Off The Record Voted a Top Hotel Bar in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Off The Record Voted a Top Hotel Bar in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards

WASHINGTON, DC – August 21, 2026 – The Hay-Adams is delighted to announce that its bar, Off The Record, has been voted as one of the country’s top hotel bars in the USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Off The Record is number five in the United States.

These nominations were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before being voted on by the public.

This recognition reflects the bar’s blend of exceptional service and unique ambience. Off The Record at The Hay-Adams is a celebrated Washington institution, bringing together the city’s political wit, cocktail culture, and enduring sense of occasion. Beloved by locals, hotel guests, and visitors alike, the bar pairs its signature red interiors and lively yet sophisticated atmosphere with handcrafted cocktails, light bites, and thoughtful nonalcoholic options. Its distinctive visual identity draws on more than a century of political cartooning—including works from the Arthur J. Wood Collection, now housed at the Library of Congress—with editorially inspired coasters and framed artwork that offer a playful, distinctly D.C. perspective on the people and moments shaping the capital.

In addition to its regular menu, Off The Record also presents “Leading Cocktails of the World” selections, iconic cocktails of The Hay-Adams’ fellow Leading Hotels of the World members around the world. This year, the bar also introduced a monthly intimate tasting experience, “Six at Six,” held at the otherwise-not-reservable seating area known as “The Bench” for its framed caricatures of Supreme Court Justices.

The full list of USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Hotel Bar can be found here.

About The Hay-Adams
Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the nation’s most iconic institutions, The Hay-AdamsⓇ is the downtown Washington hotel for discerning guests. Enveloped by views of the White House, St. John's Church, and the scenic Lafayette Park, the five-star accommodations at The Hay-Adams are the embodiment of refined residence. Marked by Washington, DC's most accommodating amenities and dedicated services, The Hay-Adams is the boutique hotel of choice for the modern luxury traveler and is consistently recognized as one of the world's best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Fodor's Travel and U.S. News & World Report. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the largest collection of distinctive independent luxury hotels in the world, The Hay-Adams exemplifies the collection's distinctive luxury, blending timeless elegance with local culture. For reservations and additional information, visit www.hayadams.com.

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