Author: Zi Wang

Taco Bamba

Taco Bamba is a taqueria chain founded by a George Mason University alumnus, known for its counter-culture brand and devoted following. Each location features a distinctive menu and a full-service bar designed to reflect the character of its surrounding neighborhood.

George Mason students can enjoy a complimentary grilled guacamole and chips with any purchase of $15 or more when presenting a valid student ID. Exclusive offer at the Fairfax and Ballston locations only.

Tony’s NY Pizza

Tony’s NY Pizza serves authentic New York–style pizza and has been voted Best Pizza in DC, NOVA, and Fairfax 10 times. The restaurant features a full Italian kitchen, sandwiches, a bar, and house-made desserts. Owned and operated by a George Mason alumnus, it offers a welcoming, classic pizzeria experience.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees receive half off beer, wine, and cocktails on Wednesdays, and 50% off all pizza slices nightly from 10–11 p.m. at the Twinbrooke/GMU location.

Escapology

Escapology provides premium, immersive escape room experiences where participants solve puzzles, uncover clues, and complete a mission within 60 minutes. Designed for private groups, each experience features cinematic themes, engaging gameplay, and high-quality environments, making it an ideal activity for friends, families, and team-building events.

George Mason students, faculty, and staff can enjoy 20% off all escape room games Monday through Friday. This offer excludes VIP events and birthday parties.

Club Pilates Fair Lakes

Victoria’s Sweet Lab

Victoria’s Sweet Lab is a Fairfax-based gourmet bakery serving the DMV, specializing in jumbo cookies, pound cake, cinnamon rolls, and more. Allergen-friendly options include gluten, dairy, nut, and egg-free sweets — including vegan and halal accommodations. 10% of all purchases fund STEM scholarships for BIPOC.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees receive 10% off their purchase when presenting a valid Mason ID or alumni association card.

Austin Grill

Austin Grill is a Tex-Mex restaurant located in Sterling, Virginia, serving made-from-scratch dishes in a casual, welcoming setting. The menu features classic Tex-Mex fare alongside a full bar with mixed beverages. Weekend brunch, live music, and weekly specials are also available.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees enjoy 15% off food with a valid Mason ID. Alcohol excluded; not combinable with other offers; one discount per check, no limit on guests.

Velocity Bar+Kitchen

Velocity Bar & Kitchen is a neighborhood bar and restaurant located on Braddock Road in Fairfax, Virginia. The menu features a range of American comfort dishes alongside well-crafted cocktails and mocktails, with seating available in the dining room, full-service bar, and outdoor patio.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees receive 15% off food with a valid Mason ID. Alcohol excluded; not combinable with other offers; one discount per check, no limit on guests.

Foundation Fitness

Foundation Fitness offers personalized training, small group sessions, and nutrition coaching. The program is led by expert coaches and structured around accountability and smart programming. With a community-focused environment, Foundation Fitness supports clients in building strength, improving movement, and maintaining consistency over time.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees receive $20 off per session when training between 11 am- 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Members who commit to a 6-month program receive $10 off per session, available at any training hour.

Mum Mum Restaurant

Mum Mum Restaurant is located across from Hylton Performing Arts Center, featuring a relaxing outdoor patio, sleek indoor dining, and a lively bar. The menu draws from street food traditions and modern Thai-Japanese cuisine with global influences, flavors rooted in the spirit of Bangkok. A pet-friendly patio is available seasonally, with a dedicated pup menu.

George Mason students, faculty, and staff members receive 10% of Mondays when dining in.

Bessie Nails

Creative Cauldron Stage

Guided by the belief that creativity is a fundamental need of the human spirit, Creative Cauldron Stage is dedicated to providing affordable, enriching, and diverse experiences in the performing and visual arts to the local community.

George Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees receive $10 off each ticket with the promo code: MASON at checkout. The discounts are eligible for all professional theatrical productions or any Learning Theater Ensemble productions at the regional theatre. Seating subject to availability. May not be eligible for opening or closing nights or concert series.

Graduation Gifts & Essentials

Bookstore Graduation Gifts — Graduates celebrate before the Winter Degree Celebration on December 18, 2025, at EagleBank Arena. Photo by: Romulfo Sison

The George Mason University Bookstore offers a wide selection of graduation essentials and gifts for the graduation season. Featured items include Class of 2026 custom gear, alumni license plates, diploma frames, graduation signs, banners and pennants, drinkware, apparel, and accessories.

Many items are available at up to 10% off. Shop online or visit the bookstore in person today to find everything you need to celebrate our graduates.

WATCH PARTY

Rhode Island Rams vs. Patriots