Step into the Round Robin Bar at the historic Willard Hotel, where you can sip classic mint juleps among the echoes of political history and elegant decor.
InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Get directions
$$$ · Menu
"At the historic Willard hotel, the Round Robin bar continues to serve its famous Mint Juleps in silver cups. The mood is quiet, with patrons watching a single TV showing election coverage. Conversations touch on politics as Kamala supporters express their views." - Emily Venezky
"Established way back in 1847, the Willard’s world-famous circular bar wrapped in oak paneling continues to churn out one of the best Mint Juleps in town. Meanwhile, the 355-room hotel’s iconic space that long housed Occidental will turn into a new Stephen Starr restaurant." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff
"Mint Juleps anyone? Located inside the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel, the Round Robin and Scotch Bar has been a lively meeting place for influential movers and shakers such as Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Henry Clay. It was here in the 1850's that Senator Clay mixed the first mint julep in D.C. and since then has become the bar's signature drink. In fact, the original recipe is still used with the ingredients on display at the bar (i.e. Maker's Mark Bourbon and fresh mint leaves)."
"Located inside the historic Willard hotel, the Round Robin Bar has served as the de facto clubhouse for Washington’s movers and shakers since opening in 1847. The hallowed spot was reportedly a favorite of Mark Twain and Walt Whitman as well as 19th-century Kentucky statesman Henry Clay, who famously shipped in a barrel of bourbon and introduced everyone to the mint julep (which remains the Round Robin’s signature drink to this day). Grab a seat at the circular oak bar, amid the oak-paneled walls hung with portraits of historical figures, and order up a classic cocktail while eavesdropping on the (almost certainly) important conversations going on all around you. If bartender Jim Hewes is working, ask him about President Obama’s favorite drink—he’s worked through six administrations and knows each president’s preferences from experience." - Natalie Beauregard
"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
