Good times at my first Yelp Elite event! Thanks to Elsa, America's Best Racing, and Yelp for putting together such a fun and locally unique offering. Also my first time at Pimlico despite having lived in the Baltimore area for many years, so I got to check that box also. The view from the skybox / suite was perfect. It was fun seeing all the dressed up patrons, too. Perfect weather, nice views, and the airy skybox made for a great Friday afternoon experience. I didn't arrive in time for the breakfast-y foods, but the lunch buffet was great! Crabcakes full of jumbo lump crab, the most tender beef cuts I've ever had from a buffet, flavorful chicken, and more. Later there was dessert including some tasty mini-cupcakes on par with the best I've had from cupcake shops in DC during the cupcake craze. I was impressed! Coffee was a little blah. That (and the lack of drinking water) were literally the only quibbles I could come up with despite being a hardened reviewer. :) The short lesson on how to bet on horses was interesting too. Friendly bartender and premium open-bar. The signature Black-eyed Susan was a little too sweet for me, but the Grey Goose was spot on. Pimlico outside staff were a little clueless (a half dozen of them didn't know where the entrance to the Clubhouse Turn Suites was, though it was literally 100 yards away at the end of the same structure where they were). No fault of Yelp or America's Best Racing, though. And it was great meeting fellow Yelpers for the first time! Nice, interesting folks. I'll look forward to next time! read more

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The day at Pimlico started off a bit rocky for me. I had trouble locating the specific entrance and none of the staff at Pimlico (even in Customer Service) could tell me how to get to where I was going, even though I specifically said the Clubhouse Turn entrance. They kept sending me to the regular Clubhouse entrance. I eventually got a map and was able to locate the correct entrance myself. Frustrating, but it turned out to be worth it. I was greeted by Heidi. Got my ticket. Bag searched. Body Wanded. Our little room was neatly set up with chairs, TV, bartender, and a betting machine. There was a door that led to a little covered balcony with chairs set up. It was a perfect set up to watch the races. There were some helpful people going around telling us more about the races and explaining things for us newbies, which I found rather helpful. I have never been to a horse race a day in my life, so I was pretty clueless. I can say that if I go back I will kinda know what's going on thanks to those guys. Black Eyed Susan Cocktails were dangerously good. I eventually had to cut myself off from those. Food was also great. I did get there in time for brunch and I got a bagel that was pretty good. I loved that the cream cheese was pre-scooped into tiny little balls. The lunch was especially good - crabcakes, ribs, cajun chicken, cesar salad, potato salad, asparagus, green beans, etc. I will say that was some of the best potato salad I've put in my mouth. I am disappointed in myself for not going back for more. All in all, it was a great day at the track.Thanks to all the Yelp staff and Americas Best Racing for a fantastic first time at Pimlico. I definitely plan to go back next year for Preakness. read more

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What a delightful excuse to play hooky; and who better with other than my fellow Elites? We all had a good time comparing stories on why we were not at work, school or training. That in itself was a catalyst to get us talking and laughing. Thanks Elsa, Heather & Heidi for bringing us together. Appreciate your efforts. Arriving at Pimlico, be prepared to pay for parking. It's in the proximity of a residential area and there are signs about restrictions on parking. I was offered a shuttle from one lot to the Clubhouse parking area but declined so that he could assist some of our seniors who were making the trek. No complaints on bag and security checks. It provides me with a sense of relief knowing that everyone left their "Saturday Night Special" at home or in the car. Treated to a lovely sky box suite, breakfast items and later an awesome lunch; I'm super happy that I played hooky today. The food was fan-friggin-tastic! The items were well displayed, served at the correct temperature and in abundance along with the adult beverages our bartender Mark whipped up. It was mandatory to try the signature Black Eyed Susan drink. Then it happened....they served dessert. The fat girl in me exclaimed "That's what's up!" as I indulged in some double chocolate cake and smiled at the chocolate chip brownies. Representatives were on hand to welcome us and to give assistance on understanding the horses background, wagering and amenities. Everyone at America's Best Racing treated us like rock stars and I look forward to going back. Everyone looked dapper in their colorful outfits, hats and fascinators. It was a very positive experience! read more

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This event rocked. Although we were not warned about parking and it's $20.00 fee for all this event was worth I have no complaint. I arrived early as usual. Greeted by Heather and Elsa. Received that VIP ticket, had my purse checked and my body wanded. Safety first. Then up the steps we go. Handed in our ticket and received our VIP bracelets and our event brochure. Onto America's Best Racing Suite. Opened the doors and it was just beautiful. The table and chair set up was great. The room was nicely decorated in a beautiful shade of green. Go through the second set of doors (mind you you just past the bartender on your right) now you have your outdoor seating of white folded chairs. Might I add this area covered so, the sun was not shinning on your head. I know all this and we haven't even got started yet. We put on name tags so we can learn other yelpers names. Oh it's time for the breakfast in a different room. Crossiants, danish, muffins, orange juice, coffee (yes as YELPERS we get spoiled). Back into our vip room. Mimosas to go with our delicious breakfast. They came in and explained how to bet. So awesome. It was then race time. Gooooo horses. I won a little but, not all of my monies back but, I had an awesome time. Before you know it lunch time. Gheesh my tummy was about to get tight. Crab cakes, chicken, beef, roasted potatoes, potato salad, string beans, asparagus and the cornbread muffins were to die for. Boordy Sangria as we continued to watch and bet on the races. Can't for the signature drink the Black-eyed Susan that just kept on coming. Made sure I drank my water to stay hydrated. I received a yelp mug for checking in and also a #8 horse cookie. No complaints on this event. Elsa and her team rocks as well as America's Best Racing. Thanks This was truly worth playing HOOKY WITH THE HORSES. YELP ROCKS read more

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I would like to thank America Best Racing, Elsa and her staff and Pimlico Race Track for inviting me and my wife to Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico Race Track. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and would like to thank the staff at Pimlico for showing us a good time. I really enjoyed their lunch especially their crab cakes. I also enjoyed their selection of drinks especially there Black Eyed Susan drink and grapefruit an gin which was really strong. I think me and my wife really and all of the Yelp members really had a nice time. I know for a fact that me and my wife and all of the Yelp members really enjoyed the Sky Box seats. We all was really impressed. I also would like to thank Pimlico and America Best Racing staff again for providing valuable racing and betting information to all of the Yelp members, I will definitely be visiting Pimlico again. read more

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I don't care if I get detention, playing hookey is the best! This was a five star event from beginning to end with great food and drinks, friendly people, helpful handicappers and of course the horses. It looks like Yelp is now powerful enough to control the weather, as the conditions were perfect for a day at the races. We loved the Black-eyed Susan cocktails and the amazing crabcakes and grilled fennel. So huge thanks to Elsa, Pimlico, ABR and 90 North racing for putting on this outstanding event. Love you guys! read more

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Before I go into my review I must say thanks to Heather M., Heidi F, and Elsa for all they do on putting on these great events as I know from past and personal experiences the challenges they bring. Still this event was great as it has been years since I have been to a race track and to come back to one in this capacity made for an even greater experience. Pimlico Race Track is very nice and I before arriving I saw on the local media about all the improvements that went into the track as this was proven with our great view from the skybox we were in. The best part of these events is getting the opportunity to explore the community and learn whats going on in other areas outside of your community. I even learned a bit ok I learned a lot about racing from the professionals who gave a great presentation for so many first time novices who were there. It is true you have more fun when you know something about it. If they were able to teach me something then that's amazing and the cherry on top was that I won on a few of the races. Thanks Americas Best Racing. Fun times. The spread was great and the as they offered a continental breakfast, huge lunch, and eventually dessert as the day progressed. The food was amazing especially the crab cakes and Cuban chicken. There was so much food as I was curious as to how much they really made because I still saw full trays of food being brought in around 4 p.m. All in all it was an outstanding day and even after paying for parking you more than made up for it with good times, good food, good drinks and in my situation great luck on the horses I picked. read more

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Black Eyed Susan Day was my first Yelp Elite event and I couldn't be more excited! i had no idea what to expect, but am so glad I went. There was a ton of street parking available, so I parked there for free and walked until I found where I could enter -- which fortunately was right where I needed to go to get to our suite! After checking in I got a pink cloth wristband which made me feel fancy as hell. I had never been to a horse race before. While I was super confused in the beginning, the many, friendly staff members there made it easy to understand and I even bet on a race. AND WON! I netted $1.50 and gave it to the awesome bartender, who made sure my sparkling wine cup was full whenever I wanted. I tried the namesake drink, the Black Eyed Susan -- I don't like pineapple and that's what it tastes like, so turns out I'm not a fan. PIneapple-enjoyers said it was delicious, though! At some point I wandered into the large infield area in time to see Vertical Horizon play "Everything You Want" and it was amazing. I was very, very excited to see Gin Blossoms and Fuel, but actually missed out. After making my way back to the suite to pick up some Yelp Swag, I was tired and decided to go home and savor the rest of my day off by falling asleep at 6pm. I wouldn't have it any other way. read more

Elite Event: Yelp Plays Hooky... w/ Horses - View from the Suite - Yelp Events Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We were truly spoiled during this Yelp event! Shoutout to Elsa and team, America's Best Racing and Pimlico for the amazing time -- so worth playing hooky from work ;) I came a little late so I missed the brunch, but no worries. After settling in the suite I had a few mimosas and the signature drink for the day, The Black Eyed Susan, which was delicious! I gotta learn the recipe for this drink so I can make it at home! Lunch was incredible considering it was served buffet-style. I'm still thinking about those crab cakes and the Cuban chicken days later. The bartender and all of the staff present in the suite were helpful and very friendly and left a great impression on everyone. And as for the suite, it offered amazing views of the race course! And I even learned a little about how to bet on the horses (my original strategy was to bet on the horses with the funniest names). Having the betting machine in the room as well as the young lady outside of the suite was very convenient when placing bets. I came out in the red but it was all in good fun! We also left with some awesome Yelp swag of course -- adorable cookies, Yelp pint glasses and a deck of cards. Thanks again to everyone who made this Yelp Elite event possible! read more

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Playing hooky with the Horses was over the top. Americas Best Racing showed how VIP is done. From the beautiful tickets to the table setting. Being in the Sky Suites was an awesome experience. Linen tables top with real flower center pieces and a premium full bar table was a sight to see. The suite was eye candy with a balcony with seating outside. The view of the finish line so close was breath taking. I can't express how awesome it was to attend this Yelp Elite event...almost as if I walk throw a door to the 'Haves'. The bartender was waiting to take orders. They had hospitality rooms on both end of the make shift suites. A typical continental breakfast of bagels, muffins, breads and Danish. A slice meat tray, jams, different cream cheese and hot coffee and tea. Of course I had to start with a mimosa with breakfast. Let's not count the numbers though... As the room will filling up with Yelp Elites the ooohs and aaahs could be heard. Americas Best Racing supplied us with free Black Eye Susan program books and a little cheat sheet for bets. They did a great job on showing us how to read the information/details on how to place a bet. Your choice of watching the races on flat screen or the naked eye. Between Dan, Justin and Ellis we were winning and having a ball placing bets. WPD (Win Place Show) I had some wins and losses. Picking horses to win was truly fun. It's hard not to place a bet. The high is just that a true high. Then thing happened lunch. Crab cakes, Cuban chicken, roasted beef, and many sides. Everything was favored just right. From what I was told the crab cakes had little to no filler. I'm allergic to crab cakes but the looked good. I must admit I was so ready to chance my luck. The Cuba chicken had a crust to die for... My highlight was the Black Eye Susan Cocktails...I have heard so much about them over the years that it was a must to try. They did not disappoint. I lose track of how many I consumed. Shout out to the bartender his hand was heavy. His drinks were on point it didn't matter what your drink choice was he aimed to please. The bartender was full of a lot of helpful information. He truly knows how to make one feel like family. His knowledge of the races to the experience was priceless. I love Dan, Justin and Ellis' passion for racing. They pull you in and don't make you stupid for your choices. They were beyond helpful with their knowledge. I definitely want to be there guest again. Shout out to our CM Elsa and her team Heather and Heidi for making it a comfortable flow from handing out tickets to giving out yelp swag. The yelp team made sure everyone one was taking cared of and having a good time. This was an over the top good fun and I was truly thankful to spend the time with my yelp family. Yelp Elites clean up well. Ladies in hats to men in ties. We were runway ready!! I'm not mad with the $20 parking as my over all experience at the event can not be measured. Only down side...some of the staff at race track with red vest must remember that being helpful don't hurt anyone. read more

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