The Kentucky Derby goes down on Saturday, and even though the race only lasts a couple minutes, there are plenty of places in Washington to party through the afternoon and into the evening.
1337 14th St., NW
Head to Logan Circle from 3 to 7 pm for live bluegrass music, mint juleps, and craft beers. There’s also a costume contest favoring the proper horse race-watching attire: bright pastels and floppy hats. A $65 ticket gets you four drinks and Southern-themed grub.
2007 18th St., NW
Adams Morgan’s marquee bar hosts its fourth annual derby day bash, complete with “Derby Punch,” cocktails, Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale, and complimentary Southern snacks. The terrace opens at 3 pm
3718 14th St., NW
Head in at 11 am for a “Big Hat Brunch,” where you can Instagram your headwear for a chance to win free mint juleps.
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar
1104 H St., NE
If you’re more into pigs than horses, head to H Street for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink party with kegs, whole-roasted pigs, and meat lollipops (yum). Tickets are $45 a pop.
1841 7th St., NW
Strap on your seersucker suits at 2 pm for mint juleps and rolled oyster Hot Browns. Be sure to stick around until 6:34 pm sharp, when the gates swing open and the horses are off.
1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
The famed hotel hosts its annual Bonnets & Bowties party this Saturday, right on schedule. Celebrate the 142nd Kentucky Derby to the tune of Makers Mark mint juleps, an open beer and wine bar, Southern-style buffet food, live jazz, and casino-style games. Tickets are $99, and doors open at 4 pm.
901 New York Ave., NW
Chef Jeff Tunks’s Cajun/Creole spot kicks off the first leg of the Triple Crown with Churchill Downs specialties: hot browns, burgoo stew, and derby pie. The restaurant will also have an in-house “Master of Bourbon” to pour samples and chat.
1423 P St., NW
Help yourself to traditional Derby Day fare like fried green tomatoes ($9), hot browns ($16), and chocolate derby pie ($8). You can also try a mint, peach, or blackberry julep, or grab a Rolling Rock for $5. Guests get a chance to participate in a horse race card-drawing game for a chance to win a gift certificate. Doors open at 3 pm.
1320 14th St., NW
Try something from the Pig’s collection of high-end whiskeys, like the “Trifecta” ($40) with limited-edition Woodford Reserve, or the “Show” ($15) with Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon. The offer runs all weekend long.
301 Water St., SE
This bar near the Navy Yard hosts its first annual Derby celebration from 3 to 7 pm with $40 bottomless frozen juleps (with a free glass for the first 50 who order), Southern-style food, and a hat contest (winner gets a $150 gift card).
