"We're calling it: this is the Oval Office of bars. Located inside the historic Willard InterContinental hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, the stately Round Robin Bar is a stalwart part of D.C. history. Established in 1847, the handsome spot has polished mahogany, portraits of political figures, leather seating, and its namesake: a literal round bar—the better from which to sit and people-watch (a beloved D.C. pastime)—with a throwback cocktail. According to Willard legend, this is where Sen. Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington; more stories like that are shared at the bar's History Happy Hours, which feature authors, journalists, and museum execs as speakers." - Adele Chapin