Had to end our day on the Mall with a drink at the Willard. The lobby is impressive. The Round Robin bar was hopping. Drinks were good and the ambiance was cool. Plush leather and dark wood. Our waiter was awesome - friendly and kept our peanut bowl full. Had a Belve up, the wife had one of their seasonal cocktails. Met a group of Tenneseeans and had fun talking. Great spot. read more

Visited and had a great time. The mint julep was great, too bad they didnt serve in a copper mug though. We sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender from El Salvador who was very gracious and took care of us. read more

The Scotch bar is now gone, which was really the only reason I would otherwise go out of my way to go here. They have an ok selection of Scotch, but not the wide selection they used to. The staff are friendly and helpful,though. read more

This review is really for the scotch bar next to the Round Robin, but it doesn't seem to have a separate listing, and the bars are only somewhat separated anyway. The scotch bar is basically tucked away on a landing between the Round Robin and the lounge upstairs - it's small enough that it barely qualifies as a separate bar, but the ambiance is nice, although not quite as great as the decor of the Round Robin bar proper. So, here's the thing: I was really excited to see that DC was finally getting a bar specializing in scotch whisky. And they're not lacking for whisky, I'll give them that. They have a great selection. But other than the fact that it is technically a bar, and they do have scotch there, it pretty much lacks in every other way. My favorite bar for scotch is Nicholson's in Cincinnati - there, the bartenders can suggest other scotches I might like and all orders come with a side of room-temperature water. Here, no such luck. The bartender knew a lot more about frozen cocktails than scotch, and we totally perplexed the staff when we asked for room temperature bottled water (something that was not at all an issue at the bar at Capitol Grille, where they keep one behind the bar for that express purpose). My husband ordered the 1973 Bruichladdich, and while I was thrilled that they had it, it should go without saying that it's the kind of scotch you don't want to have over ice. And that at $35 a glass, if it needs some water - which, by our tastes, it does - it shouldn't be tap, and it shouldn't be cold. The bartender didn't understand why we wanted water in the first place and never could find any at room temperature, although she seemed to think we should be happy that they did find a bottle that was less cold than the others? So, my advice to the Willard is that it's a shame to have such a great selection when the knowledge of the staff is laughable. I'll wait a couple of months and check it out again maybe during happy hour to see if the situation has improved and it's a place I'd like to go to try out new kinds of scotch whisky. read more

This review refers solely to the scotch bar off to the side of the bar. It's a great setting, very intimate - just three seats at the bar and a few tables, all very comfortable. The scotch selection was the best I have seen in DC by some measure, and you can order whiskies by the dram or 'flights' of several different scotches. Unfortunately the bartender I was served by, while friendly, knew nothing about scotch, to the point of never even having tried it. Bad sign. We ordered several flights, but given the pours it was not clear if we were being given a flight to share, or on each - the latter would have been seriously expensive. It turns out the flights were split amongst us, so it was not terribly expensive, but it was discouraging that the bartender at a scotch specialty bar knew nothing about whisky at all. I gather that the main bartender does know scotch well, and if he's in I'd certainly go back. Either way, it's such a good selection of single malts that it's worth a visit if you've never been. read more

My favorite bar in DC. It has history, the mint juleps are an experience, and the bartenders have character. Most drinks are not for the faint of heart. A great date spot. read more

It has a nice atmosphere and the bartenders are very attentive if you sit at the bar, at the tables the staff seems to be limited and they are running around all over the place. I initially sat at a table but then moved to the bar. The sliders were very good and they have a great selection of different liquors. read more

With the Scotch Bar now gone and just the Round Robin Bar open its still good but a bit touristy as the Scotch Bar really had some great people watching and local charm. Round Robin though is great to stop in if you haven't. Great Scotch and Whiskey head to jack rose and ask for the Big Book. read more

Avoid. I came to D.C. for my anniversary and intended on visiting the bar for the Scotch selection. We first tried at 2:00pm on Sat., and were told by a rude bartender that the bar wouldn't open until 4:00pm. So, after a nice dinner at the Bombay Club, we came back at about 9:00pm... The location (to the left when you enter the bar area) where I was told the Scotch bar was, was closed. So, I asked an employee if I had the right location. He didn't know anything about "a scotch bar." I asked another bartender who told me it didn't exist! I then went to the front desk and they called the concierge and then escorted me back to the bar. After talking to a bartender in the Round Robin, we were again told that it didn't exist! Then they agreed to serve us scotch of the menu. I ordered a 1/4 oz. of Blue Label and 1 oz. of The Macallan. They brought me Blue Label King George V, which meant the 1/4 oz. price cost me $20. I didn't mind considering I wanted to try something new, but at that price you would think you might get service. Wrong. They sat us at the bar in front of dirty dishes, which they never cleared and brought me my check after my order. Then as I was talking to one of the waiters, the bartendress (my word) interrupted us midsentance to complain about people wanting to order scotch. INSANE. No apology either. The waiter never even turned back to talk to me. So there is another couple behind us talking about coming to the bar for scotch too... so I hand them the scotch menu that the bartender tried to hide from me. You would have think I lit the bar on fire. The female and male bartenders immediately went around to the other side of the bar to complain about it. Then the waiter told the couple they couldn't order from that menu.... apparently, they were doing me a favor. So, not only is this place closed at 9pm on a Sat. night, everyone, except the man at the front desk was rude to us (and I might add that my wife and I were dressed nicely, jacket, etc.) on both visits. We left pretty shocked and will certainly never recommend the place. I'm not certain how this place is a recommended institute in D.C. Outside of the selection, which was quite expansive, I was shocked at the horrible attitudes and service. It is apparent that management doesn't read these posts. If I had of, I would have avoided the place. read more

My husband was in D.C. for business on our wedding anniversary, so I joined him and we went across the street to the Round Robin for a couple of drinks. We knew about the history of the place and it sounded like a classic old D.C. establishment. In that respect, it didn't disappoint - it was quite formal and with its dark wood walls and curved shape, was cozy and attractive. But the bartender was so rude she pretty much ruined the experience for us. First, if I'm paying $15 for a (mediocre) drink I'd expect decent service, and the fact that it was our anniversary made her terrible service that much more grating. She didn't smile, took her sweet time taking her order and generally seemed put-upon to be serving us. She stood around drying glasses as ours sat empty, and when I went to empty the last of my martini into my glass (she'd left the shaker, which was nice), she snatched the shaker out of my hand and said, "I'll do that!" Soon, I noticed that the couple sitting next to us were getting great service from their bartender, a friendly guy (Jim?) who took great care explaining the scotch they were drinking. I called him over and asked him if he could please serve us instead of the other bartender. I would normally never do something like that but I'd had enough of her surly attitude. She was so unfriendly it was bordering on hostile. I'm glad we tried the place, but I probably wouldn't go back. read more

I'll caveat this by saying we must have hit them on a very bad night. Our friends chose to bring us here for drinks. Nothing fancy, just drinks. Since they're Scotch drinkers, there were perfectly pleased. Apparently the Scotch list is respectable and extensive. My wife and I were not so lucky. She initially ordered a class of cava, which was on their drink menu. No dice, they were out, here, have this $15 glass of champagne that you don't like instead. I ordered a manhattan, requesting Woodford bourbon, which was on their list of bourbons and isn't exactly an uncommon brand. Again, no dice, they were out, "the only bourbon we have at the moment is Maker's Mark." Hmmmm. Okay, so maybe I'd rather have a Jameson instead. Which, and I know I'm sounding repetitive, is on their list of available libations. And for the third time we get to hear, "I'm sorry, we're out of that." Order three things off the drink menu in what appears to be a fairly high end bar in the capital city of the free world, and they are out of all of it??? Bad night or not, it was downright Kafkaesque, and it was certainly enough to keep us from ever stepping foot in this place again. read more

We have been here many times before. Not sure what happened this year, but for $17 a drink you would think service would be better. Had to basically jump up and down to get a second $17 drink. I hope they read these. read more

Reminded me why I took up drinking scotch in the first place. Great setting, great selections and outrageously high prices. If you're considering between J Pauls and the Round Robin to enjoy a cocktail you're not going to be happy, but if you're looking for a high end place in DC you won't find much better than this. The table near the window is one of the great old world DC experiences you will find. read more

This experience (other than the history of the room) was poor at best. Service is lacking. At 4:30 with party of 4 at a table had to ask 4-5 times to get served from a server or the bartender. No staff, overwhelmed and no one helping out. Had to repeatedly get up to get anything. For all the claim of how luxury InterContinental is this was not it. read more

Had an awful experience here. Our waiter was rude and tried to upcharge us for Belvedere when we didn't ask for it. Our bloody Mary's we're beyond spicy and undrinkable not to mention tiny. I'll go get an overpriced cocktail somewhere else... at least the service would be decent/pleasant. read more

Absurdly expensive. $9 for a bottle of Fat Tire? Are you kidding me? Bad service. Horrible attitude form bartender. Avoid.

The Willard's Round Robin Bar is a fantastic conservative old-school bar. This lobby bar of the Willard hotel is what the term "lobbyist" came from. People looking for influence used to come to the Round Robin to hang out with the President and his cabinet back in the day...way back in the day. It's definitely a fun place to go for some nostalgia! read more

Weird atmosphere. The bartender was literally yelling at the barback for our entire stay. Place is cute though.

Great historical spot. Room is VERY hot, so come dressed appropriately. Bartenders were a little slow but very meticulous producing wonderful cocktails. read more

Classic politico DC bar. Went here while staying at the Willard and found it very classy and comfortable. Lots of people pre- and post-theatre from a block away so typically some lively discussion there; also lots of happy hour goers. As other reviews note, the mint julep is the drink to have what with all the history - classic. They have a good bar "mix" (kind of like a trail mix), and the dessert was good. The bartenders were very attentive - bill is ready to go when you are, good for theatre goers and folks who want a nice relaxing drink. Some nights it was quiet and good for reading a book, others it was packed with good people watching. read more

Treading where notable men of yore once indulged in just not cocktails but in a rich environment is just about the best thing man can do for himself in these times. If you like class, substance and character and you are alone or with someone this is a place to spend some quality time. read more

Very cool scene, gorgeous place, quite classic. BUT the bartender had no idea how to make a sazerac. Instead of asking he, turned an epic man drink into something much less. Otherwise, nice small plates. read more

Had drinks before dinner. Cool bar with a lot of history. Must have a mint julep while there. Will go back.

Great mint juleps, scotch collection, atmosphere.

I went to my anniversary with my wife. This guy madhu helped me. He makes me mint julup better than luisville. He was an excellent bartender I have ever had. The round robin bar is the heart of the Willard hotel. read more

Best mint julep ever. Great place to visit, you feel the history of this great city in the room.warning, the bar nuts are very addictive. Will definetly visit again. read more