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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.

Fireworks, sharks, cage fights: It's 12-year-old Boy Summer in D.C.

Fireworks, sharks, cage fighting, and so many planes.

News

Summer 2026 is almost over — and it wasn&#x27;t Hot Girl Summer or Brat Summer or even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rabid Beaver Summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/07/beaver-attack-rabies-cunningham-park" data-vars-content-id="d4315706-3aa8-411d-aa2c-b9729c9af4c1" data-vars-headline="Fireworks, sharks, cage fights: It&#x27;s 12-year-old Boy Summer in 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/2026/08/07/beaver-attack-rabies-cunningham-park" target="_self">Rabid Beaver Summer</a>.<ul><li>Nope, we&#x27;re calling it now: This was 12-year-old Boy Summer in D.C.</li></ul>

A glam cocktail bar just pulled into Union Station

Continental Club channels the golden age of rail with vintage-inspired cocktails and plush parlor-car vibes.

Sip a Paper Plane before your train — a glam cocktail bar just pulled into Union Station.Why it matters: After years when chains dominated the historic station, it&#x27;s trying to become a dining and drinking destination again — harkening back to its early 20th-century heyday.

You still can't do pull-ups at Reagan National

Nearly a year after the Trump administration unveiled a $1B program for airport renovations, none are planned at Reagan National or Dulles.

Nearly one year and $1 billion later, you still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National Airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="à la RFK Jr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" target="_blank">à la RFK Jr</a>.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s nearly $1 billion &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Make Travel Family Friendly Again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" target="_blank">Make Travel Family Friendly Again</a>&quot; initiative promised healthier, more family-friendly airports with amenities like exercise and play areas. But travelers at DCA and Dulles won&#x27;t see new ones under the initiative anytime soon.

Dulles is adding nonstop flights to Taipei, Cartagena, Cabo and more

D.C.-area travelers have a growing list of destinations they can reach without a connection — from Iceland to Taiwan.

Travel

Washingtonians have a bunch of new places they can fly nonstop — from Taipei to Cartagena and Cabo — as airlines expand their schedules at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dulles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-dulles-airport-plan" data-vars-content-id="386547b7-6fb6-44f4-a4b0-ac29db25294d" data-vars-headline="Dulles is adding nonstop flights to Taipei, Cartagena, Cabo and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-dulles-airport-plan" target="_self">Dulles</a>.Why it matters: The new routes make some far-flung vacation spots — and domestic destinations — easier to reach.

D.C.'s hottest club is an airport lounge

Capital One Landing has all the markers of a hip all-day cafe

Comfy leather seats. High ceilings. A celebrity chef-backed kitchen that sends out jamón, tapas and burnt Basque cheesecake. <ul><li>The catch? You&#x27;ll need a boarding pass to get in. It&#x27;s the Capital One Landing at DCA. </li></ul>Why it matters: Most airport lounges are unpredictable and often bad. This one —opened in partnership with José Andrés — is a place I actually show up early for.

New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station

Union Station is betting local favorites can fuel a D.C. comeback.

Union Station is betting more local restaurants, shops and amenities can help revive the historic rail hub as a destination, not just a place to catch a train.The big picture: Five new tenants are expected to open in the coming months, including local faves <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/1tcc7ad/axios_how_andys_pizza_uses_ai_to_run_its/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/1tcc7ad/axios_how_andys_pizza_uses_ai_to_run_its/" target="_blank">Andy&#x27;s Pizza</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capo Deli" data-vars-click-url="https://capodeli.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capodeli.com/" target="_blank">Capo Deli</a> and upscale beer/wine/spirits shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housebar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.housebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.housebar.com/" target="_blank">Housebar</a>, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station Redevelopment Corporation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usrcdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usrcdc.com/" target="_blank">Union Station Redevelopment Corporation</a> press release.

Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump's flashy plan for Dulles Airport

Glass tunnels. Gold accents. A 32,000-space parking lot.

Politics & Policy

Pointing across a 3D mockup in the Oval Office, President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" 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</a> unveiled his $22.5 billion <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCPQKhHlN9k" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCPQKhHlN9k" target="_blank">overhaul</a> of Dulles Airport on Wednesday, promising to turn what he called a &quot;horribly thought of&quot; gateway into &quot;maybe the best.&quot; Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/23/dulles-airport-renderings-trump-terminal-renovation-people-movers" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/23/dulles-airport-renderings-trump-terminal-renovation-people-movers" target="_self">massive plan</a> replaces aging concourses, adding millions of square feet of new capacity to serve more passengers and international destinations.

Best times to travel to avoid July 4 holiday traffic in D.C.

When to hit the road, and when to stay off it.

The worst holiday traffic is predicted to be between D.C. and Annapolis on Friday, July 3rd, at 12:45pm, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA&#x27;s prediction" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" data-vars-content-id="e3a80a83-1fc3-4e07-9568-899927e90b1a" data-vars-headline="Best times to travel to avoid July 4 holiday traffic in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" target="_blank">AAA&#x27;s prediction</a>.The big picture: About 77.2 million Americans will travel for July 4th this year, with 85% of people expected to drive amid high gas prices.

The best America's 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend

From Revolutionary-era music to waterfront fireworks, these small towns are celebrating July 4 in memorable ways.

America at 250

If you&#x27;re hoping to celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday without battling the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. hassle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" data-vars-content-id="4e4f23b2-92ea-47f2-a229-41d8e4bbe64b" data-vars-headline="The best America&#x27;s 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" target="_self">D.C. hassle</a>, you&#x27;re in luck.The big picture: The city sits in the middle of a region packed with Revolutionary-era history and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small-town July 4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/30/july-4-fireworks-annapolis-eastern-shore-frederick" data-vars-content-id="4e4f23b2-92ea-47f2-a229-41d8e4bbe64b" data-vars-headline="The best America&#x27;s 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/30/july-4-fireworks-annapolis-eastern-shore-frederick" target="_self">small-town July 4</a> traditions.<ul><li>From colonial capitals to waterfront fireworks, these nearby destinations offer memorable ways to mark the nation&#x27;s milestone birthday.</li></ul>

Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel

It's officially the start of summer travel season.

Memorial Day weekend is approaching, which means, yes, the start of summer, but also the start of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer travel traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" data-vars-content-id="709239c2-e125-4e7d-9c2a-6f6af6e78e8e" data-vars-headline="Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" target="_self">summer travel traffic</a>.Why it matters: This holiday weekend is expected to set a record for domestic travel, with 45 million Americans traveling, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" data-vars-content-id="709239c2-e125-4e7d-9c2a-6f6af6e78e8e" data-vars-headline="Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" target="_blank">AAA</a>. Plan your trip wisely.

Skip the airport: Farm escapes are booming near D.C.

From alpaca meet-and-greets to oyster farm stays, here's where to go.

Things to Do

Farm tourism is booming — and there are a bounty of options within a few hours of D.C., whether you&#x27;re looking to cuddle a cow, bond with some bison or feast on local wagyu.Why it matters: You don&#x27;t need a plane ticket for any of these wild adventures.

Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV

What to know before heading into peak spring break travel time.

Uncertainty is the feeling du jour for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airline travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="256bc906-2025-4f6a-a938-8e78ded5b274" data-vars-headline="Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">airline travel</a> heading into peak spring break and Easter — as the partial government shutdown continues to strain TSA staffing.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re about to ditch town, you&#x27;re likely on edge about reports of hours-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" data-vars-content-id="256bc906-2025-4f6a-a938-8e78ded5b274" data-vars-headline="Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" target="_self">security lines</a>. But so far in the DMV, delays have been hit-or-miss.