152nd Kentucky Derby® Onsite Menu Revealed: Full 2026 Food & Drink Lineup at Churchill Downs

Mar 03, 2026 Kentucky Derby

152nd Kentucky Derby Onsite Menu Revealed: A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Race Day Experience

Churchill Downs Racetrack has unveiled the official onsite food and beverage menu for the 152nd Kentucky Derby® presented by Woodford Reserve, bringing bold spring flavors, Louisville-inspired classics and elevated race-day dining to fans on Saturday, May 2, 2026. For the third consecutive year, Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs, has crafted a dynamic culinary lineup that celebrates Kentucky Derby tradition while introducing contemporary twists. As “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®” approaches, Derby guests can expect a menu that reflects both the pageantry of the event and the flavors of the Bluegrass State.

A Fresh Take on Kentucky Derby Tradition

The Kentucky Derby® is where storied tradition meets modern culture, and the 2026 menu reflects that intersection. Chef Lopez is focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and locally inspired dishes like honey bourbon grilled chicken and Kentucky BBQ shrimp. “Churchill Downs is always committed to honoring its iconic traditions, and this year I’m coming to the table with familiar elements along with some exciting culinary twists,” said Chef Lopez. With more than 100,000 guests expected across 25+ dining rooms, the culinary experience is a centerpiece of Derby Day.

Official 152nd Kentucky Derby On-Track Food Menu

The 2026 Kentucky Derby menu blends spring-forward freshness with bold Southern flavor.

Fresh Salads & Starters

• Green Goddess Pasta Salad – Cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella pearls and fresh basil with creamy pesto
• Kale Salad with Cider Sorghum Vinaigrette – Kale, shredded cabbage, carrots, red quinoa, dried cherries, sunflower seeds and pickled red onions
• Farmstand Vegetables & Assorted Dips – Seasonal vegetables served with traditional hummus, lemon sweet pea hummus and buttermilk herb dip

Handhelds & Boards

• Caprese Sandwich on Focaccia – Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze
• Pretzel Board – Served with whole grain mustard dip, pimento cheese and vanilla glaze

Signature Entrées

• Char-Grilled Short Ribs with Pomegranate & Fennel – Boneless short ribs finished with a pomegranate glaze
• Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken with Roasted Peach Chutney – Topped with honey bourbon glaze and roasted peach chutney
• Kentucky BBQ Shrimp & Fava Bean Relish – Large shrimp served with Kentucky BBQ butter sauce

Seasonal Sides

• Ancient Grains Pilaf – Farro, quinoa, bulgur, barley and wild rice with sautéed vegetables, lemon zest and herbs
• Brown Sugar Glazed Roasted Carrots & Dill Sorghum Butter

Signature Kentucky Derby Cocktails for 2026

No Derby Day is complete without iconic beverages. The official 152nd Kentucky Derby cocktail menu includes

• Old Forester Mint Julep – Old Forester, simple syrup, fresh mint and crushed ice
• Oaks Lily – Vodka, sweet and sour, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, blackberries and lemon
• Woodford Reserve Spire – Woodford Reserve, lemonade, cranberry juice and lemon twist
• Herradura Horseshoe Margarita – Herradura Reposado, margarita mix and lime

Churchill Downs will also offer an array of artisanal cocktails throughout the property

Kentucky Derby 152 Dining by the Numbers

The scale of Derby dining reflects the magnitude of the event

• 100,000+ guests served
• 25+ dining rooms
• 17+ full kitchens across the racetrack
• 100+ Levy chefs supporting race weekend
• 5,000 lbs of short rib
• 4,000 lbs of shrimp
• 6,000 lbs of carrots
• 50,000 blackberries

Celebrity Chefs to Enhance the Derby Experience

In addition to the official menu, Churchill Downs will welcome celebrity chefs including Akhtar Nawab, Damaris Phillips, Fabio Viviani, Leah Cohen, Lorena Garcia, Rodney Scott and Tristen Epps. These chefs will serve exclusive culinary offerings in select premium dining areas such as Club SI by Sports Illustrated, Spires Terrace and Turf Club.