Break out the bow ties and big hats— Kentucky Derby Day action is trotting into Houston on Saturday, May 3, and our city’s bars and restaurants are off to the races. The 151st Run for the Roses kicks off at 5:57 p.m. CST, but the local celebrations start much earlier, with everything from best-dressed contests and boozy brunches to rowdy race-day fêtes that’ll have you feeling like you’re trackside at Churchill Downs. Here’s where to place your bets on the best Derby Day action in Houston this year.
The Annie Cafe & Bar, 1800 Post Oak
Join The Annie for a Derby Day celebration full of Southern sips and pre-race fun from 3 to 6 p .m., then head to the bar or patio for live Kentucky Derby coverage, happy hour, Mint Juleps and specialty cocktails, complimentary Maker’s Mark tastings, keepsake Julep cups and a floral Rose Wall photo opp.
Bayou & Bottle, 1300 Lamar
From 3 to 7 p.m. Bayou & Bottle: invites folks to gear up for the most exciting two minutes in sports with Brown Derby cocktails, crafted with Elijah Craig Private Select Toasted Bourbon. There is no cover charge, with food and drink available for purchase.
Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith
While it’s not hosting an official Derby event, Brennan’s is serving up Derby vibes with its new Smith St. Mint Julep, now on the revamped Courtyard Bar menu. Made with Blade and Bow bourbon, fresh mint, crushed ice, and powdered sugar in a classic julep cup, guests can sip while catching the race on the bar’s three big screens.
Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall
Brenner’s on the Bayou brings back Wine Fest: Derby Down the Bayou, held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and after the event, guests are invited to stay and watch the race al fresco at Blue Bar. Sip from more than 30 elite wines, enjoy bites from top Houston spots, and dress to impress for the Big Hat Contest. Tickets are $150 or $250 for VIP, which includes early entry at 1:30 p.m., exclusive pours and access to the VIP White House.
Credence, 9757 Katy Freeway
Chef Levi Goode is throwing his first-ever Derby bash, Hats & Horses, at Credence on Saturday, May 3, from 4–8 p.m. Expect big-screen race action, bites like oysters and Pan de Campo, and cocktails from Woodford Reserve and Herradura. Tickets start at $125 with apps, drinks and lawn views included. VIP upgrades and prizes for “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed” are up for grabs—plus, the party keeps rolling at Sidebar after the race.
FM Kitchen and Bar and PKL Social, 1112 Shepherd
FM Kitchen and Bar and PKL Social will be hosting the ultimate watch party for the Kentucky Derby. At both concepts, enjoy $10 Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps all day. Dress in your finest Derby-inspired attire and show off your best hat for a chance to win a $50 PKL Social gift card. With multiple TVs across both patios, you can catch all the Derby excitement while enjoying great drinks, food, and fun with friends.
Heights & Co., 1343 Yale
Heights & Co. is celebrating with a Julep cocktail and spritz bar in the garden on the patio, plus a watch party.
Heights Bier Garten, 1433 North Shepherd
Heights Bier Garten is going all out for Derby Day, with doors opening at 11 a.m. Expect live race coverage with full sound, themed cocktails, games, giveaways and Southern-style sips, plus Best Hat and Best Dressed contests and post-race live music from 6 to 10 p.m.
Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge, 95 Tuam
Watch the Kentucky Derby race while sipping on $10 Mint Juleps all day! Pair the Mint Juleps, plus get Jethro’s amazing smash burgers and fries for $7 until 7 p.m.
Julep, 1919 Washington
Alba Huerta’s award-winning bar is throwing its 11th Annual Kentucky Derby Party, bringing together over 600 guests for an afternoon of Southern elegance, fresh cocktails and fun kicking off at 1 p.m. Guests can expect a floral wonderland with over 5,000 fresh-cut flowers, a full tented setup, multiple bars, live music, premium cigars, Instagrammable installations and of course—ice-cold Mint Juleps. Tickets are $20.
The Kennedy, 3210 West Dallas
The Kennedy is hosting a lively Kentucky Derby viewing event with a six-piece live jazz band, indoor-outdoor experiences, best dressed contests, refreshing bevies and bites, and more. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Local Bar, 24033 Cinco Ranch, 10615 Fry
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo with Cinco de Derby at Local Bar. Sip drink specials including the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, Old Forester French Julep, Herradura Margarita, Corona Buckets and more. On May 3, guests can try their luck at the Kentucky Derby Table Game.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th
The bayside beauty is celebrating Kentucky Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo at its Cinco de Derby event. Drink specials include $8 Old Forester Mint Julep, Woodford Spire, Spicy Ritas and House Margaritas, with fun including a DJ, decor, 360 photo booth, in-house giveaways and plenty of TVs to watch the race.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
