Place Your Bets on the Best Restaurants for Your Visit to the Kentucky Derby

Going to the Kentucky Derby? Enjoy sipping a mint julep in style. Louisville, Kentucky has some of the greatest restaurants ever!

Rated as the Restaurant of the year by Louisville Magazine and the 150 top Chefs and Restaurant Managers in the city of Louisville, is Jack Fry's Restaurant. Jack Fry was a boxer who loved playing the ponies. He even conducted his bookmaking in the "back room." He opened his restaurant in 1933 and it became a traditional hangout for sportsmen. The food is sensational, the mint juleps refreshing, and the chocolate souffle for dessert will win all your bets. The souffle is even served with a chocolate milkshake. Prices range from $15-$31. Make reservations as soon as possible, for Jack Fry's will be a tough ticket to get during derby weekend.
Jack Fry's Restaurant is located on 1007 Bardstown Road in Louisville, Kentucky.

Next stop, is Bucks Restaurant located in the beautiful historic home area of old Louisville. As you enter this establishment, the sweet smell of flowers greets you. The restaurant is amazingly beautiful, and is the perfect setting for a romantic evening during derby week. The walls are dark and the tablecloths are white with a dazzling chandelier. A jet black baby grand piano sets the atmosphere off perfectly. Prices range from $18-$34 for entrees, but the evening you will encounter is well worth the price. From veal chops, to lamb chops, to steaks, and fish, Bucks is another safe bet. Reserve this one now!

Running out of the gate at a fast pace is Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse. The reviews are fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful. This restaurant offers prime midwest meat that is handcut. The seafood is flown in from Hawaii and the Pacific Coast. It has been voted "The Best Filet in Town" with an 8oz cut for $32 and a generous 12oz cut for $35. In addition, the seafood is scrumptous. Although, it is expensive, it is well worth the price. Z's is located at 101 Whittington Parkway. Don't forget to make your reservation immediately!

Le Relais at Bowman Field is definitely in the winners circle. Bowman Field was used as an airport years ago and is the place where Charles Lindbergh landed "The Spirit of St. Lous" in 1927. The restaurant is located in the old airport terminal. The minute you enter, you feel as if you are in Rick's Cafe, in the movie, "Casablanca."
Dark and blonde woods, brass candle lit lamps, and white tablecloths set an awesome mood. Entree prices range from $17-$26 and the taste is well worth the price. La Relais is located at Bowman Field, 2817 Taylorville Road. This restaurant has been named the best French restaurant in Kentucky! Make reservations now, so you won't miss this hot spot.

Finally, a night on Fourth Street is a must if you are craving excitement and people watching. This is where Louisville's clubs are located and the nightlife is hopping. Mostly, a young crowd (20's-30's) frequent Fourth Street, but every visitor should venture there. I have chosen the upscale Maker's Mark Bourbon House and Lounge, for it caters to a more diversified age group, yet still includes the younger crowd. Once you walk inside, you will be pleasantly surprised at the blonde woods and soft candles. The food is good and the ambiance is warm and bustling. Wait until you see their display of bourbons! It is truly a fun spot and is highly recommended for an outing to Fourth Street Live, where all the action happens. Check it out on your visit to Derbyland!

Now, you have some safe bets for your nights out in Louisville, Kentucky. I envy those of you who truly make it to the derby. Enjoy the winners circle!

www.jackfrys.com
www.bucksrestaurantandbar.com
www..zsoystercom
www.lerelaisrestaurant.com
www.makersmarkrestaurant.com