3113 S 4th Street Louisville, KY 40214 (502) 375-3800
Opened in 1922, Wagner's, located directly across the street from Churchill Downs, is a favorite hangout for horsemen, racing writers, sports writers, Derby fans, horse enthusiasts, owners, breeders, trainers (Nick Zeto, Dallas Stewart, D. Wayne Lukas, Kenneth McPeek, Todd Pletcher, and Dale Romans to name a few)veterinarians and the occasional movie crew (Secretariat & Elizabethtown). Inside, you will find the walls lined with photos of past Derby winners. Not only is Wagner's a full service pharmacy, it's also a general store, tack shop and a restaurant with a lunch counter. I ordered a Coke, a cheeseburger with fries and a vanilla shake to go. All were excellent. Wagner's most popular menu items include the Derby sandwich (hot honey glazed ham with melted Swiss and mayo), the Club (patty melt on wheat with grilled onions), Tuna Melt (on Rye with grilled onions, their famous Ridgeway tomatoes and Swiss), the pork chop sandwich and of course their burgers and milkshakes. During Derby Week breakfast is the most popular followed by the Derby Sandwich and soup. Wagner's does serve a limited menu during Derby Week. We missed breakfast @ Wagner's because it ends @ 11:00am, but you shouldn't since it's listed as one of Esquires' 59 best breakfasts in America. We will definitely be back for breakfast. Enjoy!
