Round Robin Bar
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✨ Vibe
A historic "Oval Office of Bars" that exudes political and literary prestige with its polished mahogany circular bar and a sophisticated, time-honored atmosphere that feels quintessentially DC.
🍸 Best For
Upscale after-work drinks, political history buffs, legendary Mint Juleps, sophisticated date nights, and impressing out-of-town guests.
🔥 Highlights
- A Living History Landmark: Established in 1850 and recognized by Historic Hotels of America, this storied institution has hosted everyone from Civil War generals to modern presidents, earning accolades such as the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice award.
- The Iconic Mint Julep: Famed as the location where the Mint Julep was first introduced to Washington, D.C., the bar remains the gold standard for this signature cocktail, served fresh by master bartenders.
- Masterful Craftsmanship & Elevated Fare: Beyond the classics, enjoy expert mixology like smoked Old Fashioneds and dirty martinis paired with upscale dishes including grilled octopus, pork belly, and artisanal cheese plates.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Look out for "History Happy Hours" led by legendary bartender Jim Hewes, which offer a fascinating deep dive into the political and literary stories of the District.
- Located inside the prestigious Willard InterContinental, it is an ideal post-museum retreat just steps away from the National Mall and the White House.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎶 Nightly Holiday Caroling Program
Daily performances by local choirs and musical ensembles in the hotel lobby, running from December 1 through December 23, 2025.
Afternoon Tea
Traditional Afternoon Tea services served with harp music, canapés, and pastries.
Masaoki Bar: A Cherry Blossom Sushi Pop-Up 🍣
Weekly sushi pop-up featuring nigiri and specialty rolls in the Lincoln Library.
Willard Holiday Caroling
Nightly Caroling Program featuring performances by local choirs and musical ensembles.
Happy Hour
The bar offers a 'Small Bites' menu daily and hosts 'History Happy Hours' featuring guest speakers such as authors and journalists.
📰 In the News
The Historic American Bars That Have Seen It All
Round Robin Bar is recognized as one of the most historic drinking establishments in America, celebrated for its long-standing role as a gathering place for Washington D.C.’s political elite. Located within the Willard InterContinental, the venue remains a landmark destination known for its classic circular bar and its signature Mint Julep.
This Washington Hotel Bar Serves A Private Label Bourbon With Nearly 200 Years Of History
Round Robin Bar, located in the historic Willard InterContinental, offers a private-label bourbon that celebrates the venue's nearly 200-year history in Washington, D.C. The bar continues its long-standing tradition of serving exclusive spirits within its iconic wood-paneled circular setting.
Drink Like a Statesman at the Round Robin Bar in Washington, D.C.
Round Robin Bar, located within the Willard InterContinental Hotel, is a historic Washington, D.C. landmark that has hosted presidents and power players since 1847. This iconic venue is celebrated for its classic mahogany circular bar, a wide selection of whiskeys, and its signature Mint Juleps.
Recent Reviews from Google
Loved this bar. It’s quiet and exudes its history. You can feel it. I wanted the barrel aged old fashioned, but they were not ready, so the bartender made me an OF using Michters Rye. It was...
Great place for an upscale drink. Feels very DC, like a place where important people get an after work drink.
So much history, we had to stop here. Certainly recommend the mint julep, smoked old fashioneds and dirty martinis with blue cheese, olives. For food, we tried the cheese plate, which is plenty for...
The museums are closed for the evening. You're thirsty. Something sweet appeals. This place hit both of these desires for me in the best way. The bartenders were great. Masters of their craft. The...
Great place to grab a drink after a day at work / visiting the National lawn Their signature mint julep drink tasted super fresh! Historic bar with grand interior
