Derby Lane management, at best, are incompetent buffoons who are not even qualified to be running a lemonade stand, and at worst, they are outright cheats exhibiting a pompous self-righteous arrogance towards customers, which can be explained only as a designed tactic used to conceal their nefarious actions by attempting to intimidate players into submission. I had the misfortune of visiting their establishment to participate in a promotional event in which the best poker hand every thirty minutes receives $500. When I was successful in doing so; the floorman in attendance then verified the hand and explained that after eight minutes, I would receive the $500, as long as a higher hand was not hit in the remaining eight minutes. However, at the end of the interval, management backtracked and told me that they had made a mistake, and that another exact hand, consisting of quad tens with a jack kicker, had hit before mine, giving it priority because it had occurred earlier in the interval. Even though it's Derby Lane's fiduciary responsibility to accurately inform customers of the current status of the top hand, I explained to them that I would accept their explanation justifying their incompetence if they would show me the video verifying their explanation, but they refused to do so. In response, I contacted the Florida agency responsible for regulating poker rooms, which is currently investigating the incident, but in response to my appeal to the regulatory agency, Derby Lane added insult to injury by issuing a trespassing demand and ordering that I immediately vacate the premises. These heavy-handed tactics are not in any way unique to me, or by any stretch, the exception; they are the rule at Derby Lane. Please, for your own good, keep this in mind before you, too, are a victim of their malfeasance. read more

We had a fabulous time on Derby Saturday. We arrived at 2 ....and quickly found front seats on the mezzanine. The grounds are beautiful and the weather was hot but pleasant. The downside is that the area and chairs in that were dirty, strewn with losing ticket stubs and cigarette butts (although it says no smoking, the guy next to us chain smoked for the entire time). Still, we had fun. Won a little money and placed our bets for Derby Downs which was to take place much later. We had the best mint julep made by a very nice lady bartender who made a wonderful drink. The guy bartender complained about his time being wasted by having to make them. Hey, it's Derby Day! When it was time goes us to move on, we exited via the poker room which was filled with lots of intense players. The area was quite inviting though. The grounds and the interior were very clean and well maintained. Every staff member we encountered (except grumpy bartender) was friendly and helpful which always seems to makes it more fun. Good time was had for sure. read more

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I have never before visited a dog track and being in St. Petersburg, visiting historic Derby Lane, the oldest operating dog track in the United States was certainly a curiosity. My review is not a endorsement for dog racing, but just a glimpse at a local landmark. The building and track are large and in great vintage shape. The locals really seem to love the place, lots of oldsters placing bets, families with little kids have plenty of space to run. Of course you can order beer, soda and some random convience foods. This night, the racing was delayed to a broken automated rabbit, the thing the dogs chase round the track. The dogs, which seem in good health and energetic can be viewed before each race in the holding area. The all seem so sweet and sort of sad, muzzles seem unnecessary. I was informed that all of the dogs go up for adoption after their racing careers are finished. The local greyhound rescue works with the owners apparently. If dog racing is abolished, as it was on the ballot this election, I think the building and grounds could survive as a casino with outdoor concerts, and events. read more

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As I understand it, the Derby Lane dog park will run its last race in late December 2020. We got here in the nick of time to experience it last week. There are two sides to Derby lane, a poker building, and the dog track. We only did the latter. Greyhound parks are disappearing quickly across America and it's a shame, because watching them race is a neat thrill. Derby Lane is a ghost town of what surely was it's former grace. Pictures hung in various spots throughout the park highlight it's glory from the 1930's to the 1980's. A favorite was a picture taken of Babe Ruth. Nowadays you sit in a grandstand with a handful of people. The two end enclosed buildings are in disrepair and closed. On the lower floor (track level) you have betting windows, one place to order food and seating. Upstairs is just seating and betting machines. We stayed for eight races and enjoyed winning six of them, including two across-the-board. I'm glad we visited before the place shuts down, but see why they need to. It's dirty, infrequently visited and on it's way into the history books. read more

Derby Lane - Race Tracks Near Me - Saint Petersburg, Florida

I really enjoy watching the dogs race they are awesome animals and have lots of love to give and receive. Super people and staff. I will be back soon to visit them again. Love the dogs and the customer service. read more

Worse management I've ever seen! I made a joke to a table manager about "I'm doing your job for you!" Completely joking and a manager (I think) kicked me out! Worse place I've ver been for poker! read more

I give this restaurant 5 stars because the food is great, I have been to a lot of buffets type restaurants and the food was ok, but the food here is outstanding, it's one of my favorite places to eat read more

Derby Lane - Race Tracks Near Me - Saint Petersburg, Florida

This place is absurdly fun. I have been going here with my family forever. It's like horse racing but better... So basically, the dogs chase a little stuffed bunny around the track until one of them wins. It's hard to figure out how to make any money off the dogs since its feels like 100% luck, but its still fun two pick a couple dogs and bet the $2 minimum on them. There are usually 15 races a night, and it starts at 7PM and usually finishes up by 11PM. There is an all you can eat buffet for $22, which seems steep until you look what it has. Crab legs, prime rib, ahi tuna, filet mignon. Literally, I stuffed my face because there was too much good stuff. Oh, and the wine is super cheap too. I think the average bottle was $14. It's a nice atomosphere and it over looks the track with large glass windows. Also, each table has its own personal TV that has a bunch of different races on it. If you need any help betting, go find Mark!!! he is the best!! he knows so much about the races, dogs, different types of bets ect. The dog race is always a fun night. read more

This was our first time at Derby Lane. This place is awe inspiring, 1920's Art Deco is still noticeable and really neat. We went on a Thursday evening so it was quiet. The restaurant was closed but they had your typical bowling alley food, hot dogs, burgers, you get it. So now for the good stuff, the track is maintained to perfection and it is absolutely beautiful at night. You can view the dogs prior to each race if you like and they parade them out in front of the crowd in a figure 8 formation. They even add some fancy parade/carnival type music that they may have used in the 1920's. If your a greyhound owner and race fan, this is a MUST see if your in the area. They pair the dogs up tough here so winning is based on a lot of luck. There was one or two good races out of 15 that favored the fans. Overall, we came to have fun and enjoy watching the dogs and people. read more

We made an impromptu visit and were thoroughly fascinated by the dogs and how fast they could run. Kayruth Abernathy was super sweet to allow us to meet two of her greyhounds after their respective races. The dogs weren't even winded! It was a privilege. read more

OK, so my first time ever to Tampa and was looking for something to do since I'm here by myself on a work assignment. The night before I was watching TV at the hotel and Ocean's 11 is playing. I'm watching this great movie and what scene comes up? A meeting a the dog track in St. Petersburg, FL as it says so on the screen. Cool, I'm going to go check it out. I went on a Wednesday night because they have night races. When I got there, it was a decent place. Kind of old and dirty and the feeling like gamblers just hang here for hours on end. Then I noticed that there were a ton of kids there. Getting them started early on the gambling? Nah, their parents wanted to come and I think kids were free or like $1. As I watched my first race, it was kind of exciting and the kids were making a lot of noise. I haven't been to a horse race track in a while so can't really compare but the place just gets trashed over time as the races go on and they seem to be held every 20 minutes or so. Kind of a long wait in between a 1 1/2 minute race. If you are a gambler you might want to come here as there is also a casino here which I didn't go in as I just wanted to sit in the box that the characters in the movie did. Might be interesting to visit once to see what its like but other than that, its kind of a sad place to spend valuable time you could be doing something else. read more

First, allow me to state the obvious. My concern is NOT the dog track as there is no dog racing in the state of Florida currently. They do however have a poker room that I play at fairly frequently. It is the only poker room I play in. Never had issues with staff or security. Well some of that changed today. On Sunday nights Derby Lane runs a "Crazy Pineapple" tournament.Its a variation of Texas Hold'em where you get three cards pre flop and have to discard after action on the flop. Since Derby Lane initiated this game it has been frought with frequent floor decisions on when to fold the third card. At one point I recall playing in a tournament that two tables had differing rules...in the same tournament. Well my situation went like this. I believe I was the big bllind although that part not too sure but not much of a difference.Flop comes Q97 of clubs. I flopped a flush. I bet a pot sized bet and discard. All players but one fold. Its heads up. Turn comes an off color J. I again make a sizeable bet. Player calls. The river is another 9. I check as the board paired. The other player moves all in. After he does he declares that he made a mistake and he did not discard and he still has three cards. The dealer calls the floor and after consultation amongst themselves they declare that they can not kill the hand because the player moved all in. Very awkward situation where a player was allowed to keep a card even after I bet fourth street. My position was and is that the rules of the game was changed on me. So I called the all in and lost to a full house and re bought into the tournament again. In hindsight how foolish. But it got better. When I went to the floor person who is the manager of the poker room to tell her that I vehemently disagreed with her decision and rebought so I also could play three cards to the river, floor manager Kim said I was threatening her. So imagine a pretty loyal customer, I only play there. Been playing there for maybe five or six years, never had issues but when asking a manager for clarity the narative gets changed to her feeling unsafe. I never said anything inapproriate to her other than I disagree with her decision. If I can't say in a peaceful way to a manager that I disagree with her decision but I also wish to play with three cards to the river as she ruled. What is the point of playing a game when the rules change in mid game. Obviously I wont be returning. Even though the other manager bought me a beer so he wouldn't feel like a d**k. He still didn't stand up for what is right though. The funny thing is the whole room including the guy that made the honest mistake of not mucking his card saw it my way. And listen I am human like all the other people involved. I make mistakes. But I lived long enough to learn that you should own up to your mistakes. Floor manager Kim and through her Derby Lane now have sadly forced me to stop patrionizing their establishment. Yeah I realize its nothing to them but I loved this game for decades. Good news is its Florida and this will free up more of my time for fishing. Do NOT waste your time on this dilettante establishment. read more

I love this place. Every person I have met there is really friendly. I have met kennel workers and owners there also, they take great pride in their dogs and it really shows. Also the food is always good, every venue in the place from the concession stands to the five star buffet. read more

Derby has great poker tournaments and very excellent dealers. Wonderful place to come learn how to play cards.

They are pretty rude to people with service dogs. Not very accommodating at all. Please don't make me feel like a criminal for bringing my service dog here when you keep a bunch of them in cages and don't give them any love. read more

This place is the Churchill Downs or The Santa Anita of Greyhound world. This has top flight staff from the mutual clerks to the dealers in the poker room and the staff in the dining room was fantastic. The Buffets are a little high by your Florida standards but you get top quality 5* restaurant food not your local Golden Corral. The Dogs are cared for very well and are absolutely breathe taking at 30+ mph when your standing at the fence. This is family friendly and has big giveaways just for showing up raffles of up to $2500.00 on holidays. Support this great facility and people working here from Vera in Marketing to Jim in the booth and alot of the great trainers and dogs I have met in my 15+ visits down from Ma. Visited October 2014 read more

What nice place to spend an afternnon or evening! Very clean and friendly staff. The dogs seem well cared for and it is a very active and positive place to bring your family. The concessions are well priced and it is a nice way to spend an outing with family and friends. read more