Juleps and Jump Shots

Two quick updates for fans of horse racing and Gilbert Arenas:

I wrote about the Round Robin Bar's annual "Bonnets and Bowties" Kentucky Derby-watching party in the This Week in Nightlife column, but wanted to let everyone know about a (somewhat) cheaper option at Bourbon. The Glover Park bar is opening early (11:30) for brunch on the patio, and pouring mint juleps -- the official drink of the Derby -- using Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve. I'm told that they'll give away off-track betting slips closer to post time, and will show the build-up to the race on televisions in the bar.

If you're heading out to the Wizards game tomorrow night, don't forget to check out our map of bars and restaurants around the MCI Center. There are a lot of choices, so here are my picks:

Before the game, happy hours to hit include the District Chophouse and Brewery, where selected pints of handcrafted beer are $2.50 from 3 to 6; Ella's Wood Fired Pizza, for discounted beers and sangria from 4 to 8 as well as -- get this -- free pizza from 5 to 7, though you may have to elbow a few people out of the way to get a slice; and Matchbox, where specials include $1 off beers and small pizzas and $4 house cocktails.

After the final buzzer, the victory parties will probably continue across the street at Fado or Coyote Ugly's brand new rooftop deck, but lately I've been enjoying the friendly Irish staff and pints at the Irish Channel Pub. A bonus: Unlike R.F.D. or Fado, it's always open through last call.

-- Fritz