Anyone looking for a margarita or a mint julep for the Kentucky Derby or Cinco de Mayo has a mountain of options. There’s also some new D.C.-brewed beer launching, as well as a chocolate festival and a rooftop brunch debut.
Leave your umbrella at home when at El Techo
Starting this weekend, there’s no need to cross El Techo’s lush rooftop bar off your list when the rain starts: The “adult tree house” is debuting an all-weather roof that’s semi-transparent and can be lowered down for rainy days. The Shaw bar is also rolling out a new menu of frozen drinks in time for Cinco de Mayo weekend, including frosé and a mezcal margarita infused with strawberry, blueberry, lemongrass, and mango. Patrons can celebrate the holiday with DJs all weekend. (El Techo, Friday-Sunday, a la carte)
Go off to the races at Logan Tavern
Break out your biggest summer hat: Logan Tavern is throwing a Kentucky Derby party. The race will be playing on TV, and your ticket includes two drinks and Derby-themed snacks. There’s other Southern fare for sale, including fried green tomatoes and Kentucky hot brown. It wouldn’t be a Derby party without mint juleps, and the Logan Circle restaurant’s options come with optional peach or blackberry flavor additions. (Logan Tavern, Saturday, 4 p.m., $35)
Mint juleps up at Due South
Bottomless frozen mint juleps will line the bar at Due South during this weekend’s Kentucky Derby party. The kitchen will also have hot browns, beer cheese crostinis and other Southern-inspired snacks and drinks for purchase. The first 200 guests will get a raffle ticket for a chance at gift cards, a two-night stay at a local hotel, Solidcore class packs and other prizes. There are also gift card prizes on the line for the three best hats of the afternoon. (301 Water St. SE, Saturday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., $40 for bottomless mint juleps with food a la carte)
Toast to local brews at Valor Brewpub
Capitol Hill’s Valor Brewpub is finally ready to roll out its namesake beers. The veteran-inspired restaurant, which opened this fall, will be ready for the weekend with four brews: a kolsch, a Northwest IPA, a Vienna lager and an American porter. The lineup will start pouring on Friday, with select beers offered for $4 every Monday and a $12 beer and burger of the month each Tuesday. (723 8th St. SE, Friday at 5 p.m.., a la carte).
Chocoholics unite at the Embassy of France
Sweet tooths won’t want to miss this year’s DC Chocolate Festival at the Embassy of France, an afternoon of demonstrations, educational seminars and, of course, tastings. The event features a full slate of programming, from a kids chocolate making class to an exploration of how chocolate gets from bean to bar. (Embassy of France, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $20).
Kick off festival season at Hank’s
Dance like nobody’s watching at Hank’s Oyster Bar’s mock music festival, “Fyrchellaroo.” Nosh on corn dogs and waffles and sip adult lemonade while listening to the best of popular and up-and-coming music. The patio will be outfitted with lounge seating and modern comforts, including bathroom access and plenty hydration. (Hank’s Oyster Bar Capitol Hill, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free with registration)
Get in full bloom at the National Cathedral
Spend a day shopping and eating at the 2019 National Cathedral Flower Mart. The outdoor event features local artisans and crafters along with a variety of food vendors serving up baked goods, frozen treats, grilled meats, and other fare. Reservations are also available for special Friday and Saturday luncheons inside the Cathedral tower. (National Cathedral, Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free entry, $40 for the tower lunch, otherwise a la carte)
Brunch with a view at 12 Stories
Pair avocado toast and a cold brew martini with panoramic waterfront views during 12 Stories’ new brunch. The rooftop restaurant at The Wharf is debuting its weekend menu with approachable dishes (smoked salmon bagels and potato and mushroom frittatas make an appearance) and playful cocktails like the Lucy’s Diamond, with pamplemousse rosé, lemon bitters, orange blossom water, and sparkling wine. (12 Stories, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., a la carte)
Try some bartender-approved drinks at Reliable Tavern
Two years in business is reason for celebration at Reliable Tavern. The Petworth bar is marking the occasion all this week with a staff-inspired drink list. (It turns out that Tracy likes Caipirinhas, while Ben A. goes for room temperature Tecate and a shot of rail gin?). And be sure to take advantage of rotating break-even pricing (read: deep discounts) on whiskey pours throughout the weekend. (Reliable Tavern, through Sunday, a la carte).
Bonus: Snap up tickets to Emporiyum
Tickets are now on sale for the next Emporiyum tasting and shopping experience at Union Market. Early bird tickets for the November event are on sale now, including options for VIP access and a Friday night preview party. Food fans pack the event to discover the latest and greatest foods and gifts from artisans and chefs in D.C. and around the country. Expect sips, samples and good vibes throughout. (Dock 5 at Union market, November 8-10, $15 and up).
