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A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide

A new site lets diners search thousands of dishes, compare deals and discover hundreds of Restaurant Week menus.

Food and Drink

We food writers have plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" target="_self">Restaurant Week</a> hacks, but it took a software engineer to truly crack the code on D.C.’s event.Why it matters: Like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. tech wonks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" target="_self">D.C. tech wonks</a> building better versions of the city&#x27;s apps, Adam Stambouli tackled one of Restaurant Week&#x27;s biggest headaches: searching hundreds of menus scattered across the internet.<ul><li>His free new site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Let&#x27;s Eat, DC" data-vars-click-url="https://letseatdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://letseatdc.com/" target="_blank">Let&#x27;s Eat, DC</a> lets diners hunt for specific dishes, new restaurants, highly rated spots, dietary options and good deals.</li></ul>

IndyCar, not F1, is taking over D.C. Here's the difference.

D.C.'s first downtown race could help IndyCar gain ground with viewers.

Sports

Raise your hand if you know the difference between Formula One and IndyCar. Why it matters: One racing league is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking over D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/10/dc-indycar-race-bud-denker-freedom-250-grand-prix" data-vars-content-id="f194ee9e-b312-4b00-857a-d33a96063f2d" data-vars-headline="IndyCar, not F1, is taking over D.C. Here&#x27;s the difference." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/10/dc-indycar-race-bud-denker-freedom-250-grand-prix" target="_self">taking over D.C.</a> this weekend — and it&#x27;s not the one with a movie starring Brad Pitt.

Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries

Things to Do

A new art-centric dinner series is bringing young Washingtonians together while also introducing them to the local gallery scene.The big picture: This comes as more people are looking for ways to beat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" target="_self">loneliness</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="connect IRL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" target="_self">connect IRL</a>.

Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants

Albi and Oyster Oyster are joining a global experiment that lets diners pay what they can at some of the world's top restaurants.

Can you spend $20 or $200 on a Michelin-starred meal? On Aug. 26, it doesn’t matter — some of the world’s best restaurants will let diners pay what they can.Why it matters: What began as a community-minded experiment among Mexico City chefs is going global this year — and two of D.C.’s best restaurants, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Albi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.albidc.com/" data-vars-content-id="a1619d21-a68a-47ff-9c72-8e1ad3777934" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.albidc.com/" target="_blank">Albi</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster Oyster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oysteroysterdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="a1619d21-a68a-47ff-9c72-8e1ad3777934" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oysteroysterdc.com/" target="_blank">Oyster Oyster</a>, are joining in.

Metro's latest rebrand is a bridge too far

Transit

Apologies were in order last week after Metro&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line cluster-f" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/really-bad-situation-metro-emphasizes-need-for-red-line-upgrades-after-rough-week/4133731/" data-vars-content-id="25767d9a-fa75-4a07-99a4-a004de2ac674" data-vars-headline="Metro&#x27;s latest rebrand is a bridge too far" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/really-bad-situation-metro-emphasizes-need-for-red-line-upgrades-after-rough-week/4133731/" target="_blank">Red Line cluster-f</a>, with general manager Randy Clarke admitting, &quot;We had a couple days of not great service.&quot;With that behind us, we can move on to bigger problems...

Metro plans platform screen doors for every Red Line station

Metro's automation push starts on the Red Line

Metro wants to add platform screen doors to its Red Line stations — a safety feature common on modern subway systems.Why it matters: The barriers are designed to prevent people from falling onto the tracks. They&#x27;re also a step toward greater <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automation of trains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/25/metro-automated-trains-platform-screen-doors" data-vars-content-id="2b56151c-b4d6-462b-996e-4b544178e98a" data-vars-headline="Metro plans platform screen doors for every Red Line station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/25/metro-automated-trains-platform-screen-doors" target="_self">automation of trains</a>, allowing the trains to stop flush with platform doors.

Union Station gets $466M federal grant for renovations

Near-term upgrades will touch the concourse space.

The Trump administration will spend $466 million to upgrade Union Station, including bigger concourses and facility fixes.Why it matters: Amid Trump&#x27;s beautification push across D.C. landmarks and parks, the Union Station overhaul may become one of the most consequential projects, given the train hall&#x27;s role as the city&#x27;s front door.

Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke's message to Trump

Clarke talks about where he's taking Metro

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Randy Clarke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" target="_self">Randy Clarke</a> sees Metro&#x27;s future in the Gold Line: A zippy, dedicated bus route from Georgetown to the new Commanders stadium.<ul><li>And the transit system&#x27;s general manager has a message for a powerful man who loves gold: </li><li>&quot;President Trump and the entire administration say they want to build,&quot; Clarke says, &quot;and they want to build faster.&quot;</li><li>&quot;Metro wants to build stuff, and we want to build faster.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The Gold Line is more ambitious than just a bus lane. It tries to solve a new problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadium transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" target="_self">stadium transit</a>) and a very old problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no Georgetown metro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" target="_self">no Georgetown metro</a>) — and fix K Street.

Metro wants to expand Stadium-Armory station to handle Commanders crowds

But Metro GM Randy Clarke scuttled the idea of a new, second station at Oklahoma Avenue.

To prepare for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Commanders stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/15/commanders-stadium-renderings" data-vars-content-id="4e0b6ffd-1302-4ad6-8bf8-5e85e8307dc0" data-vars-headline="Metro wants to expand Stadium-Armory station to handle Commanders crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/15/commanders-stadium-renderings" target="_self">new Commanders stadium</a>, Metro general manager Randy Clarke is proposing a major renovation of the Stadium-Armory station, but he scuttled the idea of a new, second station at Oklahoma Avenue.Why it matters: Transit access is top of mind at the redevelopment, with the 65,000-seat stadium expected to open in 2030 — and a future neighborhood planned with 6,000 homes.

Purple Line hits milestone as final piece of track is laid

The new line connects Bethesda and New Carrollton.

The Purple Line is coming together in Maryland — the final track was laid on Thursday.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve been waiting for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="16-mile light rail line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.purplelinemd.com/overview/" data-vars-content-id="7fa0dc49-e0ac-49df-a5fc-94e00d1edea2" data-vars-headline="Purple Line hits milestone as final piece of track is laid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.purplelinemd.com/overview/" target="_blank">16-mile light rail line</a> between New Carrollton and Bethesda for close to 10 years.

Major GW Parkway upgrades near end, but other work ahead

Commuters on the northern section of the parkway will finally see relief.

A major phase of the years-long repaving project on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Washington Parkway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/01/24/george-washington-parkway-repairs-cut-traffic-lanes-2025" data-vars-content-id="8fb51238-9ab1-4a69-9df9-57f7057da28b" data-vars-headline="Major GW Parkway upgrades near end, but other work ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/01/24/george-washington-parkway-repairs-cut-traffic-lanes-2025" target="_self">George Washington Parkway</a> is finally winding down. And now the National Park Service will focus on rehabbing the roadway&#x27;s trademark views.Why it matters: Relief for hordes of commuters is here.

D.C.'s streetcars are headed for auction block

What was pitched as the start of a citywide streetcar ends a case study in how big transit bets can go sideways.

The DC Streetcar will make its final run on March 31 — closing the book on a transit saga that&#x27;s riled the city for more than a decade.Why it matters: What was pitched as the start of a citywide streetcar revival ends in a fire sale — and a case study in how big transit bets can go sideways.

The feds are lopping off the 15th Street bike lane

NPS will remove 15th Street bike lane near National Mall.

The National Park Service will remove the 15th Street bike lane on the National Mall Monday, chopping up one of the city&#x27;s longest protected bike paths from uptown to the monuments.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a hyperlocal turn in the Trump administration&#x27;s ongoing quest to reshape the District.

A downtown congestion tax for D.C. doesn't make sense, mayor says

After years of secrecy and council pressure, Bowser made clear she won't tax drivers.

Mayor Muriel Bowser is a big no on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congestion pricing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/09/congestion-pricing-stalled-in-d-c" data-vars-content-id="7a840097-a580-4371-9c06-a9c2f17617db" data-vars-headline="A downtown congestion tax for D.C. doesn&#x27;t make sense, mayor says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/09/congestion-pricing-stalled-in-d-c" target="_self">congestion pricing</a>.The big picture: Bowser on Tuesday released a long-awaited study on the idea, only to declare it &quot;deeply flawed&quot; and the wrong move for a downtown still recovering from its telework and DOGE-induced rut.

Transit 🚗

Metro's latest rebrand is a bridge too far

Metro plans platform screen doors for every Red Line station

Union Station gets $466M federal grant for renovations

Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke's message to Trump

Metro wants to expand Stadium-Armory station to handle Commanders crowds