Don your best derby hat and head out for some of these fabulous parties to watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7.
Chicago q: This popular downtown barbecue spot is channeling its Southern roots for a derby day celebration. Enjoy deviled egg flights and apple-smoked ham biscuit sliders to start off the day. Wash those down with one of their delightful drink specials, including $5 mint juleps and $10 bourbon flights. The winner of the "Best Derby Hat" award will receive a $100 gift card.Sat., May 7 starting at 10 am1160 N. Dearborn St.; 312-642-1160
Table Fifty-Two: This exclusive party will take place in the elegant second floor dining room at Table Fifty-Two. With this limited group of derby fans, you won't miss a second of the action while you sip on bottomless mint juleps made with Angel's Envy bourbon. Meanwhile, delicious Southern dishes like Kentucky Hot Browns (open-face applewood-smoked turkey sandwiches with country gravy) and Kentucky Burgoo (beef and vegetable stew) will be served.Sat., May 7 from 2 – 6 pm; $125 per person52 W. Elm St.; 312-573-4000
The Pony: If you're in the mood for a more laid-back affair, check out the derby party at The Pony. Hit up the buffet stocked with Southern dishes like fried chicken and biscuits for just $10. Don't forget to order one of their great drink specials as well, including $5 Jim Beam, Maker's Mark and Red Stag cocktails and $5 mint juleps. For those who feel like dressing up, enter the best dressed and best hat contests for the chance to win a $100 cash prize.Sat., May 7 sat 11 am1638 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-828-5055
Crew: Feeling lucky? Then head to this gay-friendly sports bar to pick your favorite horse before "The Run for the Roses" kicks off. If your horse wins, you'll get a free drink courtesy of Crew. Meanwhile, a best derby hat contest will award cash prizes for first, second and third place. Best of all, you can grab mimosa pitchers for just $12.50 and mint juleps for $4 each all day long.Sat., May 7; Horse selection starts at 4 pm4804 N. Broadway; 773-784-2739
Brownstone Bar and Grill: Brownstone will celebrate the Kentucky Derby for the seventh year in a row with its $25 all-you-can-eat crawfish buffet, complete with 1,000 lbs of crawfish flown in from New Orleans, cornbread, gumbo, red beans and rice. Quench your thirst with mint juleps, Saratoga sunrises or stadium cups of Miller or Coors, all of which cost just $5 a piece. Giveaways after every race and live music round out this derby bash.Sat., May 7 at 11 am3937 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-528-3700