Finally, Derby season is here! And that means mint juleps, horse racing, colorful dresses, fancy hats, plus oh-so-much planning. Whether you’re hosting guests or hitting the track solo, it’s time to make plans for your post-race food. If you aren’t much for crowds or you know your feet will be aching after wearing those fabulous shoes all day, how about a delicious meal at home, courtesy of carryout from your favorite restaurants? Fast, easy and lighter on the wallet (aka more money to bet on your ponies!), these meals are simple to pick up in advance, assemble or reheat when you get home, and then enjoy. Heck, you can even eat it in your jammies if you want to. So here they are, some local restaurants offering carryout meals that will make your post-Derby tummy happy.
Stevens & Stevens
1114 Bardstown Road, Louisville
Your favorite delicatessen, Stevens & Stevens, offers carryout soups, salads, sandwiches and trays to finish off your Derby day. Check out its regular menu and catering menu for all of the options. Stevens & Stevens requests two days’ notice on all Derby carryout orders. Stevens & Stevens’ phone number is (502) 584-3354. Fax your carryout order to (502) 581-0767.
The Cheddar Box
3903 Chenoweth Square, Louisville
The Cheddar Box is always a go-to for a great lunch. Let them help you with your Derby dinner, too. Choose from its delicious salads and sandwiches to please hungry guests. Check out the menu and place your order by calling (502) 893-2324.
The turkey Benedictine and bacon sandwich from The Cheddar Box | Image credit: The Cheddar Box
The Fishery/Callahan’s Catering
3624 Lexington Road, Louisville
If you’re craving seafood for your post-race meal, then carry out from The Fishery or its catering company, Callahan’s Catering. All of the delicious items from The Fishery menu are available for carryout, like the fried shrimp, salmon croquettes, oysters, baked fish, homemade soups, coleslaw and mac ‘n cheese. Place your order at least 24 hours in advance, and you can pick it up Saturday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
J. Gumbo’s
2109 Frankfort Ave.; 8603 Citadel Way #101; 1923 S. Fourth St., Louisville
Thinking a taste of Bourbon Street would be good for your Derby dinner? Look no further than J. Gumbo’s. The Cajun carryout will please any crowd. Check out its menu to view your carryout options, like Jambalaya, Bourbon Street Chicken, or the Drunken Chicken Po’ Boy. To place an order, call one of the Louisville stores: Frankfort Avenue, (502) 896-4046; Stoneybrook, (502) 493-4720, or Fourth Street, (502) 637-2800.
Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot
3204 Frankfort Ave., Louisville
Barbeque is always a safe and savory bet for the perfect Derby dinner. FABD serves everything from chicken and pork to coleslaw, beans, potato salad, mac ‘n cheese and even cookies. Check out the menu here and place all orders by calling (502) 895-3223.
La Peche
1147 Bardstown Road, Louisville
La Peche is a Louisville carryout favorite. From gourmet entrées to sandwiches, soups, baked goods and even Derby lunch boxes, La Peche has everything to make your Derby evening meal as delicious as if it were served in a restaurant. Check out the carryout menu for a complete list of options and place your order by calling (502) 451-0377.
Bristol
1862 Mellwood Ave., Louisville
Enjoy the first-ever Bristol Catering Derby-to-go meals. Customize your meal for at least 20 or more people with options like Hot Brown casserole, house-smoked pork, maple-cured salmon, grits and/or party trays. All ordered meals will be prepped and ready to warm and serve for your hungry guests post-race and will be available for pickup April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All orders must be prepaid and placed before 4 p.m. on April 27. Order by calling (502) 584-3663.
Bristol Catering always has the most delicious meals. Image credit: Bristol Catering.
Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville
Varanese always offers carryout from its regular menu, but this year they’re also offering a special prix-fixe menu, Beat the Odds meal, on Oaks and Derby days. Enjoy a carryout meal for two, which includes your choice of salad, entrée and dessert for $50 plus tax and gratuity. To place your carryout order, call (502) 899-9904 or email Varanese beforehand to ensure quantities at [email protected]
Lotsa Pasta
3717 Lexington Road, Louisville
Your favorite mom-and-pop Italian restaurant offers delicious carryout. Lotsa Pasta has everything from track-friendly boxed lunches to signature entrées, salads, fresh baked breads, desserts and appetizer trays. Check out the entrée menu to view a complete list. They require three to four days’ notice for most of their dishes which can be ordered by calling (502) 896-6361 (ask for Cheryl or Vicki) or you can fill out a form here.
The Bakery at Sullivan
3100 Bardstown Road, Louisville
The Bakery at Sullivan is offering its full menu, as well as Kentucky Derby-inspired desserts, for Derby carryout. The Derby-inspired specials include everything from an Oaks Lily cupcake to Mint Julep cream pies. Check out the delicious menu and be sure to place your order 48 hours in advance. Orders can be placed by calling (502) 452-1210.
Mint Julep cream cupcakes from The Bakery| Image credit: The Bakery at Sullivan
Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen
3737 Lexington Road; 2525 Bardstown Road; 9561 US Hwy. 42; 2232 Frankfort Ave.
The Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen can never steer you wrong. Its extensive dessert menu will make your post-racing guests full and happy. Check out the menu and give them a call at least 48 hours in advance at their main office (502) 855-7437; Lexington store, (502) 893-3303; Bardstown Road store, (502)459-8184; Prospect store, (502) 614-8202, or Frankfort Avenue, (502) 409-6100.
Enjoy your Derby day!!
