It’s Derby time, aka the most exciting two minutes in sports, surrounded by hours of sipping and serious hat-watching.The Kentucky Derby is back this Saturday, May 2, and whether you’re tuning in for the race or just an excuse to day drink bourbon in a fancy glass, DC is ready. Think big hats, seersucker suits, and just enough Southern charm to carry you from first sip to finish line. At the center of it all? The mint julep, bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, crushed ice. So simple and dangerously easy to keep sipping. But it’s not the only thing flowing. This is your moment for Southern classics like hot browns, biscuits and pimento cheese, and anything that pairs well with a julep in hand. So whether you’re posting up at a full-on watch party or just looking for the best julep in town, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up where to sip the best mint juleps, where to snack like you’re at Churchill Downs, and where to watch the Race of the Roses in style. Where We’re Sipping Mint JulepsThe mint julep is the drink of the Derby. Bourbon, mint, sugar, crushed ice, simple  and meant to be sipped slowly (even if you don’t). Across the DMV, bartenders are putting their own spin on the classic, some staying true to tradition, others leaning creative, and we are here for all of it. Here’s where to raise your glass:-At The Dabney, Bar Director Daniel Todd (a Michelin Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award winner) takes the classic seriously. His mint julep, made with Sagamore Small Batch Rye, mint, and cane sugar, is a two-day process. Mint oils are slowly extracted into the sugar and whiskey, creating a deeply layered, elegant take on a Southern staple.-Over at The Falls, bartender Freddy Rojas is offering a riff: the Golden Hour Apricot Julep. Built with Michter’s Straight Rye, chilled black tea, and house-made apricot syrup, it’s designed to stretch the experience.-Song Dog Farm Distillery is going classic with their house bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice, but also offering a playful twist from bartender Pat Mecke called the “Secretariat,” featuring strawberry syrup.-At Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, the julep gets a little kick with a Ginger Mint Julep. Think bourbon, orange juice, ginger-mint syrup, and fresh mint and served alongside a proper Kentucky Hot Brown. -Head to SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge and you’ll find a trio of juleps: traditional, raspberry, and blackberry, the latter layered with house-made blackberry mint syrup and topped with powdered sugar.-And at The Fountain Inn, Head Bartender Zack Atzert is offering a zero-proof option, the “Temperance Julep” proof that you can still be in the spirit without the bourbon. Where to Watch: Derby Parties, Bring Your Hats The race may only last a couple of minutes, but the parties? They go all day. Here’s where to post up for the Run for the Roses: -Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 14th Annual Derby Celebration | 3–8 PMOne of the city’s go-to Derby parties. Mint juleps, Southern bites, and a serious bourbon lineup, all leading up to a live viewing of the race.-Lulu’s Winegarden, Run for the Rosés Party | 3 PM – MidnightA pink wine-fueled fête with rosé specials, pink juleps, and all the Derby energy, plus plenty of room to show off your hat game.-SYN Dupont Circle, Derby Brunch & Party | 10 AM – 3 PMStart early with brunch, cocktails, and a stylish crowd, hosted by local fashion favorites DC Fashion Fool and leaning fully into the Derby aesthetic.-Royal Restaurant, Derby Patio Party | 5:30 – 7:30 PMOld Town goes full Churchill Downs with juleps, a festive buffet, live race viewing, and a Best Hat Contest. There’s even a “Winners Circle” if you’re feeling lucky.-Succotash Prime, Derby with Maker’s MarkA more curated experience with juleps, bites, and even a souvenir cup, perfect if you want something a little more sophisticated. Triple Crown Season Is Here and Derby Day is just the beginning.Kentucky Derby – Saturday, May 2, 2026Preakness Stakes – Saturday, May 16, 2026Belmont Stakes – Saturday, June 6, 2026Three races. Three chances to dress up, and raise a glass. See more on our events calendar here. 

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Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com is tracking all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities happening across the DMV, highlighting a multi-day celebration packed with food, drinks, and lively events. The festivities kick off early with several multi-day whiskey-focused celebrations featuring Irish favorites, Guinness, and classic dishes. On March 14, guests can enjoy a waterfront VIP Irish experience with whiskey tastings and live music, while neighborhood spots host all-day celebrations and themed events. Alexandria joins in with a city-wide bar crawl, and a long-running St. Baldrick’s Day event on March 15 offers a meaningful way to celebrate while raising funds for pediatric cancer research. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, iconic pubs across Capitol Hill and Northern Virginia deliver all-day parties filled with Irish music, whiskey, and community spirit. Nycci’s top advice: pace yourself, enjoy the hearty Irish fare, and remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Welcome to Industry Night with Nycci Nellis, and we are back at City Ridge, this time in the absolutely gorgeous, amphitheater-style setting at The Botanica.I love being here. Last time I was in the neighborhood, I was over at Equinox in Wisconsin chatting with powerhouse pastry chef Susan Bae, and today, I’m sitting down with another true force in the industry: Award-winning chef and restaurateur Amy Brandwein.Amy and I go way back, like, way back. I first met her in Roberto Donna’s kitchen at Galileo, in the Laboratorio days, when http://TheListAreYouOnIt.com was just getting off the ground, and she was one of the only women in that kitchen. Fast forward, and she is now the chef and owner of Centrolina and Piccolina, a multi–James Beard nominee, and one of the most respected voices in the DC dining scene.But this conversation? We go deeper.We talk about her unconventional path — from politics to pasta — the realities of building and running a restaurant, and what leadership in the kitchen really looks like today.We did get a little dark and a little teary.Amy shares stories from earlier in her career, moments that were incredibly difficult at the time, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her into the leader she is today: stronger and deeply committed to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for her team.We also dig into kitchen culture, labor models, mentorship, and what it means to be a woman leading in today’s restaurant industry.It’s honest, it’s real, and it’s a conversation that feels especially important right now.You think you know, but you don’t know.Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.