Giddy Up
Grab your fanciest hat and head to these local restaurants to watch the Kentucky Derby
Zocca Cuisine d'Italia has several Kentucky Derby themed specials — and a hat contest.
Even if the only thing you know about the annual Kentucky Derby are the fancy hats and the fact that horses are involved, don't worry – you can still have a good time at the following Kentucky Derby watch parties here in San Antonio.
Zocca Cuisine d'Italia
From 11 am to the stroke of midnight, guests at the recently renovated Zocca Cuisine d'Italia can pair their food items with Zocca's own Mint Julep specials, including options like a Southern Breeze Julep and another fun one called Doctor's Orders — all built on a Woodford Reserve bourbon base. (Hint: Even if you don't like bourbon, the official Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle is pretty neat — take a look at it here!)
In honor of the Kentucky Derby's grand tradition of fancy hats, Zocca will also be hosting a hat contest during their Kentucky Derby watch party. Anyone interested in competing should take a photo in their fancy hat, tag Zocca's Instagram page (@zoccasa) and like the Zocca Facebook page to be entered into a drawing for a complimentary brunch for two at the downtown restaurant.
McIntyre's Southtown
It was practically mandatory that Southtown's newest sports bar would host a Kentucky Derby watch party. According to the McIntyre's Instagram page, guests will have a chance to win prizes by grabbing an entry card and betting on their favorite horse. However, if you're just there for the good vibes and drink specials, McIntyre's has you covered there, too – they'll be offering $10 mint juleps, $20 mimosa carafes, and $20 on select cocktail buckets until 8 p.m.
Don't forget to grab some brisket from Garcia Barbecue, a veteran-owned barbecue food truck located at McIntyre's, before you head home for the night.
The Hayden
According to the weekly newsletter from The Hayden, the restaurant plans to keep the party going after Fiesta with plans for Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby! Although the plans for The Hayden's Kentucky Derby party have yet to be announced at the time of writing, it's sure to be a good time at the Broadway-based Jewish delicatessen diner with specialty cocktails and hearty comfort food (and their second location at the Alon Town Centre is opening soon!)
The Rustic
The La Cantera restaurant is bringing back its popular "Talk Derby to Me" Kentucky Derby watch party. In addition to Derby viewing, there will also be a featured Mint Julep special, live music after the race, and a contest for best-in-show — not for horses, but for the best-dressed guest! Did we mention this event is free? All you have to do is RSVP.
