In early March, we took a brief excursion to Washington, DC. Since we had recently become non-resident members of the Army and Navy Club, we wanted to pay the club a visit and stay for a few days. During our stay, we had the opportunity to tour the White House and Ford’s Theater, as well as a couple of the Smithsonian Museums. Our dining experiences included meals at the Army and Navy Club, our go-to spot Old Ebbitt Grill, as well as Off the Record Bar (Hay Adams Hotel) and Round Robin Bar (Willard Hotel). Washington DC has always been one of my favorite US cities.
The Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic restaurant located in Washington D.C. near the White House. It first opened its doors in 1856 and has been in operation continuously since then, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the city.
The restaurant is decorated with historic memorabilia, including political cartoons and photographs, which gives it a unique and nostalgic atmosphere. It’s said that Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt were all patrons of the restaurant during their time in office.
The Off the Record Bar is a popular bar located inside the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington D.C. The bar is known for its classic cocktails and upscale atmosphere, as well as its reputation as a spot for political insiders and journalists to gather and have off-the-record conversations.
The bar is decorated with political cartoons and caricatures, giving it a unique and quirky vibe. It’s often referred to as a “hidden gem” due to its discreet location and intimate setting.
The Round Robin Bar is a historic bar located inside the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington D.C. The bar has been a fixture in the city for over a century and is known for its classic cocktails, upscale ambiance, and famous clientele.
The Round Robin Bar has been frequented by numerous famous guests over the years, including politicians, diplomats, and celebrities. It’s said that President Abraham Lincoln used to frequent the bar during the Civil War and that the term “lobbyist” was coined in the bar’s early days when political advocates would wait in the lobby to talk to members of Congress who were also patrons of the bar.