Walk into the Willard InterContinental and you’ll feel the history immediately. It’s thick. It’s almost heavy. But if you hang a right and head toward the back, the air changes. You’ve arrived at the Round Robin Washington DC, a circular mahogany bar that has seen more deals, scandals, and historic handshakes than probably any other room in the District. Since 1847, this spot has been the unofficial "Oval Office" of the drinking world.
It’s small. Smaller than you think.
When you sit down at that circular bar, you’re basically rubbing elbows with lobbyists, tourists who look slightly lost, and the occasional Senator trying to hide in plain sight. There’s something about the way the room is shaped that forces conversation. You can’t really ignore the person next to you. That’s the point. It was designed to be a "round robin" where everyone is equal, even if the guy to your left is a billionaire and the person to your right is a college student on their first trip to the capital.
A Mint Julep History Lesson
The Round Robin Washington DC is famous for one drink above all else: the Mint Julep. But don't confuse this with the sugary, crushed-ice version you see at the Kentucky Derby. This is the Henry Clay Mint Julep.
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Henry Clay was a Senator from Kentucky and a frequent guest at the Willard. Back in the mid-1800s, he supposedly brought his own Kentucky bourbon and his own specific recipe to the bar because he didn't trust the local stuff. He wanted it done right. To this day, the bartenders here follow that specific legacy. They use Maker’s Mark, fresh mint, and a very specific process of "frosting" the glass that takes a minute. It’s not a fast drink. If you’re in a rush, don’t order it.
Honestly, watching the bartenders work is half the fun. They aren't "mixologists" in the hipster sense—you won't see them wearing leather aprons or using smoked rosemary for no reason. They are pros. Many of them, like the legendary Jim Hewes who worked the bar for decades, become celebrities in their own right. They know the secrets of the city, but they’re too professional to tell you. Usually.
Where the Term Lobbyist Actually Started
You’ve heard the word "lobbyist" a thousand times. Most people think it’s just a generic political term, but it actually has roots right here. President Ulysses S. Grant used to escape the White House—which he found stressful and cramped—to come to the Willard. He’d sit in the lobby, smoke a cigar, and sip a drink.
People figured this out.
Suddenly, folks looking for favors would wait in the lobby to "buttonhole" the President. Grant, supposedly annoyed by these people, called them "lobbyists." While historians argue about whether he actually coined the term, the Willard and the Round Robin Washington DC remain the spiritual home of the practice. Today, you can still see it happening. You’ll see two people in crisp navy suits whispering over a pair of expensive scotches. They aren't there for the view. They are there to get things done.
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The Vibe and the Decor
The walls are lined with portraits of famous men who have sat in these very seats. It’s a bit of a "Who’s Who" of American history. You’ve got Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Abraham Lincoln. In fact, Lincoln lived at the Willard for two weeks before his inauguration because of assassination threats in the city. You have to wonder if he snuck down for a quick drink to calm his nerves.
The lighting is dim. It’s moody. It feels like a place where secrets are safe. The bar itself is dark oak, polished to a high shine by the thousands of elbows that have rested on it over nearly two centuries.
Why the Circular Bar Matters
Most bars are long strips. You look at the back bar, you look at your drink, or you look at the person directly next to you. A circular bar changes the geometry of social interaction. At the Round Robin Washington DC, you are looking across the circle at everyone else. You see who is coming in. You see who is leaving. It’s a fishbowl of power.
If you’re a people-watcher, there is no better place in the world. You’ll see a foreign diplomat in a tailored suit sitting next to a journalist from the Washington Post. You might see a family from Ohio who is terrified by the prices ($20+ for a cocktail is the norm here), and right next to them, a staffer from the Hill who is putting everything on a lobbyist's tab.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you want to experience the Round Robin Washington DC properly, don't show up on a Friday night at 8:00 PM and expect a seat. It’s tiny. It’s intimate. It fills up fast.
- Go at 4:00 PM. This is when the transition happens. The afternoon tourists are filtering out, and the "happy hour" power crowd hasn't fully descended yet. You can actually snag a stool at the bar.
- The Dress Code. It’s "D.C. casual," which basically means business attire. You won’t get kicked out for wearing a hoodie and sneakers, but you’ll definitely feel like the odd one out. Most people are in blazers or dresses.
- The Menu. Beyond the Mint Julep, the bar has a massive selection of Scotch and Bourbon. They also have a small food menu. The "Willard Club" is a classic, but let’s be real: you’re here for the liquid history, not the fries.
- Talk to the Bartender. If it’s not slammed, ask about the history. These guys are trained on the lore of the building. They know which Presidents liked what, and they can tell you stories about the "Gridiron Club" and other secret societies that have haunted these halls.
The Reality of the Cost
Let’s be honest: the Round Robin Washington DC is expensive. You aren't paying for the alcohol alone. You’re paying for the real estate, the history, and the fact that you’re 500 feet from the White House. A couple of drinks and a snack can easily run you $100 with tip.
Is it worth it?
If you like history, yes. If you want to feel like you’re in an episode of The West Wing or House of Cards, absolutely. It’s one of those "bucket list" bars that actually lives up to the hype. It hasn't been renovated into some sterile, modern lounge. It still feels old. It still smells a bit like wood polish and old money.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
Look up. The ceiling has a beautiful bas-relief that many people ignore because they’re too busy looking at their phones or the famous people in the room. Also, check out the "Round Robin" signature book if it’s available. The guest list over the decades is a dizzying array of world leaders and cultural icons.
One of the more interesting facts is that the bar survived Prohibition—sort of. While they couldn't serve alcohol, the Willard remained a hub for "meetings" where alcohol miraculously appeared from flasks and hidden stashes. The Round Robin Washington DC has always been a place that finds a way to keep the conversation flowing, regardless of the law of the land.
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There’s also the "hidden" entrance through the hotel lobby. Most people walk in from the street, but coming through the main Willard lobby is the way to do it. You walk through "Peacock Alley"—the long, carpeted hallway where people used to parade in their finest clothes—and it sets the stage for the bar.
A Note on Modern Politics
In a city that is increasingly polarized, the Round Robin remains a bit of a neutral ground. Because it’s so old and so established, it transcends the "red vs. blue" drama of the current moment. You’ll see people from both sides of the aisle here. They might not be hugging, but they’re sharing the same air and drinking the same bourbon.
There’s a certain respect for the institution. You don't come here to scream about politics; you come here to discuss it, often in low tones. It’s a reminder that D.C. is a small town at its core, and everyone eventually ends up at the Willard.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to the Round Robin Washington DC, here is how to make the most of it without looking like a total tourist:
- Skip the phone. D.C. power players don't sit there scrolling Instagram. Put the phone away, look at the room, and engage with the person next to you.
- Order the Julep first. Even if you don't like bourbon, order it once. It’s the ritual of the place. After that, move on to whatever you actually like.
- Check the hours. They usually open around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. If you go right when they open, you can have a quiet moment to really look at the portraits and the architecture before the noise picks up.
- Explore the hotel afterward. Don’t just leave. Walk through the Willard’s lobby. Look at the "Great Hall." There’s a small museum-like display near the elevators that explains more about the hotel’s role in the Civil War and the civil rights movement (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. finished his "I Have a Dream" speech in his room at the Willard).
- Walk to the White House. Once you’ve had your drink, exit the hotel, turn left, and walk two blocks. You’re at the gates of the White House. It’s the perfect way to cap off a very "Washington" afternoon.
The Round Robin Washington DC isn't just a bar. It’s a time machine. It’s a place where the 19th century meets the 21st, and the only thing that hasn't changed is the quality of the bourbon and the intensity of the whispers. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you haven't really seen D.C. until you've spent an hour in that circle.