D.C.’s quirkiest mall – the Crystal City Underground – is set to close for good this October. While the tunnels will stay open for commuters, the mall's remaining two dozen tenants are packing up.
The Underground’s Glory Days
The catacomb-like mall opened almost 50 years ago and was hailed as a “turn-of-the-century shopping village.” By the ‘90s, there were over a hundred retailers that office workers would visit on their way to and from work.
The End of an Era
Over the years, foot traffic slowed during the construction of National Landing and Amazon’s HQ2. Shop owners say the final straw was the pandemic. Foot traffic disappeared and never fully returned. The property owner, JBG Smith, finally killed it, saying the concept was “no longer financially sustainable.”
One of the mall's odder shops, Puppet Heaven. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Go Before They’re Gone
Don’t be fooled, this dimly lit mall has some gems. Sushi Garden has the absolute best sushi for dirt cheap prices. I am talking $5 - $7 for any roll. And next door, Lily Bubble Tea and Smoothie has some of the weirdest boba flavors around (avocado anyone?).
I’ll also be sad to say farewell to its notoriously odd shops, like the slightly creepy Puppet Heaven or the Total Party Costume & Novelties store. However, many of the shops are looking for new spaces, so don’t despair quite yet!
