Catch all the action of the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 with an expansive patio and wall-to-wall TVs inside. Guests can watch the "most exciting two minutes in sports" while enjoying dishes from the restaurant’s newly launched spring menu, including Smash Burger Tacos, Jalapeño Popper Burger, Tex Mex Protein Bowl, and Catch of the Week rotating seafood specials. The bar features an array of cocktails like the Maplewood Southside, Koval Old Fashioned, Blueberry Mint G&T, Paloma, Bourbon Raspberry Lemonade Fizz, and the Chicago Handshake. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, mocktails such as the Peace Punch and Cucumber Cure offer alternatives.
Photo courtesy of Sweetwater Tavern & Grille
Fulton Market and West Loop
Bar La Rue
Bar La Rue will bring a touch of Churchill Downs to the West Loop with a Derby Party on Saturday, May 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests are invited to don their finest Derby attire. The event will feature a live DJ, Derby-inspired cocktails and bites, a best-dressed contest with prizes, and festive photo ops. Tickets are $20 and available via Eventbrite.
Photo courtesy of Bar La Rue
River North
I|O Godfrey
I|O Godfrey is hosting its Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Event on Saturday, May 3, starting 12 p.m. The event will feature bourbon tasting classes every half hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., allowing attendees to reserve a spot along with their tickets. A special Derby Day menu, a photo booth, and a live mint wall will enhance the festive atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest Derby attire, with prizes awarded for the best dressed, best hat, and best couple. New this year - I|O Godfrey is partnering with The Tie Bar for a Derby Day style upgrade. Guests can shop the brand’s official Kentucky Derby collection at an exclusive onsite pop-up and enter to win a custom suit—raffled off with a fun twist tied to the winning horse. Perks include: 15% off sitewide and in-store for all Derby ticket holders and 25% off for Derby Table purchasers. Tickets start from $40 per person for general admission and can be purchased on Tock.
Photo courtesy of Francis Son Photography for I|O Godfrey
Multiple Locations
Old Town Pour House
Old Town Pour House invites guests to experience the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, with the race displayed on large HDTV screens. Guests can enjoy 90 beers on tap (30+ dedicated to local breweries) and a new menu featuring chef-driven additions like the Carnivore Flatbread, Hot Honey Flatbread, Smash Burger Tacos, and the Tex Mex Protein Bowl. Other standouts include Thai Chili Noodle Bowl, Meatloaf Sliders, and the Southern Burger, along with beverage options like the Blueberry Mint G&T and Bourbon Raspberry Lemonade Fizz.
Suburbs
Fatpour Tap Works Lincolnwood
Fatpour Tap Works is hosting a Kentucky Derby Bonanza on Saturday, May 3rd with an ESPN Watch Party, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, activities, and more! A watch party with Tom Waddle of ESPN Chicago's 1000 AM will take place during the race from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, and Fatpour will have the sound on during the actual race from 5pm - 6pm. Enjoy a Mint Julep ($14) or special Pimento Cheese Dip Platter ($15.75) featuring house-made pimento cheese dip and tortilla chips with assorted mix-ins, along with your favorites from the full menu. In addition to the Derby race, Fatpour Lincolnwood will be offering Pony Rides and a Petting Zoo from 4pm - 7pm. Other activities include Derby Hat Making for kids and a Derby Hat Contest with prizes!
Downtown and The Loop
Catch all the action of the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 with an expansive patio and wall-to-wall TVs inside. Guests can watch the "most exciting two minutes in sports" while enjoying dishes from the restaurant’s newly launched spring menu, including Smash Burger Tacos, Jalapeño Popper Burger, Tex Mex Protein Bowl, and Catch of the Week rotating seafood specials. The bar features an array of cocktails like the Maplewood Southside, Koval Old Fashioned, Blueberry Mint G&T, Paloma, Bourbon Raspberry Lemonade Fizz, and the Chicago Handshake. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, mocktails such as the Peace Punch and Cucumber Cure offer alternatives.
Fulton Market and West Loop
Bar La Rue will bring a touch of Churchill Downs to the West Loop with a Derby Party on Saturday, May 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests are invited to don their finest Derby attire. The event will feature a live DJ, Derby-inspired cocktails and bites, a best-dressed contest with prizes, and festive photo ops. Tickets are $20 and available via Eventbrite.
River North
I|O Godfrey is hosting its Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Event on Saturday, May 3, starting 12 p.m. The event will feature bourbon tasting classes every half hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., allowing attendees to reserve a spot along with their tickets. A special Derby Day menu, a photo booth, and a live mint wall will enhance the festive atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest Derby attire, with prizes awarded for the best dressed, best hat, and best couple. New this year - I|O Godfrey is partnering with The Tie Bar for a Derby Day style upgrade. Guests can shop the brand’s official Kentucky Derby collection at an exclusive onsite pop-up and enter to win a custom suit—raffled off with a fun twist tied to the winning horse. Perks include: 15% off sitewide and in-store for all Derby ticket holders and 25% off for Derby Table purchasers. Tickets start from $40 per person for general admission and can be purchased on Tock.
Multiple Locations
Old Town Pour House invites guests to experience the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, with the race displayed on large HDTV screens. Guests can enjoy 90 beers on tap (30+ dedicated to local breweries) and a new menu featuring chef-driven additions like the Carnivore Flatbread, Hot Honey Flatbread, Smash Burger Tacos, and the Tex Mex Protein Bowl. Other standouts include Thai Chili Noodle Bowl, Meatloaf Sliders, and the Southern Burger, along with beverage options like the Blueberry Mint G&T and Bourbon Raspberry Lemonade Fizz.
Suburbs
Fatpour Tap Works is hosting a Kentucky Derby Bonanza on Saturday, May 3rd with an ESPN Watch Party, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, activities, and more! A watch party with Tom Waddle of ESPN Chicago's 1000 AM will take place during the race from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, and Fatpour will have the sound on during the actual race from 5pm - 6pm. Enjoy a Mint Julep ($14) or special Pimento Cheese Dip Platter ($15.75) featuring house-made pimento cheese dip and tortilla chips with assorted mix-ins, along with your favorites from the full menu. In addition to the Derby race, Fatpour Lincolnwood will be offering Pony Rides and a Petting Zoo from 4pm - 7pm. Other activities include Derby Hat Making for kids and a Derby Hat Contest with prizes!
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