5 Historic Washington, DC Hotel Bars You Should Visit

Above image: The lounge at the Tabard Inn; photo courtesy of Pamela Leopold Photography

Though DC offers an array of new trendy bars and restaurants, it’s the elegant old-world bars hidden in historic hotels that deliver exceptional experiences impossible to replicate. Carving out time to visit these timeless hotel bars and lounges offers a magical way to experience the nation’s capital, providing a unique portal into a bygone era. Etched with history, these 5 storied establishments invite you to slip into a soft leather seat, savor classic cocktails and step back in time.

1. The St. Regis Washington, DC

Steps from the White House, this regal hotel offers a formidable example of stately elegance—an impression that only intensifies when you enter the 1926 St. Regis Bar. Giving off vibes of both clubby intimacy and elevated formality, the showy space has towering ceilings, dark wood paneling, and plush velvet drapes. For nearly 100 years, it’s been a favorite rendezvous point for local power players and visiting glitterati.

Order the signature cocktail: The Capitol Mary, a plot twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Inspired by the nearby Chesapeake Bay, the elixir contains spices found in a typical crab feast. A complimentary serving of wasabi and smoky almonds completes the expression of abundance at this magical bar.

2. Willard Intercontinental Washington, DC

Sitting between the West Wing and the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue, this storied property has long been adept at juggling political tensions through the hallowed meeting spot of the legendary Round Robin Bar. Here, in DC’s famous circular bar is where differences fade in a convivial setting. Brimming with history, the bar features oak-paneled walls that are full of old photographs of famous regulars dating back to 1847.

Savor their famed Mint Julep, which was purportedly first crafted here when the savvy Kentuckian politician Henry Clay brought Kentucky bourbon to the capital as a gesture of diplomacy. To this day, the Round Robin Bar chooses Kentucky bourbon as the base for its Mint Julep and serves upwards of 20,000 of this iconic cocktail per year.

3. The Hay-Adams

At this glamorous AAA Four Diamond hotel across from the White House, join DC’s chattering class for happy hour at Off The Record, one of the capital’s most popular hotel bars. Billed as the “place to be seen but not heard,” Off The Record places you among high-level insiders engaging in intriguing deal-making. The fireplace and warm décor reflect a comfy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Nibble on complimentary homemade potato chips and clutch a handcrafted cleverly named cocktail—such as Brooklyn in the House (of Representatives), a nod to life inside the Beltway. Though the drink menu changes seasonally, the hands-down perennial favorite is the Classic Pear Martini.

4. Tabard Inn

Once a 1920s tearoom, this charming 30-room Dupont Circle establishment enjoys the distinction of being DC’s oldest continually operating inn. Named for the English inn featured in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the Tabard Inn makes guests feel as if they're visiting an old English public house.

With nine multicolored stools and high-top tables, the intimate low-ceiling bar has dark wood features—reminiscent of those found in Europe. In the adjacent wooden lounge, enjoy a real crackling fire in the fireplace while sipping the signature Gin in the Cupboard, which uses Roku gin. Stop in on Sunday and Monday evenings to add free live jazz to your experience, a celebrated music event occurring for more than 30 years —a DC record.

5. The Jefferson

Featuring Beaux-Arts design by acclaimed architect Jules Henri de Sibour, The Jefferson presents an imposing statement a half-mile from the White House. Be whisked back in time as you walk across the century-old checkered black-and-white marble floor to Quill, a refined bar and lounge with dark wood paneling, sumptuous fabrics, and copper plate engravings of French wine maps, including those charting Thomas Jefferson’s wine excursions. Featuring a bewitching glass bar, this establishment provides an ambience that deepens as the reflected light winks, enveloping the space with amber hues.

Order the signature drink: The Floor Is Guava, inspired by the Netflix game show The Floor Is Lava—and graze on complimentary Italian Castelvetrano olives.