Out of towner w/ one meal in Louisville

Greetings!

2 people from NYC coming to Derbyville for what else. Looking to make a reservation at a restaurant for an after the derby nice meal. We'll be showered and clean. We'll be in the infield (as more of an observer), so some wine with dinner would be nice. But, honestly, I want a nice place that is distictly Louisville. Whether it's Ribs and slaw, Coq au vin, filet mignon or catfish... I'm looking for a place that will always be able to take us back to Louisville in our minds-- and who knows, maybe for a second helping one day.

Keep in mind where I'm from, so international cuisine is not really what I'm looking for.

Let me know. Thanks for your consideration, and I'm looking forward tasting Louisville.

Your choices are probably limited as most places are already booked Derby night.

Your choices are probably limited as most places are already booked Derby night.

Yup. You might have to go for something like Flabby's in Schnitzelburg.

Hey, Edward - I wrote a column about Derby night dining around this time last year. Yes, most fine dining places are already booked for both Oaks night (the night before) and Derby night (Saturday). However: many, many people book tables that they end up not using on Derby night because they get too drunk/spend too much money at the track/are too tired from walking around in high heels all day. So even if you don't get a reservation, don't panic - there will most likely be tables that will become available, you just won't know where until you start trying to capture one Saturday evening. So arm yourself with 10 or 12 phone numbers and start calling when you're getting ready to go out.

Unfortunately, the super-quintessentially-Kentucky places will probably not be among the ones with diners bailing on reservations, but I'm sure you'll find somewhere nice to eat. It may be nerve-wracking, but you'll find a table. (You may have to wait to eat until 9 or so, too). So get phone numbers together for anything that sounds good - just look through this forum, you'll see our favorites mentioned in the headings of topics over and over.

But dude, seriously - if you've never been to the infield I think you may just need to be flexible and see what the day will bring. As for wanting wine with dinner - I hope you can still ingest alcohol after a day in the infield. Many folks are down for the count as soon as they get home from the track.

"The most exciting two minutes in sports" followed by "the most desperately needed nap on a vacation, ever".

So arm yourself with 10 or 12 phone numbers and start calling when you're getting ready to go out.

Completely Random Aside: If you find yourself without said phone numbers, use Info Google--1-800-466-4411. It's a free directory; all you need is the city and business name. Saved our asses in San Francisco. . .many times.

go to http://www.opentable.com.... it seems that there are some nice choices for tables, but as Marsha said
9:00 will be the hour to go!

Cafe Lou Lou, Limestone, Asiatique, 60 west, Varanese, Volare, all good choices.
It seems that they all have space at the later hour.

Have fun, and good luck!

Of those mentioned above Cafe Lou Lou is probably the most casual but has an excellent atmosphere, wonderful food and drinks. Limestone is the fanciest of the group in my opinion and have one of louisville's arguably best chefs. They're definitely more upscale and have the menu and wine last to go with that. These two would definitely be my choices but any of those mentioned are very good. You can find menus for these and many other Louisville Restaurants at: Menus of Louisville. No matter where you go Louisville has many independently owned restaurants that all have excellent menus! Hope you enjoy your trip to the derby.

http://www.landnwinebarandbistro.com/

http://www.lillyslapeche.com/lillys_home.html

http://www.equusrestaurant.com/

http://www.proofonmain.com/proof/default.aspx

http://www.bourbonsbistro.com/

Edward, I work at Cafe Lou Lou, and we definitely still have tables available for Derby Night - let me know here and I'll make you a reservation if you want, no problem.

menu and website here