And they’re off! The Kentucky Derby is the most electrifying two minutes in sport and this year, make sure you and yours are properly set for the Derby Dash. Green Curtain Events is the Secretariat of Derby Hosts and they’ve lined up 10 of the best bars in Chicago to team up and deliver the preeminence in Kentucky Derby Parties around Chicago.
Need last second plans for yourself, or putting together something for a small group? We’ve got you covered.
Have terrible plans and want better ones? It’s OK to admit it, watching the Derby at home isn’t that fun. And yes, we got your back there too.
Whether you’re a Southern Belle or a Beer Jockey in a Seersucker ensure you’re getting the best Kentucky Derby experience outside of Churchill Downs with Green Curtain Events. They’re your Derby destination for the classiest mixing, swilling, and watch party socializing Chicago has to offer.
Here’s the full lineup of Kentucky Derby venues you can still check out for next Saturday’s race!
Bounce Sporting Club
324 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Indoors. Outdoors. It doesn’t matter. Bounce Sporting Club is the exacta bet lock of the weekend for a perfect high-roller’s paradise on Derby Day!
Utopian Tailgate
1608 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
Utopian (adjective): modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic.
Lock it in. I mean, it says it right there. There is simply no better location to take in the Kentucky Derby 2023 than in your own little Old Town utopia. Utopian Tailgate for the Derby with 8 of your closest friends and buckets of White Claws? Say less.
Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
The stakes have never been higher than they are for this year’s Derby, place your bets carefully and lock in Hubbard Inn, River North’s ideal watch-party location with elite service, premium drinks, and excellent vibes!
Read More: The 10 Best Bars in River North
Paradise Park
1913 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
I got two [winning] tickets to Paradise! Grab your best outfit and let’s leave tonight. Enjoy your Kentucky Derby experience with all of the money vibes at Paradise Park! Wow what an ode to Eddie Money that was.
Roots (South Loop)
744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby in perfect form at Roots; the South Loop’s favorite party rooftop with a paddock full of TVs, incredible food, and a vibe unmatched anywhere in Chicago!
The River
2909 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby watch craze at The River; a high-energy classic and perfect sports arena for all your party needs! You’ve probably hit drag brunch at The River. Or maybe you’re a crazed Spartan fan yelling at Tom Izzo during the BIG tournament. But we promise, you haven’t experienced anything like the fastest two minutes in sports at The River.
Read More: The 7 Hands-Down Best Bars in Lincoln Park
Barcocina (West Loop)
1814 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Why watch Horse Racing’s biggest race anywhere other than at Chicago’s largest patio attraction? Seems silly. With amply group packages still available Barcocina West Town is the leader in the Rose Garden this Kentucky Derby Day!
Gold Coast Social
7 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby with southern style at Gold Coast Social; it may not be Churchill Downs but there’s nothing stopping you from going full Southern Belle/Gentleman while enjoying Derby Day at Gold Coast Social!
Blüm Day & Night Life
316 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby in lavish style at Blüm Day & Nightlife; one of River North’s finest attractions and perfect set-up for a watch party second to none!
Barcocina (Lakeview)
2901 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby at a premier indoor-bar + outdoor-patio scene at Barcocina (Lakeview); the perfect blend of a neighborhood hangout and amazing viewing-party location!
To get more details on the event day, vibe here. For everything you need about this specific location, check out the info on this page, or, for All Table Reservations, Group Accommodations, or Event Inquiries, Please Contact: cheryl@greencurtainevents.com // 312-579-3637.
And per usual, you can catch UrbanMatter out and about this Derby Day wearing our Churchill Best, sipping Mint Julip’s, cashing bet slips like Drake.