The annual Race of the Roses takes place at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7, and if you can’t be in Louisville, Ky. to celebrate “the best two minutes in sports,” these Houston restaurants and bars have you covered. bring Derby action. From watch parties where juleps flow to hat contests and themed food and drink, here’s where to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Houston this year.
Kiss, 4444 Westheimer
Bisou offers a Mint Julep ($15) made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, simple syrup and mint on Derby day.
Bludorn, 807 Taft
Bludorn is celebrating Derby Day festivities with $15 Mint Juleps all day.
Brewery 19, 1962 West Gray
The dining room and patio at Brasserie 19 will be lively as guests watch the Derby and enjoy food and drink specials, as well as a top hat contest with a prize of a Champagne brunch for six. The party runs from noon until the final race. Call 713-524-1919 or book at brasserie19.com.
Eight row flint, 1039 Yale
The modern Texas cooler will host a full Derby Day party complete with a floating bar, DJ, Derby-inspired flower arrangements and a Best Hat contest with a Maker’s Mark prize basket. Drink specials include $10 cocktails like Makers Juleps and Makers 90 Smash, plus free samples of exclusive Makers Barrels Juleps to taste while watching the race.
Heights & Co., 1343 Yale
The all-new Heights Patio and Cocktail Bar (opening May 5) is hosting a Kentucky Derby night on May 7 starting at 1:30 p.m. Guests can expect Mint Juleps and a large projection screen showing the race.
Julep, 1919 Washington
Grab your hats and bow ties for Julep’s annual Kentucky Derby party, an epic party with signature cocktails, mint juleps (of course!), champagne, Top Chico station, two main bars, bar whiskey, tacos from Cochinita & Co., a live DJ set and a Vinyl Ranch pop-up shop while the bar streams the Kentucky Derby live. The party is from noon to 6 p.m., but the bar will be open all night until 2 a.m. Tickets are $10 presale and $20 at the door.
Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant, 1743 Post Oak
Kenny & Ziggy’s invites guests to watch all the Kentucky Derby action, from pre-race to trophy presentation, while sipping on race day drinks, from traditional Mint Juleps and Broadway Mint “Joeleps” to Kir Royals and Mimosas. On the food side, the deli will offer bar-sized portions of small Reubens, Zaft-Tots, Lox ‘n’ Latkes, Fried Kreplach, Grilled Turkey Challah sandwiches and more.
Juleps and a Kentucky Derby Turtle Race will kick off the day’s festivities at Loch Bar.
Photo by Alex Montoya
Bar du Loch, 4444 Westheimer
The River Oaks District Seafood Tavern Will Come To Life With A 3-Way Kentucky Turtle Derby Race
pm, where eight elite turtles will compete and race to be the first across the finish line. The festivities continue with a “best hat” contest, raffle prizes and Mint Juleps ($12) available until 10 p.m.
MAD, 4444 Westheimer
MAD’s signature bourbon and mint cocktail, Granizado Smash ($18), features spearmint shaved ice with Makers Mark 46, peach liqueur and lemon poured at the table.
Pier 6 Seafood and Oysters, 113 6th
Don your seersucker suit or fascinators and head to San Leon for a Kentucky Derby night on the patio.
Specials include Woodford Reserve Bourbon Mint Julep ($8 all day) and Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve wine flights, plus a best-dressed contest and Run for the Roses photo wall. The party takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
RARE Restaurant and Lounge, 4105 Washington
Chef Don Bowie’s new modern steakhouse will offer a classic artisanal Mint Julep ($15) made with Angel’s Envy bourbon, sweetener and fresh mint, as well as a unique 4105 Julep ($8) with Bacardi spiced rum or Cazadores Reposado, passion fruit syrup, mint and Peychaud bitters.
Regent Square, 1203 Dunlavy
Regent Square invites the community to a Kentucky Derby-themed party before the big race on Wednesday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their most stylish spring attire for an evening of mint juleps, horse racing bets and fun photos. ops, food trucks, a DJ and a hat contest. The event is free and all ages are welcome.
The Rustic, 1836 Polk
The Rustic’s annual Talk Derby To Me night features Triple Crown Sliders, Mint Juleps, a costume contest, live music and more.
The Tasting Room, 818 Town and Country
Chef Beto Gutierrez has created a decadent Derby-themed menu with Bourbon pairings for $75 per person. Highlights include bacon-wrapped scallops with watermelon salad and honey chipotle glaze paired with Maker’s Mark 46; Seared pork belly served with white cheddar grits and smoked pecan cajeta and Basil Hayden’s; Roasted rib steak with horseradish whipped potatoes and half bourbon-pepper served with Buffalo Trace; and homemade Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream and salted bourbon caramel sauce, served with Angel’s Envy. The tasting experience begins at 4 p.m. Call 281-822-1500.
Cafe and Bar Toulouse, 4444 Westheimer
Toulouse will offer Mint Juleps and broadcast the race, while serving its signature fresh
Blackberry Mule and Rose All Day Punch for additional spring cocktail options.
