spaces. Check out Van Dyck Park for ample space to run around or Providence Park for a relaxed shaded environment on a warm summer day!
Van Dyck Park
Where? 3720 Blenheim Boulevard
Van Dyck Park features 36 acres and a range of amenities, including four lighted tennis courts and a basketball court, an exercise trail, a gazebo, and multiple grills for the family barbecue. Children will love expending their energy on one of the two playgrounds, as well as the skate park. There are restrooms onsite, as well as multiple sand volleyball courts and a paved parking lot. You can rent one of the picnic pavilions or simply swing by and enjoy the great outdoors while you watch the kiddos run and play. No alcohol is permitted at Van Dyck Park.
Providence Park
Where? 10715 West Drive
Providence Park is managed by the city of Fairfax. With approximately 20 acres of space, visitors of all ages can enjoy amenities such as the trail, the large multipurpose field (rentable), and the playground. Visitors note that there is plenty of shade for sunny days and ample parking. There are portable toilets onsite, as well as a tennis court and several grills that can be used to cook up burgers, hotdogs, and all of the staple additions to a delicious weekend barbecue. Pets are permitted at Providence Park.
Lakeside Park
Where? 5216 Pommeroy Drive
Lakeside Park offers visitors access to various waterfront activities and amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and trails. There are also sports facilities such as a baseball field and a soccer field. There is fishing access, as well as exercise equipment at various intervals in the park. The trail around the lake spans approximately 2 miles and there are a multitude of wildlife species to be spotted — including squirrels, geese, and other waterfowl. Swimming and boating are not permitted at Lakeside Park and parking can be limited, so arrive early!
Points of Interest in Fairfax
Check out these notable destinations in Fairfax, including the National Firearms Museum where you can find life-size dioramas of a trench from the Western Front in WWI, and the Children’s Science Center Lab where STEM concepts come to life via hands-on exhibits and activities!
Children’s Science Center Lab
Where? 11948L Fair Oaks Mall
Fairfax’s Children’s Science Center Lab is an interactive museum where children, their families, and school groups can come to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through fun, engaging, and hands-on exhibits, activities, and programs. The mission of the Lab is to inspire a love of STEM learning and to ignite the curiosity of everyone who visits. The best way to do this is through age-appropriate fun! The Lab is open on weekends for school groups, private groups, and special programs. Make plans for the weekend by securing your timed entry session or reach out to the Lab about planning a birthday party!
NRA National Firearms Museum
Where? 11250 Waples Mill Road
The National Firearms Museum is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the exception of Christmas Day. The museum consists of 15 galleries comprising 85 exhibit cases that house 3,000 firearms. Visitors can explore the nearly 700-year history of firearms, with a special emphasis on the American experience. Each gallery is designed to be evocative of a specific period of time in American history, from the stockade fort at Jamestown to the gun factories of New England. One of the notable stops along the way includes “Hollywood Guns” which includes 120 actual guns used in movies or television, including the first revolver John Wayne used on camera.
Interested in Learning More About Virginia’s Fairfax? Let Us Help!
If calling Fairfax home is a dream of yours, we’d love to give you a helping hand! Contact our friendly, professional team at RE/MAX Realty Group today and we can show you what’s on the market. The city offers residents access to a vibrant community, all while keeping that small-town atmosphere with plenty of local gathering spaces and recreational opportunities.