This Historic Bar Near the White House Has Been Serving US Presidents since 1847 – And You Can Order Their Favorite Cocktails Today

Nicknamed the “Oval Office of Bars”

Want to sip a cocktail where JFK plotted Cuban Missile Crisis strategy? Or taste the same Mint Julep recipe that Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced to Washington’s elite? 

Step into the Round Robin Bar at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel, where nearly two centuries of political history swirl in every glass. 

Since 1847, this legendary establishment has served as an unofficial extension of the White House, hosting every president since Franklin Pierce. 

Here’s your inside look at America’s most powerful watering hole, where you can literally drink in the history of American politics.

The original Mint Julep recipe is still served today

Order their famous Mint Julep and you’ll get the same drink that’s been served since the 1850s. 

Fresh mint from the hotel’s garden, crushed ice, and top-shelf Kentucky bourbon, mixed exactly how Henry Clay taught them. 

Fun fact: During Prohibition, they served these as “special tea” in teacups. They now mix up about 20,000 juleps a year, with lots of orders during inauguration week.

There’s a secret booth where presidential decisions were made

Ask about the “Negotiation Booth” in the northeast corner. President Grant used it as his thinking spot, and FDR wrote parts of his fireside chats here. 

The booth’s perfect for secret meetings since you can see who’s coming and going, but they can’t easily spot you. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK’s team would slip in through the back door for private talks.

This is where the term “lobbyist” was born

That fancy lobby you walked through? It’s where we get the word “lobbyist.” 

Back when President Grant came for cigars and drinks, people would wait there, hoping to catch his ear. 

These days, politicians use a private elevator installed during Kennedy’s time, but the deal-making tradition lives on.

Where political gold nuggets are exchanged

Head to the bar’s west side. That’s where reporters and presidents have their unofficial chats. During World War II, foreign correspondents swapped stories here, and many big scoops started over drinks. 

Even now, press secretaries stop by to give reporters the real scoop, away from the White House briefing room.

The bartenders have special training

The bartenders here aren’t your average mixologists. They’re trained in keeping secrets and handling VIP security. 

Jim Hewes, who served drinks here from 1986 to 2019, knew every president’s favorite drink by heart. Chat with today’s staff, and you might hear some great stories (though they’re careful about what they share).

Presidential souvenirs cover the walls

Look around and you’ll spot signed photos, notes, and even cocktail napkins with presidential doodles. 

Check out Harry Truman’s handwritten note correcting their Mint Julep recipe. He had strong opinions about the bourbon-to-mint ratio. They’ve even kept Lincoln’s old bar tab from the Civil War days.

A tradition for US presidents

Since Franklin Pierce’s time, every new president has visited during inauguration season. It’s tradition to have a drink where Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Kennedy once sat. 

The bar creates a special cocktail for each inauguration, mixing “red” and “blue” ingredients for a bipartisan drink. Check out their leather guest book. It’s full of presidential signatures going back 150 years.

Bonus fact: The circular bar isn’t just for looks. Back in 1847, they designed it so no one could get trapped in a political corner. Pretty smart when you’re dealing with DC’s power players, including presidents. 

Round Robin Bar Address & Hours

Want to visit this presidential bar soon? You can find it at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, inside the Willard InterContinental Hotel.

As of January 2025, the regular operating hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to midnight
• Friday and Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to midnight

Dress code is business casual. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended during inauguration weeks or major DC events.