Tysons Corner Center shoppers can now sip alcoholic drinks while strolling

TysonsReporter.com November 1, 2023 at 1:34pm

Tysons Corner Center shoppers can now drink alcohol in public spaces and stores (courtesy Tysons Corner Center)

(Updated at 2 p.m. on 11/2/2023) The “sip and stroll” trend has arrived at Tysons Corner Center.

The D.C. region’s largest mall launched a “Shopping with a Twist” initiative today (Wednesday), letting visitors 21 and older drink alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants while in stores and common areas.

Public drinking is already permitted at some other local shopping centers, including Fairfax Corner, Reston Town Center and the Mosaic District in Merrifield, but Tysons Corner Center says it’s the first indoor mall in the D.C. area to allow public cocktail consumption.

“As the #1 shopping destination in the region, Tysons Corner Center is dedicated to providing an elevated shopping experience for our customers,” said Jesse Benites, director of property management for mall owner, Macerich. “This program adds a premier amenity which is unique to indoor centers in the area. We are very pleased with the high level of participation from our restaurants and retailers, and look forward to the positive results this program will have on their businesses.”

The “Shopping with a Twist” policy will be in effect during the mall’s regular hours of 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, though each restaurant’s hours may vary.

Cocktails will be permitted on the Plaza and in common areas of the mall, but not in the parking garages or lots. They can also be taken into retail stores marked with “C’mon in with your drink” signs.

“Beverages must be in a logo’d disposable cup provided by the restaurant where the drink was purchased,” Tysons Corner Center said in a press release. “Only alcoholic beverages purchased from participating restaurants may be taken outside the restaurant and into the shopping center. No outside alcohol is permitted.”

The participating restaurants are:

American Girl Bistro
Barrel & Bushel
California Pizza Kitchen
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Eddie V’s
La Sandia
Seasons 52
Shake Shack
TGI Fridays

The mall urges customers to “drink responsibly,” noting that Macerich and the restaurants “reserve the right to refuse service for any reason.”

There will be an official launch event for “Shopping with a Twist” next Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5-8 p.m., starting with a reception from 5-5:30 p.m. on the Plaza.

“The first 100 shoppers to arrive will receive a gift bag and a $25 gift card from one of our participating restaurants,” the press release says. “Centerwide there will be special entertainment and all participating restaurants will be offering custom cocktails and drink specials created just for the evening.”