In the wake of America’s 250th birthday, the historic Round Robin has temporarily closed its doors for a significant renovation lasting two months. The renowned oak-paneled circular bar, which is steeped in history, opened once more on Friday, September 11, without any prior announcement from its parent establishment, the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Since then, word has spread among patrons, leading to a packed house this past Tuesday night, when all 20 bar seats and surrounding tables were fully occupied.
Round Robin 2.0 marks another successful initiative for the 335-room hotel. Notably, this renovation precedes an upcoming overhaul of the hotel’s American grill, Occidental, under the direction of restaurateur Stephen Starr, a project that is being touted as one of his most impressive restoration endeavors.
First opened in 1847, during the presidency of James K. Polk, who held office just a block away at the White House, Round Robin proudly claims the distinction of being the oldest bar in Washington that remains in its original location (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). Over the years, the reimagined Round Robin, located just off the Willard’s lobby, has continued to be a favored gathering spot for influential figures and political personalities from across the spectrum. It is worth noting the late barman Jim Hewes, who began his tenure behind the bar in 1986 when the Willard underwent a major restoration, is renowned for having made more Mint Juleps than any other mixologist in the nation.
While the Mint Julep has retained its status as a must-try drink, with approximately 20,000 served over the years, the bar setting itself was in need of a modern update. Designer Maggie O’Neill, hailing from D.C., has successfully transformed the venue, preserving its historic grandeur while introducing contemporary enhancements, such as illuminated LED rings that elegantly display the selection of spirits. The once-egg-white colored room has been revitalized with a sophisticated hunter green, creating a striking contrast with the gold-leaf ceiling.
Among the new decor elements is an acrylic portrait of Henry Clay, a 19th-century statesman from Kentucky known for advocating for the Julep. The bar maintains its offerings of the iconic cocktail, priced at $27, which comes in a silver cup filled with sugar, mint, crushed ice, and featuring a unique bourbon blend exclusive to the establishment. This single-barrel bourbon from Woodinville Whiskey Co is also key to other classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned ($34) and a Manhattan, which pays homage to former President William H. Taft. The description notes that Taft, a judge at heart, preferred his drink “straight with two cherries.” Additionally, a newly commissioned portrait of First Lady Helen Taft is now displayed, positioned against a view of the Tidal Basin.
The culinary offerings at Round Robin have also been significantly updated, expanding the menu to feature a variety of starters priced between $22 and $28. Guests can now enjoy choices like Maryland crab cakes, escargot, and grilled octopus with chimichurri, while the main menu boasts French onion soup, Black Angus burgers, lobster rolls, and an array of entrees such as steak frites, mussels, and New Bedford scallops.
The bar’s quiet resurgence comes at a poignant moment for Washingtonians, who recently faced the unfortunate loss of another beloved institution. On Tuesday, the Kennedy Center, under the guidance of its Trump-led board, made the controversial decision to close the 55-year-old cultural landmark for two years, with discussions of potential demolition circulating, branding it as “Trump’s most grotesque obsession.”
Despite the changes, some elements of Round Robin have remained constant. The decor still showcases framed illustrations of notable American figures, including Buffalo Bill and Woodrow Wilson, which have now been relocated to the hallway leading to the bar. An aging television also remains nestled in the corner near the bar, replaying the previous Sunday’s Bears game for reasons that remain unclear.
The bar welcomes patrons starting at 4 p.m. on weekdays (1 p.m. on Saturdays), operating until midnight.
