Many, many cars drive on East Wash every day, but how many of the drivers have noticed the nondescript Julep in the 800 block? Probably very few, and that’s too bad for them, because you’ll find Julep is an excellent spot for southern food and cocktails.
Julep shares interior and exterior space with A-OK (coffee shop) and Barolo (bar). All three opened last fall.
Drinks first. Of course, with a name like Julep, you have to expect mint juleps served here. You’ll also find other craft cocktails and a lengthy spirits list on the drink menu.
- The house julep ($7) features Four Roses and is mild on the mint flavor.
- The Yellow Chartreuse stands out the most in the Butterfly Weed ($9).
- Pop’s Garden ($9) is sweet enough to mask the bourbon.
- On the other hand, the bourbon sweet tea ($6) is not that sweet and actually has some strength.
Onto the food. The one-page menu has appetizers (“snacks”), little plates and “dinners.” You’ll also find nightly specials (e.g. fried perch was available on a recent Friday).
- The Cast Iron Cornbread ($6) is light, not too dense, has a crispy crust and goes exceptionally well with the fluffy butter.
- The chicken in the fried chicken thighs ($18) is de-boned and seemed like white meat. Still, it’s very moist and coated in tasty, crispy skin with a slight hint of heat. The accompanying ham hock was scattered through the sweet and enjoyable collard greens.
- The shrimp fritters ($6) sort of remind you of a hush puppy, except these were soggy and lacked flavor.
Julep is open every day for dinner.
