Here are the best parties in Houston

Julep: Julep brings back its annual Kentucky Derby Day party with plenty of southern flair (appropriate for a bar named after the famous southern cocktail). From noon to 7 p.m., Julep will serve mint juleps, signature cocktails and champagne from two bars, plus a whiskey bar and tacos from Cochinita & Co. There’s a deejay and live streams from Kentucky Derby. The dress suggestion is chic for a spring lawn party; bowler hats and bow ties are encouraged. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door; the bar will remain open until 2 a.m. 1919 Washington; julephouston.com

Eight row flint: Icehouse Heights will be hosting a Derby Day party with drink specials including Maker’s Mark 46 Juleps ($10), Eight Row Julep based on Maker’s Mark single barrel ($14) and Maker’s Mark 90 smash cocktail ($10). There will be a contest for best hats and free samples of Julep cocktails while watching the race. The party is from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 1039 Yale; agriculturalhospitality.com

Loch Bar: The River Oaks District Seafood Restaurant will mark Derby Day with a Big Hat Weekend party. Festivities include a top hat contest, raffle prizes and a Kentucky Turtle Derby at 3 p.m. Mint Juleps ($12) will be offered until 10 p.m. 4444 Westheimer; lochbar.com/houston/

Heights & Co.: The owners of Savoir’s new Heights restaurant and terrace bar will host a Kentucky Derby party starting at 1:30 p.m. with Julep cocktails and a large projection screen showing the race. 1343 Yale; heightsandco.com

The Rustic: Downtown Houston’s Rustic will host its annual Talk Derby to Me party starting at 10 a.m. A Jam and Toast brunch will be offered until 3 p.m. (full kitchen menu from 3 p.m. until closing). There will be drink specials in partnership with Woodford Reserve; live music; Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man contest ($50 prize in gift cards); RSVP here. 1836 Polk; therustic.com

Brewery 19: The River Oaks Restaurant will host its annual Kentucky Derby Hat party beginning at noon. Mint Juleps will flow and there will be a top hat contest with a champagne brunch prize for six. Reservations can be made by calling 713-524-1919. 1962 W. Gray; brasserie19.com

Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House: The San Leon Restaurant will hold its Kentucky Derby party from 4-7 p.m. with wine baskets for the best dressed. All-day drink specials, including Woodford Reserve Mint Julep ($8). Wear your seersucker fascinators and jackets. 113 6th, San Leon; pier6seafood.com

Bayou & Bottle: The lobby bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston will mark Derby Day with specialty food and Juleps featuring Wild Turkey 101 ($12) and Wild Turkey Longbranch ($14) in souvenir mugs. There will be a best dressed contest. 1300 Lamar; bayouandbottle.com

At Kenny & Ziggy: The New York grocery store will host a Runyon for the Roses party (named after columnist Damon Ruynon whose writings inspired the musical “Guys and Dolls”). The grocery store has created a special Derby Day menu including cocktails to enjoy during all-day TV coverage from 1.30pm. 1743 Post Oak Blvd.; kennyandziggys.com

Rare Restaurant & Lounge: The new Washington Corridor steakhouse will mark Derby Day with a classic Mint Julep made with Envy bourbon and fresh mint ($15) and the 4105 Julep made with spiced rum, reposado tequila, passion fruit syrup, mint and bitter. 4105 Washington; rarehtx.com

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him topical tips at [email protected] Listen to him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn more about barbecue culture in Houston and Texas.