The worst thing about the most exciting two minutes in sports: it’s only two minutes. Which is why you need to extend things with a lot of pregame pomp. Otherwise known as bourbon. Here are five Southern-fried places to do that, in order of how seriously they’re taking things.
First thing to know about this party: they don’t have TVs (but they’ll happily announce the winner for all to hear). Second thing to know: they’ll have juleps on tap, as well as Hot Browns and bourbon balls for dessert coming from the kitchen. So their priorities are fine.
You want to get a good seat for the race. You also want brunch. Well, now you have a solution. Bourbon. The spirit, yes, but also the bar, which is serving brunch like chocolate chip pancakes and Kentucky Hot Browns before segueing into juleps and Derby punch. Remember: possession is nine-tenths of the law.
If you think you know something about horse racing, well, first we’d like to know how. And second, you should probably head to the Columbia Heights low-country spot, where amidst juleps and Derby punch, you’ll fill out a trifecta form. Hit all three and they’ll knock $25 off your tab.
Poste’s courtyard is going all Kentucky on us. Well, there’s no McConnell. But there’s a bluegrass band, Southern food, bottomless mint juleps and a one-off keg of DC Brau aged in bourbon barrels. Then compete at Wii horse racing—the winner gets to stay overnight at the Jim Beam distillery. You got this.
Henry Clay himself introduced the julep to DC at the Willard Hotel, so Derby Day is kind of important here. Your cover gets you two juleps, a Southern spread, music and all the gawking you’d like to do at the bonnets in the room. Bet you can’t think of the last great bonnet party you went to.
