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Chow Wagon

3.6 (23 reviews)
ModerateFood Stands

Chow Wagon Photos

CHOW WAGON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Outdoor seating
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Kathy V.

The annual fried food round up at the Waterfront leading up to Derby! This apparently a 'must' during Derby season....but I have lived here 10 years now and have only visited the Chow Wagon once. It did not live up to any hype. I mean, if you *really* love fried food and carnival rides, you will enjoy the Chow Wagon. There are some local options available, but not many. You do need a Pegasus Pin to get in, so that is an added $6-$7 to even get there. If you are a super Derby Season fan, I am sure you will find yourself here. If you aren't a diehard....I doubt you'll be overjoyed to spend money to get in to a place to have access to even more overpriced fried festival food. I mean, it is there annually and you know where to find it.

Courtney G.

Best mini state fair you could ask for on the waterfront. Check out the chow wagon and don't forget your Pegasus Pin for entry. Vendors average $10-12.00/item, but on a beautiful day it's the perfect way to celebrate Derby on the waterfront. Don't forget to check out the activities area the Kentucky Derby Festival team set up with flying axes, photo ops, and a life size chess board. Happy Derby, y'all!

Chow Wagon
Emily H.

For most Louisvillians, the Chow Wagon is the first chance of the year to indulge in all of those summertime, decadent, so-bad-for-you-yet-so-good treats. I'm talking corndogs, funnel cakes, things served on sticks, things battered and deep fried. And the Chow Wagon does not disappoint. It takes the typical fair midway a step or two further with some prime treats that are not to be missed. In particular, I'm a big fan of the blueberry pie topped with blueberry ice cream. It's to your left after you walk in under the "Chow Wagon" sign. Save some tickets and be sure to hit this up. The blooming onion is also delicious and worth the 5,000 calories or so, as was the pulled pork -- I believe it was -- sandwich and the strawberry shortcake. Mind you, I did not eat all of this but rather nibbled from the plates of friends, which is really the best thing to do. I also saw an "old fashion soda pop" booth that I'm going to try to stop at when I go next. The Chow Wagon is a bit pricey, and you have to buy your food with tickets. $1 = one ticket. The whole going to a booth to get tickets is a bit of a pain, but hey, this is a once a year type of thing. And you get to enjoy all of this glorious, belt-busting goodness sitting at tables that either face Louisville's glorious skyline or face the river and bridges. There are also some stages with regular live entertainment. I mean, really, why wouldn't you indulge at least once and come down and enjoy all that the Chow Wagon has to offer?

Crissy R.

This is a great time of year to come down to the chow wagon for pre-Derby festivities. If you're a fan of overpriced fair food and drinks, this is the place to be. Definitely check the weather forecast prior to coming, on a positive it is open rain or shine. You won't get completely soaked as a big part of this place is located under the over pass of the highway. Admission is free if you have a Pegasus pin. Otherwise you can buy one there for a buck more than you would pay at Kroger. Everything is paid for with tickets. Make sure to bring cash, otherwise you'll be paying some ATM fees. They have ticket locations all over. This is definitely a cool experience to spend with family and friends. Overall, I'll be back next year to spend a few bucks and eat some tasty fried food.

Entrance
Christopher S.

The best thing I can say about the Chow Wagon is: I hated it. This is an endorsement because if you take the inverse of my autism and misanthropy you arrive at a good time for a normal human being. I was able to donate blood to a research group, or I was chow wagon for some delightful vampires. Who knows? The Chow Wagon was a well-curated collection of things I detest and don't care for: carnival food, people who can't manage themselves in queues, noise, portable bathrooms, a cacophony of unidentifiable smells, rides of questionable safety, cover bands, and people shouting at you to buy stuff. If you like carnival food, rides, and atmosphere then certainly this is for you. Everyone else there was neuro-typical and having a great time. The fact that I wasn't having fun is probably the best reason you should go. PRO TIPS: 1. Get a Pegasus Pin at Kroger before going (or if you're quick, I'm not using mine). 2. Do a fly-by of the entire place first to see what they have before picking something 3. There are ticket booths all over the place, don't bottle yourself up at the front 4. Give blood to the medical research people, the life you save could be someone you love

Alicia B.

The Chow Wagon is a once a year thing in Louisville during Derby time. If you go to the chow wagon be prepared to pay fair style prices for typical food. My thing is if you dig fair food then you are use to paying an arm and a leg for stuff. My suggestion is bring your water with you or drink it will save you at least $5 . If you are a pickle lover like my self you absolutely have to try this dilly corndog. It's a hotdog in a pickle dipped and deep fried.

Kelly J.

I love the Chow Wagon! Fair food is some of my favorite food, so when the Chow Wagon sets up two weeks before Derby and starts slinging funnel cakes, grater taters, lemon shake-ups, and everything fried, including Oreos, I'm down! Of course, the Chow Wagon has a few drawbacks, and one of those is the prices. It's expensive. Like, ridiculously expensive. But, as long as you go in armed with that information, you'll be prepared to spend $12-$14 on a grater tater and a lemon shake-up. And trust me, spending the money once or twice around Derby season is definitely worth it!

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Love it good music, by the Ohio river which brings a great breeze on a hot day but food is overpriced and not good at all

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

Go to the Mexican Grill. It's the best. Fresh food and servers ! Next to the stage. Enjoy!

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7 years ago

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Are there any other chow wagons other than waterfront park?

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4.0(1 review)
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Chow Wagon - foodstands - Updated May 2026

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