Places to Dine for OAKS/DERBY

[engbloomj]

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

[VOL JACK]

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.

[engbloomj]

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?

[Scav]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by Scav

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

http://www.sids-clothing.com/

[Cannon Shell]

Dont try to go to Wagners on Oaks or derby morning

[Scav]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

http://www.sids-clothing.com/

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

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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?

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. 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!

[mbahadur]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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?

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.

[engbloomj]

Originally Posted by mbahadur

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 Central right by the Cardinal Hall of Fame restaurant.

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

Thanks John

[Habersham000]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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

Thanks John

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

[slotdirt]

Bristol on Bardstown Road is a good spot.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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?

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.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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?
Thanks John

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.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Kasept

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.

That's the street, thanks!

[Rootdog1]

Originally Posted by Kasept

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.

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

[engbloomj]

Originally Posted by Rootdog1

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

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

[engbloomj]

Originally Posted by Kasept

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.

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?

[dellinger63]

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.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by engbloomj

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?

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.