Looking for a way to gallop into the Kentucky Derby mood? This Saturday, May 2, many venues around the city will be hosting viewing parties for the biggest horse race of the year. Here are few going on downtown that we think you should check out:
Photo: Pounds and Ounces
Pounds and Ounces, 160 8th Avenue, New York, NY
Kicking things off, the NYC pub Pounds and Ounces will be hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party complete with food, drinks, and music. Customers can enjoy their meals while watching the event on the pub’s three large televisions. The fun will be spiced up with a ‘Derby Day Hat Contest,’ in which the winner will receive $500. Drinks include the Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s “Perfect Mint Julep,” the Jack Daniels’ “Pub Ice Tea,” and a Pounds & Ounces cocktail served on tap. For those who want a special taste of the Kentucky Derby, there will be an interesting new dessert called a Mint Julip Torte, which is a Woodford Reserve torte with brown butter, topped with mint gelato, pecans, and Chantilly cream. Roxy Cottontail, a talented indie artist, will provide music.
The Kentucky Derby officially begins at 6:24 p.m. that day, but customers can get there early to try Pounds and Ounces’ brunch menu, which will be served from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Brunch menu items include stuffed French toast and frittatas!
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Chantelle Facebook
Hotel Chantelle, 92 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
What better way to watch the Derby than on the rooftop of one of downtown’s most fabulous rooftop settings? Hotel Chantelle will be hosting their annual Derby Style party from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prizes will be given out to the best dressed people and guests will receive a complimentary mint julep when they arrive.
Access to their Parisian inspired rooftop lounge will begin at 5 p.m. Bowties, plaid, sundresses, and oversized hats are strongly encouraged. The app, Fever, has been promoting this event, which you can learn more about by downloading it here.
Photo: Courtesy of GOTO Facebook page
The DL, 95 Delancey Street, New York, NY
GOTO NYC is hosting their 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby party on the DL rooftop from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy access to a separate whiskey bar, sponsored by Virgil Kaine by either drinking it straight, or in delicious cocktail form created by mixologist Gil Bouhana. Music will be provided by DJ Tim Martell, fresh off his performance from Coachella.
Tickets are still on sale, which you can buy here. When you purchase a ticket for this event, a portion of the proceeds will go towards the GOTO Scholarship Fund.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sun hats and seersuckers, and make your way to one of these great Kentucky Derby events this Saturday!
by: Connie Lee and Jackie Hart
