To celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, several Milwaukee-area bars, hotels and restaurants host viewing parties where the fashions are as poised as the horses themselves. This year, the event is on Saturday, May 3. Pack up your over-the-top fascinator or Derby hat, vibrantly colored outfits, and adorable bow tie and get ready for an afternoon of drinks, live music and costume (plus “best hat”) contests as you watch the two-minute race, which is at 5:57 p.m. Central Standard Time. Note that some of these events require a ticket and may sell out, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
320 E. CLYBOURN ST.
As this restaurant is part of the 10-year-old Central Standard Distillery, its cocktails are made out of the spirits it produces, including seasonal cocktails for spring like “Go for The Green,” featuring its Guided Trail Gin. On Derby Day, the party’s from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and eight different bourbon cocktails will be poured. There’s also a contest for the best Derby outfit, horse betting and a prize wheel with giveaways.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Mason Street Grill
425 E. MASON ST.
Located in The Pfister Hotel, this steakhouse’s Derby watch party kicks off at 4 p.m. and will include live music from Triple Crown (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and a giveaway for a Derby-themed gift basket containing bourbon and a $100 Mason Street Grill gift card.
Maverick’s Bar
2030 W. HOWARD AVE.
This South Side bar will be airing the race and hosting a party, starting at noon. They’ll also have a lot of apparel props on hand to dress up, such as hats.
Maxie’s
6732 W. FAIRVIEW AVE.
With each ticket purchase ($20-$80 per person) to this restaurant’s 18th annual Derby event, which will include live music by Sliphorn Jazz Band and a “best dressed” contest, half of the raffle goes to Hunger Task Force and the rest to a lucky winner. Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilies will be poured and the food choices include bologna sandwiches, Kentucky hot browns and Benedictine sandwiches. The party begins at 2 p.m.
NorthSouth Club
230 E. PITTSBURGH AVE.
Between 4 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., this Walker’s Point bar will offer up complimentary Mint Juleps as well as opportunities to play shuffleboard as you watch the race. There’s also a drawing for a bottle of Woodford Reserve. Admission is $20 per person.
On Tap Bar & Restaurant
1203 N. 10TH ST.
This restaurant attached to Brewhouse Inn & Suites and where Pabst Brewery’s mill house was once located welcomes Derby fans for its third-annual party, with the race airing on a big screen. All-day drink specials, a DJ, prize giveaways and best-dressed contests will be part of the fun, which begins at 1 p.m.
Saint Kate-The Arts Hotel
139 E. KILBOURN AVE.
This downtown boutique hotel’s Kentucky Derby Day bash begins at 1 p.m. in its bar, with live music by Frogwater, Derby-inspired bites, and “best dressed” and “best hat” contests. The race will be broadcast on a giant projector screen.
The Bridgewater Modern Grill
2011 S. 1ST ST.
Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., this restaurant along the Kinnickinnic River hosts “Derby Day,” with activities such as a prize-package giveaway that includes a $100 gift card to the restaurant and a bottle of bourbon.
The Iron Horse Hotel
500 W. FLORIDA ST.
Dubbed “Talk Derby to Me,” this Walker’s Point hotel’s Derby bash is between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Food trucks, local vendors, a cigar station and music by DJ Korbel will be the day’s activities, in addition to watching the race’s coverage on a Jumbotron. While it costs nothing to attend the party, VIP packages include bottomless Mint Juleps, an open bar and a food buffet.
The Pfister Hotel
424 E. WISCONSIN AVE.
Head to the Lobby Lounge at 4 p.m. for the hotel’s watch party and where Mint Juleps will be crafted for attendees.
Three Lions Pub
4515 N. OAKLAND AVE., SHOREWOOD
In honor of it being Derby Day, this British pub will offer up three signature cocktails—The Front Runner, Run for the Peaches and The Final Stretch—as well as food specials.
