Break out the big hats and bow ties. It’s almost time for the 144th annual Kentucky Derby – also known as the Run for the Roses – at Churchill Downs.
The main race is 3:46 p.m. Saturday, May 5, but several East Valley restaurants are hosting all-day viewing parties (televised prelim races start at 9 a.m.) and encouraging attendees to wear traditional Derby Day attire.
For women, that means fashionable hats of outrageous proportions along with simple dresses that don’t divert attention from their headwear.
For men, it’s pants in vibrant colors (think Bermuda pink, Key lime, citron lemon, or ocean blue) with a blazer and tie (especially bow ties).
Find out more about what to wear here.
Bourbon Jacks: Doors open at 10 a.m. for brunch (served until 1 p.m.) in downtown Chandler. Mint Juleps and Kentucky Mules will be $8 all day. Chef specials will include Kentucky Hot Browns and barbecue pork sliders. Live music starts at 5:30.
Meridiem Kitchen & Lounge: Doors open at 7 a.m. for breakfast. Besides food and drink specials, including wines from official Derby sponsor 14 Hands, there will be games and commemorative photos. The Chandler restaurant will award prizes for best hats and best dressed.
The Brass Tap: $5 Mint Juleps & $5 Sam Adams-style Mint Juleps at the Gilbert location.
Good Time Charli’s: $6 Sun Gin Mint Juleps & $7 Mint Julep Sweet Teas.
Beer Research Institute: Doors open at 11 a.m. at the Mesa brewpub. Besides Mint Juleps and Old Fashioneds, there will be straight pours of eight bourbons, including Derby sponsor Woodford Reserve, plus, of course, 15 BRI beers on tap. Southern-style appetizers will be available all day.
The Ivy Mediterranean Lounge: Doors open at 8 a.m. for brunch. There will be a special Derby Day menu and additional TVs – plus betting booths. There also will be raffles and games. You can reserve a table via the Chandler restaurant’s website.
Dave & Buster’s: Doors open at 11 a.m. If you wear your big hat to the Tempe restaurant and arcade you receive unlimited video game play all day.
