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Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Mason Board of Visitors met on May 1 for their final meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. Many topics that had been heavily discussed throughout the year in committees and around campus were scheduled to be voted on or talked about, including a resolution targeted at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that will affect the university’s Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC), the tuition for the 2026 fiscal year, and a policy regarding Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals for student athletes.

The budget for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year had been discussed throughout the school year, most recently at the April 1 board public comment session and the April 10 Finance and Land Use Committee meeting. 

Visitors stressed the need for more funding, but expressed hesitation, especially at the idea of raising tuition.

“We have dealt with this issue on the backs of students for too long,” Visitor Reginald Brown said.

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“We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” Visitor Lindsey M. Burke added.

Visitor Jeffrey A. Rosen felt that there were better ways to deal with the university’s financial needs. “Every dollar counts, I am not minimizing that, but that money can be found in other ways,” he said.

The proposal, motioned by Visitor and Chair of the Finance and Land Use Committee Robert Pence, would see no tuition increase for in-state students, but a 2.5% increase in student fees for all students. Out-of-state students would have their tuition increase as normal.

Visitor Burke and Visitor Jon M. Peterson made motions for revised versions of the proposal.

Burke proposed a 0% increase for in-state tuition as well as out-of-state tuition, with a 2.5% increase in student fees. Her motion failed 6-7-1, with Visitors Horace Blackman, Brown, Anjan Chimaladinne, William Hansen, Maureen Ohlhausen, Peterson and Nancy Gibson Prowitt voting against. Secretary Armand Alacbay abstained.

Peterson proposed a 2.5% increase for both in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition, including a 2.5% increase in student fees. His motion failed 7-7, with Secretary Alacbay and Visitors Brown, Burke, Hansen, Pence, Charles Cooper and Jeffrey A. Rosen voting against the proposition.

However, Pence’s proposal passed 10-4, with Visitors Blackman, Chimaladinne, Peterson, and Prowitt against.

A policy regarding Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) was also discussed and voted on. NIL allows student athletes to make money through endorsements and promotions and has swept across college sports since its introduction in 2021. The court case House v. NCAA, which would allow up to $20 million to be distributed by schools to student athletes, is set to be ruled on soon.

George Mason University Policy 4030 would allow third parties, NIL collectives, or boosters to negotiate NIL deals with student athletes and for the university to enter NIL deals directly with student athletes.

Regulations include all deals being disclosed to the university and deals over $600 being disclosed to a clearinghouse for review to make sure they follow NCAA rules.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Marvin Lewis discussed the policy with the Board, who voiced some anxieties with the proposition, fearing the effect it would have on the athletic department’s success if it were not passed.

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“If we opt in, we basically have an athletic program. If we opt out, we do not,” Visitor Blackman summarized.

“We are competing with a little bit of our hands tied behind our back and with half the money we need to compete,” Blackman said, “I do not think we have a choice, to be quite honest with you.”

The Visitors stressed the need for oversight on NIL deals involving the school and its student athletes, with President Gregory Washington and Visitor Rosen suggesting the formation of a BOV subcommittee.

Lewis said that the amount of NIL money being paid to student athletes from the university right away would be in the millions, but that it would be crucial in getting and retaining players.

“If we don’t pass this today… are we going to lose signing opportunities for recruits?” Rector Cully Stimson asked.

“Yes,” Lewis responded.

The motion to approve the policy passed unanimously.

A previous action item that detailed the “RESOLUTION OF GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY REGARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION” was discussed further by the full board. It had previously been discussed April 17 by the Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee, which will soon be renamed to the Academic Affairs Committee.

Outside of Merten Hall, Mason’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors held a press conference protesting against the resolution. On April 17, Faculty Representative Solon Simmons estimated that 90% of faculty were against the resolution.

Vice President of OACC, Sharnnia Artis, gave a presentation on what her office has done recently in regards to DEI. 

Graduate Student Representative Carolyn Faith Hoffman did not believe the proposed resolution was necessary.

“I think we wasted a lot of time this academic year talking about things we did not need to talk about. We could have gotten so much achieved for the students with all the passion that is here on this board, all the intelligence that is here on this board,” Hoffman said.

“I hope going forward next year we can focus on the classic issues that students really need taken care of.” Hoffman continued.

Earlier in the meeting, President Washington gave his annual president’s report. He highlighted some of the successes and troubles Mason has faced during the school year, citing increased uncertainty with the federal government, which has caused graduate enrollment to slip and caused some of Mason’s 2024-2025 Presidential Performance Metrics not to be reached.

“What started off as a stellar year is running into some real challenges,” Washington said.

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Washington mentioned recent executive orders that have affected Mason, including the revoking of 15 students’ visas. He said the executive orders have cost Mason $16 million and that there is a significant drop in government opportunities for graduating seniors. 

Because of this drop, Washington unveiled the “Mason Career Academy,” which includes a set of programs that can give Mason students certificates and credentials from companies such as Amazon, Google, and IBM. Washington said that it will be available in a few weeks.

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

BY JASON RAGUSA, STAFF WRITER

With the regular season nearing its close, the George Mason baseball team stands at 29-16 overall and  14-7 mark in Atlantic 10 Conference play. The Patriots are currently tied for second place in conference standings, competing closely with Rhode Island and Saint Joseph’s for the top spot.

Mason has been quite successful at Spuhler Field, posting a  16-3 home record at , while going 11-12 on the road and 2-1 at neutral sites.

Earlier this season the Patriots rattled off a nine‑game winning streak, punctuated by a historic 26–6 victory over Holy Cross on March 4. Mason erupted for 23 runs in a single inning, shattering the previous NCAA record of 21 that had stood for 42 years. The outburst featured 11 hits—five of them doubles—along with eight walks, five hit batters and three errors, all without a single home run.

Junior outfielder James Quinn-Irons has been a key contributor, leading the team in hits, home runs and runs batted in (RBIs). He currently ranks second in the A-10 in batting average, tied for fourth in home runs, and leads the conference in both RBIs and hits. Quinn-Irons has been named Atlantic 10 Under Armor Baseball Player of the Week three times this season.

Sophomore infielder Owen Hull and junior infielder Owen Clyne have also played key roles in powering the Patriots’ offensive surge. Hull ranks second on the team with a .428 batting average, while also contributing 8 home runs and 55 RBIs. Close behind, Clyne holds the third-highest batting average at .348 and is fourth on the team with 50 RBIs.

On the mound, graduate right-hander Connor O’Hara leads the A-10 with a 1.80 earned run average (ERA) and ranks second in the conference with 78 strikeouts. O’Hara holds a 7-2 record through 13 starts. 

On March 15, O’Hara threw his second complete game of the season in an 8-0 win over Dayton, allowing just five singles, striking out six, and walking one in a 104-pitch performance. This earned him the A-10 Pitcher of the Week honors on March 17.

Junior Brandon Cassedy and graduate student Sam Lavin made key contributions on the mound. Cassedy ranks second on the team with a 6-1 record, a 3.59 ERA, and 68 strikeouts, while Lavin is third with a 3-0 record, a 5.59 ERA and 39 strikeouts.

Statistically, the Patriots lead the Atlantic 10 in both team batting average and earned run average. They hold a conference-best .341 batting average, well ahead of second-place Richmond at .319. On the mound, the Patriots also set the pace with a 4.63 ERA, much lower than Richmond’s 5.69, the next best in the league.

Mason opens a pivotal three‑game series against Saint Joseph’s on Friday, May 2. The outcome will go a long way toward deciding the final Atlantic 10 standings before the conference championship tournament begins Tuesday, May 20 in Richmond, Va.

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

While the relaxing blend of pop and R&B music of Green and Gold Soul drifted through the Center for the Arts and members of the Mason community socialized, waitstaff wove among the guests to collect empty paper bowls to throw in the trash.  

These bowls had once been full of potato leek, vegetarian enchilada and chicken tortilla soup. After guests enjoyed their soup, desserts and bread, they left with a full belly and a handcrafted ceramic bowl to remind them of the students who face empty bowls and food insecurity every day. 

Empty Bowls, a national grassroots initiative, pairs donated pottery from local artists’ with fundraising for hunger-relief charities. LeRoy Gruebbs, the potter behind the organization’s website, described the organization as a vehicle for a global issue to be addressed at a local level. “We are changing the world one person at a time, one bowl at a time,” he said.

Wednesday, April 30, marked the second Empty Bowls event on Mason’s Fairfax campus, organized by experienced potters Maggie Daniels, professor of Tourism and Events Management, and Lauren Long, executive director of Student Involvement.. The event raised $11,300 for hungry students, surpassing last year’s  $10,442. 

“It’s just a lovely evening to raise money, support and awareness of the students we have that need help on campus so that they can continue to thrive,” Long said. To ensure every dollar counted, she and Daniels structured the night as a zero-cost event, so that all proceeds from online donations, ticket sales, table sponsors and silent auction bids go directly to the Mason Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund. 

Managed by the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC), the fund pays for food and hygiene products for Mason’s on-campus food pantry program Patriot Pantry. 

“We work to encourage food security, reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity and promote student success by alleviating concerns that prevent students from fully engaging in their collegiate experience,” said Dwayne Hamilton Jr., the assistant director for Basic Needs Services within the SSAC. “The incredible generosity of the Empty Bowls attendees last year contributed to the distribution of over 14,000 pounds of items to 650 students in need in the last academic year.”

In the 2023-2024 school year, 23,212 pounds of food and hygiene products were distributed to 818 students on campus, according to a booklet provided to guests at the Empty Bowls event. It stated that since 2020, Patriot Pantry had seen a 243% increase in students using the pantry. 

According to Hamilton, SSAC is in the early stages of fundraising for and constructing a new and improved Patriot Pantry on campus to even better serve the rising number of Mason students suffering from food insecurity.  

More than 100 people attended Empty Bowls, each choosing one of over 300 handmade ceramics donated by artists from Manassas Clay, Reston Community Center Ceramics, TealNest Pottery, Workhouse Arts Center and a number of other local artists. Both Daniels and Long also made and donated bowls for the event.

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

Event partners—including the Center for the Arts and Mason Dining provider Sodexo—donated the event space, staff, food and refreshments. Green and Gold Soul, a Mason student-led band, and Bronwyn Weikert, a master’s student who sings with the Mason choral department, performed for free throughout the evening.

“Sodexo has been on campus for the last 38 years, and every single semester, we try to understand our students more and more and figure out how to better support them,” said Sophie Nelson, marketing and sustainability manager for Mason Dining. Sodexo donates 2,000 meal swipes every year to Patriot Pantry through their Stop Hunger Foundation, giving food-insecure students the chance to eat, study and socialize in dining halls, according to Nelson. 

Sodexo also runs a round-up campaign across retail dining locations on campus, giving students, faculty and visitors an opportunity to donate to Patriot Pantry when they grab lunch in the Johnson Center or the Student Hub. 

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

Silent-auction items ranged from a custom T-shirt blanket crafted by Hope Miller, associate director of Student Involvement, to four tickets to a performance of Disney on Ice at EagleBank Arena among more than 15 lots up for bid.

To close out the evening’s speeches, Daniels quoted John F. Kennedy, “‘The war against hunger is truly a war of liberation.’ Your support has liberated Mason students to learn, to dream and to achieve.” 

Students seeking assistance can log in to the SSAC with Mason credentials, complete a brief needs form, and be enrolled in at least one credit hour. No financial information is required.

BY ZACHARY LINCOLN, STAFF WRITER

Today, George Mason welcomed its 71st Student Body President and Vice President, Isaiah Grays and Jonathan Dubois, along with members of our first Undergraduate Representative Body. It is a moment to celebrate our traditions of student governance and the peaceful transfer of power, especially in these turbulent times. However, there are some warnings that our new Government should heed in order to best represent their fellow students.

First, I want to acknowledge the outgoing Cuesta-McAulay administration: their efforts to protect our most vulnerable students and uphold diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the face of attacks from the federal and state governments deserve credit and recognition. 

However, in my time in the Student Senate, I was particularly troubled by the fact that their Cabinet built themselves into an echo chamber—a trap we as humans fall into all too often—and expected Senators would vote for whatever they supported simply because they said so. Meanwhile, they, along with my fellow Senators, often failed to show up for those we claimed to champion, as past student governments have. Pointing to why a significant majority of our student body—particularly those in our Black and Jewish communities—felt that their government left them out and was not important enough for them to participate in. 

I believe that when a government becomes an echo chamber or a rubber stamp for any ideology, no matter how altruistic, and when people do not participate nor speak out against it, that government can no longer be considered democratic or fully representative of the people. Those who rightfully criticize this shift happening in our federal government must ensure that our student government does not follow suit.

When our new elected officials were sworn in today, they did not take an oath to pad their resumes or treat this body like a social club. They took an oath of their own volition to represent ALL of George Mason’s student body — unconditional of who they are, what they believe or where they’ve been in life.

In doing so, they should understand why they do this: not as a show of power but as a dedication to fight for issues that actually matter to our student body like improving services, accessibility and their academic experience.

They should strive to welcome everyone, regardless of where they stand politically, by creating a culture that lets ideas and opinions flow freely; where friendly discourse and debate are not only welcomed, but encouraged and applauded. We are “all together different”, after all.

But most importantly, they should show up for the people they serve. I applaud those who attended today’s Board of Visitors meeting as they consider rolling back crucial initiatives that protect the diversity we pride ourselves upon, yet this should be only the beginning when it comes to showing up. There is no greater show of leadership than earnestly and unconditionally being there for those you represent; not because you feel they should be “saved” by their government or by any other ulterior motive but because it is simply the right thing to do. 

In 1775, our namesake George Mason wrote that “every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.” While his society fell short of those lofty ideals, it’s not too late for us to pick up the mantle and strive towards that more perfect union Mason fought so hard for. I know I will and I hope my fellow students—both in and out of government—will too.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY CAROLINE FRISBY, STAFF WRITER

As a graduating senior, I’ve been taking the time to reflect on my years as a college student. The amount of self-growth I’ve seen in myself has helped me to lead a more fulfilling life. While there are many aspects of life that people might want to improve, I’ve grown in my mindset the most. Before I graduate, I’d love to impart some of my hard-earned wisdom onto the world. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that while sometimes comparison can help us learn from others, oftentimes it results in selling ourselves short. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing oneself to other people has become easier to do than ever before because of social media. I often felt inadequate as a result of my comparisons. 

However, the thing to remember is that there is more to others than we realize. When you compare yourself to another person, you’re only seeing part of the picture.

For example, I used to feel like I was behind in life because a few of my friends had romantic relationships whereas I have never had them before. Over time, I saw that both being single and being in a relationship have difficult aspects. Since then, I’ve embraced that everyone is on their own unique path in life. Instead of trying to measure up with others, I learned to embrace my own strengths and celebrate small wins.

Another lesson I’ve learned is that some things are just out of my control. Although I am excited for this chapter of my life to end, I’m also anxious about what I will do after I graduate. I’ve tried applying to several internships but did not get past the interview stage. Recently, I had an interview with a hiring manager from a small non-profit organization. The interviewer seemed really excited about having me on their team because her organization was looking for someone who had strong video production skills. She even asked me how soon I would be able to start the position.

I was thrilled and sent an email the next morning saying that I would be available to start a part time position in early April. However, I never heard back from her. That experience was discouraging, and I felt anxious about finding a job that would work out for me. Since this organization was a non-profit, this opportunity may have been impacted by the cuts to federal government spending and perhaps could not afford to hire another person. 

In retrospect, I think that I was too quick to blame myself. I realize that sometimes opportunities do not work out due to factors beyond my control. Small shifts in perspective can make a huge difference. Life will always have its obstacles, but it’s how you respond to them that matters. There are other opportunities out there. I just need to search for them.

Another lesson I’ve learned while in college is the importance of building good relationships. In high school, I did not have a lot of close friends and felt especially isolated and lonely during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The Office of the Surgeon General said isolation negatively impacts one’s well-being. For example, adults who report loneliness are more likely to develop depression than adults who do not. However, Co-Founder and CEO of Kindness.org Jaclyn Lindsay said that doing acts of kindness for others has many benefits, including relieving stress and reducing anxiety.

I saw the impact of kindness in my own life when I joined a student organization and made friends. It’s so important to have people in your life who are supportive of you, vice versa. 

Last summer, my grandfather passed away. Although he’d been unwell for the past few weeks, no one in my family expected him to go so soon. When I confided in one of my friends about my grief, she was there to comfort me. She asked me to share my fondest memories of him, and doing so helped me to heal. By opening up to others in my community about my problems, I learned that I am not alone.

Pats for Patriots, a program within the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at Mason, understands how small acts of kindness can go a long way. Participants can send words of appreciation to a member of the Mason community by filling out an online form. I highly encourage everyone to submit a kind note to Pats for Patriots. You never know how much someone needs to hear a few words of encouragement. 

To anyone who is currently going through the same difficulties I have, and would encourage you too, to know that you have a lot to offer and to not to sell yourself short. College life comes with ups and downs. Just remember that other people are in the same boat.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nestled in the bustling streets of Dupont Circle, Astoria DC might not immediately grab attention from the outside, but once inside, it reveals one of the coziest and most memorable dining experiences in the city.

At first glance, the restaurant’s exterior is simple and understated — almost easy to miss. But stepping through the doors transports you into a different world: a small, bustling space full of lively energy, with a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The interior gives off the feeling of a mystical train car, creating a setting that feels both intimate and exciting.

Astoria is conveniently just steps from the Dupont Circle Metro Station on the Red Line, making it an easy destination for both locals and visitors.

Getting a table here, however, requires some planning. Reservations typically fill up weeks in advance, and I surprisingly snagged a spot due to a last-minute cancellation. The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with peak hours filling up quickly, especially on weekends.

Astoria structures its menu a little differently, offering Dishes for one, Dishes for sharing and Extra-large dishes rather than traditional starters and entrees. I was slightly disappointed to find that there were no single-portion chicken dishes, only larger stir-fry chicken options meant for sharing and none that involved noodles, which I had been craving.

Still, the menu had plenty to offer. We ordered the Beef Noodles, Vegan Beef Noodles, and OG La Zi Chicken — a spicy Thai-style fried chicken tossed with peanuts, chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

The noodles were exceptional. The beef and vegan versions were packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and hearty without feeling too heavy. Sophomore Mohamed El Hadj Sidi, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The beef noodles were amazing, and had a great level of kick and spice, but weren’t too spicy.”

The OG La Zi Chicken was a highlight as well: crispy, flavorful and aromatic, though the spice level was milder than expected. It felt more like a great shared appetizer than a standalone main dish, but pairing it with the noodles made for a filling meal.

In addition to the cuisine, we tried a few mocktails. They were solid companions to the meal, offering good flavor without being particularly standout. 

Reflecting on the experience, Sophomore Faris Madani, said, “Astoria’s ambiance, music choices, and food blew me out of the water. Their OG La-Zi chicken dish had the perfect amount of spice and crisp to it, and went great with my sweet ginger drink.” He added that he would definitely recommend the restaurant.

Astoria offers great value for the quality and quantity of food. Dishes for One are typically priced around $16-$23, Dishes for Sharing fall in the $24–$26 range, and Extra-Large Dishes, perfect for groups, cost about $40–$45. With generous portions designed for sharing, the pricing feels fair and accessible.

Though the menu could benefit from more single-serving chicken options, the overall experience, from the atmosphere to the food, makes it a standout spot in Dupont Circle. I’ll definitely be returning, hopefully to explore even more of what their intriguing menu has to offer.

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

The perfect way to acknowledge and thank a thoughtful friend, supportive professor or hardworking classmate is through the Mason Chooses Kindness initiative, which provides an opportunity to show your appreciation through a small gesture. 

Pats for Patriots is a free award program under the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being that allows students, faculty, alumni and people outside of the Mason community to nominate each other for their kind acts. The submission and award is entirely online, and anyone wishing to send a Pat can fill out a Microsoft Form on the Pats for Patriots website.

The sender fills out the name, email and affiliation to Mason of the person they’d like to nominate. They also provide their own name and Mason affiliation before writing a personalized, short message of gratitude that will be included in the e-card sent to the recipient. The form also gives the sender the option to stay anonymous.

Philip Wilkerson, an Employer Engagement Consultant for Career Services and a Communication PhD student at Mason, founded the Pats for Patriots program in October of 2021. He was inspired by the Darts and Pats program at James Madison University (JMU), where he studied for undergrad. 

Wilkerson said the Breeze, JMU’s student newspaper, published anonymous student comments ranging from roommate complaints to classmate thank-yous. The positive submissions were called Pats and the negative were called Darts.Wilkerson was inspired by the positivity of the Pats and wanted to incorporate it into the Mason community.

“Why do we always have to wait for something big to recognize kindness? We should be able to do that with small things too,” Wilkerson said. “Let’s not wait for monumental things to celebrate. Let’s celebrate everyday moments.”

Alongside with his alma mater’s school newspaper, Wilkerson said his mentor Lewis Forest, an associate dean for University Life at Mason, also inspired his involvement with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. When the center created the Mason Chooses Kindness initiative in 2020, Forest encouraged his colleagues to get involved.

Wilkerson keeps track of each Pats submission in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and since its creation in 2021, nearly 2,200 Pats have been shared among faculty, students, alumni and others. Each year, Wilkerson receives more submissions than the last, with only 239 in 2022 to 1,238 in 2024. While faculty and alumni submit their fair share of Pats, student submissions makeup around 50% of all nominations. 

Some students took advantage of the program to thank their friends for helping them through a tough time, while others thanked their professors for supporting their academic journey. Faculty thanked their colleagues for being hardworking and thoughtful. Students were thanked for their hard work in the classroom and across campus.

“That was so kind of you to purchase bouquets of flowers to hand out to people for Valentine’s Day. I’m sure you made many people’s day by doing that, and it really shows how small gestures can be so impactful! Thank you for representing what Mason Chooses Kindness is all about!” said a Pat submission from faculty to a student. 

One student wrote to another, “Not only are you a helpful, kind and amazing coworker, you’re an incredible person. You help us out when we need it the most, you do more than you have to, and you do it all without question. We love you.”  

Another student said, “I hope you know you’re doing the best you can. We are all doing life for the first time so it is given that there’ll be mistakes.” 

Each submission represents someone on campus reaching out to a member of their community to celebrate the small moments of kindness, strength and understanding, just as Wilkerson had intended when Pats for Patriots began. 

While he acknowledges the growth in the number of nominations each year, Wilkerson hopes the program can soon reach every student and member of the Mason community on campus.

“I’ve noticed the frequent flyers,” Wilkerson said. “The people that do know it, really use it. I think the hardest part is getting to new people.” 

To promote the program, Wilkerson said faculty from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being reserve kiosks in the Johnson Center to talk to students. They provide a QR code for the Pats for Patriots nomination form in hopes of getting even more student and faculty participation. 

While the outside world can often feel overwhelming, fast-paced and sometimes ugly, the Pats for Patriots initiative gives the Mason community a way to recenter and focus on appreciating the small acts of people around them. Each submission is a small step towards a kinder campus.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Milk Bar brings its iconic sweets to the capital — but not without some letdowns. If taking the metro, switch to the red line and hop off at Dupont Circle station. From there, the shop arrives in view after a 10-minute walk. The hours at Milk Bar are Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

At first glance, Milk Bar’s menu seems packed with options — from milkshakes and soft serves to a variety of cookies and cake slices. It’s easy to be excited seeing the colorful displays and creative flavor names. However, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype.

I tried three of their well-known items: the Birthday Cake Cookie, the Birthday Cake Milk Quake and a Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Slice.

Starting with the Birthday Cake Cookie, it was honestly underwhelming with a 4/10 rating. There was nothing particularly special that set it apart; it felt like just another basic cookie with sprinkles, lacking the rich, buttery flavor you might expect from a famous bakery.

As for the Birthday Cake Milk Quake, the experience was mixed. The consistency was notably thick, and the first bite offered a promising, nostalgic taste. However, as I kept eating, it quickly lost its appeal; the sweetness became overpowering and the flavor monotonous, making it hard to finish.

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Slice was the most interesting of the trio. The texture was more doughy than a traditional cake, almost like a dense cookie rather than a fluffy slice. Still, the flavor was decent and stood out compared to the other items. I would rate it a 6/10 and would consider trying other cake flavors from their menu.

Another letdown was the soft serve selection. Sophomore Mohamed El Hadj Sidi commented, “The soft serve was not great and there were not many flavor options.” Compared to the extensive menus advertised online, the real-life selection felt surprisingly limited.

Echoing a similar sentiment, sophomore Faris Madani shared, “From what I’ve seen online, Milk Bar has honestly underwhelmed me. Their birthday cake items were bland, and the red velvet cheesecake flavors did not complement each other.”

Overall, while Milk Bar DC impresses at first glance with its wide variety of offerings and vibrant branding, the actual flavors and textures left much to be desired. If you’re in the area and curious, it might still be worth a visit — just manage your expectations.