Kentucky Derby 2016: Where To Party in Charleston

Off to the races

by Erin Perkins Updated May 6, 2016, 3:39pm EDT

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Fun at The Alley

| Marie Rodriquez

by Erin Perkins Updated May 6, 2016, 3:39pm EDT

Charleston uses any excuse to party, and the 2016 Kentucky Derby seems as good as reason as any other. Here's a roundup of bar and restaurants promising to air the race, along with a good time, and a few mint juleps. The fastest two minutes in sports starts at 6:34 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, so don't miss it.

Establishments are presented in geographical order.

The Alley

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Charleston funland The Alley transforms into its own indoor Churchill Downs for the Derby. Live music starts at 5:30 p.m., and Bulleit reps will be in attendance for bourbon tastings. The kitchen will offer a Kentucky-themed menu with Hot Brown Sandwiches, country ham biscuit sliders, fried chicken, and more. Big hats, seersucker, and bow ties are encouraged.

131 Columbus St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 818-4080

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Prohibition

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Prohibition sets up its back patio and bar for a Kentucky Derby party, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. There will be drink specials on Dixie Vodka cocktails and mint juleps, live music, and a best hat contest.

547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 793-2964

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Bay Street Biergarten

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Popular East Bay Street hangout Bay Street Biergarten wants guests to get in the Derby mood with Woodford mint juleps and New Belgium specials. Attendees are encouraged to decorate hats with inspiration from their favorite cocktail or beer — the most creative wins Bier Bucks. In addition to showing the race, Biergarten will host its own New Belgium Brewery Slow Ride competition. Bring your bicycle, and at 5:00 p.m. the last person to cross the finish line (without letting their feet touch the ground) wins a custom New Belgium bike.

549 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 209-1498

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Tavern & Table

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Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with views of the water at Tavern & Table. Enjoy a Hot Brown from chef Katie Lorenzen-Smith or enter the free horse picking contest for a chance to win $100 in house cash.

100 Church St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

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Warehouse

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Downtown party palace Warehouse hosts a Kentucky Derby shindig on Saturday with a discounted whiskey list from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests can watch the race projected on a 120-inch screen.

45 1/2 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 202-0712

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On Forty-One

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Southern restaurant On Forty-One will host a Kentucky Derby party with $5 specialty cocktails, live music, a Derby-inspired menu, and a hat contest.

1055 Highway 41, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

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Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ

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Smoked meat kings Home Team BBQ will show the race, while offering frozen mint juleps and food specials. Stop by the downtown location for the specials.