Cody’s in West Lakeview will host a Beer Garden Infield Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 starting at 11 a.m. The dog-friendly event will feature a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest (hat or outfit) with prizes including a $100 gift card. Guests will be offered Cody’s Der-B-Que where they provide the grill and sides like cole slaw, potato salad and rolls, and patrons are invited to B.Y.O.M. (bring your own meat) to grill. There will also be a Woodford Reserve sampling with giveaways. Drink specials will include $5 Blue Moon, $5 Old Forester shots, $7 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps and a $10 Triple Crown cocktail menu.
The Graystone Tavern
For the big race, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will celebrate with a viewing party and a free Win, Place & Show raffle with a variety of prizes. Guests can also order themed menu specials like a $12 Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Burger and a Triple Crown Drink Menu with drinks for $10 each like a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Black Eyed Susan with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Woodford Reserve, Belmont Jewel with Woodford Reserve and more. There will also be a Woodford Reserve tasting during the party.
The Rambler Kitchen + Tap
The Rambler will offer a Down & Derby Package for $40 per person on Saturday, May 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The package includes food items like fried chicken, pulled pork, pulled pork nachos, mac & cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob and rolls. Drinks will include Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, Old Forester cocktails, along with import and domestic draft beers, and house red, white and sparkling wines. There will be a Woodford Reserve ‘step and repeat’ photo booth with free Derby swag available and guests can participate in a Best Dressed Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Guests can watch the race in The Rambler’s large enclosed beer garden complete with a bar and several TVs.
Photo courtesy of The Rambler Kitchen + Tap
I|O Godfrey
I|O Godfrey announces its tenth-annual “Kentucky Derby Viewing Event” on Saturday, May 6 from noon until 8:00 p.m. The event will feature Maker’s Mark bourbon tasting classes, a photo booth, prizes for best derby attire, mint wall, models in Derby costumes, a live bugler, photographers and videographers, and of course, a watch party for the race.
All guests attending the viewing party will be encouraged to dress in formal Derby attire including searsucker suits, floral dresses, oversized hats, and bowties. Televisions streaming the Derby will be present throughout the rooftop escape.
Additionally, a specialty southern cuisine-inspired menu will be offered, with items including: Sauced Oysters with a choice of (6) mix and match varieties: Bloody Mary, dragon fruit, or passion fruit; Fish & Chips with tempura-battered Atlantic cod, chipotle aioli, lemon, and fries; Kobe Brisket served with two house-made barbeque sauces; Shrimp or Chicken Skewers with 24-hour marinade ; and Grilled Corn with cayenne pepper aioli, cotija cheese, and sea salt.
The event will be have Maker’s Mark onsite providing bourbon tasting classes from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. where guests will learn about the libation, tasting notes, and offering bourbon cocktails. Classes will be filled on a first-come basis and will require guests to reserve a spot along with the purchase of their ticket. Attendees can also get their glass dipped in the signature Maker’s Mark red bottle wax.
I|O Godfrey will reward the best of categories including “Best Hat,” “Best Dressed,” and “Best Couple.”
Photo courtesy of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
Ranalli's Lincoln Park and West Loop
Ranalli's Derby Party will start at 11am on Saturday, May 6th. There will be raffles and giveaways with a $500 cash prize for the Best Dressed as well as the following specials:
$10 Mint Juleps and Mules
$6 Select Stadium Cups
$22 Select Pitchers
$6 Hard Seltzers
$9 Vodka Soda Stadium Cups
$6 Tequila and Lunch Box Shots
Gaslight
Gaslight hosts their Kentucky Derby Watch Party on May 6th from 3pm to 6pm. Tickets start at $40 and include light passed apps, all drafts and house cocktails. A DJ will be present and there will be a Best Dressed Contest.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood opens at 9am for Derby Day (May 6th) and will feature the following specials:
$6 Bud Light / Miller Lite Stadium Cups
$8 Old Forester Mint Juleps
$8 Vegas Bombs
Highline
Highline will be serving a Derby Day Brunch from 10am to 4:30pm on May 6th. Tickets start at $60 and includes on all-you-can-eat brunch buffet plus a two hour mimosa package. A $100 cash prize will be awarded for the Best Dressed.
Photo courtesy of Kirkwood
River Shannon
River Shannon, located at 425 W. Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, is celebrating Derby Day in style on Saturday, May 6 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests – and their furry friends – are encouraged to don their finest hats. The day’s festivities will include several Derby-themed drinks featuring Jameson, Tito’s, Nutrl, and Paddy’s, a hat contest for both guests and their dogs, a raffle with themed prizes and giveaways, and more.
Photo courtesy of River Shannon
Time Out Market
Starting at 3pm, a live DJ will spin tunes while the bar offers up beverages featuring Woodford Reserve. $13 cocktail specials include the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Tropical Julep, Spritz, and Moscow Mule. The most stylish guests will have a chance to win prizes as part of a Best-Dressed Contest, and the race will commence around 5:30pm.
Truth Be Told
Truth Be Told will celebrate Derby Day with $15 Mint Julips.
Radio Room
Radio Room will celebrate Derby Day on Saturday, May 6th with pop-up activations from Woodford Reserve & Stella, specialty cocktails, an outfit contest with prizes, a showing of The Derby with sound, live DJ, and more. The festivities begin at 3pm.
The Hampton Social
On Saturday, May 6th, The Hampton Social celebrates from 3pm to 8pm with $10 Rosé Mint Juleps, a best dressed and best hat competition, and a viewing of the races.
LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse is celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day with a Cinco de Derby Fiesta and Viewing Party. On Friday, May 5th, guests can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and tequila specials all day and night. The party will continue on Saturday, May 6th at 12pm for Derby Day.
Photo courtesy of The Hampton Social
Michael Jordan's Steak House
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, Michael Jordan’s Steak House is offering a Kentucky Burger featuring sharp cheddar, bourbon bbq sauce and bacon. Pair this dish with special gold rimmed mimosas and bourbon mules.
The Dearborn
On May 6, Beverage Director Sarah Clark is offering a speciality Julep to her cocktail lineup. Introducing the Shiso-Strawberry Julep, made with Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Shiso & Strawberry Emulsion and Sparkling Club Soda, served in a julep cup over crushed ice and finished with a fresh mint bunch and skewered strawberry. Chef Aaron Cuschieri will pair it with a Midwest Fried Chicken, a buttermilk marinated chicken with a maple mustard glaze, dill pickle and a housemade hot sauce.
BLVD Steakhouse
To celebrate their patio grand opening, the restaurant will host a Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees, who are encouraged to dress in their Derby Day best, will offer a four course seated lunch in partnership with Westholme Wagyu showcasing dishes like grilled oysters, heirloom tomato wedge salad, and Westholme Australian Wagyu, of course. The restaurant has also partnered with AIX rosé and Ferrari sparkling wine to offer complimentary pours throughout the event. Specialty Derby-themed cocktails from Woodford Reserve and S.Pellegrino, as well as full bar service, will be available. Tickets for BLVD Steakhouse’s Derby Day party are $125 and will be available on Tock starting April 7.
Vol. 39
From 3 PM to 7 PM, Vol. 39 will serve all the Derby cocktails such as Mint Juleps, Whiskey Smashes, Sazerac Rye Old Fashioneds, and French 75s at the champagne bar to gourmet Chef-selected bites. There will also be a live bluegrass band and a fascinator display by FUR:THER for guests. Guests have a chance to win the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel
From 1 PM to 3:30 PM at CHI Bar, horse races will be shown across the screens throughout the afternoon for guests to place their bets, and winners will be announced at the end of each race. There will be chances to win a one night stay or dinner at Shula's Steak House.
Kentucky Hot Brown with Roasted Turkey, Crispy Bacon and Roasted Tomato
Smoked Beef Brisket on a Brioche Bun with Dr Pepper BBQ
Pit Ham Biscuit with Pimento Cheese Spread
Beer Brined Chicken Wings with Tabasco Aioli
Watermelon and Blueberry Salad with Preserved Lemon and Crumbled Farmer’s Cheese
Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies
Pimenton Sweet Potato Chips
5 Bean Salad with Lemon Rosemary Dressing
Banana Pudding Shooter
Red Velvet Wedge
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Frontier
Frontier’s (1072 N. Milwaukee Ave) Annual Kentucky Derby Party is back. $10 Maker’s Mark (mint juleps, old fashioneds, & sours) will be offered with $18 fried chicken plates (served with sides & cornbread).
Happening from 1-3 PM will be a wax dipping experience where guests can get a Maker’s Mark rocks glass wax dipped. There will also be a best dressed and best hat contest on-site.
Frontier is also offering an opportunity for VIP seating for only $25/person. Guests will also receive a complimentary mint julep served in a souvenir chrome cup, in addition to Chef Brian Jupiter’s hushpuppies for the table.
Reservations for 2-6 guests can be made via Tock. For groups of 7+ guests, or those looking to book a VIP table, email emily@pioneertaverngroup.com.
Flyer courtesy of Frontier
Ina Mae Tavern
Ina Mae Tavern (1415 N. Wood St) on Saturday, May 6th is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Party. With live music starting at 2 PM, guests can order food and drink specials while watching the derby. Offerings include $10 mint juleps, $10 sours and old fashioneds, and $18 fried chicken plates (served with potato salad and a biscuit). Best dressed and best hat contests will be held.
Cody's Public House
Cody’s in West Lakeview will host a Beer Garden Infield Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 starting at 11 a.m. The dog-friendly event will feature a Doggy Derby Best-Dressed Contest (hat or outfit) with prizes including a $100 gift card. Guests will be offered Cody’s Der-B-Que where they provide the grill and sides like cole slaw, potato salad and rolls, and patrons are invited to B.Y.O.M. (bring your own meat) to grill. There will also be a Woodford Reserve sampling with giveaways. Drink specials will include $5 Blue Moon, $5 Old Forester shots, $7 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps and a $10 Triple Crown cocktail menu.
The Graystone Tavern
For the big race, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will celebrate with a viewing party and a free Win, Place & Show raffle with a variety of prizes. Guests can also order themed menu specials like a $12 Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Burger and a Triple Crown Drink Menu with drinks for $10 each like a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Black Eyed Susan with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Woodford Reserve, Belmont Jewel with Woodford Reserve and more. There will also be a Woodford Reserve tasting during the party.
The Rambler Kitchen + Tap
The Rambler will offer a Down & Derby Package for $40 per person on Saturday, May 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The package includes food items like fried chicken, pulled pork, pulled pork nachos, mac & cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob and rolls. Drinks will include Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, Old Forester cocktails, along with import and domestic draft beers, and house red, white and sparkling wines. There will be a Woodford Reserve ‘step and repeat’ photo booth with free Derby swag available and guests can participate in a Best Dressed Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Guests can watch the race in The Rambler’s large enclosed beer garden complete with a bar and several TVs.
I|O Godfrey
I|O Godfrey announces its tenth-annual “Kentucky Derby Viewing Event” on Saturday, May 6 from noon until 8:00 p.m. The event will feature Maker’s Mark bourbon tasting classes, a photo booth, prizes for best derby attire, mint wall, models in Derby costumes, a live bugler, photographers and videographers, and of course, a watch party for the race.
All guests attending the viewing party will be encouraged to dress in formal Derby attire including searsucker suits, floral dresses, oversized hats, and bowties. Televisions streaming the Derby will be present throughout the rooftop escape.
Additionally, a specialty southern cuisine-inspired menu will be offered, with items including: Sauced Oysters with a choice of (6) mix and match varieties: Bloody Mary, dragon fruit, or passion fruit; Fish & Chips with tempura-battered Atlantic cod, chipotle aioli, lemon, and fries; Kobe Brisket served with two house-made barbeque sauces; Shrimp or Chicken Skewers with 24-hour marinade ; and Grilled Corn with cayenne pepper aioli, cotija cheese, and sea salt.
The event will be have Maker’s Mark onsite providing bourbon tasting classes from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. where guests will learn about the libation, tasting notes, and offering bourbon cocktails. Classes will be filled on a first-come basis and will require guests to reserve a spot along with the purchase of their ticket. Attendees can also get their glass dipped in the signature Maker’s Mark red bottle wax.
I|O Godfrey will reward the best of categories including “Best Hat,” “Best Dressed,” and “Best Couple.”
Ranalli's Lincoln Park and West Loop
Ranalli's Derby Party will start at 11am on Saturday, May 6th. There will be raffles and giveaways with a $500 cash prize for the Best Dressed as well as the following specials:
Gaslight
Gaslight hosts their Kentucky Derby Watch Party on May 6th from 3pm to 6pm. Tickets start at $40 and include light passed apps, all drafts and house cocktails. A DJ will be present and there will be a Best Dressed Contest.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood opens at 9am for Derby Day (May 6th) and will feature the following specials:
Highline
Highline will be serving a Derby Day Brunch from 10am to 4:30pm on May 6th. Tickets start at $60 and includes on all-you-can-eat brunch buffet plus a two hour mimosa package. A $100 cash prize will be awarded for the Best Dressed.
River Shannon
River Shannon, located at 425 W. Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, is celebrating Derby Day in style on Saturday, May 6 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests – and their furry friends – are encouraged to don their finest hats. The day’s festivities will include several Derby-themed drinks featuring Jameson, Tito’s, Nutrl, and Paddy’s, a hat contest for both guests and their dogs, a raffle with themed prizes and giveaways, and more.
Time Out Market
Starting at 3pm, a live DJ will spin tunes while the bar offers up beverages featuring Woodford Reserve. $13 cocktail specials include the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Tropical Julep, Spritz, and Moscow Mule. The most stylish guests will have a chance to win prizes as part of a Best-Dressed Contest, and the race will commence around 5:30pm.
Truth Be Told
Truth Be Told will celebrate Derby Day with $15 Mint Julips.
Radio Room
Radio Room will celebrate Derby Day on Saturday, May 6th with pop-up activations from Woodford Reserve & Stella, specialty cocktails, an outfit contest with prizes, a showing of The Derby with sound, live DJ, and more. The festivities begin at 3pm.
The Hampton Social
On Saturday, May 6th, The Hampton Social celebrates from 3pm to 8pm with $10 Rosé Mint Juleps, a best dressed and best hat competition, and a viewing of the races.
LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse is celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day with a Cinco de Derby Fiesta and Viewing Party. On Friday, May 5th, guests can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and tequila specials all day and night. The party will continue on Saturday, May 6th at 12pm for Derby Day.
Michael Jordan's Steak House
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, Michael Jordan’s Steak House is offering a Kentucky Burger featuring sharp cheddar, bourbon bbq sauce and bacon. Pair this dish with special gold rimmed mimosas and bourbon mules.
The Dearborn
On May 6, Beverage Director Sarah Clark is offering a speciality Julep to her cocktail lineup. Introducing the Shiso-Strawberry Julep, made with Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Shiso & Strawberry Emulsion and Sparkling Club Soda, served in a julep cup over crushed ice and finished with a fresh mint bunch and skewered strawberry. Chef Aaron Cuschieri will pair it with a Midwest Fried Chicken, a buttermilk marinated chicken with a maple mustard glaze, dill pickle and a housemade hot sauce.
BLVD Steakhouse
To celebrate their patio grand opening, the restaurant will host a Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees, who are encouraged to dress in their Derby Day best, will offer a four course seated lunch in partnership with Westholme Wagyu showcasing dishes like grilled oysters, heirloom tomato wedge salad, and Westholme Australian Wagyu, of course. The restaurant has also partnered with AIX rosé and Ferrari sparkling wine to offer complimentary pours throughout the event. Specialty Derby-themed cocktails from Woodford Reserve and S.Pellegrino, as well as full bar service, will be available. Tickets for BLVD Steakhouse’s Derby Day party are $125 and will be available on Tock starting April 7.
Vol. 39
From 3 PM to 7 PM, Vol. 39 will serve all the Derby cocktails such as Mint Juleps, Whiskey Smashes, Sazerac Rye Old Fashioneds, and French 75s at the champagne bar to gourmet Chef-selected bites. There will also be a live bluegrass band and a fascinator display by FUR:THER for guests. Guests have a chance to win the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel
From 1 PM to 3:30 PM at CHI Bar, horse races will be shown across the screens throughout the afternoon for guests to place their bets, and winners will be announced at the end of each race. There will be chances to win a one night stay or dinner at Shula's Steak House.
CHI Bar Derby Day Cocktail Menu:
CHI Bar Derby Day Food Menu:
Frontier
Frontier’s (1072 N. Milwaukee Ave) Annual Kentucky Derby Party is back. $10 Maker’s Mark (mint juleps, old fashioneds, & sours) will be offered with $18 fried chicken plates (served with sides & cornbread).
Happening from 1-3 PM will be a wax dipping experience where guests can get a Maker’s Mark rocks glass wax dipped. There will also be a best dressed and best hat contest on-site.
Frontier is also offering an opportunity for VIP seating for only $25/person. Guests will also receive a complimentary mint julep served in a souvenir chrome cup, in addition to Chef Brian Jupiter’s hushpuppies for the table.
Reservations for 2-6 guests can be made via Tock. For groups of 7+ guests, or those looking to book a VIP table, email emily@pioneertaverngroup.com.
Ina Mae Tavern
Ina Mae Tavern (1415 N. Wood St) on Saturday, May 6th is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Party. With live music starting at 2 PM, guests can order food and drink specials while watching the derby. Offerings include $10 mint juleps, $10 sours and old fashioneds, and $18 fried chicken plates (served with potato salad and a biscuit). Best dressed and best hat contests will be held.
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