Kentucky Derby Concession Menu for 2026 Race Announced, Full Food Offerings Revealed

In the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, the menu for this year's event at Churchill Downs has been unveiled.

Per The Athletic's Dan Santaromita, head chef Robert Lopez and his staff will require 50,000 blackberries, 5,000 pounds of short rib, 4,000 pounds of shrimp and 6,000 pounds of carrots for the menu.

There are certain traditions that remain in place on the menu, but Lopez explained to Santaromita that he does have the "freedom" to add some wrinkles into the mix:

"He mentioned the Hot Brown — an open-faced sandwich that was created in Louisville and includes turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce — as an item they have variations on this year. Something new for 2026 is the Trackside Smokehouse, which will serve Austin-style barbecue and feature smoked chicken wings, pimento potato salad, smoked pork butt and collard greens on the menu. The concessions will also have more eclectic items like smoked gouda mac and cheese bites, pork belly bao buns, empanadas and fruit kebabs."

The full menu from Churchill Downs that will be available this weekend was announced last month with 10 primary food items:

• Green Goddess Pasta Salad
• Kale Salad with Cider Sorghum Vinaigrette
• Farmstand Vegetables and Assorted Dips
• Caprese Sandwich on Focaccia
• Pretzel Board
• Char-Grilled Short Ribs with Pomegranate and Fennel
• Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken with Roasted Peach Chutney
• Kentucky BBQ Shrimp and Fava Bean Relish
• Ancient Grains Pilaf
• Brown Sugar Glazed Roasted Carrots and Dill Sorghum Butter

Drinks are also an important part of the menu selection, with the mint julep being the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.

The Churchill Downs press release announcing the menu also states that more than 100,000 guests will be served across the more than 25 dining rooms at the venue.

There are 17 full kitchens that Lopez and his staff will use to prepare the items.

The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday evening, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET.