And they’re off! It’s about that time of year again – the Kentucky Derby. And that means one thing: parties. With lots of Mint Juleps and fun, floppy hats. Here is our list of the best places to catch all the race day action and where to drink to celebrate Kentucky Derby 2015 in NYC.
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park Kentucky Derby party
There really is no Kentucky Derby party quite like the one at Eleven Madison Park. Featuring a raw bar, fried chicken, Mint Juleps, cigars by Nat Sherman and live music, the annual bash at this four-star restaurant is back again, with drinks from Woodford Reserve and Moët & Chandon. Tickets are sold out but check the website to get on the waiting list. 11 Madison Avenue; www.elevenmadisonpark.com
Bounce Sporting Club
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
This upscale sports bar knows how to throw a party – and it’s will be quite an afternoon for the Derby! Bounce Sporting Club hosts the Fire & Bubbles Kentucky Derby bash. Catch all the action while sipping Dead Heat cocktails – Jack Daniel’s Fire, Mumm Napa Prut Prestige and OJ – or taking $5 shots of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. And don’t forget the Mint Julep Table Service kits or the lessons on how to saber a bottle of Mumm Sparkling Wine the right way. 55 West 21st Street; www.bounceny.com
Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen
Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen
Head to Chelsea to catch the horses as Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen celebrates with a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party, complete with a $100 prize for “Best Dressed” and $10 Mint Juleps. 169 8th Avenue; www.coopersnyc.com
Maison Premiere
Mint Julep at Maison Premiere
’21’ Club
’21’ Club
Celebrate the Derby in style at this Midtown institution (there are even jockey statues out front, guys!), whose Derby party features two classic Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, two hours of Southern hors d’oevres and games all day. Guests can also indulge in the ’21’ Club’s signature Triple Crown cocktail. Tickets are $65. 21 West 52nd Street; www.21club.com
Sweetwater Social
Julep at Sweetwater Social
This downtown cocktail den is doing the Derby thing, with themed cocktails like the Larceny Bourbon Julep, Frozen Julep, the Garland of Roses – with champagne and PAMA – and a Winners Circle Punch. For $25, guests can enjoy two different bourbon flights: Bottled In Bond (J.W. Dant, Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, Henry McKenna) and Barrel Mingling (Evan Williams Black, Elijah Craig 12, Evan Williams Single Barrel). There will also be Southern-inspired fare and prizes for best hat, best dressed, and more! 643 Broadway; www.drinksweetwater.com
Mable’s Smokehouse
BBQ at Mable’s Smokehouse
This Brooklyn eatery is bringing back their much-loved Derby celebration, featuring $7 Mint Juleps and delicious slow-cooked barbecue. 44 Berry Street; www.mablessmokehouse.com
Brickyard Gastropub
Brickyard Gastropub
This Midtown sports bar will be toasting the Derby all day long, with a party featuring drink and food specials – Mint Juleps, natch – and a “Best Derby Hat” contest. 785 9th Avenue; www.brickyardnyc.com
Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel
Haven Rooftop
For the Derby festivities, Haven Rooftop will have speciality cocktails, including the Blueberry Mint Julep for $14, and willbe showing the race. Guests are encouraged to wear their biggest, floppiest Derby-inspired hats – anyone who shows up in one gets a free drink! 132 West 47th Street; www.havenrooftop.com
Billet & Bellows
Billet and Bellows
This Williamsburg newcomer is getting in on the Derby party action, with a viewing party featuring $8 Mint Juleps and Peach Mint Juleps (from the bar’s new spring cocktail menu), with Rittenhouse Rye, Mint Tea Syrup and Peche Lambic Ale. The Jazzingaro “gypsy jazz” trio will play bluegrass and jazz all afternoon in front of the large, open windows, and fancy hats and dresses are encouraged. 177 Grand Street; www.billetandbellows.com
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