Washington DC (Winter 2026) - Day 1

Had an opportunity to visit DC in February during a cold spell. Temperatures hovered just above freezing for most of the trip with a few spouts of cold rain (which is the worst - I’d much rather have snow). Had not been here in many, many years so was looking forward to hanging around town.

DC Metro

Many thumbs up for the metro system as they had just recently switched to allowing you to tap your credit card or mobile phone payment to ride the system to align with other places like Singapore and NYC to make it much easier to visit. No more need to purchase a transit card. You just have to tap out with the same credit card you used to enter.

Felt bad for the National Guard people still assigned to stand around areas in DC doing nothing all day.

They must be bored out of their minds. The subway was probably a popular place to patrol since it was so cold outside.

Proper 21

First order of business after a long flight was to grab some grub and coat my stomach for the rest of the night. I saw a photo of the smash burger at this place online and it did not disappoint. This bar/restaurant was completely packed on this Thursday night. I was lucky to find a place at the bar to squeeze in. The crowd seemed like a lot of people hitting this place after the workday.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Trying to visit the oldest bar in DC this night. This famous bar by the White House is listed as the oldest “saloon” being established in 1856. This place was also packed this night. I was told that there are actually 4 different bars inside the restaurant. Since it was so crowded I grabbed the first open seat I saw at the bar near the front.

Lots of groups were waiting at the front waiting for a table. This seemed like the popular place to be on this night.

Round Robbin Bar

This famous bar is inside the Willard Intercontinental Hotel (also by the White House) claims to be the oldest bar (1847). You walk down a hallway from the hotel lobby and you come upon this round bar. It’s an upscale atmosphere with upscale prices to match.

Not sure what event or visitor was in town but plenty of secret service guys milling around the hotel and the street in front was closed to traffic while I was there.

Shelly’s Back Room

Ended the night at this cigar bar not far from the other bars I’d been going to on this night. This place was also packed. Maybe Thursday is like everyone’s new Friday because they work from home on Fridays?

Again I think I was able to grab the last open chair. You can bring your own cigar without a cutting fee here. All they ask is a $30 minimum spend which is just a couple of whiskeys. Very friendly and helpful staff here. It’s a great place to kill some time.

I was curious and asked them how much it cost for a locker there and it was $4100 for the year. There was no wait list as they had more lockers in the back even though the ones in the front were full.