The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 7 and Boston’s best bars and restaurants are showing out with amazing parties, specials and lots of mint juleps. Celebrate the 148th anniversary of the race in style with best-dressed competitions, betting, and mixologist-approved cocktails.
See Also: How to Enjoy the Official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep at Home
View this post on Instagram
10 Boston Wharf Road / Website
Join in the celebrations with offerings both boozy and bougie from City Tap House. Festivities will start at 12 p.m. with Woodford Reserve handing out pre-game swag and rose-themed Koozies. To drink, enjoy a frozen mint julep, a southern peach tea, or a Kentucky mule, all crafted with Woodford Reserve. On the patio, guests dressed to the nines will be provided with a photo station, perfect for that Instagram-worthy selfie.
Admission to the event is free. Specials are available at a la carte pricing. Reservations for indoor seating can be made here. Outdoor seating is first come first served.
View this post on Instagram
44 Brattle St., Cambridge / Website
To celebrate the derby, indulge in executive chef Nick Deutmeyer’s special menu additions. The twin spires sandwich features bacon fat fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, romaine lettuce, peppadew peppers and red onion, all served on Texas toast. To drink, mint juleps will be available all day. Reservations can be made here.
View this post on Instagram
100 High Street Place / Website
Head to this new food hall for its very first Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. In true over-the-top derby fashion, guests should come dressed in their derby best. As you arrive, bugle players will announce your presence as you enter the space through a flower archway. A very Instagram-worthy experience, indeed.
There will be 19 local food and drink vendors, along with a hat making station, photo booth, games and an ample amount of mint juleps and aperol spritzes. Guests can watch the race on a giant LED screen wall and bet (responsibly) on the race, with proceeds benefiting the organization Women’s Lunch Place.
Tickets for the party can be purchased here. Guests must be 21+ and show valid ID. The cost is $25 for general admission.
View this post on Instagram
138 St. James Ave. / Website
Celebrate the derby with OAK’s first derby party since 2019. Come dressed in your derby best and enjoy a crispy chicken sandwich, specially crafted by executive chef Zaid Khan for the event. There will be a red carpet with a photographer, perfect for capturing that Instagram-worthy picture. The best dressed guest will receive a pair of Red Sox tickets.
Don’t want to drive back afterwards? No worries! Stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza at a discounted rate using promo code “PONY”. Hotel reservations can be made here.
Reservations for OAK’s derby party can be made here.
View this post on Instagram
406 Stuart St. / Website
In honor of the race, executive chef and partner Robert Sisca has added an array of tasty Kentucky-inspired seafood dishes to The Banks’ menu. Try the jumbo lump crab nachos with jalapeno cheddar jack and avocado, or try the smoked bluefish Benedictine topped with Old Bay, chives and crostini. To drink, enjoy a twist on the classic mint julep. The concoction includes Denizen Merchant Reserve 8 Year, Privateer Navy Yard, Amaro Nonino, mint and grilled pineapple. Reservations can be made here.
Photography by: Adam Jaime / Unsplash
