Willard Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 628-9100
www.washington.intercontinental.com
Named one of the “Best Bars In America” by ‘Esquire’ magazine, Round Robin Bar isn’t only one of the best, it is also one of the most historical bars in the city. For nearly 200 years the hotel has been the premier destination for presidents, authors, celebrities, politicians and others, and is known for being the hotel Martin Luther King wrote his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. The round mahogany bar has served historical figures like President Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Today, the bar is still making some of the best cocktails in the city and country.
4 F St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 737-3773
www.dublinerdc.com
One of the best parts about some of the businesses in town is their family history. Bars, like The Dubliner, that have been passed down from generation to generation have a special connection to the city. Established in 1974, Daniel J. Coleman’s father opened a pub in New York, and he has passed the love of pubs to his son and nephew. The authentic Irish pub has the largest collection of Guiness Stout in the country, along with a number of Irish brand beverages. Stop by this historic pub for a trip to Ireland.
1610 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-6295
www.stetsons-dc.com
With a name like Stetsons, you would probably think of Texas or another ten-gallon hat wearing state. Stetsons was the first Tex-Mex saloon in Washington, DC. Not really a Tex-Mex city, the bar has become the oldest bar on U St., nonetheless. An instant favorite, the bar became a staple of the D.C. bar scene. With two dozen craft beers on tap, cocktails, wine and a delicious menu, the bar is still a favorite despite the rapid increase of bars in the U St. corridor.
138 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-1288
www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com
Right over the river in Alexandria sits Gadsby’s Tavern, a restaurant and bar that practically saw the birth of the nation. George Washington, John Adams, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson and other presidents and politicians frequented the tavern. More than two hundred centuries old, the tavern is one of the oldest in the country, and has been preserved by the American Legion. The preservation allowed the tavern to keep the doors open, created a museum and saved a historical part of the DC area. Now, the tavern offers a more upscale menu and wine list.
2001 11th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 299-0800
www.bohemiancaverns.com
Bohemian Caverns is one of the coolest bars and venues in the city. The jazz club has hosted many notable local, national and international musicians, including Charles Mingus, Gretchen Parlato, John Coltrane, Roy Hargrove and so many more. Established in 1926, the legendary club is one of the oldest jazz clubs, and is still a significant member of the D.C. music scene. While you are enjoying some jazz, you can also enjoy some delicious food and drinks. You should definitely consider it for your next date night.
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