The Round Robin Bar at the Willard Hotel, or Gentleman's Parlor, is not your everyday watering hole. It's expensive, but every once in a while, the occasion demands it. The Willard Hotel is among the most important hotels in the history of the United States. Numerous presidents and dignitaries have stayed there, due to its proximity to the White House, Lincoln met with his cabinet there on numerous occasions, Martin Luther King refined and edited his I Have A Dream speech there...just check out the little mini museum they have in the back of the hotel for all the details and stories. Its lobby is where we get the term "lobbying" from. Enter the Round Robin Bar... Once you've walked through the huge doors and have drunk in the majesty of the beautiful and (in)famous Willard Hotel lobby, take a right past the front desk and step into arguably the most historic place you can have a drink in the United States. Just how many deals and compromises were hammered out in this hallowed space is unknown, but it's safe to say that many important decisions that impact you to this day as an American were made under the influence of a few drinks at the old round bar in the center of the room. After all, the great compromiser and essential American Henry Clay was known to throw back a few here with his colleagues, and he introduced the Round Robin's signature drink, the mint julep, to the bartenders here in the early 1800's, and to the new city of Washington by extension. When you know the back story to this place, you can't help feel a bit overwhelmed having a drink here if you're a history buff. No one I've taken here has been anything but impressed. To properly enjoy your first time at the Round Robin, dress the part. There's no dress code, and plenty of tourists go in with shorts and sneakers, but you'll feel so much more like a gentleman or a lady if you dress up a bit, even for an afternoon cocktail. You'll feel the spirit of Henry Clay so much more if you're looking your best. Before you and your friends pretend to negotiate the Compromise of 1850 and delay plunging a young nation into a Civil War, order a round of Mint Juleps. Expensive, but , for a place like this, not a bad value, as they're made in a chilled pint glass with plenty of Maker's Mark bourbon. Deliciously subtle, sweet but not overwhelmingly so, and simply among the best juleps I've ever had, and the finest I've had in DC. The Mint Julep is the main event here, and one of the THE drinking experiences you must have in Washington, DC. The bar nuts are quite addicting, the food is above average, and the rest of the drinks are made quite well. It's a classy joint, to say the least. They'll make you anything you want - though the cocktails are where it's at. The beer and wine lists are fine, but not extensive. The warm, dark wood on the bar and throughout the circular room is inviting but also has its own gravitas. It's one hell of an atmosphere, though I sincerely wish they'd ditch the small TV, as it does distract from the moment. When you enter the bar area, the Round Robin proper is on the right, and a up a few stairs to your left is the Scotch Bar. Sit on one of the four leather bar stools and prepare for a classy Scotch experience you can only have in DC. Their scotch list is extensive, they have tasting flights, and their menu is educational and divided by region (which was helpful to me the first few times I went, as I was a relative scotch novice). This place really helped me get into scotch whisky. A few drinks with a dear friend at this tiny, comfortable enclave is the perfect way to spend a bitterly cold winter night. Often, on weekends, the atmosphere of the Scotch Bar is ruined by too many people, so go on a quieter week day evening. During the Christmas season, go on a day when there are choirs singing songs in the Willard lobby - the scotch and the songs will put you in the holiday spirit. The scotch bar is perfect for winter, and the Round Robin proper (the Gentleman's Parlor) and its signature beverage are perfect for warmer weather. For a special occasion, or just once in a while for the hell of it, go to the Willard and be immersed in one of DC's truly unique alcohol experiences. Enjoy. read more

One of my favorite places in DC. Historic, great drinks and awesome snacks. You must try the truffled Mac and Cheese appetizer.

I was expecting a little more from this place. In several articles, it is labeled as a "scotch bar" and the selection was less than impressive. read more

When we learned this was a favorite meeting place for politicians and heads of state...we decided to check it out after the Capitol Hill staff gets off work. After all, who wouldn't want to hear a political discussion by the lawmakers themselves? The elegant hunter green and mahogany bar located in the historic Willard Hotel is within walking distance from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. There is a sense of history here and you can feel the ghost of Lincoln still roaming around the building. The old daguerreotypes on the walls & gleaming wood panels add to its old world charm. You do feel like you are entering an older gentleman's club judging by the selection of fine cigars they offer. The refined middle aged crowd is a far cry from the trend setting nightlife youth of Georgetown, but the hushed atmosphere and intimate nature is a welcome retreat if you are looking for old fashioned civility, peace & quiet. The menu is light fare and certainly not designed for dinner, but the drink selections cater to the cognac & scotch type crowd. There are also cocktails named after presidents and key political figures. All I had here was their signature mint julep (thanks to Henry Clay). The combo of mint & bourbon had an intensifying sharp & sweet taste. It was addictive like candy, but also dangerously strong. Unfortunately, we didn't see any politicians that day....but there were a handful of well groomed lobbyists looking for an opportunity to hustle. Too bad they keep running into tourists like us. read more

Get Out! Don't go to this place. We went there Saturday for dinner at 7PM Waited an hour and never even got our appetizers. Service was bad. Most waiters look like they had a major attitude and didn't want to be at work. The manger was the issue because we can clearly see that he was not in control and didn't know how to manage employees. Now let's talk about how the beer was poured and sitting in the bar for over 30 min before the we walked out. don't know who likes drinking warm drinks a glass after 30 min. Red Robin Management needs to find good managers for this location and retrain employees at this location. Not to mention all the drama at the bar with the employees arguing and talking about customers. read more

Popped in for drinks and it was cool. Good drinks, somewhat pricey, but good service and a big bowl of nuts. People seems to like them but I was not a fan of the seasoning of them. It's an old place with history and worth a stop next time your in the area. read more

Bartender Jim is the best! The mint julep was tasty. It's a hotel bar, so expect a lack of character. But that's the nature of the beast with hotel bars. read more

Small, expensive, and poor service. Came in for a drink. Took forever to get served (not like it's a large bar and had more than one bartender. I mean FOREVER. Got water and then waited 15 minutes before getting asked if we wanted something? If you like overpriced uninspired drinks this is you place. read more

I adore this place, it is so old mannish DC and you are guaranteed to see somebody interesting. They also have good bar snacks. Meet a friend here and be sure to pay attention to who sits near you. People here can tend to get uncharacteristically...loud...if you hit it on the right night. read more

Round Robin Bar is worth ONE visit so that you can say you have been there. The mint julep is all pomp and no substance. Its watery and weak. And its absurdly expensive. I had a way better one at Eatonville! (I asked them to make it not too sweet (hate overly sweet cocktails) and they obliged, perfectly. Kudos to Eatonville's bartender). So, hit the Round Robin bar once, have one overpriced cocktail and then just go someplace with real cocktails. read more

Stayed at the Willard Intercontinental on my most recent trip to DC and was pleasantly surprised to discover the Round Robin Bar off of the lobby. The bar is small (and round) and was pretty crowded for a Monday evening, however, seats opened up at the bar and I ordered the Jingle Bell Julep, it was amazing. Prices are what you would expect for a bar in a hotel in DC and the waiters were friendly and I did not have to wait for service. Seemed to be a nice mix of hotel guests and neighborhood locals. Next time I am staying in the area I will come back for a drink! read more

I've been coming here for two decades. I always have a good experience. Although pricey, the bartenders are superb and the quality is impeccable. This is why some bartenders are called "mixologists." When friends come into D.C. from out of town, I live to bring them here. The bar is in the Willard where the term "lobbyist" was coined from the men who used to wait in the lobby for the President to come over from the White House and smoke a cigar. The bar and the hotel are among the most, if not the most, historic in D.C. and a right next to the White House. The bar still makes Henry Clay's mint julep based on the recipe he hand wrote in 1840 or so. Superb. read more

Great place place, nice small atmosphere. The night I was there they were have a Christmas choir In foyer

The Round Robin Bar is a place you go for the sophisticated atmosphere, drinks, and often some interesting people watching. I wouldn't necessarily go for the food. And not for the coffee. Funniest thing... when I ordered coffee to go with a dessert on a recent visit, (after having a cocktail), the waiter whispered..."Don't get the coffee, it's from this morning. If you want coffee go to the Café du Parc nearby." Ok, that's some honesty. The bar is located inside the historic Willard Hotel, right off the lobby, so that should tell you something. The few times I've stopped by it's been crazy crowded. Then again, it has usually been during the Christmas season. (The hotel lobby is beautifully decorated, and there is a live choir performing each evening in December.) And that means the seasonal cocktail menu. Yes you will pay a pretty penny--15 bucks--but treat yourself once in a while! (Although if I'm honest, I prefer the seasonal cocktails at the Quill in the Jefferson Hotel). I'd also go for a dessert choice rather than other food items (although it seems they have updated their food menu). Note, you will get a nice complimentary medley of nuts/snack mix to go with your cocktail if you don't actually order food. I've always found the service to be very good, and I cut them a bit of slack when it's super busy crowded. Couldn't even see the bar when I was last there--don't go on Friday evenings if you aren't prepared to deal with a crowd. But Friday evening makes for the best people-watching. Last two Fridays I stopped by, there were some very nicely dressed "classy" patrons, including some in cocktail attire. Also noticed a stream of older men with some less older women dressed in what looked like extremely uncomfortable, less "classy" clothing. I mean some of the dresses were so tight and short, and the heels so high, they could not walk, I mean not at all...which definitely kills any upscale impression...but makes the people watching much more interesting. read more

A world class and historic bar in The Willard Hotel in Washington, DC where Jim Hewes and his team provide great cocktails and scintillating conversation. read more

The Round Robin Bar is quiet, expensive, tucked away, dark, lovely. It's the type of place you'd get disapproving looks if you were yelling or stumbling drunk. thank god for a bar like this. After tip, my one mojito that had too much ice emptied me of $18.00. But still for some reason I don't care, I still love this bar. It felt private but not claustrophobic, the staff was attentive, no one was shouting "GOOOAAAALLL", the snacks they provided was very appreciated, the Willard is beautiful, historic, classy. Compared to the packed, pretentious, loud mess of a POV Lounge next door at the W Hotel, this place is heaven. read more

Henry Clay introduced the mint julep here almost two hundred years ago. They've had Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Walt Whitman as guests. The conversations that used to occur in their lobby were the genesis of the term "lobbying." It's a classy, round bar with a separate scotch bar off to the side. Really, it's a great space for a conversation. Unfortunately, it's not economical and a little too pretentious to be a regular venue. They're proud of their drinks and history and are probably content to sit on their laurels. It's definitely worth going once for the mint julep, if only for the experience and the chance to think great thoughts of Clay and Lincoln and Twain. read more

Historic bar that has played host to the great and good. It is the home of the Mint Julip, think whisky mojito. Could do with a refurb. Gets very busy and is a small bar, hotel caters for a lot of weddings and functions which can result in the bar being rammed. read more

If you are a whisky drinker, skip the Round Robin bar! Instead, hang a left and you will see a small bar with approximately 150 Scotch whiskys. To be fair, you don't have to be at the bar to enjoy them. You can order them from anywhere in the WIllard. But the Round Robin bar gets crowded and you can enjoy some space while you are having some whisky instead. You can order whisky in 1/4 or 1 ounce servings which will allow you to experiment and find the kind of whiskys that you like. The server can provide you with some filtered water so that you can add a few drops - it does make a difference. Everyone at my table tried new whiskys they had not had before and enjoyed. Worth a visit (or many) for the serious whisky drinkers. But hey, nothing wrong with a mint julep either. read more

Terrible to have to wait at the bar 15 minutes for a drink. 1 bartender on a Saturday afternoon during the holidays - really?

We love this place. Great history, service, and drinks. Been here several times. The mint julep is strong, and they will make you any drink, as long as they have the ingredients. read more

Great times with the wifey, great bottle of malbec and some epic conversation. Go see Jim at the bar he was great.

It's entirely possible we hit an off night, but disappointed overall. Beef sliders were nearly tasteless, certainly not worth the price. Pretty hard to get a dirty martini wrong, but it happened. To the wait and bar staff's credit, incredibly nice and attentive. The location and decor are exceptional, but they need to up the food and drink game. Recommend Off the Record or Capital Grill instead. read more

Cool place to stop for a drink if you are in the area. The place has a lot of history. Nothing special though. Strike up a conversation with locals or tourists around the bar read more

You can just feel the energy from all the past power brokers who have imbibed in this bar. Love the décor from the rich dark wood paneling and furniture and pictures of notable Willard visitors on the walls. The drinks are a little pricey, but not out of line, and they were generously poured (a couple perfectly made Manhattans left me feeling quite happy). There is a TV in one corner for those who need it, but it's unobtrusive for those who don't. Sitting at the round bar would be fun, but we grabbed a table next to a window and just thought about all the history that's passed both in this bar and outside on Pennsylvania AVE. read more

The history of it - that alone is worth a trip. It's the ideal grown-up field trip - you get your history and a location where Lincoln has been - let alone the MANY others over time - you get your history of the first mint julep - and you get the kick of the drink. I saw below a person said it was weak - not mine. It was too strong at first, I let it sit and the ice melted into it a bit, and it was perfect. Not too sweet, either. And very minty. It was hotter than anyone should have to feel outside, and that icy, minty, semi-sweet, bourbon filled drink was just what the doctor in my head said to have. So I did. And...we were lucky to do so. The bar was actually closed, my father and I assumed no chance. The very kind and gentlemanly head of bar saw us there, all touristy-like, and so darn nice to us. He got us the drink himself from the other bar in the Willard and allowed us to sit right outside of the entryway to the Round Robin itself. I liked the heavy, wooden atmosphere. I liked the weight the room carried in decor and in energy. It was a very different experience for me and I'm glad that I went. I only wish I could remember the gentleman's name that was so kind to my father and I. We were there on August 17, 2009, before the bar opened at 4:30 - probably between 3pm and 3:30pm. I say this because if anyone from The Round Robin reads this, I'd like them (and he) to know how much we really appreciated the extra bit of kindness and service. I loved being there. The drink was wonderful, the service exemplary and the atmosphere just serious enough. I'll 5 star it next time I go back - when they are open and I can get the full on experience. :) read more

Decent place to grab a drink in downtown Washington, DC. This place is located inside The Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Drink prices are pretty high here though. I strolled in at about 10 PM on a Wednesday night and the place was very busy and lively. There is no dress code though I have to warn you that I was dressed casually and felt a bit out of place here. All of the men had business attire and all of the women had cocktail dresses. I came here mostly after a recommendation that this place serves one of the best mint julep's in Washington. The mint julep is pretty good sized however it costs $15. Like I said earlier, beware high drink prices before you come. Overall, not a bad place to chill out for a drink if you don't mind the price. read more

Scotch Bar review. I checked this out with a couple buddies after reading the Washington Post review (http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/bar-club-events/round-robin-bar,1079311.html). We apparently came while Jim Hewes was on vacation, so we had a substitute bartender. The visit started out bad when the bar was already out of several of the whiskys I had eyed on the menu. Then, our substitute bartender was awful. We each ordered a whisky flight, but somehow she got it all wrong. Wrong number of flights (2 instead of 3). Wrong sizes (1/4 oz instead of full oz). And, then she distributed a single flight between the three of us?--Bizarre. No explanations either. It was a very un-educational experience, which kind of defeats the purpose of having whisky flights. We eventually got so irritated by the nonsensical experience that we left to go to a different bar. I now owe my friends several rounds of drinks for my bad bad suggestion. We did eat a lot of cookies and bar nuts which made me feel a little better. So, I hear it's fun when Jim Hewes is around. And, they do have a impressive scotch collection. But, if he isn't standing behind the bar, I'd turn around and go somewhere else for scotch. read more

Not sure when i went there they were closing but ive heard nothing but good things about this place...i cant wait to try again!!

Beautiful bar in the Willard hotel is a must do when in DC. If you love scotch, you will love this place. If not, the mint julep and other mixed drinks are fantastic! read more

Recently in DC and wanted to absorb some history. What a gem. Went on a Sunday afternoon and it was so quiet which was perfect as we had a seat at the bar and the opportunity to hear bartender Jim tell DC stories. What an experience! Drinks are super expensive so only stayed for 2. If you love history, check this place out! read more

Sitting here as I write. We have been here several times with great service excepted. Today is Christmas night and as always, wonderful. Not only looking out for us, but going the extra mile to bring our son a glass of milk. We tip well because it is well-deserved. One of our favorite places when we stay at the Willard. read more

My wife and I were walking back from seeing the White House at night. The history of the Willard was interesting so we stopped in. Bar tenders are knowledgeable and most seem to have been there a long time. I know many reviewers seem to like the mint julep but I prefer the sugar syrup instead of the teaspoon of sugar that they use. read more

One of my favorite, only in DC, hangouts. The atmosphere has a great historical and upscale vibe. Love the portraits along the walls. Ask the knowledgeable professional bartenders about them and they'll share their stories! And, don't miss the mint julep, which was introduced at a hotel where the Willard now stands in the early 1800's. Talk about history! This icy, snow cone for adults, is made to perfection here. Fabulous. Whiskey, ice and mint. read more

The bar is beautiful and has a very cool ambiance but the service was absolutely terrible. In addition, the drinks were overly saccharine and mixed with cheap liquor. During service, the waiter brought everyone's drink but one and then took an additional 15 minutes to try and scramble it together. It ended up being the wrong order. We then had to chase down an employee to bring us our check. read more

Its the Willard people! its the place to be! I love the ambiance of this entire hotel. Round Robin bar is definetly worth a try. There is something just so charming about this place. read more

Went for a drink on a Sunday afternoon after a visit to the hotel spa. Fairly full house at the bar and surrounding seating. Grabbed a pair of chairs and waited for table service. 15 minutes later, went to the bar, stood for 5 minutes unacknowledged, and inquired as to whether there WAS table service. Received a curt affirmative and a menu. Returned to our seats and waited another 10 minutes. During that time, a large group entered, sat, and had their orders taken. We gave up and went elsewhere. Whatever bygone charm this place may retain is outweighed by the pathetic service. Avoid. read more

Very classy but not stuffy. The drinks are great and they put out this snack mix that is delicious. Worth a try to get that DC experience.

A nice quiet place to have a conversation over drinks. Of course, it's inside the Intercontinental - which has classy decor.

It has a nice atmosphere, but the bartender was rude as hell! Not what I expect from a high-end bar!