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Best Bars In Sacramento To Watch The Kentucky Derby

By Steph Rodriguez

Pick out the biggest, most luxurious hat, sip on a few mint juleps, and get ready to sing "My Old Kentucky Home," but in the comforts of Sacramento at one of these local area bars that's sure to be the best location to place bets and watch the horses stride for the win during this year's Kentucky Derby. Whether it's a neighborhood sports bar with a wall of flat-screen televisions or a private gathering at the Clubhouse & Turf inside Cal Expo this list has everything you need with all the charm of the South this derby season.

Murieta Inn and Spa
7337 Murieta Drive
Rancho Murieta, CA 95683
(916) 354-3900
www.themuriettainn.com  

Rancho Murieta is a quiet and quaint city about a half-hour outside of Sacramento and the Murieta Inn and Spa is a new hot spot that recently had its grand opening. Besides it's luxury rooms and suites, the onsite restaurant known as The Gate offers farm-to-fork cuisine plucked from the surrounding area bounty grown fresh seasonally. What's more, the Murieta Inn's bar is a great place to catch the Kentucky Derby this season because this destination is within walking distance to the Murieta Equestrian Center, the largest equestrian facility in the entire state of California. Check out the races inside the hotel bar and then head over to admire the beauty of some of the area's most respected steeds.

The Clubhouse & Turf
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 920-1212
www.calexpo.com/turf-club-clubhouse/

Open during the four big horse races of the year including the Kentucky Derby, The Clubhouse & Turf located at Cal Expo is a great place to check out the historic race and place some bets with a few good friends. Sip on a mint julep, wear a beautiful hat, and join fellow derby fans while singing "My Old Kentucky Home," all in the comforts of Sacramento. When the derby is over and the excitement of horse racing has yet to subside, be sure to visit the Clubhouse website to learn about the other horse-related activities it hosts year round like local harness racing or other nationally recognized races such as Preakness, Belmont Stakes and the Breeders' Cup.

Clubhouse 56
723 56th St.
East Sacramento, CA
(916) 454-5656
www.ch56sports.com

Known for their creative list of drink specials, sports fan camaraderie and respectable amount of flat-screen televisions Clubhouse 56 is the place to be when the Kentucky Derby starts its races. Ice cold shots and beers, a local wine list and plenty of delicious bites to balance out the fun times, this locally owned bar located in the East Sacramento neighborhood is sure to be filled with Southern charm during the annual, historic race. When the bets are off, keep Clubhouse 56 in mind for any future sporting events as this bar boasts its love for baseball, basketball, and football.

Related:  Best Local Gift Card Ideas In Sacramento

Kick N Mule
2901 West Capitol Ave.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 572-0264
www.kicknmule.com 

Don't let the name full you—just because this West Sacramento restaurant and bar is called the Kick N Mule doesn't mean it won't be showcasing all the best thoroughbreds on this side of the Mississippi during the great Kentucky Derby. Instead of a mint julep, try a handcrafted Moscow Mule during the race paired with the restaurant's array of delicious fare which ranges from burgers and sandwiches to tacos and small bites. There are also a great selection of flat-screen televisions mounted up high near the bar so patrons won't miss a single second of the day's race.

Related: Best Spot For A Quick Lunch Downtown In Sacramento

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