Inside The Kentucky Derby’s Massive 2026 Food Lineup
Every year the first Saturday in May is reserved for The Kentucky Derby. From the pageantry to the ponies, the “race for the roses” has it all. Foodies will likely associate the race with its signature cocktail, the Mint Julep. However, the food and beverage program for the race isn’t just about juleps–although they will be plentiful.
Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Derby, and its hospitality partner Levy Restaurants have released the official menu for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve and we were amongst the lucky few who got to taste test it a few weeks ago.
“Flavor and quality is always number one for us. From there, we build on everything else–the heights, the smells, the colors,” Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs, told us exclusively when asked about additional surprise and delight moments. “It’s a big equation to end up with an item that is not only Instagrammable but also is effective. I want to create a memory for people. I want people telling stories forty years or forty derbies from now about that one thing that they got at Kentucky Derby 152.”
In addition to the official menu, a host of celebrity chefs including Leah Cohen, Lorena Garcia and Rodney Scott will serve exclusive culinary offerings in select dining areas throughout the racetrack.
Before we get into the details of the menu, here are a couple of interesting facts about this year’s dining:
- 100k+ guests will be served across more than 25+ dining rooms
- 17+ full kitchens will be used across the track
- 100+ Levy Chefs will come in from across the country to support
- 5,000 lbs of Short Rib will be used
- 4,000 lbs of Shrimp will be used
- 6,000 lbs of Carrots will be used
- 50,000 blackberries will be used
