De Clieu Coffee Reston: How One Indie Café Is Perking Up Soapstone Plaza
Why South Reston Needed a New Anchor
Soapstone Plaza has seen its share of turnover—dry cleaners, copy shops, a revolving door of take‑out counters. For years, the strip felt more like a shortcut between South Lakes Drive and Glade than a true neighborhood hub. That changed on May 6, 2025, when De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich finally swung its doors open at 2235 Soapstone Dr.
Local chatter compared the anticipation to the Wegmans opening down the road two years ago. South Reston has been thirsty for a community‑first café—somewhere to meet friends after school drop‑off, grab a serious sandwich between Zoom calls, and claim a corner table for homework or side‑hustle work.
From Fairfax Stardom to Reston Revival
De Clieu’s original shop in downtown Fairfax City is legendary for house‑made syrups, creative drinks like the Matcha Blossom, and pastries that routinely sell out. Reston enjoys the full playbook—no pared‑down “soft launch” menu here. Owners Chang Koh and Jade Lee pulled me aside during my visit and said they’re “all‑in on being part of the South Reston community,” determined to make Soapstone Plaza a destination rather than a detour.
A Name with 300 Years of Coffee Lore
If the name feels exotic, it should. Gabriel de Clieu was an 18th‑century French naval officer who famously risked his life to smuggle a single coffee seedling from the royal gardens in Paris to the island of Martinique. That seedling sparked coffee cultivation across the Western Hemisphere—so yes, he’s basically the original coffee influencer. The café’s founders channel that same pioneering spirit: take something people love and plant it where it can flourish.
Inside the Café: Warm, Open, Unpretentious
Step through the glass doors and you’re greeted by floor‑to‑ceiling windows, light wood tables, and greenery that softens the formerly industrial space. The first impression is warm and airy—a place that invites you to linger. Baristas pull shots on a glossy La Marzocco espresso machine while mellow indie music fills the background. It’s the kind of vibe that makes you forget you’re technically in a strip mall.
There’s a mix of high‑top communal tables and laptop‑friendly counters along the window, plus a lounge corner with soft armchairs for longer hangs. I ran into two neighbors within five minutes—a promising sign this spot is already turning into Reston’s impromptu living room.
What to Order First (and Second, and Third…)
Caprese Sandwich – Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and in‑house pesto on crusty ciabatta. The basil pops like summer in every bite.
Gelato – Spun on‑site in small batches. Try pistachio or stracciatella; you won’t miss chain‑store froyo again.
Maker’s Mark Latte – Espresso laced with bourbon‑infused chocolate syrup. Perfect for rainy mornings.
Gilded Fizz – Espresso, mango, sparkling water, and orange syrup. Trust me—it works.
Nearly every syrup—from lavender to rose to bourbon‑chocolate—is brewed in‑house. That scratch‑made commitment gives De Clieu drinks a depth you just don’t get from mass‑produced flavor pumps.
How De Clieu Fits into Reston’s Coffee Scene
Reston isn’t lacking caffeine options—think local stalwart Lake Anne Coffee House, the reliable Starbucks scattered around town, and micro‑roasters like Weird Brothers in neighboring Herndon. The catch? Most specialty cafés cluster near Reston Town Center or Lake Anne. South Reston residents have long driven north for third‑wave coffee; De Clieu flips the script, bringing café‑hangout culture to the southern side of our community.
Real Estate Ripple Effect
As a Realtor tracking neighborhood momentum, I see De Clieu as more than a café—it’s a potential anchor for incremental revitalization. Commercial property values around vibrant anchor tenants often rise, attracting complementary businesses (think bakeries, boutique fitness, or artisanal retailers). Homebuyers frequently ask about “walk‑to” amenities; now I can point to Soapstone Plaza as a genuine lifestyle perk. That’s great news whether you’re marketing Townes of Glendale townhomes or single‑family gems in Fox Mill Woods. (Want more market insights? Check out my Reston housing snapshot.)
Sustainability & Community Commitment
De Clieu sources beans from small farms via direct‑trade relationships, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation. Used coffee grounds are offered free to local gardeners (bring a bucket!), and the café is exploring a partnership with Fairfax County’s composting pilot to divert food waste.
They’re also planning monthly “coffee cupping” events to introduce neighbors to different origins—think wine tasting, but with caffeine. Follow their Instagram @declieucoffee for the schedule.
Planning Your Visit
Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (closed major holidays)
Parking: Plenty of surface spots in front; overflow parking behind the plaza near the 7‑Eleven.
Wi‑Fi & Outlets: Fast and plentiful—remote workers rejoice.
Kids & Teens: After‑school rush hits around 3 p.m. Expect a lively vibe but still laptop‑friendly.
Coming Soon: Outdoor patio seating is on the way; permits were filed in April. Expect umbrella‑shaded tables in time for peak summer iced‑latte season.
Final Sip
Whether you’re a longtime Lake Anne latte loyalist or a South Reston resident tired of north‑side drives, De Clieu Coffee Reston is worth a visit. Grab a sandwich, learn a bit of coffee history, and watch Soapstone Plaza evolve one cappuccino at a time.
