I was expecting a lot more from this place going by all the rave reviews on here. We even passed up a much nicer-looking coffee shop just around the corner. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed. The 'decor' is student flat chic - grubby and tired looking. Fine if that's your bag, but we didn't find it particularly welcoming. The gentleman who served us was very friendly and chatty, but his conversation centred around gun rights and religion, and he couldn't sense that he was making us (and some other patrons) uncomfortable. I'm sure he's a lovely man, but we had gone in for a quick cup of coffee, not a political debate with a stranger. The menu was a bit all over the place, but definitely varied, which we saw as a plus. Sadly though, my raspberry chai tea and my partner's cinnamon bun latte were far too sickly sweet to be enjoyable, and neither of us managed to finish them. The one saving grace for this place were the baked goods - fresh, unusual and very tasty. I'd recommend grabbing a cake to go, but leave the rest. read more

I just love this place. The staff is always so great. The food and coffee are amazing. I don't think I've had a single menu item that I didn't like. read more

I needed a good, classic cup of coffee and they provided a good, classic cup of coffee with nice service and a cute ambiance.

I like this cafe!!! I like the cafe americano which is good and strong. I like the vegetable cheese wrap and I like the barbecue sandwich. I especially enjoy talking with the owner who is a great listener! He gets 5 stars because he really listens. read more

On a recent trip through the area my girlfriend and I stopped through Old Manassas and, following the trail of Yelp reviewers, ended up at Simply Sweet. I have nothing but good things to say about the place. We were greeted by Matt, the owner and operator, and ordered coffee and homemade cupcakes. Both were really good. It's a pleasant, clean place that also hosts book clubs and open mic nights. If you're walking Old Manassas or, like us, just spend hours at the Battlefield, this is a great place to take a caffeine break. Or a lunch break, as he has expanded his menu to include paninis and other small plates. Enjoy! There's parking right out front. read more

This is everything a local coffee shop should be. They make their own cold brew, are open early enough for VRE commuters, and are lightning fast with your order. I asked for a sausage, egg, and cheese bagel and was pleasantly surprised to see the barista crack a fresh egg on the griddle then start toasting the bagel. No microwaves were used in the making of my breakfast. If you get the cold brew please try it without cream and sugar first. I normally take all my coffee black but this has a natural subtle sweetness to it that you can't appreciate if you start futzing with it before you taste it. They also make their baked goods from scratch. I know this because I walked in on them mixing the batter for their blueberry muffins right there on site. It's so refreshing to visit any place that makes their own food let alone a small cafe about the size of a living room. If you like supporting local businesses and don't appreciate your food pre-assembled and then reheated you'll definitely appreciate this place. read more

Casual and comfortable. Low key. Great spot to play board games or meet up with friends. We stop in for a sweet treat whenever we are near.

Finally someone got it right at this this coffee spot! I am greeted at the door like a person, not a $ sign. The owner and operator "listened well" the first time I went there. After that, I walk in the door and he says would you like your usual? Yes! Iam one of those fussy people about how I want my coffee, but he gets it right every time. There is a good selection of treats to go with the many beverage choices. The atmosphere is calm but not stuffy. These are real people, getting good coffee, from a person invested in his product, his service and his neighborhood. WOW! What a crazy idea! Bravo, Simply Sweet, I will be in today for "my usual", not to be misinterpreted as "the ordinary". read more

Chill spot to grab coffee and a panini. I had my latte in a nice mug. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is three metal tables and chairs with umbrellas. Indoor there are stool height seating, table seating, and at least one bench. It's far from feeling like a chain store. The employees were pleasant. The panini with chicken and pesto was delicious, though they were about $9 if I recall correctly. The vanilla latte was as expected. It's a bustling spot on a weekend afternoon with folks going in and out. Located just off the main street in downtown Manassas. Parking is easy to find within a small block or two. Oh and it's also very close to the amtrak train stop, hence the name! read more

Limited selection of food just bagels scones and cookies. Friendly and accommodating staff. They have a very cool and homey vibe though. If you go here, please bring a jacket! The entire place is so cold. I don't know if the heat wasn't working but it was freezing upstairs especially in the bathroom. read more

Love the good vibes. Cute coffee shop with tasty creations.

I have been coming to Grounds Central Station for five years (even when it was know by its previous name, Simply Sweet on Main). In that time, I have come to know its reasonable prices, consistent quality, and staff that know my name as I know theirs names. Owner Matt Brower and company serve up coffee, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, ice cream, and many delectable treats with a smile and a personal touch that makes this little building feel like a home away from home. It is a perfect, relaxed, and intimate place to meet with a friend casually, study or read sipping a latte, or meet with a small group. The mayor of Manassas is a regular in the mornings, and I have even spotted a US Congressman here once having a meeting with his staff! It is an active part of the small-business community that dominates old-town Manassas, and in a day and time where small businesses can easily get outshouted by larger commercial coffeeshops, this place is a breath of fresh air - and good, strong, tasty coffee. read more

Grounds Central Station is part of the Third Wave movement toward artisanal coffees. They now have a roaster in place and will soon be roasting their own coffee locally. Cans of Maxwell House and Folgers coffee in the early 20th Century on every family's table represented the First Wave. Starbucks, with its faux specialty appeal, represented the Second Wave. But coffee connoisseurs have long known that Starbucks buys cheap beans and over-roasts them to draw out as much flavor as possible and conceal the low quality, thus overpowering any subtle characteristics that various regions' coffees might offer. For the coffees sold at Grounds Central Station and other Third Wave establishments, the goal of roasting is to bring out rather than incinerate the unique characteristics of each bean. Grounds Central Station also offers a surprisingly wide array of teas, pearl and milk teas, and sandwiches. But interestingly, all of this Third Wave artisan appeal is offered in an amazingly charming local setting with great service and friendly staff. Highly recommended. read more

A friend of mine and I decided to give SS a try and were most pleased. We ordered a chicken salad sandwich and Italian panini to split between us. The chicken salad was tasty and fresh and had just the right amount of mayo. The Italian panini was equally as good, with fresh vegetables and the right amount of cheese. We also ordered a raspberry cheesecake brownie and pumpkin crumb cake to split. They were both pretty dry but had a good flavor. Christian, the delightful young man who waited on us, was very apologetic and let us know he would tell the owner about the dry desserts. I can see myself going back here regularly to try other items on the menu that look interesting. read more

Iced caramel macchiato is awesome. I got a small, but it's more like a Starbucks size grande. Will return.

Great little coffee shop-nothing fancy- with a surprisingly extensive drink menu and reasonable prices. Had a delicious dirty chai today. Friendly staff. The service has over the last few months, as well. I just wish they opened earlier in the morning so I could get coffee before getting on the VRE. read more

Grounds Central is a charming local coffee shop run by a super-friendly guy, Matt, with *fantastic* coffee, great food, and a huge menu. I stop by for a coffee before catching my train whenever possible. read more

Not bad -- friendly service and fairly decent coffee. Not exceptional, but good enough for a stop. They might have a little too much going on on their menu, and perhaps cutting it down a bit might lead to better attention on the details? My pour-over was good enough, but it didn't appear that they really gave much thought to the level of coarseness v. weight v. length of brew, which are key factors to a pour-over. Cozy, comfortable location. I've been twice and I will be back when in the area. read more

My children and I were looking for a place to get an ice cream cone and found so much more when we stumbled on this delightful coffee shop/ice cream parlor/sweet shop/restaurant and fun place to be! Matt, the owner, is very welcoming and works very hard to make sure his customers are happy. My children and I each had something different - "birthday cake" ice cream, a smoothie (absolutely delicious) and a killer coconut homemade banana walnut muffin - and we sat and played games at one of the tables. The atmosphere is very pleasant - it's a great place to just be. It is very appropriately named as it is indeed "Simply Sweet" . We can't wait to go back again and see Matt and enjoy his tasty delights! read more

Went to Simply Sweet on Main because it sounded like a great place to ,hang out and have something sweet. Boy was I wrong. Great little store, nice atmosphere however the boy behind the counter was more interested in his friends than taking our order. When he did us the time of day, he did not know what kind of cup cakes they were selling. I promised my daughter a cup cake, as they stated on their web site but not knowing what kind she would get we opt for the ice cream, for her. I was brave and ordered a cup cake, yick the frosting had mold spots and the one for my husband was not what the boy told us it would be, that was our fault since he did say he did not know what kind of cup cakes they had that slow Sunday afternoon. VERY disappointed but I am willing to give it one more chance just not on a Sunday afternoon, maybe in the morning when things are fresh and the boys friends would be in school. Hope next time is better as it is such a cute little shop. PS poorly marked so it made it hard to find. read more

Loved this place! My boyfriend and I got a coffee drink and a smoothie, and it was very tasty and the service was great. Prices were great and very fair, we are going back for sure! read more

A cute little coffee shop with a downtown charm and some of the most delicious and eclectic options I've ever heard of

Sublime coffee, excellent breakfast, tasty baked goods, and timely, polite service. In downtown Manassas, this is easily the best choice for coffee and light fare. read more

I went here for the first time on April 29th per the recommendation of my sister in law. The service was good, as were the cupcakes. I would definitely go back again. read more

This is my friends and my favorite place to hang out! Great food and a nice place to feel relaxed! Matt is so friendly and he remembers your favorite foods! Love his Chicken Salad sandwiches, Banana Walnut muffins and lots of favorite drinks to choose from! read more

This was a wonderful experience. How exciting it was to venture into a great atmosphere where everyone was helpful and delightful. I will always remember this time. read more