Places to Dine for OAKS/DERBY

[slotdirt]

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.

[mbahadur]

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?


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

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).

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by mbahadur

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).

Jeff Ruby's?

[Cannon Shell]

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.

[Scurlogue Champ]

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.

[wac]

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!!!

[mbahadur]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Jeff Ruby's?

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).

[TheSpyder]

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

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by mbahadur

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).

as long as OJ doesnt tag along

[DerbyCat]

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!

[TheSpyder]

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.

Originally Posted by DerbyCat

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!

[opusone]

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?

[engbloomj]

Originally Posted by opusone

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?

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