The race may be run in Louisville, but this weekend, the spirit of the 152nd Kentucky Derby is alive and well across the Daytona Beach area.
From upscale supper clubs to country saloons, local restaurants are going all in with dining deals and giveaways, mint juleps poured with a heavy hand and a parade of statement hats to match.
Post time is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. on May 2, though many local celebrations are kicking off hours before. So, whether you’re in it for the fashion, the fast horses or the all-day food and drink specials, these Derby Day parties are bringing a touch of Southern charm right here to the coast.
31 Supper Club
31 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach; 386-275-1625, 31supperclub.com
31 Supper Club is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party in Ormond Beach on May 2. The restaurant’s patio opens at 5 p.m., with the race kicking off just before 7 p.m.
Guests can look forward to a best hat contest, mint juleps, bourbon punch, and Derby pie — but the night doesn’t end there.
Following the race, there will be live music from 8 – 11:30 p.m. and cake later in the night. Guests can reserve their tables now online.
Barnhill’s
202 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach; 386-338-3041, barnhills.com
Barnhill’s is hosting a Kentucky Derby party, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 2, and will be showing the race on all TVs on the deck and at the bar. Guests are encouraged to “celebrate in style” and wear their favorite Derby Day hats.
The celebration will include $13 drink specials — classic Kentucky bourbon, mint julep and whiskey smash — and an $18 food special — the Louisville hot brown.
It’s described as “an open-faced classic piled high with roasted turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and rich mornay sauce, baked until golden and delicious,” according to the restaurant’s Facebook.
Country Line Saloon
900 Spring Garden Ranch Road, De Leon Springs; 386-277-2032, facebook.com
“Grab your hats, your bow ties, and your best Derby looks,” says Country Line Saloon, where guests can celebrate in style during the eatery’s Kentucky Derby bash this weekend.
Alongside raffle prizes, guests can look forward to drink specials, $12 pulled pork sandwiches, and $5 pimento cheese with crackers.
Several best-dressed contests will also take place, including the best-dressed lady, best-dressed gentleman, and best hat. Following the race, the party will continue with live music.
Flagler Tavern
414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-8861, flaglertavern.com
Flagler Tavern is hosting a Kentucky Derby party, which started with brunch Saturday. The Flagler Avenue restaurant will broadcast the action live from all 26 of its TVs.
In addition to Derby trivia, the eatery will hold a best-dressed and best-hat contest, followed by live music after the race.
The General Public House
501 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-7975, generalpublichouse.com
The General Public House, “home of the best old fashioned in town,” is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party, featuring its signature GPH mint julep, a fine selection of bourbons and whiskeys, and three 85-inch screens to watch the race.
The restaurant is offering half-priced appetizers from 5 – 7 p.m. and a Derby Day hat contest from 4 – 7 p.m., with the winner receiving a $100 General Public House gift card. Reservations can be made by phone or online.
The Grille
101 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-1865, thegrilleatriverview.com
The Grille is hosting a Derby Day party Saturday, featuring an extended happy hour through the end of the race.
Guests can enjoy $8 mint juleps made with Woodford Reserve, two-for-one draft beer, house wines and well drinks, as well as $5 sangria all day and happy hour bites in the lounge.
During the event, The Grille’s limited edition Woodford Reserve bottles will be available for $60 while they last, according to the restaurant’s Facebook.
Tiki Cove at Venetian Bay
215 N. Airport Lane, New Smyrna Beach; facebook.com
Beginning at 2 p.m., Tiki Cove is hosting a Derby Day celebration in New Smyrna Beach.
Alongside classic cocktails, like mint juleps, old fashioneds and oaks lilies, the restaurant is offering several food specials, including hot brown sliders, shrimp and grits, and deviled eggs. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress with their best Derby style.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Where can you watch the Kentucky Derby? Visit Daytona-area restaurants
Reporting by Helena Perray, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
