Wash Ave’s Julep Reopens with Outdoor Derby Day Party

Wash Ave’s Julep Reopens with Outdoor Derby Day Party

Photo by Emily Jaschke

ALBA HUERTA'S POPULAR Washington Avenue bar Julep is finally reopening to the public on Derby Day (21-and-up, purchase tickets via Julep's website) this Saturday after pivoting to the JulepToGo delivery model, which includes two JulepToGo trucks known for camping out at popular outdoor locales like Menil Park. Julep previously reopened in September as a restaurant on weekends only.


"I can't think of a more appropriate day to reopen Julep to the public," said Huerta in a statement, which also urged attendees to dress cocktail-casual and don their favorite derby hats and bowties to the Covid-conscious outdoor fete. "We celebrate Southern cocktail culture year-round, and every year during the Kentucky Derby, the rest of the world joins us in the celebration!"

Julep (photo by Julie Soefer)

Alba Huerta (photo by Julie Soefer)

From noon to 6pm on Saturday, returning patrons will be able to recover from their year-long mixology malnourishment. The cocktail queen's signature bourbon-mint juleps and several other bevs will be available to order from four satellite bars, two main bars, mint julep carts, a "spirit-free" cocktail bar, or the JulepToGo truck.

The al fresco party will also include bites by Feges BBQ, like pimento cheese with spiced cracklins, Benedictine tea sandwiches, bourbon balls and more! Also expect boozy popsicles, hot dogs from Good Dog Houston, desserts by Jane Wild, lawn games, a live DJ and a Vinyl Ranch pop-up shop.

Julep's Derby Day menu will be available all weekend long; the reopening party marks the bar's return to full service seven days a week, from 4pm-2am. "As the world slowly starts to reopen, so are we," says Huerta. "It's time to run for the roses."

People + Places
Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less