I love wagner's because of its simple, old fashion and authentic diner atmosphere. The food is decent but not amazing. It's your basic sandwich, burger, fries etc. something you can easily whip up at home.
Share a table with the men and women working at Churchill Downs and hear their stories.
If you're coming as a tourist, you should go. Â It is a 5 star place in that situation. Â It is the most classic Kentucky Diner you will ever find because it is literally next to the racetrack! Â Not the posh main gate side either, but the backside of the track. Â You are likely to see owners, trainers, hotwalkers, grooms, exercise riders, etc...ALL THE RACETRACKERS. Â It is basically a shrine to horse-racing and the Kentucky Derby on the inside. Â They are doing what they know, and I respect that. Â They haven't really updated much of anything and I respect that too. Â
Now, if you're coming as someone who wants some food it is 3 stars. Â Not bad, it's just greasy diner food. Â The breakfast is better than the lunch fare, but none of it will blow you away. Â I think they still do their Cherry Cokes the real way, so that may be the one exception that is pretty awesome. Â
If you live in town and you've never been, stop by if you're in the area. Â If you're from out of town and going to the track, check it out. Â If you are looking for a nice clean restaurant with excellent service and high quality food, well it's not your place.
Wagner's has been a staple for many Louisville folks for years and it is worth the trip to get some of the best biscuits and gravy around. Prices are cheap and if you like breakfast, you're gonna love this place. The people that work there are as friendly as can be and you'll get a perfectly cooked egg every time, any way you like it. If you go early, you will see lots of "horse people". That's Kentucky speak for horse trainers, jockey, etc.. It is located right across from the famous Churchill Downs race track. Closes around 2:00 p.m. but walk in the door before 1:30p because if the staff had a busy morning, they are gonna want to go home and you waiting until 1:35 to step in for lunch is uncool. Most of the time they will never let onto that though ; ) Â This place is an institution. Great place to take your kid when you are playing hookey for the day as well. They have a soda fountain so get him/her a yummy sugary soda while sharing a Pam & Jacks Omlette! Oh, and sit at the bar so you can hear the cook whistle or sing. That's Kentucky for ya!
Review Source:Across the street from the entrance to Churchill Downs is Wagner's Pharmacy, dating from the early part of the 20th century. Â A full-fledged pharmacy remains integral to the business and is interesting in its own right because of the artifacts displayed wherever space exists. Â The diner section of Wagner's Pharmacy is where the Yelpers concentrate their reviews. Â At the end of the lunch rush, I observed the waitresses at the counter socializing while closing down for the day---returning food stuffs to larger containers, then to be stored in the different refrigerators.
Wagner's is essential to the racetrack community. Â Its a vibrant business highlighting the history of Churchill Downs through artifacts and a collection of photographs throughout the sprawling building. Â Its a living landmark. The menu is standard diner fare with ample food solidly presented. Â Booths, tables and a diner counter provide the seating possibilities. Â Lots of smiling faces.
Came in after a Downs tour minutes before closing. Got the patty melt and it was awesome. Go for the macaroni and cheese (the whole table got a free round.) Everyone's food was very good. Totally worth the detour. However, two days later, we came back and they told us they were closed. You'd think they'd take a party of ten again, right? I guess not. But a good spot nevertheless.
Review Source:Whether you're on the road or just looking for a "home-cooked meal" away from home, Wagner's will fill the bill. Â I have grown to avoid the fast food nation mentality and sometimes tire of trolling the ethnic restaurants where I find myself more often than not. When I want a meal "like mom(or grandmom)" used to make, Wagner's here I come. Â If you're starved for a carbo-loaded breakfast after a busy early morning of working (or working-out) or you're hankering for a hot steaming plate lunch, Wagner's is your place. The local atmosphere also appeals to me. Under the shadow of the twin spires of Churchill Downs, invariably you'll rub shoulders with backside folk trying to grab some food. And when the track is open, you'll overhear the staff and the clientele handicapping an upcoming race. They don't call it Derby City for nothin'!
Review Source:This place is great if you are looking for some down home cooking. Â From meatloaf to pot roast it is all good. Â The only thing is get there before 11:45am or wait till about 1:00pm cause tables are limited but they do move people thru pretty quick. Â I've heard that their breakfast is good but I'm never there early enough to try it. Â It's on the backside of Churchill Downs and the sign only says Wagner's Pharmacy, but the drug store is in the back.
Review Source:
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