Looking for somewhere to watch the Derby in Lexington? Find spots with food, drink deals
For those who plan on watching the Kentucky Derby on television in Lexington, there are several places to grab a drink special.
From dive bars to a speakeasy, and country to Latin funk tunes, here are some limited-time Derby specials and events happening around town Saturday:
Chevy Chase Inn
At Lexington’s oldest bar, you’ll get not only Derby-themed cocktails, but also a live show from 8 Days Sober, a Kentucky-born country-rock band, which will take the stage Saturday night at Chevy Chase Inn.
The self-proclaimed non-college student dive bar is offering specialty cocktails for the big race, according to its Instagram.
The Oaks Lily features a vodka-based spin on a Woodford Spire, an official Derby drink. The Oaks Lily includes Ketel One vodka, lemonade, triple sec and a splash of cranberry juice.
The Bulleit & Ginger Ale is made simply, just as it sounds: Bulleit Bourbon and ginger ale.
Chevy Chase Inn is open until 2 a.m. at 833 Euclid Ave.
The Service Station
An easygoing indoor-outdoor Lexington bar and former gas station is whipping up the official Kentucky Derby drinks, the Woodford Spire, the Mint Julep and the Horseshoe Margarita each for $10.
Race over to The Service Station for a Woodford Spire, which features its namesake Woodford Reserve whiskey, lemonade, cranberry juice and lemon twist.
For the mint julep, Old Forester bourbon is complimented by simple syrup for sweetness and fresh mint leaves.
Lastly, a Horseshoe Margarita is a pretty basic favorite for tequila reposado fans.
The Service Station is open from 3 p.m. to midnight at 3092 Leestown Road.
Drake’s
With similar yet more budget-friendly offerings, an upbeat staple brewpub will not only serve themed drinks, but also souvenir cups.
Drake’s will craft $9 mint juleps and $8 Woodford Exactas.
The Exacta is a play on a type of horse race bet that requires a bettor to choose the first two finishers in the correct order. The drink itself features Woodford Reserve – the presenting sponsor of the Derby.
Souvenir cups are only available while supplies last, according to the Drake’s website. The restaurant has three Lexington locations open until midnight including at 3347 Tates Creek Road in Lansdowne, 1735 Sharkey Way in Leestown and 1880 Pleasant Ridge Drive in Hamburg.
CannaBuzz Bar & Dispensary
For a celebratory drink without the alcohol buzz, Derby-watchers can enjoy a hemp-derived mint julep by CannaBuzz Bar & Dispensary.
Throwing an at-home Derby party of your own? The company sells canned drinks including Lemon Haze Tea and Pineapple Express Punch at liquor stores throughout Kentucky.
CannaBuzz Bar & Dispensary is open until 11 p.m. at 938 Manchester St.
J. Renders Southern Table & Bar
Outfit contests and snazzy bites at the J. Renders speakeasy might leave the impression that Churchill Downs has come to Lexington.
The speakeasy has $25 reserved seats for southern dishes including mini country ham biscuits with apple butter, banana pudding shooters or deviled eggs, to name a few standout menu items.
The speakeasy will throw contests for best dressed, best hat and best couple.
Savory seasonal specials at its restaurant, J. Renders Southern Table & Bar, include stuffed mushrooms and smoked ribeye.
With a sound inspired by James Taylor and Willie Nelson, Pete Wdowiarz is expected to play old country with a touch of jazz.
J. Renders is open until 10 p.m. at 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle.
Tin Roof
For a nightcap or a late start, Tin Roof – a local live music bar – will offer discounts on shots during what it calls “Encore Hour,” its Facebook story said.
From 12-1 a.m., bargoers can grab $3 baby bombs, $2 green tea shots and $1 beers.
Tin Roof is open until 2:30 a.m. at 303 South Limestone.
Other local events
Crossings, a local LGBTQ+ bar, will host a daytime potluck called, “My Old Kentucky Ho-Derby Party,” the business said on Facebook. It encouraged partygoers to bring finger food and Derby hats. Crossings is open from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at 117 North Limestone.
The Derby day event lineup at Stagger Inn showcases the Jacob Barker Band, a Kentucky-based country artist. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at 269 West Main Street.
Dance with a mint julep in hand at Elkhorn Tavern, which boasts live music Saturday night by a local Latin jazz fusion band. No Rulez Banda is known for its “funky, romantic, hot, dancing, happy feet music,” its Facebook said. The group will perform from 7-10 p.m. at 1200 Manchester St.