Celebrating the Kentucky Derby (and Cinco de Mayo) in New York

This coming Saturday will be especially festive: Not only is it Cinco de Mayo, but it will also the annual Kentucky Derby—offering just about everybody something to celebrate!

In New York, several restaurants and bars will be hosting special events. Courtesy of city website Gothamist, here are some places to watch the horses run and enjoy a top-shelf margarita:

Lowcountry, 142 West 10th Street: This Village eatery is serving a special Derby brunch (French toast with bechamel, smoked turkey, tomato, Benton's bacon, melted cheddar, served with Old Bay Fries (called Kentucky hot brown) and Derby pie sundae served with vanilla ice cream, Derby pie crumble and bourbon sauce. Also, be sure to try the ginger juleps. Call (212) 255-2330 for reservations.

mad46, Madison Avenue and 46th Street: This swank midtown rooftop bar is hosting a best-dressed competition, with awards going to the most “polished gentleman” and the most “Derby chic” lady. (Last year's event is pictured right.) For libations, try the oaks lilly, sweet bourbon punch or the classic mint julep. (The party begins at 4 p.m.) Call (212) 885-6095 for reservations.

Stone Rose Lounge, 10 Columbus Circle: At 1 p.m., try classic Derby fare, including a “hot brown” open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and mornay sauce and the staple dessert: Derby pie made with chocolate pecans and Kentucky bourbon. Stone Rose will feature a variety of Maker’s Mark-based speciality cocktails and will offer outfit competitions. Call (212) 823-9769.

Shanghai Mermaid: These atavistic Jazz Age speakeasy parties have been a hit for years among people who enjoy dressing retro, dancing to old-timey music, and knocking back classic cocktails in secret locations. Now, for the first time, Shanghai Mermaid is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party. On Saturday night, visitors can dress in Jazz Age attire and dance to traditional Mexican music and jazz! Visit www.shanghaimermaid.com for more information.