Washington D.C.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in D.C. with Mimi Montgomery, Cuneyt Dil, and Anna Spiegel.

Axios D.C.

Standard

Axios D.C. Partners

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

D.C. Alerts

Alert

Washington, DC Members

Membership

Trump's White House ballroom gets design approval

An ongoing legal case has halted construction on the site.

Politics & Policy

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s ballroom project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/01/despite-construction-setback-trumps-ballroom-design-still-expected-to-win-approval" data-vars-content-id="78fc6532-27ce-4c76-8c4c-6b2820529dde" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom gets design approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/01/despite-construction-setback-trumps-ballroom-design-still-expected-to-win-approval" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s ballroom project</a> won design approval on Thursday, even though an ongoing legal case has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halted construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-ballroom-plans-judge-order" data-vars-content-id="78fc6532-27ce-4c76-8c4c-6b2820529dde" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom gets design approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-ballroom-plans-judge-order" target="_self">halted construction</a> on the site.Why it matters: The National Capital Planning Commission&#x27;s sign-off won&#x27;t restart construction, but it clears a final procedural hurdle for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="78fc6532-27ce-4c76-8c4c-6b2820529dde" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom gets design approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> fast-tracked, $400 million plans for transforming the White House.

Here are D.C.'s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond

The RAMMYS are back — who's in the running.

Food and Drink

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RAMMY Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/04/2025-rammy-awards-chef-restaurant-bar-winners" data-vars-content-id="b9fe27c8-da75-400f-8d0b-2ee5804e3218" data-vars-headline="Here are D.C.&#x27;s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/04/2025-rammy-awards-chef-restaurant-bar-winners" target="_self">RAMMY Awards</a>, D.C.&#x27;s annual hospitality industry honors, just announced their 2026 finalists.Why it matters: The RAMMYs are like a local version of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-2026-finalists-dc" data-vars-content-id="b9fe27c8-da75-400f-8d0b-2ee5804e3218" data-vars-headline="Here are D.C.&#x27;s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-2026-finalists-dc" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a>, spotlighting some of the best dining and drinking spots in town — along with the chefs and teams behind them.

Mahjong is moving into Washington-area homes

Research suggests the centuries-old Chinese game is good for brain health.

Homes Brief

Mahjong is the newest fixture in Washington-area homes, as people turn underused rooms into dedicated parlors for playing.Why it matters: The centuries-old Chinese tile game that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/mahjong-lessons-clubs-popular-dc-md-va" data-vars-content-id="1fb7cce2-5df6-4f54-9ad3-503ff3758367" data-vars-headline="Mahjong is moving into Washington-area homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/mahjong-lessons-clubs-popular-dc-md-va" target="_self">sweeping D.C.</a> is &quot;one of the best things that you can do for your brain,&quot; says Gregg Swain, a historian of the game with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

AI pressure grows on the DMV's young workforce

Business

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the job market in the DMV, and it&#x27;s likely to hit younger and entry-level workers particularly hard, a pair of recent reports found.Why it matters: Younger workers and college grads were already facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" target="_self">grim</a> and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">frozen</a>&quot; job market, and AI may make it worse.

Rasika's Ashok Bajaj bets big on downtown with new Italian spot

Rosselli, in the longtime Bibiana/Modena space, has glitzy vibes and a Michelin-ranked chef.

Rasika restaurateur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ashok Bajaj" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/12/10/bombay-club-dc-history-ashok-bajaj" data-vars-content-id="4cd7c80b-e71a-4d48-8ce4-d47a2bac30a8" data-vars-headline="Rasika&#x27;s Ashok Bajaj bets big on downtown with new Italian spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/12/10/bombay-club-dc-history-ashok-bajaj" target="_self">Ashok Bajaj</a> just opened a glitzy new Italian spot downtown: Rosselli.Why it matters: Bajaj is going big in a longtime restaurant space near CityCenter — formerly Modena, and before that, Bibiana — with a fresh look and a Michelin-ranked chef.

Where to eat, drink and party for the Nationals home opener

Cheap drinks, Friday bottomless brunches, DJs and more around the ballpark.

Sports

The Nationals&#x27; home opener is Friday at 1:05pm vs. the two-time defending champion Dodgers — and Navy Yard is in full party mode all day.State of play: Cheap drinks, food specials, DJs and giveaways are everywhere — no ticket required.

Here are the 2026 James Beard Award finalists for D.C.

The James Beard Foundation has picked finalists for its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards.Why it matters: These contenders made the cut from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long list of semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/21/james-beard-award-2026-semifinalist-dc-md-va" data-vars-content-id="9519a58d-39bd-41c4-8ba2-d36d9bb23abe" data-vars-headline="Here are the 2026 James Beard Award finalists for D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/21/james-beard-award-2026-semifinalist-dc-md-va" target="_self">long list of semifinalists</a> in the Oscars of the food world.

Tail Up Goat's next act: Rye Bunny brings "fine-casual" to Adams Morgan

Rye Bunny, from the Tail Up Goat team, swaps full service for counter-order.

Move over, fast-casuals. &quot;Fine-casual&quot; is D.C.&#x27;s hottest restaurant trend, and one of the most anticipated openings lands Thursday: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rye Bunny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/06/dc-restaurant-bar-trends-2026" data-vars-content-id="ae37fd61-4dff-49aa-aa5a-9950068baaf3" data-vars-headline="Tail Up Goat&#x27;s next act: Rye Bunny brings &quot;fine-casual&quot; to Adams Morgan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/06/dc-restaurant-bar-trends-2026" target="_self">Rye Bunny</a>.Why it matters: Chef Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler are replacing their beloved Adams Morgan spot, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tail Up Goat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/24/tail-up-goat-closing-adams-morgan" data-vars-content-id="ae37fd61-4dff-49aa-aa5a-9950068baaf3" data-vars-headline="Tail Up Goat&#x27;s next act: Rye Bunny brings &quot;fine-casual&quot; to Adams Morgan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/24/tail-up-goat-closing-adams-morgan" target="_self">Tail Up Goat</a>, with a more laid-back sibling serving cheffy comfort food — still built to wow.

Maryland is coming for Philly's cheesesteak crown

Charm City is coming for the City of Brotherly Love's sandwich.

Philadelphia invented the cheesesteak. But Maryland — especially Baltimore — is making a case for the crown.Why it matters: It&#x27;s National Cheesesteak Day. What better time to challenge the narrative?

A "Situation Room" bar is popping up in downtown D.C

This is the most D.C. thing to happen to a bar.

News

Polymarket is opening a &quot;Situation Room&quot; pop-up bar near downtown D.C. Friday for a weekend-long run.Why it matters: Forget <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Political Pattie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/09/13/political-patties-bar-u-street" data-vars-content-id="f9ab0fd2-2e80-4dd5-82f5-5787ca5489e9" data-vars-headline="A &quot;Situation Room&quot; bar is popping up in downtown D.C" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/09/13/political-patties-bar-u-street" target="_self">Political Pattie&#x27;s</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bitcoin pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/13/pubkey-bitcoin-bar-review-trump-penn-quarter" data-vars-content-id="f9ab0fd2-2e80-4dd5-82f5-5787ca5489e9" data-vars-headline="A &quot;Situation Room&quot; bar is popping up in downtown D.C" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/13/pubkey-bitcoin-bar-review-trump-penn-quarter" target="_self">Bitcoin pub</a> — this is the most D.C. thing to happen to a bar.

José Andrés' maximalist, mega bro-tein steakhouse opens in old Trump Hotel

Bazaar Meat lands downtown with $540 suckling pig, wagyu on wagyu and ice-cold martinis.

D.C. has no shortage of luxe steakhouses — but José Andrés&#x27; new downtown chophouse might be the most over-the-top yet.<ul><li>Welcome to Bazaar Meat, opening today.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Taste D.C.'s next restaurants before they open

A beloved food festival features a mix of rising-star chefs and established names this year.

A wave of new D.C.-area restaurants is on the way — and you can try them before they open. <ul><li>The long-running food festival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Kitchens on the Block" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/06/food-festival-new-kitchens-on-the-block-dc" data-vars-content-id="4a3e035a-653c-46db-b646-79c58b923915" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Taste D.C.&#x27;s next restaurants before they open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/06/food-festival-new-kitchens-on-the-block-dc" target="_self">New Kitchens on the Block</a> returns April 25 to Brookland&#x27;s Mess Hall.</li></ul>

Best Irish pubs around D.C. for St. Patrick's Day

Think morning pints, Irish breakfasts and live music.

St. Patrick&#x27;s Day is March 17, which means it&#x27;s time to find a proper Irish pub.Why it matters: St. Patrick&#x27;s Day is a major celebration for the Irish and their descendants — and a handful of D.C.-area pubs keep the traditions alive.

Food and Drink 🍽

Rasika's Ashok Bajaj bets big on downtown with new Italian spot

Here are D.C.'s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond

Where to eat, drink and party for the Nationals home opener

D.C. whiskey hunt ignites over Costco hot dog bourbon

Here are the 2026 James Beard Award finalists for D.C.