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Get a Gin Rickey and a Mint Julep on Eater's Classics Bar Crawl

Keep it classy with this classics bar crawl.

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Round Robin
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classics week logoThere's no better way to experience a town that a great crawl. And for those looking to impress a date or a classy evening exploration of the city, there's nothing better than a crawl of classic D.C. bars. All of these bars feature classic architecture or are steeped in history. Best of all, each is a short stroll from the other. Here's where to go and what to order.

Want to carry on the night? Try out some classics in other neighborhoods like Martin's Tavern, The Dubliner and Tune Inn.

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St. Regis Bar

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The St. Regis is the best place to kick off the crawl for those who can get started right at 5 p.m. That's because each day at 5 p.m. one of the bartenders will saber complimentary champagne in the lobby. Then go inside the bar to gawk at some of the original architectural detail in the hand-carved wood ceiling. And consider ordering a Bloody Mary while you're there — the hotel claims to have invented the drink.

Off the Record

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Next, head across the street to Off the Record, with its clubby decor perfect for those clandestine meetings between nearby White House staffers and Post reporters. Sip on seasonal cocktails or get in to the Mad Men spirit of the place and choose from a selection of bourbon, scotch and cognac.

Old Ebbitt Grill

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The Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856, and moved around before settling in to its current location on the 15th Street in the 1983. In spite of that the interiors remain decidedly old school with Victorian interiors and the restaurant contains memorabilia from its previous incarnations. Pull up to one of the four full service bars for a classic cocktail or cellared wines and some oysters from the raw bar.

The Round Robin Bar

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The Round Robin & Scotch Bar is the perfect mellow end to the evening. Opened in 1847, it has played host to presidents and famed authors like Walt Whitman and Mark Twain. But now it's the place to listen to the storytelling of veteran bartender Jim Hewes while enjoying a mint julep or sipping one of the many scotches.

1331 Bar & Lounge

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D.C.'s official cocktail, the gin rickey, was invented at a bar that used to stand on the site of the current JW Marriott hotel. As an ode to its history, the hotel's 1331 Bar & Lounge offers the drink (it's even half-priced during happy hour).

St. Regis Bar

The St. Regis is the best place to kick off the crawl for those who can get started right at 5 p.m. That's because each day at 5 p.m. one of the bartenders will saber complimentary champagne in the lobby. Then go inside the bar to gawk at some of the original architectural detail in the hand-carved wood ceiling. And consider ordering a Bloody Mary while you're there — the hotel claims to have invented the drink.

Off the Record

Next, head across the street to Off the Record, with its clubby decor perfect for those clandestine meetings between nearby White House staffers and Post reporters. Sip on seasonal cocktails or get in to the Mad Men spirit of the place and choose from a selection of bourbon, scotch and cognac.

Old Ebbitt Grill

The Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856, and moved around before settling in to its current location on the 15th Street in the 1983. In spite of that the interiors remain decidedly old school with Victorian interiors and the restaurant contains memorabilia from its previous incarnations. Pull up to one of the four full service bars for a classic cocktail or cellared wines and some oysters from the raw bar.

The Round Robin Bar

The Round Robin & Scotch Bar is the perfect mellow end to the evening. Opened in 1847, it has played host to presidents and famed authors like Walt Whitman and Mark Twain. But now it's the place to listen to the storytelling of veteran bartender Jim Hewes while enjoying a mint julep or sipping one of the many scotches.

1331 Bar & Lounge

D.C.'s official cocktail, the gin rickey, was invented at a bar that used to stand on the site of the current JW Marriott hotel. As an ode to its history, the hotel's 1331 Bar & Lounge offers the drink (it's even half-priced during happy hour).

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