Grounds Central Station
| Address: | 9360 Main St, Manassas, VA 20110, USA |
| Phone: | +1 571-379-7285 |
| Site: | groundscentralstation.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
ME
Megan Stocker
I do not like giving bad reviews, its not my thing. But I do like giving honest reviews. I honestly was really disappointed in this shop especially after such rave reviews I had read online. I am a coffee connoisseur, I live breath and eat coffee. I had left a fantastic local coffee shop back home and have been carefully looking for something comparable. When I first stepped in the shop it had more of a gas station convenience store feel than a quaint coffee shop, but I wasnt going to let that shake me, I had high hopes. The menu had a lot of variety and kinda was all over the place. I ordered a caramel mocha and my husband ordered a reg mocha and a bacon egg and cheese panini. As we were sitting waiting the place did not appear to be kept up or really appear clean. There was a coating of dust on the AC vents and a nice thick coat of grease on panini press that I could see from behind the counter. I was a bit concerned at this point mainly because I did not see nor here the sound of an espresso machine at all, and had notices how coffee was being stored in small thermoss that you would find free samples being givin away in. Again brushed it off with some excuse. Our oder totaled to around $22 which kinda surprised me for what we ordered but I had hopes that my experience would be exceptional. The wait was not terrible and in fact Im used to waiting longer for a great cup of coffee. Our paninis came out shortly first of all they were not on panini bread but a hoagie roll, which I am not apposed to but still. The food was good and hot, but it was NOT a $7 dollar panini. So I get my mocha and I dont know what made me want to open my coffee lid but I did, and I see froth on the top of a mocha....which if you know anything about coffee froth does not go on a mocha...that is a latte thing, but I like lattes so I think what the heck. It seriously was the worst coffee I have ever had. It did not taste like a mocha and it did not taste like a latte. It tasted like hot watered down milk with a drop of caramel syrup...I did not taste any coffee or espresso in it at all! I tasted my husbands mocha hoping that maybe mine was just mistake. Nope his had been frothed as well and tasted like a package of hot chocolate had been opened in some milk and a few table spoons of coffee. It was literally undrinkable. I had to throw it away. I dont know if the barista has had no formal training or if it is the lack of good equipment ( or possible that they dont have an espresso machine?) or if it truly is the fact that they know nothing about the art of coffee. Maybe if you went in and got a plain drip it would be fine, but me personally would rather brew my own drip/pour over/frenchpress/coldbrew at home If I just want a plain cup of coffee. Just very disappointed. Now on the positive note the people in the shop were great, kind and friendly, and the service was great, but what will keep me from coming back is the atmosphere and lack of quality coffee. It is such a shame because I feel like the idea behind this coffee shop is great and that it has so much potential but just lacks direction and experience.
JA
Jason Yates
Ill concede it is perhaps not a 5 star experience from an ambiance point of view but it does have a homey-vintage appeal. Im not the type to care about a little dust; more important to me is the staff and how they treat their customers. These folks are top notch. Im a black dark roast Americano kind of guy and I find theirs to be great. I just ate here for the first time and went for the unpretentious breakfast sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on an english muffin. Yum! Yes I can make this at home but theirs was better. Completely hit the spot and worth every one of the 355 pennies. Im happy Manassas has a non-chain coffee shop downtown and I will continue to support them with my patronage and extravagant purchases.
TR
Travis Stocker
The coffee was undrinkable and the place was filthy to be honest. The AC, the drink cooler, the equipment behind the counter all looked dirty. I was afraid a dust bunny from the AC on the wall was going to pop off and fly around the room. The bacon egg and cheese panini was actually pretty good, but it wasnt $7 good. It was cheap bacon, real eggs, and cheese on a hoagie roll. I ordered a mocha and Im 99% sure it was just drip coffee with chocolate syrup and some froth. It was awful. I dont think Ill be back.
RE
Reony Tonneyck
Best coffee place for miles! Super friendly staff. Their blended drinks and iced teas are amazing! Not super sugary or flavored. Awesome pastries and paninis too. Something else I recommend thats in their fridge is the espresso coconut water. Really refreshing! The owner and manager works there most days. Very nice guy and hard working. Really cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating. There drinks are definitely better than Jiryanis in my opinion. WiFi is pretty decent too!
TO
Tomas Hilnikka
Good coffee starts at the quality of the bean. These guys have it figured out. I was impressed to see a french press option as well as a slow drip option for coffee. With beans from all over south america. Even saw a raspberry bean from colombia. The coffee was fresh and service was very friendly. I was surprised it was located so convienently right next to the VRE. I would highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a cup of awesome coffee.
RO
Ron Davis
Nice place. Spacious and clean with a few comfy chairs close to the VRE train station. They actually have a triple espresso in coffee ON THE MENU! Scary, but I respect the courage. Coffee falls somewhere between fair and good - decent roast, but mine was brewed a bit light, and this is coming from someone who takes it strong and black. Worth a stop if you get to the station early or find yourself waiting for an afternoon pickup.
SU
Suzie Jackson
I love this place! It is nicely decorated and had a fun, easy atmosphere. I got an almond milk Earl Grey latte which was yummy, though it did take a while for them to make it. I got some writing done and will definitely come back here to study and hang out!
CH
Chris Hampel
Service has been slow every time I have been in. It takes 10 minutes to get a coffee and 20 minutes to get a sandwich. Between mixed up orders, things forgotten about, and being late to work a few times because of how long everything takes, I am done.
HA
Halli Conkel
Matt is awesome!!!!!! I LOVE his shop and intend to show support to a beautiful family and a great coffee place!!! Love love love. This place makes my day the flowers outside next door are amazing to sit and drink my delicious dirty chai lattes!!!
DE
Denitsa Ivanova
Very well organized place. The barista knows exactly how to pull a strong shot of espresso. Great variety of world coffees and teas. The outside sitting is relaxed and comfortable. Perfect place for grabbing a wonderful coffee and a quick bite.
AU
Audrey Cooper
Fairly basic options, nothing gourmet by any means, but you can grab a quick bite, relax with a drink or even buy ice cream, candies, or bags of fritos. Outside seating is nice, especially with the lovely garden next door! Prices are great.
