Places to Dine for OAKS/DERBY
 

I am going to the Derby and Oaks for the first time. The Derby is on my 40th B-day. I am looking for suggestion on places to go (dining, must see, shopping, etc) for racing fans the day/night of the OAKS and Derby.

Is there a special breakfast place?


The Derby Trip will be followed by a few days in Keenland. Again, any suggestions for things to do, places to dine, farms to visit would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks John

Wagner's for breakfast.

Dinner: Jeff Ruby's, if you hit a huge pick 4 or Super.
Lots of places to eaat on 4th street, esp Maker's Mark.
4th Street will be packed for Derby weekend, but what won't.

Wagner's Certainly
 

I've heard many folks mention Wagner's. So, this is on the list. What time is best to arrive?

Any other recommendations?

Where should my wife get her hat?

Where do I get pictures and trinkets?

Get your hat anywhere, it is hat. I already got my hat, from Byk's guy in Chicago, Sid's Clothing :)

Dont try to go to Wagners on Oaks or derby morning

F yeah, of course I parked in the lot where you had to pay and not get it validated, hilarious open market the day I went or something

Is the day after alright? Or, wait until Monday?
 

Is the day after alright? Or, wait until Monday?

Where should we park?

I get my hats off e-bay although sometimes you can luck out and find a really nice basic wide brim hat at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

This place on 4th Street has beer so good even I like it, and I don't really like beer. :D http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/pub_louisville.php

Full guide for dining options on 4th St: http://www.4thstlive.com/dining.cfm

There is another street with a bunch of restaurants that will probably be a little more low-key, Frankfurt Ave, maybe? I forget!

easiest in and out for parking is at Louisville's football stadium. easy walk right down Central to Churchill Downs... Starbucks on the first corner walking is good to hit too.

If you get there early enough, you can also park on the street in one of the neighborhoods near the track. I've also parked my car on the lawn of one of the houses next to Churchill...don't let them charge you more than $20 for it though.

We are going to Sullys on Friday night I think :)

John,

Wagner's isn't what it was since the departure of Kitty. It's fun to visit though because it's an institution, but it's simple. Louisville's don't miss breakfast place is Lynn's Paradise Cafe.

Downtown for dinner, Proof is hard to beat. Jack Fry's on Bardstown Rd., the street Sightseek is thinking of, is a very good chop house.

Porcini's is better Italian than most in a town with poor Italian food.

Wagner's is nothing special other than being across the street from the track -- been there for lunch plenty of times.

Lynn's Paradise Cafe is the place in Louisville for breakfast but good luck getting in during Derby Week.

Otherwise, go to the Cracker Barrel on Crittenden right by the Cardinal Hall of Fame restaurant.

That's the street, thanks! :)

There are lots of chain restaurants near the intersection of Hurstborne and Shelbyville Road (Carabba's, Bonefish Grill, P.F. Chang's).

A lot of people like the Cheesecake Factory at the St. Matthew's Mall at I-264 and Shelbyville Road.

If you really want to celebrate and have some money to spend, most of the locals prefer Max Ruby's.

One of my favorite places (that is not as well known and you do not have to dress up) is the Come Back Inn on Swan Street (there is also one in downtown Jeffersonville).

I'm going to Louisville at the end of May and am looking forward to checking out the Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar in the Galt House Hotel - 120 bourbons available to try really interests me - if you like bourbon check it out... and let me know if there's any you try that you love - I don't think I can get through that many in a couple days!

Jeff Ruby's?

Lolita's tacos on Poplar level just off of the Watterson is secret and good LA style mexican.

August Moon for good asian fusion I think on Lexington rd

Franks on Preston hwy not far from the airport for the best deal on lunch in the midwest though there is no place to sit because it is really a butcher shop.

Z's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar on Shelbyville Rd. is the best I have had in this town.

Pricey but worth it.

My woman works at Jack Fry's, so I never go there. It is pretty good stuff though.