This Saturday, May 3rd The Kentucky Derby will celebrate the 140th Run for the Roses. One of the most anticipated and prestigious events in the horseracing calendar and undeniably the most popular for both fans and whiskey brands alike, the Derby creates quite the elegant excuse to toss back some day drinks and throw a party, complete with big hats, mint juleps, and lots of bourbon!
We’ve done some digging and here are some of the Best Kentucky Derby Parties in NYC:
Eleven Madison Park
This fancy schmancy event is the grand daddy of all NYC Kentucky Derby soirees. Eleven Madison Park holds its annual Derby party, with Esquire magazine – from 3pm – 7pm, with a $225 ticket gives you access to indulge in unlimited Woodford Reserve, Deleamotte sparklers, mint juleps, a cigar lounge by Nat Sherman, and Chef Daniel Humm‘s take on Derby-fare & raw bar, as well as live music from The Crooners and The Brain Cloud all in the name of a great cause to benefit New York Horse Rescue. We hear it’s sold out, but there’s always Craigslist. Eleven Madison Ave; www.elevenmadisonpark.com
American Whiskey
From 3:30pm – 8pm you can enjoy $50 all you can drink mint juleps in a limited edition cup and make sure to come decked out in Derby gear since there will be a “Best Dressed” contest for the gals & the guys. 247 West 30th Street; www.americanwhiskeynyc.com
Brooklyn Derby / Greenwood Park
Hosting their 11th annual Derby Party at Greenwood Park in Brooklyn, you can enjoy open bar from 4pm – 8pm and lots of themed rivalry at Brooklyn Derby. There will be live performances by The DeLorean Sisters and Dandy Wellington and His Band. People tend to go all out for this one, so make sure you come correct with your hat game. 555 7th Ave, Brooklyn; www.brooklynderby.com
Leave Rochelle Out of It (AKA Rochelle’s)
If getting a lil down & dirty for the Derby is more your style, Rochelle’s in the Lower East Side has got you covered. They will be offering their play on the classic mint julep, the Jumpin’ Julep, for $8 from 2pm – 5pm then $10 after. The Jumpin’ Julep was created by Stephen Yorsz shaking up Kelso Pilsner into the minty mix and the kitchen will be open with bites from Chef Julia Gersuk. 205 Chrystie St; www.rochellesnyc.com
Maison Premiere
If you love oysters, the Derby party at Williamsburg’s Maison Premiere is the place for you. In addition to live music, a variety of delicious juleps and a live broadcast of the race, Chef Lisa Giffen will be serving Derby day food specials, including the raw bar favorites, from 2 – 8 p.m. 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn; www.maisonpremiere.com
Mable’s Smokehouse
If you find yourself in Williamsburg for race day, head over to Mable’s Smokehouse where they are hosting their fourth annual Kentucky Derby Party with $7 mint juleps, and specialty classics like Derby Pie and Old Fashioneds. The restaurant will also show the races on flat screen TVs so you don’t miss any of the action. 44 Berry St, Brooklyn; www.mablessmokehouse.com
Bounce Sporting Club
What would a sporting event be without a soiree from our friends at Bounce Sporting Club. Starting at 3pm, there will be drink specials like $7 Mint Juleps and Moscow Mules along with music by Sobertoflay beginning at 3pm. Make sure you come in Derby themed as prizes will be given out to the best dressed Southern Belle, Gentleman and jockey. 55 West 21st Street; www.bounceny.com
21 Club
If you are feel an hankering for some of that old classic New York, head over to the 21 Club where the Triple Crown has been a time honored tradition for generations. For $55 per person (including tax & gratuity) you get two classic Maker’s Mark mint juleps and two hours of solid Derby bar food from 3:30pm – 5:30pm. 21 W 52nd Street; www.21club.com
Distilled NY
Over in Tribeca, Distilled will get into the Kentucky Derby spirit with cocktails like classic Mint Juleps and Derby Shrubs. Specials will be available from 3 to 8 p.m., and Derby attire is encouraged. 211 West Broadway; www.distilledny.com
Manon
Manon is offering a two course menu Friday & Saturday for the derby for only $49 with a specialty cocktail ($15) the Vagrant with Blantons Bourbon, mint, and strawberry rhubarb lemongrass tea infused syrup … they’re pick for the big winner is ‘Vicar’s in Trouble’ and if this horse wins everyone will receive the specialty cocktail on the house! 407 W 14th St www.manon-ny.com
Meadowlands Racetrack
OK, this is in New Jersey but it’s a racing party at a RACETRACK and so we’re including it! Gates open at 9:30am with “Keep Calm & Derby On” t-shirt giveaways and a special Derby Lunch is $39.95. Woodford Reserve mint juleps are $9 and served in commemorative glasses. Bring your biggest & best hat since top prize of $500 is up for grabs … so yes, our neighbors in Jersey get Derby Love! 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ; www.thebigm.com
Our Best Stories Delivered Daily
