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."