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Six Classic Old Timer Louisville Lunch Spots

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Living long makes a person knowledgeable, so why not eat like an old man? Here are six classic Louisville lunch spots to bring out the old man in you.

— Daniel Alten


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Burger Boy

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Burger Boy is Old Louisville’s classic 24/7 neighborhood diner. Formerly Juanita’s Burger Boy, the establishment went under new ownership in 2008, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a meeting place for the people of Old Louisville. Go in anytime between breakfast and the early afternoon and you’re bound to see two things, piles of delicious homemade seasoned fries next to towering burgers, and several tables of old men loudly chatting about whatever is on their minds. Grab a seat at the counter, get yourself a cup of coffee, a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of chili, and pretend you’re 40 years older. [Photo]

D. Nalley's

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Not too far from Burger Boy is D. Nalley’s, Old Louisville’s other classic diner. This one has been a family operation since 1967 and boasts some of the original staff. Its interior has that classic simple diner feel, and that’s because that is exactly what D. Nalley’s offers. A scroll down their Facebook page is like looking at pictures of what your grandpa has been eating for the past 30 years, except way more delicious. Daily specials like their Veal Cutlet with mushroom gravy and their famous Salisbury steaks will transport you back to a simpler time. [Photo

Check's Cafe

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If having a beer is important to you, Check’s Cafe is the way to go. Since 1944, it has been one of Germantown’s best places to go for a beer and a bite. They serve up some of the tastiest classics at a great price and in a fantastic size. From their Buffalo Chicken sandwich to their Pork Tenderloin sandwich, no bun can match their gigantic portions, and make sure to take advantage of their 2pm-6pm happy hour with $1.75 drafts. The staff is incredibly friendly and quite frankly, nothing says Germantown like a belly full of beer and a Braun-schweiger.

Frank's Meat & Produce

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Looking to grab a quick old man bite to take home? Frank’s Meat and Produce on Preston Highway is the real source for all your grocery needs. They have one of the nicest and most knowledgeable staffs in Louisville. Whether it’s making the largest roast beef sandwich you’ve ever seen for only $3.50, giving you some of Louisville’s best cuts to barbeque at home, or just dishing up a cup of mouthwatering homemade Burgoo, the people at Frank’s have you covered. It’s not uncommon to see patrons eating in their cars who couldn’t wait to get home. [Photo]

Hill Street Fish Fry

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If a fish sandwich is your kick, there’s no better old man spot than the Hill Street Fish Fry. At only 19 years, this Old Louisville fish fry is younger than some of the other choices, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the charm of someplace your grandfather would drag you to. The inside is small so the kitchen, counter, and tables all become one mess of delicious fishy goodness. No frills, just deliciously-fried fish, scallops and oysters.

Wagner's Pharmacy

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If you want to feel like the true old-man Louisville, you have to go to Wagner’s Pharmacy, the place derby champions have been eating at since 1922. Located across the street from the historic Churchill Downs, this old pharmacy is now more known for its deliciously filling breakfasts and lunches. With an outside so inconspicuous you may miss it, this derby favorite is a hidden gem of classic American eats that your grandpa would approve of. Try the gigantic Pam & Jack’s Omelet (featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay), or their beloved lunchtime Patti Melt. Chow down while looking at old pictures from Louisville’s most beloved event and feel like you’ve never missed one.

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Burger Boy

Burger Boy is Old Louisville’s classic 24/7 neighborhood diner. Formerly Juanita’s Burger Boy, the establishment went under new ownership in 2008, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a meeting place for the people of Old Louisville. Go in anytime between breakfast and the early afternoon and you’re bound to see two things, piles of delicious homemade seasoned fries next to towering burgers, and several tables of old men loudly chatting about whatever is on their minds. Grab a seat at the counter, get yourself a cup of coffee, a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of chili, and pretend you’re 40 years older. [Photo]

D. Nalley's

Not too far from Burger Boy is D. Nalley’s, Old Louisville’s other classic diner. This one has been a family operation since 1967 and boasts some of the original staff. Its interior has that classic simple diner feel, and that’s because that is exactly what D. Nalley’s offers. A scroll down their Facebook page is like looking at pictures of what your grandpa has been eating for the past 30 years, except way more delicious. Daily specials like their Veal Cutlet with mushroom gravy and their famous Salisbury steaks will transport you back to a simpler time. [Photo

Check's Cafe

If having a beer is important to you, Check’s Cafe is the way to go. Since 1944, it has been one of Germantown’s best places to go for a beer and a bite. They serve up some of the tastiest classics at a great price and in a fantastic size. From their Buffalo Chicken sandwich to their Pork Tenderloin sandwich, no bun can match their gigantic portions, and make sure to take advantage of their 2pm-6pm happy hour with $1.75 drafts. The staff is incredibly friendly and quite frankly, nothing says Germantown like a belly full of beer and a Braun-schweiger.

Frank's Meat & Produce

Looking to grab a quick old man bite to take home? Frank’s Meat and Produce on Preston Highway is the real source for all your grocery needs. They have one of the nicest and most knowledgeable staffs in Louisville. Whether it’s making the largest roast beef sandwich you’ve ever seen for only $3.50, giving you some of Louisville’s best cuts to barbeque at home, or just dishing up a cup of mouthwatering homemade Burgoo, the people at Frank’s have you covered. It’s not uncommon to see patrons eating in their cars who couldn’t wait to get home. [Photo]

Hill Street Fish Fry

If a fish sandwich is your kick, there’s no better old man spot than the Hill Street Fish Fry. At only 19 years, this Old Louisville fish fry is younger than some of the other choices, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the charm of someplace your grandfather would drag you to. The inside is small so the kitchen, counter, and tables all become one mess of delicious fishy goodness. No frills, just deliciously-fried fish, scallops and oysters.

Wagner's Pharmacy

If you want to feel like the true old-man Louisville, you have to go to Wagner’s Pharmacy, the place derby champions have been eating at since 1922. Located across the street from the historic Churchill Downs, this old pharmacy is now more known for its deliciously filling breakfasts and lunches. With an outside so inconspicuous you may miss it, this derby favorite is a hidden gem of classic American eats that your grandpa would approve of. Try the gigantic Pam & Jack’s Omelet (featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay), or their beloved lunchtime Patti Melt. Chow down while looking at old pictures from Louisville’s most beloved event and feel like you’ve never missed one.