Review: Rob Roy

First impression?
Mid-century chic meets ‘70s era man cave. There are long-slung, tube-shaped ceiling lights, bucket-seat bar stools, lots of tufted leather, and shelves of vintage vinyl.

Cool. So who’s there?
Owner Anu Elford—who also owns nearby spots No Anchor and Navy Strength—employs the city’s best bartenders, both full-time or for the occasional guest shift. And this, plus the super-chill vibe here, attracts more-mature patrons to a block of venues usually reserved for raucous 20-somethings.

How are the drinks?
Sweetened by cane sugar, with a hit of citrus from orange oil, Rob Roy’s old fashioned rivals the best around. But the ever-changing cocktail list contains lots of inviting new concoctions too—try sherry punch, a refreshing rickey spiced with turmeric, or anything with rum.

Worth ordering something to eat, too?
Rob Roy deals with the pesky requirement that bars in Washington serve food by stocking frozen meals from takeaway chain Eat Local. Have dinner elsewhere, is what we’re saying.

Did the staff do you right?
Opened in 2009, Rob Roy was Anu Elford’s first bar, and a decade later she’s got it dialed in and then some. The bartenders are nice, they make great drinks, and everyone loves it here.

Wrap it up: what are we coming here for?
Whether you’re winding down a bar crawl or stopping in with a friend for one civilized drink (okay maybe two), Rob Roy’s always the right choice. And even serious Scrooges can’t help but smile when they walk in here during the holidays—the bar goes full kitsch on the decor and features a special menu of themed cocktails served in Christmas glasses and mugs. It’s just the best.