**Update: really disappointing that I got such bad food poisoning from here from eating one of their pastries back in 2022, that it ended up ruining a time I had hiking in West Va. Not only that but De Clieu never responded to my review of having good poisoning from one of their spinach pastries. Was the worst stomach ache I’ve had and I was unable to enjoy a hike on the way to Harper’s ferry as a result, which will forever be a bad memory now.
I cannot in good conscience recommend this place. It’s beyond overhyped and their lattes are watered down and don’t have good flavor compared to many other coffee shops in the area. The spinach pastry I had was cold and they no longer offer the red eye latte that I had one time which had cayenne in it.
What’s most disturbing is that for such a highly rated cafe, De Clieu NEVER offered me a refund or any apology for having stomach pain and bad food poisoning after I ate here. Never again and I do not recommend, you can get so much better artisan lattes made elsewhere in Fairfax like foundation or 29th parallel, or even Cafe Amourri. Please do not buy into the hype here.
Original review from 2022 that they never responded to: FOOD POISONING experience!!
Decided to give this place another try despite their lackluster honey charcoal latte (which had more milk than coffee) and the fact they no longer make the Diablo mocha if asked. Soon after eating a pastry and having a Vanilla Bean Latte from here I started to have stomach pains (didn’t eat anything else from anywhere else after), so most likely the stomach bug was from here. Really bad aches too. Turns out I ended up having some stomach bug from the pastry and latte I had and this was the day I had to go on a hike to harpers ferry so this was rough.
Definitely avoiding this spot because the past two times it really wasn’t great and now, I am very weary to come back because of the possibly questionable sanitation of the food here.
They never even bothered to respond to my review or refund me...
Read moreA Hidden Gem for Coffee and Sandwich Lovers
De clieu, a charming coffee and sandwich shop tucked away in the heart of Old Town Fairfax has quickly become my go-to spot for a perfect cup of coffee and sandwich when I'm in the area.
Coffee and Organic Teas: (5/5)
De Clieu's coffee, Organic Tea and drink options are nothing short of exceptional. Their baristas are clearly passionate about their craft, as every cup is brewed with precision and care, from their Drip, French Press, Chemex pour overs and Organic Teas. The espresso is rich and full-bodied, and they offer premium roasted beans and brewing methods to cater to every palate. I've tried their lattes, cappuccinos, teas and cold brews, and I've never been disappointed. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just enjoy a good cold brew, De clieu has you covered.
Sandwiches Plus: (5/5)
The sandwiches, bakery items and Gelato at De Clieu are a delightful surprise. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, each bite is a burst of flavor. I've worked my way through much of their menu, and each creation has been more delicious than the last. From the Spicy Swine and Honey Bread to the inventive vegetarian options, there's something for everyone. The bread is always perfectly toasted, and the combinations of flavors and textures are superb.
Overall Impression: (5/5)
De Clieu is a coffee and sandwich shop that embodies all the qualities I look for in a great café. It's a place that combines exceptional coffee, delectable sandwiches, sides, and a welcoming atmosphere, all at a price that won't leave your wallet empty. Whether you're a regular looking for your daily caffeine fix or a traveler seeking a local gem, Delieu is the answer. It's clear the owner takes pride in what they do and how they train their team, and it shows in every aspect of their operation. I can't recommend this place highly enough, and I'm excited to see it thrive and become a beloved part of the community. There are ample parking options available in the...
Read moreFirst time here and we fell in love the moment we walked in. The staff are very welcoming and friendly with a smile on their faces upon greeting us. I love that their menu on their boards are handwritten in ink chalk. It shows personality and creativity, as well as the time and effort into designing the whole thing. The decor has a classic coffee shop feel to it, but the table with the records and record player by the restrooms add a vintage charm. This place is also great for those who need to work or study since you have access to their WiFi connection and there are plenty of outlets along the wall by the windows.
They offer a variety of coffee brews and teas: Fresh Drip Brew, Chemex, French Press, V60, Esspressos, Tea Lattes, Speacialty/Seasonal brews, Gelatoccinos, and Iced Coffee & Teas. Not to mention their breakfast and lunch sandwiches, a few salad and soup options, and their baked pastries. I got the Jack of all Trades breakfast sandwich with a caramel macchiato whole my husband got the BLT and a light roast French press. They brought out the sandwiches to us in a matter of minutes while we only had to wait a little bit longer for the French press, but that is to be expected for the craft. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. Most of the time when I go to coffee shops I order the caramel macchiato and I usually end up adding sweetener but De Clieu's caramel macchiato is supurb and on point, I didn't have to add anything!
As far as handicap accessibility goes, I have not seen any ramp as we have only gone through the front entrance where there are a few steps to get into the coffee shop. There is a back entrance but I have not gone through it to see if there were any ramps or elevators. Also, the men and women's restrooms are single individual use and there are no changing tables. For parking, there is a small free public parking lot only walking distance.
Overall, we truly enjoyed our experience at De Clieu that we will definitely...
Read more