Washington DC New in Gastronomy, New Accommodations & Venues in 2026

New in Gastronomy and Mixology

New Openings

Rob Zahn and Will Strozier, the innovators of Proper 21 and Proper 21 K Street, have expanded their concept with Proper Bar. The 5,500-square-foot venue blends a chic, modern atmosphere with elevated American cuisine and inventive cocktails, offering caviar and champagne service alongside live piano entertainment.

The acclaimed team behind Pascual, Lutèce and Lapis has launched Maison Bar à Vin, a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from The Popal Group. Set in a charming three-story brownstone, the intimate space offers a cozy ambiance, a curated menu of French bites and cocktails crafted by beverage director Suzy Critchlow.

DC’s first phoneless bar, Hush Harbor has debuted on H Street. Owner and chef Rock Harper’s mission is to focus on human connection and being present in the moment. The unplugged environment fosters a warm and communal vibe. Beyond the drinks, the menu features traditional African dishes, such as Cajun beans and rice and shrimp remoulade.

Desert 5 is a new concept in DC inspired by classic Western nostalgia. Guests can enjoy daily live performances from growing country artists and the Desert 5 All Stars band, along with a mechanical bull and line dancing. The 21+ bar asks patrons to dress the part and get ready to two-step.

Chef Ismael Mendez has transformed his childhood nickname, Qui Qui, from a pop-up into a full-fledged restaurant that brings the authentic flavours and culture of Puerto Rico to DC. The eatery honours the strong women who taught him to cook with dishes inspired by the people, places, and ingredients of Puerto Rico and the West Indies.

Executive Chef Lonie Murdock and partner Darren Hinds have launched Isla, a fine-dining experience inspired by Murdock’s Caribbean and Canadian roots and infused with island flavours. The sprawling 8,000+ square-foot space combines an intimate, energetic nightlife vibe with open-fire cooking at its core. The restaurant is open for dinner and cocktails, with weekend brunch coming soon.

Just steps away from Isla, Midtown Centre welcomes Goodlove, the Murdock-Hind duo’s 2,200-square-foot cocktail lounge. The chic, elevated space reimagines staple drinks and has a Love Bites small plate menu.

Opening Soon

Translating to house in Japanese, Uchi is coming to DC later this year. Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award-winner, is bringing a signature blend of tradition and innovation to the nation’s capital. The menu will feature a tasting course, traditional sushi and seasonal omakase.

Originating in New York, Dead Rabbit is set to open in Penn Quarter this winter. The 6,200-square-foot, two-story bar will bring a taste of Ireland, featuring fresh pints of Guinness, Irish coffees, and whiskeys, delivering the spirit and world-class hospitality that an Irish pub is known for.

Known for Lucky Buns, Chef Alex McCoy, is bringing back Alfie’s in early 2026. The Isaan-style spot will return in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location, featuring dishes like beef-rib khao soi, plus natural wines and cold beer.

The iconic Giordano’s is coming to DC next May. Famous for its Chicago deep-dish pizza, the pizzeria uses Wisconsin mozzarella, Mendocino County tomatoes, and specially sourced Minnesota flour. The restaurant will occupy the former home of MXDC and allow up to 150 guests across 7,400 square feet, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.

New Accommodations & Venues in 2026

CitizenM Washington Georgetown (Early 2026)
Just east of picturesque Key Bridge, along the Georgetown waterfront, CitizenM, newly acquired by Marriott, plans to open its third property in DC. The facade will be preserved as a 100-year-old building is expanded, renovated and converted into a stylish 230-room, seven-story hotel.

City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast (March 2026)
The former Hotel Arboretum on New York Avenue NE will be converted to a new, midscale Marriott brand called City Express. (Bethesda, Md.-based Marriott acquired the brand in fall 2024). The flag change includes a renovation, and guests of the 126-key property enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and access to a fitness centre.

Hoya Hotel (Spring 2026)
In collaboration with Crestline Hotels and Resorts, Georgetown University’s hotel in the Leavey Centre will reopen as the Hoya Hotel. The renovation will include designs that point to Georgetown’s history and mission. The hotel will feature 146 modern guest rooms over five stories, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space and an open-concept lobby with natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown (Late 2026)
 A 12-story former office building with the favourable address of 1776 K Street NW in downtown DC will b converted into a 278-key Tempo by Hilton. Amenities include a café and restaurant, outdoor rooftop and flexible meeting space.

Recent Renovations and Rebrands:

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (Fall 2025) – Renovation
In preparation for its 50th anniversary in spring 2026, the property unveiled a complete renovation of all guest rooms, refreshed and reconfigured public spaces that set the stage for a more elevated arrival experience, a fully renovated fitness centre and indoor pool, lavish modernization of the hotel’s expansive conference facilities and an extravagant redesign of the hotel’s dining establishments, including Article One – American Grill.

Eurostars St. Gregory (October 2025) – Rebrand
The Barcelona-based Eurostars Hotel Company acquired the 156-key St. Gregory Hotel, situated between Dupont Circle and Georgetown. The mid-century modern property features a range of versatile and well-equipped event spaces and a signature dining venue. This marks the chain’s sixth property in the U.S. and first in the nation’s capital.

Hyatt House Washington, DC Downtown Convention Centre (August 2025) – Rebrand
An elevated extended-stay experience in the heart of Shaw, steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, debuted following a property-wide renovation of the former Cambria then – for a brief period – Hyatt. Suites are equipped with full kitchens and closets, separate living areas and spacious bathrooms. Additional amenities include a 24/7 fitness centre, complimentary breakfast bar and inviting communal spaces. This fall, the 184-room hotel debuted a chic rooftop bar and lounge, offering sweeping views and a new destination in Shaw’s thriving culinary and nightlife scene.