It’s finally springtime in the desert, and with the spring season comes many activities and events that we’ve been waiting for. One of the most popular and anticipated May sporting events is the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of May! Known as America’s favorite race, the Kentucky Derby is a national spectacular. The race dates back to 1872 and has secured itself not just as a sporting event, but as a celebration of Southern culture and American pride. Even though the Kentucky Derby is held across the country in, well, Kentucky, Las Vegas still knows how to celebrate this great American sport.
If you’re visiting Tahiti Resort this weekend, read on to learn more about where you can place your bets, enjoy a mint julep, and cheer on your favorite horse (ladies, don’t forget your hats!). Get ready for the best and fastest two minutes in sports, because the races are in town!
Lagasse’s Stadium
Located at The Palazzo, Lagasse’s Stadium has changed the definition of “sports bar” in Las Vegas. Not only is this location a sportsbook, but it’s also a restaurant and entertainment mecca. As you enter this luxurious stadium-style bar, you’re greeted by roughly 100 HD televisions and top-notch seating designed for your ultimate viewing pleasure. Enjoy the Kentucky Derby to the fullest with food, drinks, and fun.
The stadium menu is filled with a variety of dishes created by Chef Emeril and no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with these delicious choices! Choose an appetizer like chicken wings, Bavarian pretzels, or spinach and artichoke dip from the tailgating section, or dive right into main courses like baby back ribs, char-grilled ribeye steak, and much more. In previous years, Lagasse’s Stadium has hosted special viewing parties in their ultimate sports haven, equipt with food and drink specials. There’s no telling what they have up their sleeve this year, but we’re certain that it’s nothing short of spectacular!
The D Hotel & Casino
Our next Kentucky Derby hub is located in Downtown Las Vegas. The D Hotel & Casino is located in the heart of Fremont Street and impossible to miss. Not only does the D have an amazing vibe, but it has a variety of bars where you can watch the race. After grabbing a beer or cocktail at LongBar, make your way to the Vintage Vegas section located on the 2nd level of the casino and enjoy the classic Sigma Derby game or indulge in the new and improved Fortune Cup Mechanical Horse Racing. To pre-game the real race, cheer on your mechanical horses before routing for your Kentucky Derby horse! The D Hotel & Casino has you covered when it comes to your favorite pastimes as the Downtown Las Vegas sports hub.
Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge
Looking for the perfect mix of food and drinks in the ultimate social setting? Look no further than Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge, located inside Town Square at the south end of the Strip. Since putting down roots in 2011, Double Helix has introduced a variety of tapas dishes, an unforgettable patio atmosphere equipped with firepits, and a fun and carefree vibe for tourists and locals alike. Although this Las Vegas bar only has a few televisions scattered throughout the lounge, they make up for it with plenty of whiskey! So, grab a glass of bourbon (we recommend Woodford Reserve) and enjoy the Kentucky Derby with new friends at this unique and lively Las Vegas lounge.
Beer Park
Another great location to enjoy sports, drinks, and Vegas fun is Beer Park, the rooftop bar located at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Here, you can enjoy a view of the Strip and Bellagio Fountains, games, derby-themed cocktails, and racing! This year, Beer Park will be hosting a rooftop viewing party for all the Kentucky Derby watchers. Enjoy a mint julep bar all day, complimentary champagne thanks to Veuve Clicquot, and a special trumpet performance starting at 9am on May 5th. Not only can you enjoy the horse race from dozen of HD televisions, viewable from every seat, but you can also partake in live betting at the Beer Park’s in-house sportsbook. Beer Park also encourages viewers to take part in the Kentucky Derby’s classic attire (cue big floppy hats and leisure suits!) for the ultimate horse racing day.
Tahiti Village
Don’t forget to enjoy the Kentucky Derby from your own personal beach vacation. At 17° South Booze & Bites, viewers can grab a variety of delicious food while washing it down with a drink from the bar. Not only do they offer widescreen televisions throughout the venue and 24 beers on tap, but there’s also patio seating that overlooks the resort’s beach pool. So, let the kids enjoy the pool while you enjoy a Kentucky Derby cocktail.
Enjoy one of America’s greatest sporting events in the Entertainment Capital of the World and learn how to celebrate the Kentucky Derby Vegas style. With so many sportsbooks and viewing parties in town, you’ll have a good time no matter where you post up on the first Saturday of May.