Maxie’s is turning 15 years old this year, and they will be celebrating with a three-day menu of Derby-inspired cuisine, as well as their annual Derby Day Party for Hunger Relief on Saturday May 7.
“We plan to throw our biggest and first proper Derby Day Party since 2019,” said co-owner Dan Sidner, “We expect to raise the largest donation for Hunger Task Force than we have in any of the past 15 years.”
From Friday May 6 to Sunday May 8 (Mother’s Day), all guests at Maxie’s will have the opportunity to indulge in a special Derby-inspired menu featuring items, including fan favorites like Kentucky Hot Browns.
On May 7, Maxie’s doors will open starting at 2 p.m. for food, drinks, pre-race coverage, and an outdoor performance by Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra. Throughout the party, guests can bid on silent auction items, participate in a prize raffle and 50/50 cash raffle and win prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat. There will also be a race winner’s raffle at the end of the race (at about 6 p.m.).
Guests have two choices for the party on May 7: Grand Stand and In-Field. Grand Stand participants will have reserved seating inside the restaurant with a guaranteed view of racing coverage. Reservations are $35 per table (two to eight guests per reservation) and can be made online through OpenTable starting Thursday, April 7. Reservations will include seating starting between 2 to 3:30 p.m. through the end of the race at 6 p.m. and include full service dining, plus two “betting” forms per person. Reservation deposits are a donation to Hunger Task Force, do not include food, beverages, tax or gratuity, and are non-refundable.
For a $20 donation to Hunger Task Force, In-Field guests can attend the event beginning at 2 p.m. on May 7, with access to the building and tents outside. Limited seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Amenities will include an outdoor bar and food truck which will provide Derby-themed food along with beer wine and cocktails. The Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra will provide live music and televisions will allow guests to follow along with racing coverage. Each $20 donation includes one “betting” form per person and does not include food, beverage, tax or gratuity. The event will take place rain or shine.
Maxie’s will offer regular indoor table service following the race on May 7 until 9 p.m.
While Maxie’s is usually open on Mondays, they will be closed Monday, May 2 to prepare for the festivities and Monday, May 9 to allow staff a day of rest afterwards. Maxie’s will be back in full swing, complete with its regular menu on Tuesday, May 10.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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