Foundation Coffee

I was passing through the area and decided to check the place out. Absolutely fabulous coffee. So good, I left with a bag for myself 🙂

So I originally wanted to try a new coffee shop on an off day in the DMV, because that's what I do. I happened to find this place and it seems to be new, especially that in the Fairfax area. So that's exactly what I do today and head there. In getting there, it's actually in the back and not necessarily part of the city mall. Nevertheless when coming in, it's very spacious and aesthetically pleasing. There are folks doing their work and/or socializing as I go to order. I go for a pour-over and one of their pastries, and the barista gets to work on it and I settle at the huge bar/table area, getting ready to do some planned work. When he served me my coffee and pastry, I mentioned that it looked really nice. However, for his response, he said "Just enjoy your stay," but in the kind of demeaning tone. From that, as well as his body language, I felt really out of place and the first time, unwelcomed to a coffee shop, as I've been to tons of coffee shops in the DMV and around the US, not having such experiences. Now while not being able to concentrate on my work, much more people start to crowd around my area; even one group made a single patron shift one seat towards me, now being only one chair away from the left. The same eventually happened on the right side too. If we were not in a pandemic, this would be okay. However, when we are and there's no social distancing or limiting of chairs per table/area, now that made me even more uncomfortable as the baristas didn't even try to address these. For reference if you think I wasn't here, here's the two photos I took during my visit. I really liked the food and the aesthetics here, honestly. When there's no regards to limiting some capacity or social distancing, that's giving me a reason not to come here again. More so, having this be the first time I felt genuinely unwelcomed to a coffee shop, this kept me from keeping the rating at 2 stars and at 1 star instead, as well as not coming back for any future visits.

EDIT: If you do not see the other photo with the pour-over and pastry I got, it is because google is deciding not to post it along with my review as I have tried to add it with the other photo 3 times now.

Love this place! Happy to find this place in my town.
Friendly staffs, nice and fancy interior, fresh and great taste coffee, yummy cookies.. Must visit cafe for coffee lovers!

Best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. I typically compare shops with a standard vanilla latte and Foundation has easily become the standard from which I judge every other coffee shop. This place is one of the very few reasons I’m sad to have moved out of nova!

Ooh, good new place! The vibe is perfect for working there, nice and spacious, quiet with big windows. And the coffee was great - I got an iced vanilla latte but they had plenty of other options including a nice selection of teas I plan to try next time. My only small complaint would be that the bacon & egg pastry I ordered was served room temp - I expected it would be warmed, but I didn't ask so not sure if it's an option. Despite that, it was delicious. I will for sure be adding this spot into my coffee rotation! Tip: I didn't trust Google which sent me to the left back part of the center - towards the deliveries side of buildings. But sure enough, that's where it is - like finding hidden treasure.

This place has a very relaxing vibe to it. Every blend and roast of coffee is made with perfection from their in-house roasted beans. Although a little difficult to find, It’s a great coffee shop on its way to become a landmark!
Every item on their menu is delicious! They have dessert chefs, coffee roaster experts, and connoisseur coffee makers.
The owner has built this place out of his love for coffee and it shows.
Definitely see myself coming back here every day!

Great coffee, I did not try any pastries, but it’s a wide selection. Kinda secluded behind Fair City Mall, Fairfax, VA.

Why do "fancy" coffee shops only have one size cup?
I'm 6'5" what am I going to do with a small coffee? Get two for $16,000?

This place has a chill atmosphere with plenty of seats. The coffee is really good, but the pastries are fire!! I had a blueberry Swiss roll and it might just be the best thing I’ve ever had!

Love their coffee, pastries and my favorite thing is their ambiance. LOVE to chill here for a couple of hours on my day off after I drop off my daughter at day care and drink a delicious cup of chai latte. Highly recommend.