Agora restaurant opens in Bethesda

Agora has opened at 1 Bethesda Metro Center in the Hyatt Regency Bethesda hotel. This is the third location for the local Mediterranean restaurant chain, and its largest. The restaurant has a maximum capacity of 300 guests, including private rooms with space for up to 50, semi-private accommodations for up to 120, and a patio with room for 100 guests. Initially, Agora will be serving a dinner menu only, focused on the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon. Later this summer, breakfast, lunch, and brunch menus will be added.

Signature dishes include a slow-cooked lamb shoulder feast designed for sharing, grilled beef and lamb kebabs, grilled branzino and octopus, and traditional desserts like kunefe and baklava. Another signature at Agora is their exclusive use of Laconiko extra virgin olive oil, a premium Koroneiki olive oil recognized internationally for its exceptionally high polyphenol content, naturally low acidity, and outstanding flavor. 

Like 4-star General John Kelly, starting the day with a full breakfast is a non-negotiable must for me when traveling. The eventual addition of breakfast service here is going to be a real boon for guests at the hotel, as well as nearby residents. Dishes planned for the breakfast menu at Agora include gluten-free Mediterranean-Style Fried Eggs with asparagus, tomatoes, and mushrooms; Aegean Avocado Toast with organic poached eggs, sourdough bread, avocado, olive oil, paprika, pine nuts, and microgreens; and a Sunrise Porridge made with almond milk, pine honey, and orange zest.

Agora Restaurant Group, celebrating over 15 years of success in the region, is co-owned by husband and wife team Betul and Ismail Uslu. Ismail Uslu began his career in the hospitality industry at luxury resorts in Turkey, and sees his career coming full circle as his latest venture debuts in downtown Bethesda's most-prominent hotel. “Having spent many years working in hotels, opening Agora inside the Hyatt Regency Bethesda feels like a homecoming,” he says. “It brings together my passion for hospitality and our vision of creating a restaurant that serves both travelers and the local community.”

Fairmont Grill out before even opening in Bethesda

The long-awaited Fairmont Grill Dry Aged Kitchen won't be opening after all, at least not at 4940 Fairmont Avenue. A For Lease sign has now appeared in the window, before the restaurant even served its first steak. It's been 23 months since the Fairmont Grill announced it would be opening in this spot. With window coverings obscuring the interior all that time, it's unclear what construction work was performed, if any.

Barry's opening July 25 in Bethesda

Barry's, the fitness studio chain known for its high intensity cardio and strength classes, has set the opening date for its first Maryland location. The downtown Bethesda Barry's will open this coming Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue. No more riding into D.C. for Red Room workouts. Special opening rates and membership packages are still available this week, including an $85 Bethesda 5-Pack that "can be used to bring guests" during the first month. Here's a sneak peek at the reception area:

Peeping Tom in Potomac

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a peeping Tom in Potomac late Friday night, July 17, 2026. The incident was reported in the 7900 block of Stable Way at 11:48 PM. That is a small townhome-style condo development at the northern terminus of Stable Way in the River Falls area.

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too returning to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

One of the signs that the holiday shopping season isn't as far away as it seems is here once again at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too is announcing its annual return to the mall for 2026. Coming soon signage for the seasonal apparel store has been posted at the former Sleep Number space on Level 1, between Arc'teryx and Lululemon. The holiday pop-up tends to open in September, but recently made an earlier exit in January than its typical March departure.

Squishable relocates in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Squishable has relocated to a new spot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. But you won't have to go far out of your way to find it. The collectible stuffed toy boutique moved directly across the corridor from its previous location. Look for Squishable on Level 1 of the mall in the Macy's wing, in the corner space between UnderArmour and Brow Art 23.

Controversial, delayed Bethesda street closure now scheduled for July 20, utility says

A controversial extended closure of a segment of Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda that was delayed earlier this summer is now back on for July 20, 2026. Water utility WSSC announced today that the portion of Woodmont between Strathmore Street and Wisconsin Avenue will remain closed through early November. The closure was deemed necessary to replace a 54" large valve vault below the street. Vehicular and delivery access will be maintained for the Solaire Bethesda apartments, and the Prenuvo Bethesda medical imaging facility. 

Detour signs will be posted to guide drivers around the closure. The blockading of the secondary north-south route through downtown Bethesda will have a significant impact on traffic during July and August, due to the loss of two travel lanes on Wisconsin that are restricted to buses during the closure of three Red Line Metro stations this summer. WSSC notes that the closure could extend beyond early November if the area should experience long periods of disruptive weather.