A Look at The Derby Menu
The Derby restaurant offers a wide variety of dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for something casual or prefer a more upscale dish, The Derby has options to suit a wide range of tastes. What makes the menu unique? What are the stand-out dishes?
The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Derby’s menu offerings, from appetizers to entrees to drinks. We’ll examine the diversity of choices available.
We’ll cover the appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages to give you a sense of what to expect. We’ll also point out unique aspects of the menu, like gluten-free options and ingredients made in-house.
Appetizers and Starters
Whether you’re just looking for a snack or want to start your meal with something shareable, The Derby has plenty of options.
Hot Appetizers
If you’re looking for something hot and savory, start with an order of The Derby’s famous wings. You can choose from a range of flavors and order them in quantities of 8, 14, 20, or even 50. (Prices vary depending on quantity and flavor.)
Other popular hot appetizers include crab balls, mozzarella lancers, and fried pickles. You can also try the crab dip, Tuscan sausage dip, or loaded cheese fries.
Cold Appetizers
For a lighter start, try the mozzarella caprese, a simple yet elegant combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
The Derby’s crab dip is another cold appetizer favorite, with delicate crabmeat, cream cheese, and spices served with crackers or toasted bread.
Fry Flight
Can’t decide which kind of fries you want? Try the Fry Flight! It includes a generous portion of sweet potato fries, pommes frites, and black pepper fries. Perfect for sharing (or not!).
Soups and Salads
The Derby offers a variety of fresh soups and salads to start your meal or enjoy as a lighter option.
For soups, you can always count on our classic French Onion, rich and savory with a perfectly melted cheese crust. We also feature a rotating Soup of the Day, so be sure to ask your server about today’s special!
Our salad selection includes something for everyone. The House Salad is our classic offering, a mix of fresh greens and crisp vegetables. For something a little different, try the Southwest Corn Salad, packed with flavor and texture, or the Zesty MI Summer Salad, celebrating the best of Michigan’s seasonal produce. We also offer Caesar, Taco, Spinach, and Cobb salads. Many of our salads are available in small, medium, and large sizes.
Handhelds: Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
Sometimes, you just want something you can pick up and sink your teeth into. Here’s a look at the sandwiches, burgers, and wraps on the Derby menu.
Sandwiches
For the sandwich traditionalist, you can’t go wrong with the Derby’s classic BLT: crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato on toasted bread. Or maybe you’re in the mood for a Reuben, with its tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese on grilled rye. The Seafood Club offers a taste of the sea, stacked high with seafood salad.
The Derby also offers some specialty sandwiches. The French Dip features thinly sliced roast beef served with a savory broth for dipping. Then there’s the Meatball Sub, smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. Or, try the Italian Sub, packed with assorted Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies.
Burgers
The Derby takes its burgers seriously, using Michigan Craft Beef for a juicy and flavorful patty every time.
If you like a little kick, the Chili Burger is topped with homemade chili, cheese, and onions. For a taste of the Chesapeake region, try the Chesapeake Burger, featuring crab dip and Old Bay seasoning. Other tempting choices include the Sunrise Burger (topped with a fried egg), Staci’s Melt, The Beach Bum, and of course, the classic Derby Burger.
Wraps
For a lighter option, check out the Derby’s wraps.
The Chicken Caesar Wrap combines grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing in a soft tortilla. Vegetarians will love the Medi Veggie Wrap, filled with hummus, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Pizza, Calzones, and Strombolis
What’s a sporting event without pizza? The Derby offers a variety of pizzas, calzones, and strombolis.
Pizza Sizes and Options
Our pizzas come in two sizes: 14-inch and 18-inch. We have a pizza to suit every taste.
For purists, we offer a classic Cheese Pizza. It’s simple, timeless, and delicious. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, you might want to try one of our specialty pizzas.
Our Crabby Pizza is a local favorite, topped with a creamy crab dip. And the Buffalo Chicken Pizza delivers the spicy kick you crave, complete with a drizzle of cool ranch dressing.
We also offer White, Veggie, Meat Lovers, Combination, BBQ Chicken, White Supreme, Hawaiian, Steak and Cheese, and New Market pizzas.
Calzones and Strombolis
If you’re looking for something a little different, try one of our calzones or a stromboli.
Our Cheese Calzone is filled with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection. The Veggie Calzone is stuffed with fresh vegetables and cheese.
And don’t forget our Stromboli, a rolled pizza filled with your choice of toppings.
Entrees: Main Courses
If you’re looking for a dish that’s a bit heartier, you’ll find plenty of options on the entree menu, whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or poultry.
Seafood
- Crab Cakes: Served as a single cake or a double portion, these crab cakes are made with sweet jumbo lump crabmeat and just enough filler to hold them together. Prepared with a delicate blend of seasonings, they’re lightly pan-fried to a golden brown.
- Fried Shrimp Platter: These aren’t your average fried shrimp! Lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp, these jumbo shrimp are a seafood lover’s dream.
- Glazed Salmon: A generous portion of fresh salmon is glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, then baked to flaky perfection.
Meat Dishes
- Baby Back Ribs: Slow-cooked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, these baby back ribs are slathered in a tangy barbecue sauce that will leave you wanting more.
- Steak Frites: A classic done right. A perfectly grilled steak is served alongside a generous portion of crispy, golden fries.
- Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes: A comforting classic, this meatloaf is made with a blend of ground beef and seasonings, then topped with a rich gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Poultry
- Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. This fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser!
- Chicken Chesapeake: A Derby specialty! Tender chicken breasts are topped with crab imperial and baked until bubbly and golden.
Sides and “Bits and Pieces”
No Derby meal is complete without the right sides. We’ve got all the classics, made fresh daily:
- French Fries
- Cole Slaw
- Potato Salad
- Onion Rings
- Macaroni Salad
And for those looking for something smaller to nibble on, or maybe a shareable plate for the table, check out our “Bits and Pieces” menu:
- Toasted Nuts
- House-Made Chips and Salsa
- Cheddar Cheese Curds
Perfect for grazing while you wait for the main event!
Brunch Menu
Need a little something to fuel your day at the track? We’ve got you covered with our delicious brunch menu, available until 2 p.m.
Breakfast Platters
- Breakfast Scramble: A hearty mix of scrambled eggs, chorizo, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese, served with a side of salsa and your choice of toast.
- Eggs Benedict and Chesapeake Benedict: Choose our classic Eggs Benedict with poached eggs and Canadian bacon, or try our regional favorite Chesapeake Benedict featuring crab cakes instead of Canadian bacon! Both are topped with creamy hollandaise sauce.
Brunch Handhelds
- Shrimp Salad: Tender shrimp tossed in a light and tangy dressing, served on a buttery croissant with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato.
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla.
Brunch Sides
Add a little something extra to your brunch!
- Bagel & Cream Cheese
- Home Fries
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Fresh Fruit Salad
Something Sweet
No Derby Day is complete without a little something sweet, and we’ve got options for every taste!
Classic Treats
- Ice Cream: Cool off with a scoop (or two!) of our classic ice cream. Available in small, medium, and large.
- Cobbler: Warm, fruity, and comforting – our cobbler is a true taste of the South. Ask about today’s flavor!
Derby Day Specialties
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Decadent dark chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure indulgence!
- Cookies and Cream Dream: Layers of crushed chocolate cookies, sweet cream filling, and whipped topping. A truly dreamy dessert!
Quench Your Thirst: The Derby Beverage Menu
No Derby party is complete without a refreshing drink in hand. Here’s a look at the beverages we’ll be serving.
Non-Alcoholic Options
We’ll have a selection of your favorite sodas, including:
- Pepsi ($3)
- Diet Pepsi ($3)
- Starry ($3)
- Dr. Pepper ($3)
- Mountain Dew ($3)
We’ll also have a variety of juices available, including cranberry, orange, and apple.
Hot Beverages
For those who prefer a warm drink, we’ll be offering:
- Regular Coffee ($2)
- Decaf Coffee ($2)
- Hot Tea ($2)
Enjoy!
Kid’s Menu
Even the pickiest eaters will find something they like on our kid’s menu! We have all the classics:
- Cheeseburger
- Hamburger
- Cheese Pizza
- Mac & Cheese
- Chicken Tenders
So bring the whole family down and enjoy a fun day at the races (and a stress-free meal!).
Retail Merchandise
You can’t leave the Kentucky Derby without a souvenir! Here’s a sampling of the Derby-branded merchandise available to buy:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Hats
- Mugs
- Coffee (yes, really!)
The Bottom Line
From hearty appetizers to decadent desserts, The Derby’s menu is as diverse and exciting as the race itself. Whether you’re craving traditional Southern fare, fresh seafood, or a perfectly grilled steak, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
The Derby’s chefs have created a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a memorable dining experience. So, whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious meal, The Derby offers a dining experience that’s sure to please.