Start off your weekend by watching the Kentucky Derby at some of our favorite bars and restaurants!
Refinery Rooftop
To celebrate this year’s Kentucky Derby, Refinery Rooftop, Winnie’s Jazz Bar, and Refinery Hotel are hosting their annual, hotel-wide Derby party. Enjoy four hours of open bar spread across three different venues and three unique parties. Guests can indulge in classic Mint Juleps, Millionaire’s Row champagne bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and more as they dance to live music and multiple live DJs. Just before the race, the best dressed guest will be rewarded with a trip to next year’s Kentucky Derby! As always, Refinery’s Derby Party will be filled with surprise entertainment and a hidden speakeasy. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online here. 63 W 38th Street.
The Wilson
For all the derby day action, The Wilson is showing the race on a big screen projector on the front patio and several 80” high definition TVs throughout the venue. For just $60, horse racing fans can enjoy four hours of open bar, a live DJ, pop-a-shot, giant jenga, and more! The Wilson is located in INNSiDE by Meliá New York NoMad and features year-round patio for, weather permitting, al fresco Derby viewing. These bargain tickets can be purchased online here and table requests are available by emailing reservations@ingoodcompany.com. 132 W 27th Street.
Boulton & Watt
Boulton & Watt is creating the ultimate race day experience for all those who couldn’t make it to Louisville this year. The bar will be transformed into a makeshift Churchill Downs, complete with artificial turf, inflatable horses, and derby duds. Bulleit Bourbon Juleps and Ketel One Botanical Spritzes will be just $8 from 3:00 PM until the end of the race, and there will be a $100 Boulton & Watt gift card awarded to the best hat in the house! Reservations can be made by calling 646-490-6004. 5 Avenue A.
Boqueria
The lively, Barcelona-inspired tapas bar and restaurant, Boqueria will be showing the races at their West 40th Street location. Take a seat at the spacious, light-filled bar to watch the Triple Crown races, while enjoying their signature 5 O’Clock Cocktail with bourbon, rhubarb amaro, atxa white vermouth, lemon, mint, and club soda – it’s a perfectly refreshing Mint Julep alternative, as well as being lower in alcohol so you can sip more than one while you wait for the most exciting two minutes in sports. 260 W 40th Street.
Partners Coffee
The fan favorite Espresso Mint Julep is returning to all Partners Coffee (formerly Toby’s Estate) locations on Derby Day. Stop by one of the charming neighborhood cafes to enjoy the limited edition refreshing summer drink, made with a double shot of espresso, textured milk, and housemade basil-mint syrup, served over ice. While you’re there, check out the Brooklyn-based coffee company’s recently revamped, colorful new branding – it’s our new favorite accessory! Multiple locations.
The Flying Cock
This Derby Day, lively Murray Hill haunt The Flying Cock will be offering a Kentucky twist on a classic cocktail with the Spring Moscow Mule. Made with bourbon, ginger beer, fresh lime, and mint, the mule will be available all day for $13, and for $7 during happy hour from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. 497 3rd Avenue.
The Horny Ram
The Horny Ram, the casual Midtown East brother restaurant to The Flying Cock, will be serving up a Derby Day special in the form of the Mint Julep. Made with the classic combo of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup, the cocktail will be available all day for $13 and pairs perfectly with bar bites like cornflake-crusted chicken strips and crispy shrimp tacos. 951 2nd Avenue.
The Rooftop + Pool at The Williamsburg Hotel
The Rooftop at The Williamsburg Hotel will host a Kentucky Derby party from 2:00-7:00pm on Saturday, May 4. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, rosé courtesy of Whispering Angel, and a live DJ. Derby attire is highly encouraged, and the race will be broadcasted from The Rooftop as well! 96 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg.
Understudy at DeKalb Market Hall
Speakeasy-style bar Understudy at DeKalb Market Hall will be hosting a special, open-to-the-public Kentucky Derby viewing and party starting at 2:30 pm on May 4th. The bar will be using Marker’s Mark Gin only, in partnership with the brand’s initiative to take a pound of trash out of the ocean for every mint julep sold. From classic to basil twist and pineapple juleps, you’ll want to try them all (it’s for a good cause)! P.S. The first 10 people to order a mint julep in a Derby Day hat will receive 1/2 off their drink, so be sure to arrive early in style! 445 Albee Square W, Downtown Brooklyn.
