South Lakes Village Shopping Center — Local services in Reston

At all costs avoid this shopping center after SLHS lets out for the day. Dozens of ignorant, rude teens infiltrate the center. They descend on the restaurants and do minimal ordering yet take up tables and leave an unholy mess when they leave. We were trying to hold a late lunch conversation at Cafesaeno the other day and the shrieking and laughing of two parties overrode any other conversation. One young lady stripped down to her bra (hint: you do NOT have the body for public display!) and then proceeded to take selfies of her and her friends for the next thirty minutes, screeching at every new shot. It is a game with others who overwhelm CVS to see what they can get away with shoplifting. They smirk at any customer who dares to say anything. Staff there told us they gave up a long time ago trying to keep order because the teens are rude and verbally abusive in return. Stay as far away from anyone who is riding a skateboard (they will do it two abreast down the sidewalk to intimidate people) in direct violation of multiple signs that expressly forbid that sport on the shopping center sidewalks. Grateful we only have to put up with these kids at lunchtime and can escape Reston at the end of the day. We are not renewing our office lease this year to move to a more civilized location in (gasp!)...

As one of the "village centers" that Robert E Simon (founder of Reston) envisioned as Itallian town squares, South Lakes pails in comparison to Lake Anne Plaza. Then again, it is a lot nicer than Hunters Woods. What it does provide as of December, 2016, is a good selection of stores and restaurants that make living within a 15 minute walk of it a nice feature. The shopping center itself is kept up nicely and there seems to only be one vacancy, but that vacancy has been there for a couple of years now, so I wonder why. The fact that there are two nicer non-chain restaurants as well as three chains (Starbucks, Chipotle, and Subway) as well as the requisite Chinese restaurant and a regional pizza chain (Flippin Pizza) gives tons of options for families that have different tastes and diets, at least if you want to do take out or sit at some of the outdoor tables that give you a view of the lake. On the downside, the lake should be the centerpiece of the shopping center but is kind of hidden away in one small corner that you have to go looking for. CVS and Safeway provide lots of options for groceries and other necessities that one might need to grab quickly without having to drive 10 minutes to another shopping center (if you live...

★★★★★

I absolutely love South Lakes Village Shopping Center! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the beautifully landscaped grounds and ample, convenient parking. The center offers an outstanding mix of shops—from everyday essentials to unique boutiques—and the friendly staff at each store go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

Dining options are top-notch, whether you’re in the mood for a quick grab-and-go coffee or a leisurely meal on a sunny patio. I’ve enjoyed everything from fresh sushi at Sushi Dazzle to artisanal pastries at The French Baker, and each experience has been terrific. The center also hosts fun community events—seasonal markets, live music, and outdoor movie nights—that add so much charm and really bring neighbors together.

Everything is impeccably clean and well-maintained, and the layout makes strolling from shop to shop a real pleasure. Whether I’m picking up groceries at Harris Teeter or finding a gift at Paper Source, I always leave feeling happy and inspired. South Lakes Village is a true gem in Virginia—five stars...