10 bars hosting Kentucky Derby watch parties across Louisville

2024-05-04 - Brooks Warren

Can’t make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday? The Courier Journal has 10 Louisville-area sports bars to consider if you want to go somewhere to enjoy the festivities and vibes of the city during the biggest racing weekend of the year.

Sports and Social

Sports and Social, 427 S. Fourth St., has plenty of space inside and out. You also can wind down after the race and bowl.

Joe’s Older Than Dirt

This sports bar at 8131 New La Grange Road has a good outdoor TV area. It has plenty of space to bring a group to watch Derby 150 and enjoy some well-reviewed food and drinks.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks visitors love the multiple TVs, which will be great for watching the Run for the Roses at 302 Bullitt Lane. The wait staff and bartenders are highly recommended.

O’Shea’s Irish Pub

The Highlands pub is easy to find at 956 Baxter Ave. There’s indoor and outdoor dining that feels like an Irish pub with some New World fare. There’s an expansive beer selection, and the food portions are generous, according to reviews.

Gertie’s Sports Bar Next Door

Next to Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in NuLu, the Sports Bar Next Door at 821 E. Market St., Suite 101, features 14 televisions broadcasting around-the-clock sports. Besides beer, it serves refined spirits and cocktails.

Parlay

Parlay, 416 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Suite 100, is an intimate vibe with good tacos and other bar food. Parlay is down the street from Fourth Street Live.

Parlour

Parlour, 133 W. Liberty St., offers pizza and wings. It’s in downtown Louisville and near the Omni Hotel.

Spring Street Bar & Grill

A great dive bar at 300 S. Spring St. Be sure to try the smash burger and Buffalo wings.

The Fox Den: Billiards, Bites & Brews

The Fox Den, 3814 Frankfort Ave. in St. Matthews, will serve food until 3 a.m., so it will be a good spot to wind down from a festive day of racing.

The Raven Irish Pub

Another Irish pub, The Raven is at 3900 Shelbyville Road. It has veggie and gluten-free options.

?? MATT STONE/THE COURIER JOURNAL ?? Kentucky Derby contender Catching Freedom trains at Churchill Downs on April 25 in Louisville. The horse is trained by Brad Cox. Jockey Flavian Plat is slated to ride. Owners are Albaugh Family Stables LLC. — MATT STONE/THE COURIER JOURNAL Kentucky Derby contender Catching Freedom trains at Churchill Downs on April 25 in Louisville. The horse is trained by Brad Cox. Jockey Flavian Plat is slated to ride. Owners are Albaugh Family Stables LLC.