Yes, I meant Jeff Ruby's. I haven't been there yet but hear it has the best steaks in town (better than Morton's and Ruth's Chris).

Got to agree with Proofs. Great experience and connected to trendy museum. Downtown area is noce to check out too.

Did that once while staying there and got to the third one when I had a Blantons and found the winner. Really great flavor and top has a horse on it. It's been my favorite since. They have a liquor store inside the hotel and bought a bottle.

:rolleyes:

as long as OJ doesnt tag along

Bristol on Bardstown Road is a good spot.

My thoughts exactly....Lynns and Jack Frys.

I would also suggest Bristol on Bardstown Rd. That strip is loaded with bars and restaurants. We went to the Lynns Paradise on Thursday of Derby week for lunch last year. Probably waited only 20 minutes. What part of town are you staying? What day do you arrive?

I live here in lville and i think there are a lot of good places to eat but they are gonna be pretty crowded derby week:
Jeff Rubys- really good meal but very pricey great atmosphere and you never know who you will see 2 years ago we were in a booth next to G Gomez and two tables away from Kid Rock, nick lacky and vanessa manilo(so hot!!) Aj foyt walked by and ran into doug o'neil as well. but if you dont have reso by now forget it.
Vincenzos- i think its a pretty good place not as "hip" as rubys but i think good food. if you go ask for big gary to be your waiter.
Z's Oyster bar- very good food and they do have tables available derby week i am eating there Wed night. Not cheap but i think best seafood in lville.

a lot of it depends on where you stay. if you get to east lville where z's is there is a place across the way called Furlongs that has a great brunch on Sunday.

I have not been to Proof but have heard really good things about it.

4th street will be out of control lots of bars Red Star tavern a little bit more upscale as is Makers Mark bar. What ever you do stay out of Sullys unless you want to get wasted!! I swear everytime i go there it gets totally out of control but fun. There slogan should be "Sullys, where bad stuff happens"

Good luck and hope you have a great time in our fair city!!!

I'm going as well for the first time. Would people familiar with it reccomend 4th street or Bardstown for a night out (dinner and drinks after)?

Lynn's Paradise Cafe is a riot for breakfast. Not sure about Oaks/Derby though. Could be a long wait.
*edit* oops, Steve already mentioned it.

Is there a good near track (Keenland) Breakfast place in Lexington with some tradition? We are staying closer to it.

Thanks John

Do you have an address I can put in the GPS for Lynn's Cafe and Jack Frys?

Staying in Lexington. Arriving on Thursday.
Thanks for any help. John

Thanks. I appreciate the suggestions.

One more question; what time should I arrive in town on Oaks, and Derby Day to avoid the crowd and get fairly good parking? We are staying in Lexington. And, what time should I schedule dinner after each day's racing due to the exiting crowd?

Have had a few good meals at the Griffin Gate Hotel in Lexington at JW's Steakhouse. One of the best Marriott has to offer. The decor like most everything else in Lexington is all horse and racing. Outside dining if you catch a nice night. Incredible Lobster Bisque. Probably will be packed all Derby w/e though.

Try Malone's Steakhouse on Derby night. Probably see some of the game's "heavy hitters". I wouldn't schedule it before 9PM though- that would allow you 3 hours from the Derby post to make it back to Lex.

I've done 4th Street on a few Derby nights, and while it's slightly crowded, there are a few fun bars in there and walking around outside when it's nice out with booze in hand is always nice. Bardstown Road is kind of out of the way, in my opinion, but still has quite a few fun spots.

Keeneland's Track Kitchen isn't a bad spot, its cheap and you never know who you might see there, plus you can go and watch the workouts in the morning before you get breakfeast