The Crystal City Shops was a great community gathering space until the tables and chairs were removed. Hopefully, JBG Smith brings them back. read more

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An underground shopping area. Crystal City Shops is kind of interesting. Mostly chain stores. A few places here to eat. The tunnels connect the businesses above ground. Easy to get to here from the Metro train that stops at the entrance. It has a bunch of different stores that don't seem like anything special. The best ones are the restaurants though. It has the typical chains. Starbucks and things like that. If you want to easily get from business to business in Crystal City then use this area. It has typical business hours. They open and close based on when the professionals who are above here work. read more

Crystal City Shops - Inside - Shopping Centers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

If you're a fan of the tunnel system in downtown Houston, then you'd be a fan of the tunnel system that characterizes Crystal City Shops. Or if you're just wanting to have memories of what was popular in the 1970s-1980s. Even the office buildings looked like they came from the 1970s or 1980s. There's only very few businesses at street level and they're mostly clustered in the middle of the entire Crystal City tunnel system. Due to the many office buildings in the area, and area hotels on the fringes, it's apparent that the shops cater to the corporate crowd and some tourists (the kind that are not paying to be close to any attractions). In other words, you're better off going to eat at that nearby block on 23rd street west of S Eads Street to the south or staying closer to also-nearby Pentagon City to the north, which is really the crown jewel of the National Landing area that encompasses Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Potomac Yard. read more

I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing, retraced my steps, got lost on the way back, now I have no idea what's going on. That's how I felt here. It's underground and confusing as all get out. Some trinket shops, some really awful clothing, lots of fast food , drug stores and a wine store. A performance venue as well. And panhandlers. I kept passing the same woman with a baby in a stroller who would yell at everyone to get their attention. Tried following signs to get back to my hotel and ended up at a different hotel who drove me back. Then I avoided a return performance. That is my story. read more

Crystal City Shops - Green seersucker in a store window. Jokenly told a friend I was buying for Bob and she suggested I rethink purchase. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Had opportunity to revisit and update. Still unable to upgrade review unfortunately. Lacks cohesiveness and abandoned by corporate decision-makers. No useful signs anywhere. User-friendly interactive maps are a necessity. Many visitors wandering around aimlessly and occasional homeless person outside. read more

The concept is fantastic: a collection of eclectic and practical establishments lining the lower level of a sprawling office complex right on top of a Metro line, inviting passers-by with wonderful offerings and/or a bite to eat. But while the dining choices in Crystal City are great (albeit mostly *outside* the Crystal City Shops) the establishments are a bit lacking. They do change up every once in a while, though. So maybe with Amazon moving into Crystal City, it'll get better. read more

This is a nice 'underground' shopping strip. There are a variety of unique and standard stores to choose from. During my recent visit to D.C. while staying in Arlington I hung out at the Crystal City Shops to kill time. Don't expect any 'mall' or major chain stores except Subway Sandwiches. Come above ground along Crystal City and you will find a stream of restaurants. In the shopping area I found PBS located on the second floor, it advertised free events for children and information about programming. There is also a small theater group that performs some known plays and others that are smaller productions.The most unique and memorable shop was a blast from the past repair and shoe shine shop with the seat, foot stool and all, read more

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There are eclectic number of shops, restaurants, art studios, nail salons in this underground floor. The shops are nothing memorable. We had lunch at Sweet Green and it was good. Their salad is organic and fresh as advertised. read more

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Staying at the Marriott was pretty cool because you have all these lovely shops right down stairs. However, I never really had a chance to check out all the stores because they were always closed! The store hours were like business hours: Monday-Friday 9-5pm, so by the time I got back to the hotel, the stores were close :-( The center had plenty of stores though from restaurants to clothing stores and I've seen a few doctor offices. At one wing of the center, I notice it had an entrance to apartments! I do want to say Starbucks and Rite Aid held it down because they were always open when I needed them when all else were closed. A very good bonus for those staying at the Marriott but keep in mind of the time and day when heading to this center. read more

Crystal City Shops - Shopping Centers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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{One caveat: For this review, I focused on the underground mall, which is what I view to be the Crystal City Shops. I mention the growing number of wonderful restaurants _outside_ the underground section as a reference.} As a kid, wandering the underground mall in Crystal City was an anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed event. As a college student, it was still an enjoyable and lively place to visit, although many years on at that point, and probably due to competition from the then-opened Pentagon City Mall, it was definitely not as busy as it had once been. Now...I should have left the wonderment of DC's own underground shopping mall to my fond memories. The Crystal City Shops now are a gloomy warren of nearly empty halls, mostly closed storefronts, and spaces that have definitely seen better days. The portals to various hotels and office buildings, as well as the Synetic Theater, are rare bright spots. This is not to say the space isn't clean and well lit -- it is; however, the general feel is still one of a well-faded and unloved space. I'll caveat {yes, another one} that I visited on a weekend. I imagine the mall is a little more bustling with office workers and commuters during the week, especially around the restaurants...but that doesn't change all the closed storefronts and the general faded feel. There are two sections to the 'mall,' connected down the corridors that run underneath Crystal City. One area (with more of the shops, I believe) is located at the entrance to the Crystal City Metro stop, while the other is behind the outside strip of modern restaurants. There are a variety of shops among those left in the mall; many seemed to be to be niche shops such as massage spaces and a puppet store, which is nice and sets the existing stores apart from those in in Pentagon City (and Tysons and Springfield). Throughout the space, there are several old restaurants of various types and sizes, including an old food court; most of these are in the section near the Metro stop (with, as mentioned, the more modern restaurants outside the other section). Even with the competition of Pentagon City Mall and the Pentagon Row, I hope that one benefit of all the new development coming to Crystal City will be a rejuvenation of this once warm, welcoming, and fascinating place. read more

Bottom Line: Random stores and eateries that make up the Crystal City underground that is suitable for passing through but not worthy of a destination. Most DC locals probably know that beneath the huge skyscrapers of Crystal City (a neighborhood/business district in Arlington) there is a sprawling underground that connects many of those office buildings and hotels. The Crystal City underground is a super convenient way to avoid inclimate weather (whether it be snow, humidity or rain) and to grab a coffee along the way to work. Additionally, the underground is a nice way to skip having to wait for walk signals on the bustling streets above. Given that, I really appreciate the underground concept but the shops themselves aren't very sexy. A lot of the shops seem like random stores with stuff no one needs but the eateries are definitely convenient. On a weekend you can expect the shops to be dead (and closed) but on the weekdays, be prepared for long but fast moving lines at places like Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. In addition to the shops and eateries, there are also some services like places to get hair cuts, nails polished and prescriptions filled (Rite Aid). The Crystal City Shops are mostly visited by busy business people and government personnel and there are very few tourists. For out-of-towners coming to conduct business in Crystal City, you may want to consider a hotel that connects to the Crystal City Shops since it also connects to the Metro station. read more

A nice variety of shops located above the crystal city metro station. Restaurants, bars, some shopping, hair salons, rite aid, even a post office. Very convenient for a quick bite or purchase. Connects to the Marriott gateway as well. A 100 yards from the highway exit. read more

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Five stars for the location if you live in Pentagon/Crystal City. This sprawling underground complex stretches all the way from 12th Street to 23rd and lets walk all the way to the Metro while avoiding the cold and the rain. There are lots of random tourist shops you can probably skip but there's a Rite Aid, Starbucks, a couple of barber shops, some clothing stores, and some sit down restaurants and quick service places. Many of the retail shops are closed in the evenings and weekends. This isn't really a must see thing but sure is convenient if you're in the area and want to avoid bad weather or grab something to eat. read more

The Crystal City Shops is an interesting concept of an underground mall. The stuff it actually offers is pretty sparse though and the shops function much like a maze at certain parts. They do have a number of services (such as salons, restaurants, and a few shops), but it is so not interconnected. The Crystal City Shops span a massive (exclusively horizontal) length and can take quite a while to get to one place to another, so it's not feasible for it to function as a mall of sorts. It caters best to those in transit (especially since it is connected to the metro) and those who work in the area. I cannot imagine coming to this area outside of when I'm working. read more

It was a spirited event to watch the families supporting the community and marathon runners. I had plans to be elsewhere but participated for a half hour making noise with the free handouts, horns and cow bells. read more

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The Crystal City Shops are like the twilight zone. The shops are as random as they come from a puppet shop (what the?) to a gourmet yet cheap chocolate shop. There are a few gems, however, from Lily's Bubble Tea to the Rite Aid. read more

I feel like time passed Crystal City Shops by. This mall is almost completely underground and is a series of tunnels connected small shops together with very little natural light. There are office buildings in the complex which is where a lot of foot traffic comes from for these businesses. There are some gems in the shops like ArtJamz, a really good cobbler and a puppet store. But if you want to get some brand name stuff or clothes I would go elsewhere. read more

Located along Crystal City's business district, this underground shopping mall caters to the 9:00-5:00 working crowd. Walking through the twists and turns of hallways, I noticed that most of the stores are food related. Shops in the underground portion consist of: McDonalds, Carribou Coffee, and Chinese fast food. On the surface level, there are many sit-down restaurants that serve tapas or pub cuisine. Most of the shops close at 2:00pm on the weekends, as fewer office workers are downtown at that time. There are some dinner options for visitors staying in the nearby hotels. My friends and I recommend Ted's Montana Grill or Jaleo. Also, stop by Lulu's Hallmark if you're looking for D.C. souvenirs. read more

I've always driven by these shops but never entered. This week I ventured in for an exploration and boy was I in for surprise. LET'S DO THE TIME WARP! Circa 2004 everything is covered in a layer of dust and it's a little eerily quiet. It's like having a mall of your own to roam. Most of the stores close early and are oddly specific (a women's winter clothing store?) Here on a Friday night I walked the entire shop area looking for the promised Hamburger Hamlet following said signs only to be informed by security that it was long closed down. At least removing the sign would help hapless newbies like me from wandering for a non-existent restaurant. Also all the restuarants stopped serving food around 9-10pm. *sad panda* The only saving grace is the open "The Landing" spot to chill with friends with free wi-fi. read more

The Crystal City Underground Shops are very convenient, especially to grab a quick bite. I'm not very fond of the clothing stores as they all seem to be a bit old fashioned in my opinion. There are a few restaurants (i.e. Subway, McDonalds, Au bon Pain, Morton's The Steakhouse etc..), stores (i.e. As Seen on TV, Rite Aid Pharmacy), and services offered (i.e. shoe shine/repair, cleaners/alterations, beauty salons/barbershops, portrait framing, nail salons, etc...) - and many, many more. The underground shops area also house the Crystal City metro stop. I wouldn't call this a "happening" spot though. The only time it's "bustling" is during the week days when folks area head to and from work. It become somewhat of a "ghost town" after normal business hours. read more

I like that this place is underground. It beats having to face the cold or heat outside. It's easy to access from the metro. There are shops and food places here. I like the Potbelly here. Not too many people after work hours, so short lines. The Landing Spot (open atrium area) is new and it's a nice place to use wifi, rest, and watch t.v. on their flatscreens. The restrooms are clean too. Sure, they could have more shops and food places, but there's a good amount here. I wish more places in this area are underground. read more

LOCATION IS BEST... BUT... I'm not sure what to think of this covered shopping area neighboring the Crystal City Metro stop. It's great that it's next that stop... and it's also very short walking distance from many area condos, hotels, and local offices. Since it's indoors, it could be a good place to hang out when it's insanely cold or hot outside. Plus its very clean inside. THE GOODS - A FEW DESTINATION PLACES I especially like the 'food court/lounge' area with lots of tables--often populated by people working on their laptops. I'm also thankful this place had a Rite-Aid--you never know when you want a bunch of snacks or need medicine. There's several local food places to grab a bite or take-out as you make your way to the Metro. WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER STORES? But more than half of the retail stores seem to be very, very niche. Like--who shops here? They're often small boutiques. There's also a good handful of empty store fronts as well. Mostly I'd just go here for the food--however Crystal City offers lots of other food choices outside of the Shops area and closeby. read more

Crystal city use to been my spot because it had a comic book store. Video game place to play at. Good dallier store you can shop at. Also a model store for people enjoy putting them together. But forget it all close. There some place that good to eat at. Some of the location is not wheel chair friendly. To get in Crystal City from thee metro you have to get out and go in a building next to metro elevator. Between Crystal City Metro to Marriott hotel. You got go above ground. But I stop working there. But maybe come back one more time memory lane. P.S. Crystal City has a bus runs counter clockwise. Depending time of day. Or Weekday or weekend check with http://www.wmata.com for more information read more

Clothing, fast food, fine dining, picture framing, art galleries, convenience stores, and a theater. There isn't much that isn't here. Plus, it's all in a climate controlled underground mall that connects to a Metro station! If you live in Crystal City and ride Metro, it's handy during bad weather. read more

Not much here at all. Rite Aid was about the most convenient thing. A few places to eat and random shops. Nothing great. Lots of vacant stalls. Looks like it may have seen it's last days. read more

A mainly underground mall adjacent to the Crystal City Metro stop. Not really a mall for hanging out. There's some good restaurants, but not many places worth shopping at. read more

My first thoughts about this place were that it's depressing and dark. But then I lightened up my own mental approach and now kind of like the Crystal Shops. Sure, most of the product shops are terrible--suits and shoes marked way down, weird trinket shops, stores that are in a perpetual going-out-of-business sale mode. But generally the Shops has good food, reasonable parking, doctors offices, dental, physical therapy, drug stores, massage therapy, and did I mention food?! It is truly cavernous and you can actually get lost in the maze of stores and rambling hallways. So I'd encourage you to look past the 1980s decorations and dirty restrooms, and appreciate the Shops for what it is, rather than lament what it isn't, which can be a little difficult to do unless you mentally prepare yourself! read more

Disappointed that most of these shops are closed on a Sunday. Good for convenience though.

The Crystal City Shops are undoubtedly one of the only underground malls that exist in America. Despite this, I tend to be reluctant to use this place and tend to be neither in favor of using it nor against it. It's biggest two items are a Dunkin Donuts shop and a Rite Aid pharmacy. Although it has an entrance to the one hotel nearby(down the one end of one of the mall's hallways) this makes for a comfortable walk for some folks, while others it makes for crowded areas. I don't like it too much, because it has no real popular shops like most malls do. It's got no McDonalds, no Target, and no Sunglasses Hut, geez not even a Friendly's mall location exists here either. I do like the fact that this mall is able to stay relatively cool(because of the fact that it has no real windows itself). Another negative thing, you can only enter this mall through the Crystal City subway station outside entrance. Go down through the escalator, and you're almost right there in it. Another negative thing is parking. Although its website states its got parking nearby in a garage-like entryway, I I fact found this to not be the case. It's got some parking on the street, but that parking is sparse and mostly concentrated on Metrobus parking, and you know how ticked off you can make a bus driver when you park in their spots! They do need signage though that directs people into their garage. read more

I wouldn't bother. It's a nice idea but there's not much here.... Free parking on weekends is a nice perk though.

Love that this place is completely underground for the most part. Some restaurants/fast food places are outside. This place is easy access to the metro. It connects you to some hotels in the area and is especially great during the winter time I'm sure when its cold outside or when its raining outside. I'm not a big fan of some of the clothing stores here. The mall is just a place for people to grab stuff and go in my opinion. Not really a good place to hang out. I love the food selection here and that it is walking distance from where I am. read more

Good for things like Ted's and Chick-fil-A but in terms of shopping at the "shops" it's a ghost town.

This is a cool underground mall and very clean. I've been here several times during the week and it's rather slow after the rush hour commute. This makes it a great time to go shopping since you'll be in and out fast. read more

weirdest labyrinth of weird stores in america. Why does this place exist? I was walking around just to burn sometime before a meeting, then got lost and came back up 5 blocks away from where I went in, Having only seen one place that was slightly interesting. The We The Pizza by one of the exits... read more

What a nice area directly off the metro. A lot of great shops and restaurants. San Antonio grill especially. We're happy to be staying next to this gem. read more

Great location and Convenient to my building. Great restaurants and retail shops. I am I. Walking distance to everything which is a huge plus. read more

I really love the shops located here. Yes, their opening hours might be a bit off, but still enjoy coming here from time to time. Most shops are specialty/unique which is nice. Great place to catch up with friends or even first dates? since it's less less crowded than pentagon mall or tysons and also has great restaurant options read more

This place is basically a glorified hallway connecting CC's hotel and apartment dwellers to the Metro station. And you know what? I love it just for that reason. read more

Went to Crystal City Shops to avoid driving to National Airport during rush hour from Reston. This complex is not a "shopping destination." The parking is ridiculous st $6 per hour. (Compared to Pentagon City Mall's $2 per hour. Crystal City is a basement type series of long corridors connecting small shop areas that service the businesses employees working in the complex. The advertised descriptions of Crystal City Shops iare not accurate. Go to the Pentagon City Mall if you need to kill some time while waiting for a flight at the Airport. read more

First off- only visited the underground shops, because I was already on the metro. These aren't "shops," these are doctors offices, dental offices, banks, fed-ex, and random food court restaurants. All that is totally fine- but these aren't shops. I feel like that's pretty straightforward. read more