Derby Day Brooklyn OTBs

Saturday is the Kentucky Derby. Its the only time of year I make a pilgrimage down to my neighborhood Off Track Betting (OTB) parlor to place my bets. I go to the one on 5th Ave & 12th Street. My wife and I usually go together, although she gets pretty creeped out by the slight urine stench and dirty ole men that oggle her. Anybody have any good OTB experiences to share?

I've got mixed feelings about it. I obviously go to bet on the triple crown, and it does make me feel some nostalgia for the old days when my dear ole grampa would take me to the track with him (ahhh, isnt' that cute). But I live just up the street from the 12th St. OTB and it generates a lot of trash, which blows up the street and ends up in my front yard.

Thoughts?

it's creepy. and more than a little sad.

(the OTB, not you)

The OTB - especially that one - is very creepy. But what track did your grampa take you to? Are you from Louisville? I grew up so close to the Churchill Downs that when I was playing in the yard I could hear the call to post.....

Unfortunately, it wasn't that track. I grew up in the Bay Area, so Gramps would take me to Golden Gate Fields outside of SF and Bay Meadows. I've been to the Derby before - about 5 years ago. HAD A BLAST! Mint Julep anyone?

Blech! When you grow up in Louisville, bourbon is the first drink you sneak - and get sick on. I have BAD memories of Jack Daniel's. I prefer mojitos, same idea different poison.

I love bourbon. Pour myself a bourbon on the rocks every night with Jon Stewart before bed. I prefer Evan Williams for my cheap stuff, and Woodford Reserve for my good stuff (that's your official hometown bourbon).

no, ben baby.... bulleit for cheap, and pappy van winkle's 20 yr reserve for the good stuff. and if you love bourbon, have you been to LeNell's in Red Hook? best damn bourbon selection in NYC. a GREAT liquor store.

oh, and if you want to taste a whole bunch of bourbon's at a bar, head over to South Slope/Greenwood Heights to BarBQ on 6th avenue. fantabulous bourbon list for sipping and quenching.

Ok I am a single malt scotch drinker.
Anyone have some faves on scotches.
I live close to that otb on 5th ave and no kidding I will cross the street just to avoid walking past it... disgusting!!

i'm a big fan of Bruichladdich 15 yr. and Balvenie Doublewood. how about you?

here a good one - two years ago a friedn won over $3000 at OTB 12th and 5th on Derby day. That was psyched. Actually we all won something that day. Last year I was one horse off.

Hey - just saw this thread, a little too late, but wanted to chime in.

I'm from Louisville! I had a Derby party the other day with Juleps...so yummy.

same friend won $500 on saturday.