Southern Rail
Chef Justin Beckett's Southern-minded restaurant will host a Kentucky Derby celebration this Saturday, May 2, that includes food and drink specials and prizes for those who choose to sport appropriate Derby Day attire. Southern Rail's Derby Day festivities include food specials such as tea sandwiches made with pimento cheese, cajun chicken salad, and cucumber and watercress, as well as pickled shrimp potted with pickled vegetables and sweet 'n' tangy green tomato relish. Drink specials will include mint juleps and creole lemonades for $5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The regular brunch menu will also be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Derby Day attire is recommended and there will be prizes for Biggest Women's Hat, Best Derby Hat, Best Men's Hat, and Zaniest Hat. For more information check the Southern Rail Facebook page.
See also: How to Make the Best Mint Julep, Ever.
DeSoto Central Market
Downtown Phoenix's DeSoto Central Market will be hosting its first ever Kentucky Derby Viewing Party this Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Attendees are invited to watch the race at the bar, while enjoying $6 mint juleps and Kentucky Hot Brown Burgers. Derby attire is, of course, encouraged. For more information check the DeSoto Central Market Facebook.
Padre Murphy's
On the West side of town you'll want to head to Padre Murphy's in Glendale, where Kentucky Derby fans can look forward to off-track betting, food and drink specials, and a Derby Day hat contest. The bar and restaurant will open at 8:30 a.m. and serve breakfast until 11:30 a.m. -- drink specials (on mint juleps and mimosas) will also be available. The live telecast of the race begins at 1 p.m. and the hat contest kicks off at 2 p.m. All participants will receive a prize and the top winner will receive a $100 happy hour at Padre Murphy's, second place will get a dozen red roses, and third place will win a $25 gift certificate to Padre Murphy's. For more information check the Padre Murphy's Facebook.
Kelly's at Southbridge
In Scottsdale Kelly's at Southbridge is going all out this Saturday, hosting a "Bubbles and Brown: Race for the Rose" party. The event will include drinks specials such as $10 glasses of Perrier-Jouët Rose and $8 Makers Mark Mint Julips, the unofficial drink of the Kentucky Derby. And attendees who wear Derby-appropriate attire will have a chance to win prizes for Best Hat and the Best Dressed Couple. For more information check the Kelly's at Southbridge Facebook.
Bevvy
Arrive early for the Kentucky Derby viewing party at Bevvy in Old Town Scottsdale and you might be there when the restaurant and bar passes out complimentary Champagne and mint juleps -- doors open at 11 a.m. But in addition to some free booze, Bevvy will also be offering a special Derby-themed brunch/lunch menu and drink specials throughout the day, as well as showing the race on 30-plus flat-screen TVs. The festivities will also include contests for Best Hat, Biggest Hat, Best Dressed (male and female) and Celebrity Look-Alikes, with winners receiving complimentary champagne, gift cards, and more.
