Miamians love a good excuse to get dressed up, and if the occasion coincides with a sporting event, we’re even more game. The Kentucky Derby, happening this Saturday, is one of those rare instances where fashion and sports seem to synchronize—all while giving us a good reason to go out and day drink. To catch the most exciting two minutes in sports, head to our picks for best places to watch the Kentucky Derby in Miami, brimming with opportunities to don seersucker, compete in a Derby hat contest and sip mint juleps under sunny skies.
Photograph: Courtesy Wynwood Diner
Forget for a second that you’re smack in the middle of the Wynwood Arts District and picture yourself in a lavish garden party in the south. It won’t be too difficult a feat when you let yourself be taken by the sounds of The French Horn and DJ Self Born, who will be playing live, while watching the Kentucky Derby screened in the restaurant’s charming backyard. To achieve that full Derby effect, feast on bourbon-glazed brisket sliders and Woodford Reserve mint juleps. Seersucker for the guys and Derby hats for the ladies are strongly encouraged. (2601 NW 2nd Ave, 305-747-7888)
Photograph: Courtesy Michael Mina: Bourbon Steak
Perhaps the Kentucky Derby isn’t your thing but a lavish steak dinner is. Prevent the fear of missing out from setting in (FOMO is real) and head to Bourbon Steak in Aventura. The restaurant, whose selection of top-shelf bourbons and whiskies bodes well for Derby fans, is offering $8 mint juleps plus complimentary appetizers from 5 to 7pm. Once the race is over, stay for that fancy meal after all and receive 20 percent off the bill. (19999 W Country Club Dr, 786-279-6600)
Photograph: Courtesy Swine/David Cabrera
Expect Swine’s usual spread of southern specialties, such as burnt ends and mac and cheese, done up with extra flair for the Derby. To catch the race, make reservations for the upstairs dining area and be sure to wear your most dapper duds and flamboyant hats. The best-dressed diner wins a Maker’s Mark basket of goodies. (2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 786- 360-6433).
Photograph: Courtesy American Social
Your favorite happy hour spot along the Miami River is making sure your Kentucky Derby celebration includes as much booze as what you’d find at the Churchill Downs Racetrack. Cocktail choices include the kind that come to you, as in $7 mint juleps prepared tableside, and the kind you shake up yourself at the make-your-own-manhattan bar, operating between 4 and 7pm. Prizes will be given to ladies sporting the wildest hats. (690 SW 1st Ct, 305-223-7004)
Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails
Photograph: Courtesy Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails
When the weather is too nice to dress up, it’s time to adopt a Miami-version of traditional Kentucky Derby garb. Wear your finest seersucker swimsuit and a festive cover-up and head to Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails for the event. The restaurant’s beach bar will be serving $7 Hyde Away juleps all day in honor of the big race. (111 S Surf Rd, 954-699-0901)