Where To Celebrate Derby Day in Atlanta, GA

Lovingly known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, you’ll want to find somewhere to enjoy the derby well past those short-lived two minutes. Luckily, a great lineup of Derby Day festivities is waiting for you, Atlanta. From incredible food, to drink specials, and festive contests, be sure to make your plans for Saturday, May 4th!

Livingston Restaurant + Bar

The historic environs of The Georgian Terrace Hotel provide the perfect backdrop for the 4th annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at Livingston Restaurant + Bar. From 3-7 p.m., rock to music from DJ Yvonne Monet as you participate in fun raffles and contests, enjoy appetizers, and sip on a triple crown of $12 specialty cocktails including mint julep (Four Roses bourbon, Angostura bitters, house mint syrup and mint sprig garnish), Caballito (Herradura Silver tequila, Cocchi Americano aperitivo, grapefruit, cucumber and lime) and Run Pony, Run! (Chattanooga 1816 whiskey, Aperol, Jack Rudy bitters and lemon). Tickets are $25 per person and include one drink and a selection of appetizers. Event proceeds benefit the Sotherly Foundation, dedicated to assisting America’s wounded veterans. 866-845-7551; www.livingstonatlanta.com.

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The Southern Gentleman

The Southern Gentleman welcomes all Southern gentlemen and ladies to its annual Kentucky Derby Party, where guests can catch all the action on multiple screens and take part in a Derby Day Hat contest, a Best Dressed competition, and other contests—all while enjoying special Derby-inspired cocktails including the Spire (Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemonade, cranberry and a lemon twist), Oaks Lilly (Finlandia vodka, lime, Combier, cranberry and a lemon twist), Horseshoe Margarita (Herradura Blanco with lime and agave) and, of course, Mint Julep (Old Forester bourbon and mint simple). The event takes place from 3:30-7 p.m. on the restaurant’s covered patio. Tickets are $35 per person and include small bites and two drinks. All guests also receive a special branded julep cup. 404-939-9845; thesoutherngentlemanatl.com.

Regent Cocktail Club

Celebrate Derby Day at the Regent Cocktail Club! Enjoy drink specials on rosé and mint juleps, $1 oysters, and live music on the rooftop terrace. Don’t forget to wear your best Derby Day hat for a chance to place in the annual hat contest! RSVP today!

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern

HOBNOB is pulling out all the stops with Kentucky Derby parties at all three locations on Saturday featuring race action on large-screen TVs, live music from 5-9 p.m., derby trivia, and a special menu including hot browns, Kentucky burgoo, Kentucky bourbon balls, pimento cheese sandwiches, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Drink specials include liquid bourbon balls and mint juleps for $8, all day Friday and Saturday. Bourbon flights featuring Woodford Reserve products are also available throughout Derby Week with 50% of the proceeds from each flight going to the Georgia Equine Rescue League. Last but not least, wear your best finery because an award will be given for Best Hat (a $100 HOBNOB gift card) and Best Dressed Couple (a $150 gift card) after the race. Brookhaven: 404-464-8971. Perimeter: 470-395-7904. Midtown: 404-968-2288; hobnobatlanta.com.

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Loyal Tavern

Celebrate the Derby and Cinco de Mayo at the same time at Derby de Cinco, Saturday and Sunday at Loyal Tavern in Marietta. Fill out a bracket to predict the winner all week long leading up to the race for the chance to win a gift card, and enjoy drink specials including mint juleps with Old Forester ($5), Herradura Reposado margaritas ($7) and 22-ounce Dos Equis lagers ($5.25). 678-921-0456; loyaltavern.com.

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Murphy’s

Murphy’s will be celebrating the Kentucky Derby with festive cocktails. Enjoy Bulleit mint juleps for $10 while sampling the new spring menu. 404-872-0904.

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Sweet Auburn BBQ

Garden & Gun Mint Julep Month (Now Through May 4) – Swing by Sweet Auburn BBQ to enjoy a specialty cocktail in honor of Garden & Gun’s Mint Julep Month! The “Foolish Pleasure” frozen julep, named after the winner of the 1975 Kentucky Derby winner, is made in collaboration with ASW Distillery and Honeysuckle Gelato. Ingredients include ASW Distillery’s Fiddler Whiskey, Honeysuckle Gelato’s Blackberry Lime sorbet, brown sugar mint tea, creme de mure, and Regan’s orange bitters.

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party – Sweet Auburn BBQ is hosting a special Kentucky Derby viewing party on May 4 featuring giveaways, fun bets, and prizes for “Best Derby Attire,” “Best Sundress,” “Best Bowtie,” “Best Hat,” and more. In addition to their regular menu, the restaurant will also be serving themed dishes such as Pimento Cheese Biscuits, Bourbon Glazed Wings, and Cucumber Sandwiches, plus cocktails including Foolish Pleasure, Horse’s Neck, and Pimm’s Cup (subject to change).

City Tap

City Tap is hosting a special watch party for the Kentucky Derby on May 4! The event features a hat contest, race day games with awesome prizes, Derby-themed dishes, cocktails including traditional mint juleps, and more.

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Hampton + Hudson

Hampton + Hudson’s ‘Talk Derby to Me’ party is back for another year to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports history all day long. Beginning at 12 pm, the celebration will feature a photo booth, rosé bar, H+H Mint Juleps, the chance to win house cash for the Best Hat, and more. Race day coverage will be on TVs throughout the restaurant and on the patio.

Photo Credit: The Infatuation