Leisure

Derby Dancing

Five Derby-Watching Parties to Consider

This much is clear: very soon, you’ll be watching the Kentucky Derby over many a julep. But what’s unclear is where exactly you’ll be when the starting gate opens. And since that’s kind of important, we’ve scientifically rated the city’s five best viewing parties. Minus science.

SOUTHERN ART

This Could Get Seersucker-y

The Scene: A blur of seersucker on a Buckhead terrace. Also: a bluegrass trio. Also: you hopefully betting on the right horse and winning a bottle of bourbon.
The Julep Situation: They’re going the classic route: three healthy ounces of bourbon, mint and powdered sugar over crushed ice. So... the classic route.

THE OPTIMIST

A Fine Place to Watch Thoroughbreds Run

The Scene: You’re among friends who are seriously invested in the race. And you’re seriously invested in eating lobster rolls.
The Julep Situation: They’re there. They’re delicious. And they’re still going to be both there and delicious should you need some consoling after the race.

THE FAMILY DOG

Found the Free-to-Almost-Free Juleps

The Scene: Packed. Show up early to get a good view of the projection screen or the four flat-screens.
The Julep Situation: The going rate is $5, but the first one’s on the house if they approve of what you’re wearing. A seersucker unitard should just about do it.

IN YOUR DREAMS FARM

Watching Horses Race from a Horse Farm

The Scene: An equestrian facility in Alpharetta with an 11-piece band led by a saxophonist who used to play with James Brown.
The Julep Situation: Present and accounted for. They’ll also have bourbon samples. Seems as if somebody got the “you truly enjoy bourbon samples” memo.

THE WARREN

Someone Did It: Bottomless Juleps

The Scene: Partaking in last-minute bets with girls in giant hats. Not to mention partaking in pork-stuffed baguettes, pimento sandwiches and, oh right, bottomless mint juleps.
The Julep Situation: Guess we kind of jumped the gun there.