Churchill Downs and hospitality partner Levy Restaurants have unveiled the official menu for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve.
The annual “Run for the Roses,” which is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, once again combines tradition with contemporary style, and this year’s menu reflects that harmony. In order to improve the on-track dining experience, the 2026 menu incorporates modern elements while leaning toward Louisville-inspired classics.
The emphasis, according to Chef Robert Lopez to The Lane Report, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs, is on seasonal, fresh ingredients from local farms combined with well-known Derby flavors.
“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,” Lopez stated. “The menu for the 152nd ‘Run for the Roses’ features flavors that will be recognizable to returning guests, including delectable honey bourbon sauces and brown sugar caramelization, while incorporating surprise components to ensure on-track diners are immersed in the full experience.”
What’s On The 152nd Kentucky Derby Menu?
This year’s on-track offerings include a mix of light fare, hearty entrees and Southern-inspired sides:
Salads & Starters
- Green Goddess Pasta Salad with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and creamy pesto
- Kale Salad with cider sorghum vinaigrette, red quinoa, dried cherries and sunflower seeds
- Farmstand vegetables with traditional hummus, lemon sweet pea hummus and buttermilk herb dip
- Pretzel board with whole grain mustard, pimento cheese and vanilla glaze
Sandwiches & Entrees
- Caprese sandwich on focaccia with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze
- Char-grilled short ribs with pomegranate and fennel
- Honey bourbon grilled chicken with roasted peach chutney
- Kentucky BBQ shrimp with fava bean relish
Sides
- Ancient grains pilaf with farro, quinoa, bulgur, barley and wild rice
- Brown sugar glazed roasted carrots with dill sorghum butter
From honey bourbon glazes to sorghum accents that pay homage to Kentucky’s agricultural heritage, bourbon-forward flavors continue to be essential.
Derby Cocktails Return
No Derby menu is complete without its signature drinks. Guests can sip on:
- Old Forester Mint Julep
- Oaks Lily
- Woodford Spire
- Herradura Horseshoe Margarita
Derby Dining By The Numbers
The scale of Derby dining is massive:
- More than 100,000 guests served across 25+ dining rooms
- 17+ full kitchens operating throughout the track
- 100+ Levy chefs supporting from across the country
- 5,000 pounds of short rib
- 4,000 pounds of shrimp
- 6,000 pounds of carrots
- 50,000 blackberries
Cocktails will be served throughout the track as fans gather for what’s known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
Participating chefs include:
- Akhtar Nawab
- Damaris Phillips
- Fabio Viviani
- Leah Cohen
- Lorena Garcia
- Rodney Scott
- Tristen Epps
This article appears in Feb 14-28, 2026.