Headed to the Derby and staying near Churchill Downs. Since I doubt we'll make it downtown, I'd love to hear about some local flavor restaurants (no chains) near the track. Also, any tips about going to the Derby would be greatly appreciated!

Anyone?

There isn't much around the Downs, which is probably why you haven't gotten any replies.

I'm not sure what tips for the Derby you are looking for. If you don't have tickets, you will need to be in line early for the infield where you will be hard put to see any horses. Umbrellas are not allowed because they would block the view for other people--doesn't matter how hard it may be raining.

It's not 'right by' the Downs but we loved Lynn's Paradise Cafe. We went for breakfast - so huge you can share - but I hear their other offerings are good too.

http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/

I love the Mayan Cafe which is on Market Street in the downtown area. You cannot miss the bread pudding. Amazing.

The only place I can think of that is "close" to the Downs, is Wagner's Pharmacy, but they have very limited hours ( I think they close at noon on Saturdays.) Two of my favorites that are pretty close to the U of L campus are Third Avenue Cafe and Granville Inn. Third Avenue Cafe has great sandwiches, soups, and daily entree specials. Granville Inn has amazing hamburgers and has a very local watering-hole feeling to it. A little farther out toward Bardstown Rd is Baxter Station, which is great for dinner. In the same vicinity, I will second the rec for Lynn's Paradise Cafe, which is amazing for breakfast, but good anytime of day. On Bardstown Rd, Mark's Feed Store is good if you're in the mood for BBQ or burgoo and Ramsi's Cafe is great if you want to sample "world cuisine". If you're willing to travel farther out to the St. Matthews area, one of my favorites is Cafe LouLou.

Hope this helps. You might also check louisvillehotbytes.com. In addition to tons of restaurant reviews and listings, it has a very active forum, where they answer loads of questions.