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All 810 Louisville Restaurants »

Derby Cafe

704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208-1212
502-634-0858
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Ranked #51 of 810 restaurants in Louisville
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Cuisines: American
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Restaurant details
Good for: Business, Local cuisine
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Reservations
Neighbourhood: South Side
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15 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    8
    5
    1
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Akron, Ohio
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

While visiting Church Hill Downs....do have a mint julip here... they say it is the original...me well, maybe but I am not opposed to sample each and everyone that says they have the original...let your taste decide which is best....if you are going around close to "Derby Day" do check out Walgreen's...glasses are cheaper there.... More

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See 4 more reviews by garlen for Louisville
Burlington, VT
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2012

I enjoyed my lunch at the Derby Cafe. It was a nice break from the touring. I had the special pulled pork sandwich. Since I was at Churchill Downs I tried a Mint Julep. I had never had one before. This tasted like straight bourbon to me. After 2 sips I asked for an ice water. My waiter was very... More

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See 4 more reviews by 3goldenmom for Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Just a Louisville 'vibe' at Churchill Downs. Good food and good for a 'rest' while you visit the Downs. More

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See 26 more reviews by Jnichols46 for Louisville
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We went there on Tuesday 11/1. I had the special it was a teryaki chicken wrap and my friend had the ablt. Food was excellent! And our service was great! Def coming back! More

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Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Top Contributor
236 reviews 236 reviews
Reviews in 126 cities Reviews in 126 cities
145 helpful votes 145 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Visiting Churchill Downs was enjoyable and topped off with lunch at the Derby Cafe. I had the Kentucky Hot Brown (famous sandwich) and was not disappointed. The Iced Tea was also very good and staff professional and pleasant. I would recommend if visiting the area. More

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See 2 more reviews by bseashore for Louisville
Yorkville, IL
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2011

Walked in on a Sunday at 12:45 and were only ones there for most of meal. Service was great. Food was good....although offerings was limited to chicken salad, tuna salad or turkey club or salads. More

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See 3 more reviews by ilaudio for Louisville
United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2011

While visiting family in Louisville we were told to visit the Derby Cafe. We were planning on going to the museum so this worked out perfectly. Everything was wonderful! The food was great! The atmosphere and service was fabulous! All of the "Kentucky charm" really made our afternoon delightful! If you haven't been to the Derby Cafe, I highly recommend... More

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Indianapolis, Indiana
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2011

While visiting the KY Derby Museum, we stopped for lunch at the Derby Cafe. We had excellent service by very friendly staff who knew a lot about the museum and the beautiful horses outside the window. My husband had the KY hot brown which was DELICIOUS and very filling! I stuck to a more traditional route and had the Chef's... More

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Louisville, Kentucky
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2011

The Derby Cafe is located inside the Ky Derby Museum, it makes for a great historic day to learn about horse racing and local traditions. The Derby Cafe hot brown and mint juelp are outstanding! Service is quick, servers are friendly and food is delicious. More

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foodlover24
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 October 2010

Derby Cafe is a classic spot in Louisville. Set in the gorgeous Churchill Downs Museum the cafe offers a great variety of southern cuisine. My favorites include the fried green tomatoes, chili and the hot brown. Service is always great and the prices cant be beat! I highly recommend!! More

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