Like the Superbowl and the North Brooklyn Kickball Championships, for most of us The Kentucky Derby is essentially an excuse to party. The race itself takes just two minutes, which is fitting, because when you start drinking mint juleps at noon that's about how long the entire day seems to last. So if you enjoy dressing up like a plantation owner and pounding bourbon until you resemble a Ralph Steadman illustration, here are several places to do so in public, among like-minded peers. Post time is 6:24 p.m. on Saturday, and the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s.
Studio Square: This massive indoor/outdoor beer garden in Long Island City throws a big rager with Maker’s Mark bourbon drink specials, door prizes, and a derby bonnet fashion contest. The doors open at noon, and Mint Juleps are $5 all day, or $18 for a pitcher. As for the race itself, it will be broadcast live on a giant outdoor screen.
35-33 36th Street, Long Island City
Eleven Madison Park: The most hyped Kentucky Derby party is the one thrown by Esquire magazine at this fancy Danny Meyer restaurant. Now in its third year, the event features Kentucky-themed cuisine, a Nat Sherman Cigar Lounge, live Kentucky Blue Grass Music and specialty bourbon cocktails by Maker's Mark. If you want to conform sartorially but don't have head wear, there will be even be "a pop up hat shop for all your Derby fashion needs." It's not cheap; tickets cost $150, but that gets you four hours of open bar from 3 p.m. to 7, plus food and cigars—and with all the money you're bound to win off Uncle Moe, you can afford to cut loose.
11 Madison Avenue, (212) 889-0905, email [email protected] for reservations.
Pine Box Rock Shop: But why let entitled WASPy tools have all the fun? Hipsters who want to gamble drunkenly on the ponies are invited to Bushwick's Pine Box Rock Shop, where $5 gets you into a winner-take-all pot for Luck of the Draw Gambling on the race. Drink specials include a three bourbon tasting flight for $18, and Louisville Lemonades and Tom Colonels will also be served. We're told this party, which starts at 2 p.m., will be the most authentic in town, because it's being thrown by members of The Kentuckians of New York.
12 Grattan Street (between Bogart & Morgan), Bushwick
mad46: On the roof of the Roosevelt Hotel, mad46 is throwing a Kentucky Derby party from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be prizes for "the most polished gentleman," the best dressed lady, and the three best hats. And for the gamblers, there will be a Derby prize pool, and a variety of bourbon cocktails. Reservations are recommended.
Madison Avenue and 46th Street, (212) 885-6095
