"Tea at the Willard is a big deal in Washington—people regularly clamor for reservations—so come here when you feel like dressing up. It’s served in the ornate Peacock Alley, which is decorated in pastel blues and filled with chandeliers and palms, to the sounds of a live harpist. This is definitely something to plan ahead for (ideally far ahead—for the holiday teas, we recommend booking the day reservations become available in the fall). And while it’s best known today for tea (which starts at $95), the Willard is also famous for another beverage: It was the first place outside of Kentucky to serve a mint julep. " - madeline weinfield