To date, Washington City Paper has published 1,105 stories in 2021 in a variety of formats—our writers brought you newsletters, roundups of recommended dishes and activities, profiles, and investigations over the course of the year. The ongoing pandemic dominated our coverage, but when it comes to the stories readers clicked on most, COVID-19 didn’t dominate the list. Readers, as always, were curious about life in D.C. and the issues that impacted them and their neighbors: fair treatment of tenants, problems with the District’s unemployment system, and social media spot news reporting. And, of course, readers wanted to know what and where to eat safely. Our 15 most popular stories of the year follow. Read the ones you may have missed or refresh your memories of stories published earlier in the year. We’re already preparing for the stories we’ll tell you in 2022. —Caroline Jones

Landlords Receive Federal Funds for Rental Assistance, Even When Tenants Live In Poor Conditions
Tenants at three D.C. properties have spent the past year fighting for rent relief and better housing conditions. While they’ve had some success, their fight isn’t over.
By Amanda Michelle Gomez
*This story is also available in Spanish.

Eight Stand-Out Sandwiches to Devour in D.C. This Summer
From a sinful cheesesteak bagel to a purple interpretation of a Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a Filipino twist.
By Laura Hayes
*Feast on our full sandwich guide here.

Zinnia to Replace Mrs. K’s Toll House in Silver Spring
The concept from Takoma Beverage Co.’s Chris Brown will feature a beer and wine garden, café, and fine dining restaurant.
By Nevin Martell

The D.C. Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants Requiring Proof of Vaccination
Fine dining restaurants and dive bars are instituting vaccination policies, largely for indoor dining only.
By Laura Hayes
*This story continues to be updated regularly.

Diners Strike Out at REDEYE Night Market, Swarm Downtown Restaurants
No Kings Collective co-founder Peter Chang explains what went right and what needs to be adjusted next time.
By Laura Hayes

Nellie’s Sports Bar Security Dragged a Black Woman Down the Stairs. Her Family Is Now Pursuing a Civil Claim.
Locals are also calling on D.C. to protest and boycott Nellie’s Sports Bar.
By Amanda Michelle Gomez and Laura Hayes

I Watched the Door at a D.C. Bar the First Night It Required Proof of Vaccination
“With how much rhetoric there is about it, I’m glad my fears were unfounded. I haven’t been called a communist yet, so that’s great.” 
By Laura Hayes

Competitive Eater Molly Schuyler Ate 34 Burgers in 10 Minutes at Z-Burger
The Maryland mom has made a name for herself at eating competitions across the country.
By Dora Segall

Technical Glitch Delays Unemployment Benefits
An unknown number of people have not received their unemployment benefits.
By Amanda Michelle Gomez and Laura Hayes

The Tweeters Behind Feeds Like DC REALTIME NEWS Make Every Shooting Known
Whether their reporting is harmful or helpful in a city grappling with police reform and violent crime depends on who you ask.
By Laura Hayes

Employees Reveal the Frenetic Conditions of Working in Understaffed Restaurants
Diners are back but it’s far from business as usual at D.C. bars and restaurants.
By Laura Hayes and Michael Loria

What D.C. Museums Are Open and When?
A tightly curated round-up from May 2021
By Emma Sarappo

A Brutal List of Ingredients and Products Restaurants Can’t Find or Afford
Chefs and restaurateurs are pleading for patience and flexibility as they square off against supply chain problems.
By Laura Hayes

Here’s Your Summer Dining Bucket List
Where to eat and drink in D.C. this summer.
By Laura Hayes

Which D.C. Businesses Got the Biggest Grants, and Other Restaurant Revitalization Fund Questions
Restaurants and other food businesses approved for awards were made public this week, igniting discussion and debate.
By Laura Hayes