It’s not about whether you win or lose, it’s how many mint juleps you enjoy while watching the Kentucky Derby this Saturday at one of several celebratory parties being organized around BK. Photo: Jules Morgan
It’s time for that hallowed springtime American tradition, The Kentucky Derby. Never fear if you’re not planning to be front and center at Churchill Downs this year–there will be enough mint julep drinking and friendly wagering going on at bars all over Brooklyn that you’ll still feel like you’re part of the action. In North Brooklyn, Mable’s Smokehouse is hosting a free Derby Party with $7 juleps, old fashioneds, and derby pie starting at 2pm, and from 4pm on, Tuffet has drink specials, prizes for picking the winning horse, and extra credit for those who show up in Derby Day drag. Pete’s Candy Store has food, including ribs and derby pie, drinks and a hat contest for a bar tab starting at 3pm. Moving south, Union Hall and Floyd are both screening the races all day from 1pm, handing out prizes for best hat and, depending on which location you choose, delivering extra perks like free beer cheese, corn hole, and a call to post by a live bugler. Commonwealth Bar in Park Slope has the distinction of being owned by a native Kentuckian, and is once again throwing its legendary Derby Gala, which draws big crowds in search of real-deal mint juleps, derby pie and a special, in-house wagering system. Finally, for the ultra-committed, Brooklyn Derby is bringing Louisville to Greenwood Park for the second year in a row, but the open bar, hat-making station, southern buffet, and live bluegrass and jazz music doesn’t come free: you need to pony up $75 for a ticket. With all these choices, you’re bound to have a fun and seersucker-filled Derby Day no matter how your horse finishes.
