Our experience of the Derby Café was slightly different as we did choose to sit at the bar with the one and only Johnny bourbon. If you know Johnny story, he's been bartending between Churchill Downs and the Derby café for over 10 years and he has lots of stories to share, but is also one of the most kind and friendly people we've ever met. The café has have a selection of sandwiches and other bites. We opted for the hot brown Panini and the turkey club. The hot brown Panini was perfect for a light lunch after a tour. It's the traditional classic hot brown with a fun little twist Turkey club was really good as well, nicely toasted. You order your food and they give you a number and they'll bring the food to wherever you are sitting. They also have the libations bar there where you can get a selection of premade cocktails that come with a signature glass for you to take home or can make you something different. There is a huge bourbon selection and some of those unicorn bottles that are hard to find are also there as well for your drinks. read more

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The Derby Cafe was an unexpected surprise! After touring Churchill Downs and enjoying the Kentucky Derby Museum, Wifey and I were a bit hungry.. Decided to give the place a try because they were conveniently located right here by the museum. Place your order at the counter. Find a table to dine at with your special someone. Wait a few minutes for your food to arrive. We ordered three items to share. She-Crab Chowder, Hot Brown Panini, and Kerns Derby Pie. Everything tasted very good to us. We gobbled up everything with no morsel left. Personally, the Kerns Derby Pie that we had for dessert was my favorite!! It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!! read more

Delivery was decently fast for a huge order I made. All the portions were amazing and the value is definitely there, just was a little confused with $60 sultan kabab dinner I'm not sure if it was all included because it didn't seem like much. But everything else was amazing and the platters were good. Only gripe was the steak was quite chewy and the kafta was okay. Get the lamb and falafel for sure read more

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Nothing to write home about. Used to be a great place for lunch. Now order at the counter and they bring it to you on a dirty metal tray. Soup was too hot and sandwich was cold. It's not horrible, it's maybe average, just don't go expecting what they used to have, if you remember that. If you've never eaten there maybe try Wagners across the street before you go. read more

Derby Cafe - Self serve drinks - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Not a great experience, had high hopes, but they fell short. Really the only option at Churchill Downs for food. We arrived early and placed our order as we anticipated a rush. then we went over to get a drink from the bar area. Small inside, but a larger second room attached. Seats were extremely uncomfortable. Bar tender was very friendly and made drinks in short order. The ones we ordered were in a souvenir glass, but there was not station to wash them. I asked for mine in a plastic cup as to not have a sticky glass to deal with. All of this was good. It was the food which was not to par. First off, we waited, waited over 40 minutes after ordering. We asked the server bring food if he knew what was going on, he told us ours was next. another 20 minutes go by, we speak to the manager, apparently our order was lost, thus we did not get our food. Others in our party were finished by this time. the food finally arrived after another 10 minutes. I had the soup and the BLT, neither of which were spectacular. Toasted bread and a couple pieces of bacon, a slice of tomato and lettuce. the soup was better than the sandwich but was still pretty standard. I will say there were large chunks of meat which gave the soup texture variety. Words of advice, go for the Julep, eat lunch before or after somewhere else. read more

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I totally stopped here based on the pictures of the Kentucky hot brown because I have wanted to try one for years and have a mint julep because it's the cocktail of the Kentucky derby. I went off my travels to stop here and WOW what a colossal let down is a serious under statement. I felt like I was in the twilight zone after reading the reviews and seeing the great pictures because nothing I was served looked even close to what I saw. I ordered the Kentucky hot brown and a mint julep for just under $25 and I grabbed a spoon, fork and a knife that was all plastic and a complete waste. My $12 mint julep had no fresh mint sprigs in it and looked like a dive bar bottom shelf drink WTF. My fantastic looking open faced Kentucky hot brown was a pathetic/wimpy panini thing WTF, nothing like the pictures at all. Please look at the other Yelpers pictures compared to my experience, I just don't know what happened on my visit. Please save your self the let down and find a Kentucky hot brown and a drink somewhere else. I can't believe I was served such crap from a from the restaurant in the Churchill downs racetrack because it's super famous, totally a swing and a miss. I had one stop for lunch in Louisville Ky and man did I pick the absolute worst/famous lunch spot because Louisville has a great restaurant scene. read more

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Good place to try all the classic Kentucky foods: Burgoo, Hot Brown, Derby Pie, Mint Julep. Affordable prices. Nice stop after the Derby museum. read more

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Say hey to my girl Kathen (yes that's spelled correctly) she doesn't suffer any fools - but she also makes an incredibly smooth Mint Julep and one helluva great burger. Great selection of bourbons and a great cafe space just off the gift shop area at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Great vibe / Great lunch! Thanks Kathen! read more

Derby Cafe - Thirsty - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Stopped in here after our tour of Churchill Downs. Because, what's a stop to Churchill Downs without having a mint julep? And, derby pie? I actually didn't know derby pie was a thing until I was in the cafe, but now that I've had it, I can definitely see why it's a thing. It's an order at the counter sort of situation, which conjured images for me of plastic cups and a weak julep. Not so! My mint julep was well made, robust, and served in an actual glass. And, while tasty, the derby pie was the real star of the show. How did I not know about this? Sweet, buttery, nutty, and pretty much amazing. The service was lovely throughout. Our bartender even came up to our table and offered to take our picture for us (so sweet!). Get to it! read more

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What happened here? I was there on 4/11/2025 and got the Hot Brown. The toast was burnt and hard to cut. the Mornay sauce was cheesy and in abundance. Not recommended at all. Years ago it was one of the best in the area. read more

Food was really greasy and not worth the money at all. Sodas were warm Service was ok. Nothing to brag about. I won't come back. I'd rarher spend my money elsewhere read more

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Very polarizing experience. The workers there could not be any nicer. The salad was okay. The mint julep was awful - the spirit was definitely bottom shelf stuff. I could not finish the glass. Since I came to have a mint julep at the Derby, I was disappointed. read more

Not impressed. In fairness I was not very hungry so I let my husband order and we split a hamburger. If I had ordered I would have gotten a more "deli style sandwich" which appeared to be there speciality and hopefully it would have been better. But the burger that came with a pickle spear was pricey ($11)and not very good. It was a very thin burger that was close to being burned. It is a self serve restaurant and service was mediocre. The kids behind the counter were not very friendly or helpful. It is a very nice atmosphere and a great place to stop in and have a snack, sit and relax while touring the museum. And the museum is well worth the admission fee and your time. See my review of the museum. There is also outdoor seating that is covered if the weather is good. You can go th the cafe without paying admission to the museum if you choose. read more

Derby Cafe - In the garden outside of the cafe - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I was very impressed with this cafe. Most musuem cafes I've eaten at have pretty basic fare but the Derby cafe menu has good variety. They were only serving buffet when we visited, but that worked out in our favor since we got to try most of their menu. It was $20 per person and well worth the price considering how good the food was. - The highlights for me were the tilapia with rice and a delicious variety of fresh vegetables. They had super large asparagus and well-seasoned cauliflower. - And the DESSERT TABLE. Try ALL the things. The raspberry cobbler is very very berry flavored so it was a touch too sweet for me to eat a lot of. But the bourbon banana pudding is superb! Add whip cream and don't think about the calories. - All in all, it was a great place to eat and rest our feet after the 90 minute Behind The Scenes walking tour. read more

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Good food, good service, not incredible ambiance. Fun to go to, though! Inside the Derby Museum and free to get to.

This is a great place to eat. Only open for lunch and a very unique menu but everything was superb. Our server was very friendly and no stress. Had the Kentucky Burgoo soup, more like stew, excellent. Louisville Hot Brown sandwich, turkey bacon with a cream sauce, excellent. Topped it off with Derby pie, chocolate nut, excellent. Had a wonderful meal and visit, highly recommend it if you are in the area. read more

Derby Cafe - Derby pie - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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The Derby Cafe is located in the Kentucky Derby Museum next to Churchill Downs. The Derby Cafe is a nice spot to sit down and take a break, refuel and plan the rest of your day. Sometimes the Derby Cafe offers a buffet. I think the concept will change with the new renovations happening at the Kentucky Derby Museum so be sure to watch for upcoming details. read more

Dining at Derby Cafe was a warm welcome to Louisville for me. My sister and I stopped in for lunch after touring the museum. I ordered a hot brown for the first time. I didn't know what to expect because it looked kinda disgusting when I got it. The presentation was nice, but I thought to myself, "Kentuckians like this goop of a dish?" It turned out to be delicious! I devoured it. My sister ordered a reuben sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries and fruit. All the food was delicious and fresh. Service was pleasant and quick. I'd come back if I was visiting the museum again. read more

While visiting Churchill Downs, make sure to stop in for lunch at the Derby Café. Couldn't be any more convenient, and the food was pretty decent. Traditional café fare, like sandwiches and salads, with - of course - a Kentucky Hot Brown. I opted for the Triple Crown sandwich - and made mine chicken salad - and it was perfectly satisfying for something light. Also, fried pickles! Had to have them. One of my favorite fried sides. Had an awesome server - I wish I had caught her name so I could give her praises. But she made me feel very welcome, even though I had asked for my very first Mint Julep to be on the sweeter side than normal. Restaurant was neat and clean and pretty busy, but not too overwhelming. Well worth a stop if you're already touring the museum. read more

we loved this place and Johnny the bartender is amazing and so friendly! will come back as we highly recommend!!

Wow, just popped in to cool off after the walking tour and try the famous mint julep. We were greater nicely, the tables and room were filled with red roses, very nice looking. I have to say, I was worried about trying the MJ because I've heard they are not that tasty, too minty. Wowzer they need to come here. It was SO good, very tasty! A sip sends you 3 different flavor adventures, first you get the sweetness of the simple syrup, then the stout bourbon that mellows the sweet out followed by a light refreshing mint sensation. Very refreshing! We also ordered the Derby Pie and their Bread Pudding, both made with fresh whipped cream. The food and drink were wonderful and the atmosphere of the place was quaint. A definite stop if you visit. read more

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The Derby Cafe was a pleasant and unexpected surprise! The menu is small, but reasonably priced. Our server was Angie and she was fantastic! We had a mint Julep, along with a Lily, the drink served at the Oaks. Service was fast and friendly and the food was good. We both had the brisket sandwich and enjoyed it! read more

Visiting Churchill Downs from NJ and had my first bourbon drink, prepared by Johnny Bourbon. Enjoyed my mint julep immensely but have to say, my husband's "perfect" old fashioned was to die for. Johnny was personable, knowledgeable and the highlight of our tour. One of the best bartenders we've yet to know; wished we lived closer to enjoy his company more often. Thank you, Johnny! read more

Derby Cafe is always one of those places I forget exists, but I almost always enjoy going there. It's a quiet little place where you can watch the horses on the paddock and sip on a fine bourbon. The fare is typical lunch variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Of course if you are looking for that after lunch comatose power nap, you can always order their gut-busting,bubbling hot brown. Prices are average, service is good, and the food is tasty enough. Just be wary that the idiom "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," may not go over as well. Try the burgoo and you won't be sorry. Cheers! read more

I've been here for lunch a few times as my aunt works in the museum. The food is delicious, and the specials are always very good. My aunt and I both had the fried chicken salad. It was a pretty big portion which was nice. Not just ice burg lettuce either, very fresh. And the chicken was very teamster and not just breading. We split a Derby pie which was delicious. It came with a raspberry sauce underneath and some fresh strawberries. The Derby Cafe is on the Urban Bourbon trail so make sure to bring your passport. I didn't get any bourbon this trip as I forgot my passport, but I'll make sure to have something next time. They do sell a Mint Julep for $10 that comes with a souvenir glass. They actually give you new ones that are packaged. The staff is pretty decent, could use some larger water glasses if they don't come around often enough to fill them up. I'll for sure come back, it's a nice place for lunch. read more

On a trip to Louisville last summer, we took the tour of Churchill Downs. Fascinating! While there, we got a tad thirsty and need a smooth, cool liquid libation to ward off the summer heat. What better place then the Derby Cafe? Come on in, set a spell, and order a refreshing Mint Julep, maybe 2. Then top it off with a little Derby Pie. What a delightful way to spend the afternoon. This is a must do, and for me, a must do again! read more

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Mold in the salad!! Beware!! We thought this would be a good option to eat at the museum, but the food and service was terrible. My wife ordered a salad which had mold in it (on the berries). Forget about an apology or a refund - the cafe manager was like "we will take it back - you can have another one if you want" and then she walked away! read more

Although I could feel my butt growing as I ate the Hot Brown, it was worth every inch!!!! The sweet potato fries were best I have ever eaten and the dipping sauce was just perfect. Service was super friendly. Felt bad as we had to witness the servers kindly dealing with the most obnoxious eaters I have ever encountered. Obnoxious in the fact they ordered food and then after it was cooked said they couldn't have salt on it. Then ordered a salad and SWEET POTATO FRIES!!! When told they had salt the customers responded "that's okay!!!" Seriously, some people need to just eat at home or be charged extra for having to deal with them!!!! Servers remained kind throughout. read more

Four stars for the Derby pie. Simple menu and enough to get us through the day and visiting the museum.

Decided to try the new Derby Cafe for lunch. It's near my work and I needed to pick something up from the Museum. The choices are limited and a bit pricey. I decided to try their take on a Hot Brown sandwich since this is one of my favorite dishes. Oh my..I was not expecting what I received. It was a turkey/sausage bratwurst on a bun with tomato sauce and mornay cheese in a dipping cup. To say the least, I was not a fan. I definitely do not like bratwurst and this was just too weird for my taste. I don't mind restaurants being creative but sometimes they can go too far. I also ordered a piece of derby pie and it was a small square wrapped in plastic wrap and warmed. It was good but would have been better with a small dollop of vanilla ice cream. I may go back in the future if I'm at the Museum to see if they have changed their menu. The server was the best part of my visit that day. She was kind and hilarious. read more

Derby Cafe - Countdown to Derby! - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Stopped in while touring the museum. Didn't even need the menu. The waitress offered a mint Julep to start of course you have start there!! It was exceptional. She suggested the Kentucky Hot Brown for lunch, done I'll have that. It was amazing very flavorful the gravy with the turkey and bacon was quite the delight. Finished off with her suggestion of the Kentucky Bread Pudding. Words can't describe. It's quick it's easy it's fantastic definitely worth the stop. read more

Derby Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

After touring the museum this was a great place for lunch. Serving lunch buffet style was quick but not your usual Las Vegas type buffet. They served several local specialties including Hot Brown Turkey, cucumber spread, Derby Pie and of course a Mint Julep. The service was friendly and attentive. Would highly recommend. read more

Stopped in after touring the museum. Good to have a cafe there. The food was okay. Rob J. Is correct in his review that service is slow; although, our server was nice & fixed an error quickly. Mike said his Meatloaf Burger was okay. Fries were excellent; they had a covering that made them extra crispy. His burger tasted like Meatloaf in my opinion. It was very thick. I had the Triple Crown of Salads (cute name). The chicken salad was okay, the ham salad was very salty (makes since, country ham) & the Benedictine was okay too. I like the Irish Rover's better. I had to ask for more crustinis, as 3 were not enough. It's a good location inside the museum, but just okay. The woman at the table next to us raved about the Hot Brown read more

Derby Cafe - Meatloaf Hamburger with fries - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Very good food and very convenient during our visit to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby museum. I had the "Louisville Hot Brown" entree, which is a local favorite and was delicious. Also had the Derby Pie for dessert, very good. Service was a little slow, but still a good experience overall. read more

Derby Cafe - Louisville Hot Brown - Cafes Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Not your typical museum restaurant! Upscale food and drinks, including of course the traditional mint julep and derby pie, which we HAD to try! Our server was great and talkative. Also the attached museum was very well done and very educational. A MUST see while in Louisville. read more

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Terrible experience. Be warned, read the fine print. A Kentucky Hot Brown is not a sausage. It was not a bad sausage, however it was NOT a hot brown. We did not read it all so that is on us. They tricked visitors which is on them. read more

We had a tasty, quick and affordable lunch at the derby cafe between our guided tours and museum viewing. The portions were much bigger than expected for the price and the service was commendable. We informed our waiter that we hoped to get on a tour in an hour and he was very understanding and accommodating to make it work. We had the beef brisket sandwich, chicken tender all, tilapia sandwich and house salad. The only complaint we had was that two of the entrees we originally ordered were sold out and it was only 12:15! read more

This was such a welcoming place.Our waitress Michelle,was fantastic.She was very friendly and funny.The other people working here were also nice. The food was really good as well.I had the Spinach Salad and I loved it.The Bourbon Bread Pudding was amazing. read more

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The food was great and the service was fantastic. It's a very limited menu, but there was something for everyone in our family.

I visited this location during the holidays, when several of us from the office decided to go out for lunch together. It is located adjacent to the Kentucky Derby Museum, and so offers an opportunity for a sit down meal if you are visiting Churchill Downs. The menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups, etc. The item names relate to horseracing, which is a cute twist, and there appear to be daily specials. I ordered a sandwich, which was fine. However, three of the people at the table ordered the Hot Brown....and those looked delicious....I immediately wished i had ordered that instead. My overall advice is this...the menu items are good, solid, and won't offer any big surprises. But if you are visiting Churchill Downs and come to this restaurant, do yourself a favor and have at least one person at the table order the Hot Brown...I think you will be glad you did. read more