“Brooklyn Derby” may be a favorite going in to the Kentucky Derby, but it is not the only horse in this race! Here is a form guide to some other options for watching the run for the roses in Brooklyn on May 3.
Floyd, a 10-year-old colt with an indoor bocce ball court in Brooklyn Heights is running some race time specials and throwing a party for the ninth year straight. The doors are free, and so is the Kentucky-themed beer cheese, while mint juleps will run you $6 a pop. Union Hall in Gowanus, a philly from the same breeder as Floyd, will also have free Derby festivities, plus burgers and dogs, cornhole, and $6 juleps. Both parties start at 1 pm, are showing the races all day, and will award a $100 prize to the bearer of the best hat.
Pete’s Candy Store, a stalwart stallion on Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, is in fine form heading into the weekend. Bar jockeys will be offering up plates of Southern food, a bar tab will be awarded for best hat, and revelers will have plenty of ways to make friendly wagers. The party runs from 3–7 pm. And nearby Mable’s Smokehouse on Berry Street may be a three-year-old foal, but it leads the field when it comes to Southern food — one of the owners is even from Louisville. The party starts at 2 pm, and will include juleps and derby pie.
Floyd [131 Atlantic Ave. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 858–5810, www.floydny.com].
Union Hall [702 Union St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues in Gowanus, (718) 638–4400, www.unionhallny.com].
Pete’s Candy Store [709 Lorimer St. between Richardson and Frost streets in Williamsburg, (718) 302–3770, www.petescandystore.com].
Mable’s Smokehouse and Banquet Hall [44 Berry St. between North 11th and North 12th streets in Williamsburg, (718) 218–6655, www.mablessmokehouse.com].
