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Kentucky Derby 2016: Where to Party in San Francisco

Mint julep required

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Hog & Rocks/Facebook

Don your party hats and put on your pearls, because the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 7 at 3:34 p.m. sharp. It's always way more fun to watch in public, which you can do at any of the below spots. Take your pick for creative cocktails, Southern specials, and hats galore. (Oh, and pro-tip: put your money on crowd favorite horse Nyquist.)

Alfred's Steakhouse

What: The bar will be going hard for the Derby, with both TV’s tuned in, plus $8 cocktails like mint juleps and sweet tea bourbon sours and Southern food specials like crab hush puppies, pimento cheese, and fried chicken sandwiches. There will also be prizes.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 659 Merchant St., San Francisco

Image credit: Patricia Chang

Bourbon & Beef

Bourbon & Beef Bourbon & Beef

What: Fried chicken with corn puree and jalapeno cole slaw plus a mint julep will cost you $29
When: Saturday, May 7
Where: 5634 College Ave., Oakland

Comstock Saloon

Comstock Saloon Comstock Saloon

What: Drink and food specials run on Saturday, with the obvious mint julep and other whiskey drinks, plus food like a hot brown. Pianist Eric Shifrin will play through the afternoon. Comstock’s festivities this year benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 155 Columbus Ave., San Francisco

The Dorian

The Dorian. Patricia Chang

What: An outdoor beer garden on Chestnut & Fillmore with Derby-themed cocktails (The Churchill with vodka, fresh strawberry juice, basil eau de vie and yuzu juice), sparkling champagne and beer alongside brunch. Derby-wear is encouraged. Entry is free, but you can purchase tickets for VIP viewing in the upstairs study here.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 2001 Chestnut St., San Francisco

Image credit: Patricia Chang

Elixir

Elixir Saloon Elixir Saloon

What: Four variations on the mint julep (including a classic version) will be on offer for $6 each, plus a barbecue.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 3200 16th St., San Francisco

Hog & Rocks

What: Hog & Rocks’ annual oyster fest is back on Derby day with Woodford Reserve cocktails, Southern snacks, a costume contest, gambling and an oyster "shuck & suck" contest. Get tickets here, which give you $30 worth of food and drink.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 3431 19th St., San Francisco

Maven

Maven Maven

What: Special cocktail American Pharaoh (last year’s winner), made with armagnac, yerba mate, benedictine, and mint ($12), will be on offer.
When: Monday, May 2 through Sunday, May 8
Where: 598 Haight St., San Francisco

One Market

One Market One Market

What: Mint juleps for $5.
When: Monday, May 2 through Saturday, May 7
Where: 1 Market St., San Francisco

Public House

Public House Public House

What: Mint juleps and Triple Crown punches (blackberry bourbon punch with mint) are available this entire week leading up to the race, plus day of, the bar will be airing the race on its 26 big-screen TV’s.
When: Saturday, May 7
Where: AT&T Park

Rouge et Blanc

Rouge et Blanc Rouge et Blanc

What: A "Kentucky Derby Tasting" will grace the menu for two weeks with two ounce tastings of a whiskey of your choice paired with a four cheeses for $35, plus a homemade biscuit and pepper orange marmalade.
When: Monday, May 1 through Sunday, May 15 for dinner.
Where: 344 Grant Ave., San Francisco

Run for the Roses

What: There are only a few tickets left for this annual blowout with lawn games, drinks, cigars, raffles, Southern food, and prizes for best dressed. Snag a ticket here.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: General’s Residence in Fort Mason, 1 Franklin St., San Francisco

Tope Lounge

What: Barbecue, drink specials, prizes, corn hole, roulette, a DJ and live music round out the afternoon at Tope Lounge. Tickets here.
When: Saturday, May 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 1326 Grant Ave., San Francisco