Where to watch the Kentucky Derby? These restaurants are ready to pour you a mint julep.

Race day in Kentucky is rooted in traditions. Fancy hats. Mint juleps. (Roughly 120,000 of them to be served at the track this weekend.) Those who are dining there as well have their pick from the official Derby Day menu, which hits the spot with cheesy creamed corn, glazed spring vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted pork loin medallions or seared chicken breast.

Even though Palm Beach County is nowhere near the races at Churchill Downs, we can play the part at any of the local Kentucky Derby watch parties. And even though the main race is often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports” (thanks to the quickest Derby win in 1973 by Triple Crown winner Secretariat), these Derby-watching restaurants invite you to linger.

Race post time is 6:57 p.m., but the festivities start well before that. Here’s where to find the action today.

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Mockingbird at The Regional

This sophisticated spot, located inside executive chef Lindsay Autry’s restaurant The Regional, will serve Derby-inspired bites and classic mint juleps during its watch party Saturday, starting at 4:30 p.m.

On the small-plates menu: Southern deviled eggs, fried house pickles with horseradish dip, country ham biscuits with cheddar and pepper jelly, fried chicken sliders on warm challah buns, sausage and cheddar balls and other bites (all priced from $9 to $12). Or sample a bite of everything on the Derby Grazing Board ($28).

Mockingbird: 651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-557-6460

Hampton Social

The restaurant that embraces a “rosé all day” vibe will host a Derby watch party Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. and, yes, there’s a rosé angle. Hampton Social will pour rosé mint juleps ($10) all day, offer live music and contests.

Hampton Social: 40 NE 7th Ave., Delray Beach, 561-404-1155

Kapow Noodle Bar

The Boca Raton location of this East/Southeast-Asian-inspired pub invites its race-watching customers to dress up in Derby hats and related attire for its annual watch party Saturday. Do it up and there may be a $500 “best-dressed couple” prize for you.

Even if you don’t dress up, there’s a $10 Redemption Bourbon Mint Julep in it for you.

Kapow Boca: 402 Plaza Real (Mizner Park), Boca Raton, 561-567-8828

LoLa 41

A global bistro and sushi bar, Palm Beach’s LoLa 41 will toast to the Kentucky Derby Saturday with a tweaked-classic cocktail: a Japanese-inspired julep. The drink combines Hatozaki small-batch Japanese whiskey, lemongrass simple syrup and shiso leaves. You can watch the race at LoLa as you sip your Japanese Julep ($18).

LoLa 41: 290 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach, 561-599-5652 

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Burt and Max’s

This west-of-Delray favorite also invites customers to “dress to impress”, Derby-style Saturday for a chance to win restaurant gift cards. Burt and Max’s “Run for the Roses” party starts at 5 p.m.

Race-watchers can expect Kentucky-inspired bites such as Burt and Max’s Louisville turkey melt, deviled eggs and honey-barbecue baby back ribs. Derby drinks include mint juleps and Kentucky Mule cocktails.

Burt and Max’s: 9089 W. Atlantic Ave. at the Delray Marketplace, Delray Beach, 561-638-6380

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best restaurants for Kentucky Derby in West Palm Beach, Delray, Boca