Mint Juleps and More Bourbon: How to Celebrate Derby Day in Nashville

Mint juleps, seersucker suits, and jockey silks are in the air as we approach the 150th annual Kentucky Derby, which runs this year on May 4. The Run for the Roses has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports, so finding the perfect spot to celebrate must be done in advance to not miss a second of the action. We’ve gathered all the Nashville bars and restaurants celebrating the Derby in style this year, from watch parties to food and drink specials and plenty of prizes for over-the-top get-ups.

Union Station

Nashville’s liveliest Derby party will take place in the Veranda at the Union Station Nashville Yards in partnership with Woodford Reserve. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Derby day and comes complete with Derby-inspired food, classic cocktails, and live entertainment. Fashion has long been at the forefront of the Derby, so it’s only fitting a best dressed award will be bestowed on the evening’s most festive attendee. Tickets start at $105.
1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 726-1001

Humble Baron

The “Hot Brown” is a Derby tradition made famous by the Brown Hotel in Louisville: it’s made with grilled chicken or roast turkey piled on a piece of white bread, doused in cheese sauce, and topped with roasted tomatoes and crispy bacon. The dish will appear on the Humble Baron menu in burger form alongside a riff on the classic mint julep using Uncle Nearest 1884 whiskey.
3125 US-231, Shelbyville, TN 37160
(931) 909-6610

Gertie’s

Whiskey and the Kentucky Derby go hand-in-hand, so it’s a natural fit for one of Nashville’s biggest whiskey bars to host a festive soiree. Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, located below 404 Kitchen in the Gulch, is hosting a party on Derby day in partnership with Woodford Reserve. Expect elaborate hats, hors d’oeuvres, special prizes, and plenty of mint juleps. Tickets begin at $35 per person.
507 12th Avenue South, Floor 1, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 251-1404

STK

Kicking off a full week before the big race, STK in the Gulch will launch their “Talk Derby to Me” menu in collaboration with Woodford Reserve and La Crema. Enjoy wine, mint juleps, and special menu items like jumbo lump crab cake and a bourbon cake through Saturday, May 4. The brand will also launch a text and social media contest to give away restaurant gift cards and tickets to the 2025 event.
700 12th Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 619-3500

Von Elrod’s

Germantown’s beer hall is swapping its steins and lederhosen for silver cups and fascinators this Saturday, May 4, with a Derby-themed party beginning at noon. Throughout the day, enjoy specials on mint juleps, and contests for highest hats and best dressed taking place at 5 p.m.
1004 4th Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 866-1620

Stable Reserve

There’s no reservation needed at downtown Franklin’s first local distillery — they’ll be celebrating the Derby all day long on May 4. The coffee shop and cocktail bar hybrid welcomes fascinators and pastels during opening hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and will offer specialty cocktails and lite bites before showing the Run for the Roses at 5:57 central time.
412 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 435-3715

Jasper’s

West End’s resident game bar is celebrating the Derby all month long in partnership with Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Enjoy a classic mint julep made with Nelson’s whiskey while you enjoy a round of ping pong at any point during May, or don your best pastel attire for a watch party during the Run on May 4.
1918 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4410

SusieCakes

This brand new Green Hills bakery, a cake chain with California origins that has since expanded widely throughout the state and in Texas, is celebrating the Run for the Roses with stunning Derby Rose cupcakes in honor of the big race. Available in a box of four or six, the sweet treats are available for pre-order and pick up May 4.
2177 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 861-2253