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9 Places To Catch The Kentucky Derby & Drink Juleps Til You Drop
By
Sandra Song
Published Apr 29, 2015
Modified Apr 29, 2015
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By
Sandra Song
Published Apr 29, 2015
Modified Apr 29, 2015
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Stop with the "down and derby" puns and get back to what this holiday is all about: day drinking in Vineyard Vines come Saturday, May 2nd. After all, Gothamist's always got your back when a holiday's primary purpose is to get sloshed in slacks and fancy hats.
Sweetwater Social: In addition to their tasty house julep, the folks at subterranean hotspot Sweetwater Social will be breaking out other specialty cocktails including a $10 frozen version, a $10 Garland of Roses (champagne and PAMA) and an $8 Winners Circle Punch. But if that's not enough booze for your cruise, you can also try two different bourbon flights at $25 each, which is sure to go down smooth with Sweetwater's assortment of Southern-inspired nibbles.
3-7 p.m. // Sweetwater Social, 643 Broadway, Manhattan // Free, but RSVP required
American Whiskey: Primarily known for its 150+ American whiskeys, the aptly named American Whiskey bar near Madison Square Garden is hosting their very own "2015 American Whiskey Derby." Basically, guests can taste their way around the bar and vote for their favorite cocktails, all while participating in best dressed contests, a make-your-own-mint-julep section, and games like shuffleboard and corn hole.
12 p.m.-2 a.m. // American Whiskey, 247 West 30th Street, Manhattan // Tickets $75
Billet & Bellows: Tired of toothpaste-tasting cocktails? Try an $8 Peach Julep from Billet & Bellows, all while enjoying the race and live music courtesy of "gypsy jazz" enthusiasts Jazzingaro. And who knows, maybe this Williamsburg upstart will end up being the Derby bar upset?
3 p.m. // Billet & Bellows, 177 Grand Street, Brooklyn // Free
photo via Flickr
Mable's Smokehouse and Banquet Hall: As a Louisville native, owner Meghan Love pulled out all the stops for her annual Derby bash, including $7 Old Forester Juleps in Souvenir Cups, friendly wagering and all-day race showings. Mable's is also one of the few places in the city serving Derby Pie, the specialty dessert typically made of chocolate, walnuts and maybe a hint of bourbon and butterscotch, in case you weren't already 100% sold on brisket and Bulleit.
3-7 p.m. // Mable's Smokehouse and Banquet Hall, 44 Berry Street, Brooklyn // Free
Mira Sushi & Izakaya: Burgoo who? If you're not feeling quite Kentucky-fried, Mira Sushi & Izakaya is also hosting a celebratory derby day. The highlight is a Churchill Downs-inspired cocktail (made with Bulleit bourbon and Pernod absinthe, and aptly called the Racer), which you can pair with Kurobuta Hot Dogs or Chicken Karaage with gochujang BBQ sauce for a little something different this race day.
6-11:30 p.m. // Mira Sushi & Izakaya, 46 West 22nd Street, Manhattan // Free
Studio Square: The Garden at Studio Square is hosting a big Derby Day garden gala, with race viewings on their HD super screen, best dressed/best bonnet contests and door prizes all afternoon long. Bring your Millionaire's Row best and sip a sweet $7 mint julep amongst the roses.
1-7 p.m. // The Garden at Studio Square, 35-33 36th Street, Queens // Free
photo via Facebook
Cheek'd: Lucky number 13 it is, because dating app Cheek'd is throwing their "13th Annual Kentucky Derby Party," at Chelsea's Gaslight. And with $5 all day julep and Bloody Mary specials, plus a geo-located room full of "Southern Charm," I'd bet my money on a good time. Or at least a few numbers.
3:30-7 p.m. // Gaslight, 400 West 14th Street, Manhattan // Tickets $30
Humboldt & Jackson: What better place to watch the Derby than in a rustic, wood-paneled bar with live bluegrass and a killer selection of fine wines/on-tap beers? There will also be free cheese and charcuterie to soak up all that julep—and judging by how good their regular bar snacks are, these are sure to be some top-notch noshes.
5 p.m. // Humboldt & Jackson, 434 Humboldt Street, Brooklyn // Free
Warren 77: Warren77 is the indiscriminate sports bar taking it up a notch with their Derby screening. Complete with a menu of buttermilk fried chicken sliders and themed cocktails, you'll also receive a free (!) mint julep if you show up all dressed to the nines. Iron the linens.
11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. // Warren 77, 77 Warren Street, Manhattan // Free
Tagged
derby day
kentucky derby
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Sandra Song
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