Where to Run for the Roses and Enjoy Mint Juleps in Philadelphia on Kentucky Derby Day
On May 3rd, the Kentucky Derby celebrates its 140th anniversary. After all this time, you might have established watching traditions, but if you’re not headed to Churchill Downs, why not make one of these nine places your Old Kentucky Home away from home, where you can raise an expertly mixed Mint Julep, or drink of your choice, to the most exciting two minutes in sports. Have you picked-out your hat yet?
Sutton’s Parlor: Head here on Derby Day to help support Last Chance Ranch. Listen to a live radio broadcast of the race while sipping on mint juleps. Wear your best Derby hat for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate!
Percy Street BBQ: Pit Mistress extraordinaire Erin O’Shea and the Percy Street crew are offering $6 Mint Juleps from 1 - 6 PM.
Khyber Pass Pub: With Mint Juleps (traditional and frozen), Kentucky Burgoo (sans squirrel meat) and some seldom scene (in these parts, anyway) Kentucky Common beers on offer, Old City’s Khyber might be the next best thing to watching the Run fo the Roses in person at Churchill Downs.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: Find your Woodford Reserve cocktails here, for each of the US Triple Crown races. A $15 seasonal Mint Julep will be offered during the Kentucky Derby, which will be aired at the restaurant. (A $15 Black-Eyed Susan will be offered for The Preakness and a $15 Belmont Jewel for The Belmont.)
Pennsylvania 6: Special $10 Derby Day cocktail menu includes Blackberry Lemonade (bourbon, chambord, fresh lemonade, ginger ale), PE6 Julep (bourbon, sage-ginger syrup) and a Traditional Julep (bourbon, mint simple syrup).
Field House: “Run for the Roses” party. Starts at 5:00 PM. $30.00 gets you a two-hour open bar package which included well drinks, domestic drafts, wine, and soda. A special bar station will be setup to offer two signature Kentucky Derby drinks including the Mint Julep. You will also be treated to live musical entertainment, raffle prizes, a 50/50, a chance to pick the winning horse in the Derby field and a $500 cash prize for the most stylish Kentucky Derby hat. Best Dressed Couple wins a weekend getaway to Revel in Atlantic City.
Rex 1516: Enjoy $8 seasonal special Julep, $8 while the Kentucky Derby’s on. The bar bites menu will also be available, featuring $5 delicious snacks like the Pimento Grilled Cheese or Shrimp Po’ Boy.
London Grill: $8 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps and $5 house bourbon.
Twisted Tail: Drink $5 Mint Juleps and Bourbon flights (Selections vary. Price TBA). Have fun with games of chance. The prize for winning the raffle for choosing the winning horse receives a limited edition Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle and two copper mint julep cups. The Best Hat winner will receive a gift bag from L'Occitane. Participate in a 50/50 raffle for a good cause; its proceeds go to PAWS.
McGillan’s Olde Ale House: Mint Juleps and "horsing around.”
Paramour: (4 PM - 6:30 PM) It’s their Third Annual Kentucky Derby Party. Sample savory Southern-inspired hors d’oeuvres and special sweet treats along with refreshing mint juleps and specially reserved wine selections while watching the race events in the Lobby Lounge and out on the Veranda. The Best Dressed For The Derby contest awards prizes for first, second and third place for both women and men. Tickets are $50 per person. All proceeds support the Radnor Conservancy. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Paramour.
Bainbridge Street Barrel House: The Derby will be on all the TVs with the sound on and $6 Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps.
Photo credits: Flickr user Barry Sell, REX 1516
