The Best Kentucky Derby Viewing Parties
The 143th Annual Kentucky Derby takes place on May 6th and New York City is ready to celebrate. Put on your best seersucker suit and your largest hat because it's time to sip on frozen Mint Juleps at one of these fine viewing parties. By Carly Petrone.
Root & Bone
200 E. 3rd St.
New York, NY
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Root & Bone is pulling out all the stops for the Kentucky Derby. Grab your biggest and most colorful hat because their Derby Soiree cocktail party starts at 4:30 p.m. An open bar of mint juleps and passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations with signature dishes like sweet tea brined fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits await. There will be prizes for those who show up in the most creative hat as well as other Derby-related festivities. Cheer on your favorite horse while sipping on Southern cocktails and champagne. Does it get much better than that? Tickets are $60 and includes all food and drinks. Derby attire (aka seersucker) is strongly encouraged.
Sweetwater Social
643 Broadway
New York, NY
10012
212-253-0477
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Sweetwater Social has teamed up with Heaven Hill Brands to throw a Derby party fit for any Southerner. From 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. guests can sip on Sacred Bond Frozen Grasshoppers, Garland of Roses Cocktails, and Elijah Craig Juleps (all $10/each). There will be games and indoor horse racing, Southern-inspired bites, and prizes for the best dressed and owner of the best hat. Dance along to a live bluegrass band while watching the most exciting two minutes in sport. Celebrate a win (or a loss) with $8 Cold Spell Mini-Julep Shots or a $30 whiskey flight. Make your reservation today at events@drinksweetwater.com.
Atlantic Social
673 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
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Chef Dale Talde is spicing up the food menu especially for Atlantic Social's Brooklyn Themed Kentucky Derby Party. There will be passed appetizers, a full buffet (highlights include Kentucky Hot Brown Biscuits and Pickled Shrimp), and an open bar featuring Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps. Strut into the party wearing your best hat for the chance to win a prize. Tickets are $35 online, $40 at the door, and party goes from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
The Roof at The Viceroy
124 W. 57th St., 29th Fl.
New York, NY 10019
212-707-8008
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It's time for the annual Derby Day celebration at The Roof of Viceroy Central Park. Soak up the sun on May 6th starting at 1 p.m. and stop by the Mint Julep Bar for some classic, frozen, or raspberry Mint Juleps. Nosh on Pimento Cheese Biscuits, "Chicken Fried" Oysters, Kentucky Hot Browns, and Country Ham Deviled Eggs. A DJ will keep the good times going with Southern jazz while guests can enter a raffle for the chance to win tickets to the Belmont Stakes.
The Rose Club at The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
212-759-3000
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It doesn't get much more luxurious or iconic than The Plaza. Attend their posh Kentucky Derby viewing party at The Rose Club on Saturday, May 6th and watch the big race in style. Guests can enjoy their famous Gatsby Mint Julep as well as Bacon Maple Old Fashioneds, which dates back to the 1880's at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This delicious cocktail is made with Angostura bitters, maple syrup, muddled orange, brandied cherry, local Applewood bacon infused with Woodford bourbon, and is garnished with a strip of crispy bacon. So get dressed up in your best outfit and get ready for the races!
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
