Nicknamed the “Oval Office of Bars” by Conde Nast Traveler, the historic Round Robin Bar has been a lively meeting place for D.C.’s political and social elite since it was established in 1847. Famous for its circular bar, oak-paneled walls, and its signature drink — the Mint Julep, the Round Robin Bar is a quintessential DC experience offering classic cocktails and light bites in one of Washington’s most iconic locations.
Special Inauguration Hours:
Friday – Sunday (January 17-19): 1:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Monday (January 20): 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Tuesday (January 21): 4:00 p.m. – midnight
Inauguration Champagne Bar
Located on the Lobby Level, sip on the finest champagne to celebrate the occasion.
Saturday and Sunday (January 18 and 19): 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Willard Woodinville Single Barrel Tasting
Enjoy a tasting experience of the Willard Single Barrel Whiskey in the hotel‘s Lincoln Library, located on the lobby level.
Saturday and Sunday (January 18 and 19): 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Late-Night Bites in The Nest
Unwind after the Inaugural Ball with our late-night bites in The Nest. Enjoy a light snacks buffet featuring savory favorites and refreshing beverages.
Monday, January 20: 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, or register online at late-night-bites-in-the-nest.eventbrite.com.
F Street Lobby Refreshment Station
Start the Inauguration Day with hot beverages and refreshments available in the F Street Lobby.
Monday, January 20: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Operating Hours:
Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. to midnight
Friday and Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to midnight
December 31 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The Round Robin Small Bites available every day, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Late-Night Food Menu is available from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
“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 flagship D.C. pastime), with a throwback cocktail—there’s a range, but the classics are what they do best—in hand. According to Willard legend, this is where Sen. Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington; learn more at one of the bar’s History Happy Hours, which feature authors, journalists, and museum execs as speakers.”
– Adele Chapin, Condé Nast Traveler
“This iconic watering hole bears all the hallmarks of a true classic: a polished mahogany bar, forest green walls, sketches of historic notables (like Eleanor Roosevelt and Mark Twain), and an extremely knowledgeable bartender who’s survived six presidential administrations, Jim Hewes. Drop by when he’s working, so he can regale you with colorful stories of the city over the house cocktail, the mint julep.”
– Katie Chang, Forbes
“One of the most influential establishments to serve the Mint Julep is the Round Robin Bar in Washington D.C.’s Willard Intercontinental Hotel. It opened in 1847, and their signature drink became a popular beverage for the Washington elite when U.S. Senator Henry Clay famously shipped in a barrel of Kentucky Bourbon. The politician, known for bringing together the North and South, frequented the bar to imbibe juleps during his 40 years in government.”
– Jessica Gliddon, Iconic Life