1818 Chophouse Invites Community to Kentucky Derby Day Fun

EDWARDSVILLE - Community members have the chance to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a delicious twist at 1818 Chophouse.

From 3:30–10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville will host a Derby Day party so attendees can enjoy the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, featuring hors d’oeuvres and a picnic dinner followed by live music by the Bob Perry Band. Owner Megan Pashea encourages people to come out, sip a mint julep, sample the curated menu and have a great time.

“Events like the Kentucky Derby give us the opportunity to do what we do best on a bigger, more experiential level: create an atmosphere where great food, great service, and a sense of occasion all come together,” she said. “For us, it’s not just about serving a meal. It’s about giving our guests a reason to get dressed up, gather with friends, and be part of something that feels a little out of the ordinary. The Derby naturally brings that energy, tradition, style and celebration, and we’re able to bring that to life in a way that fits the 1818 brand.”

Guests will arrive around 3:30 p.m. and “ease into the experience” with hors d’oeuvres — think mini hot browns and pimento cheese gougères — and cocktails. The curated menu takes Southern favorites and gives them an 1818 Chophouse twist.

You can also make a Millionaire’s Row reservation for tables of eight. A picnic dinner will be served for these guests at 5 p.m., featuring herb-roasted beef tenderloin with chimichurri, buttermilk fried chicken, house-made biscuits with sorghum butter, and “classic sides that feel nostalgic but refined,” Pashea said.

The “playful, Derby-inspired desserts” include strawberry shortcake jars and chocolate bourbon balls from Saddleback Chocolate.

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“The goal with this menu was to capture the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, elevated Southern tradition, a little indulgence, and a lot of fun, while still staying true to the 1818 Chophouse experience,” Pashea explained. “We started with recognizable Derby-inspired flavors and built from there. It’s rooted in Southern comfort but elevated with the quality and execution people expect from us.”

From 6:15–10 p.m., the Bob Perry Band will rock live music for guests to enjoy. This ticketed event promises a fun end to the evening. There will also be several prizes for those who decide to dress up.

The Millionaire’s Row experience costs $65 per guest and includes the curated picnic dinner spread. General admission guests can enjoy the à la carte menu including the hors d’oeuvres at $35 per guest.

Pashea promises a fun day for everyone who comes out, adding that the event is a way to dress up and feel included in the Kentucky Derby excitement. She encourages people to secure their seats today by emailing info@1818chophouse.com.

“Overall, guests can expect a high-energy atmosphere, thoughtful food that ties into the Derby tradition, and an experience that feels a little more special than your typical night out,” she said. “If you’re going to spend the day somewhere, it should feel worth it, and we’ve built this to make sure it is. Not everyone is going to Churchill Downs, but they can still have a high-end, memorable Derby experience right here in the 62025!”

For more information about 1818 Chophouse and their Derby Day event, visit their official website or email info@1818chophouse.com.

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