My coupon king of a husband found a coupon for two free admissions to Emerald Downs so off we went. Admission is normally $9.00. Since we saved some money, we were able to valet park for 15.00. We also reserved a box for 4 people for 40.00. For that we got 4 padded chairs and a tv in our own private little area with an attendant named Tim. He was happy to help with our needs and took the time to properly thank our Poppa Jim for his service. I don't know if its an everyday thing or a promotion but Poppa got in for free with his military ID. We ordered burger and fries for 15.00 and the food was great. 20 oz beers were 9.00 ea. What a great place to spend the day. Betting was relatively simple and inexpensive. The employees were all awesome. They were professional, helpful and courteous. I cannot say enough. One of the best experiences without breaking the bank I have ever had. I will be back. read more

They race horses here... They use John Deere on the track, not AGCO...just stupid The most common winner's name is Porter. His nickname is American Pharaoh and has won not only the triple crown but has competed undercover in the past 3 Iditarod's as a giant Siberian Husky and DOMINATED! He even pulls "3" M1 Abrams tanks in tow. In his last undercover Marine mission he galloped across Afghanistan and back in under 20 minutes placing over 30 claymores and disabling 200+ landmines. In his last trip to the family farm he bankrupted the Alfalfa division by devouring 1,435 acres of a top notch Egyptian alfalfa blend, only to puke it back up due to drinking 76 kegs of Coors Original in 24 hours. His favorite meal is Tri-Tip steak. The Denver Broncos have contacted him to play both QB and WR after Peyton Manning finally retires. Back at the stud-farm he has impregnanted over 2100 thoroughbred mares creating thee greatest genetic line of any species known to man; better than the Rothschilds. In review...find Porter, get his autograph, sell it for a lot of $$$$ read more

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I've always wanted to come here but some friends told me not to expect Del Mar (San Diego) race track quality. After last night's experience, I am excited to go back again. + parking (free general admission parking or $7 premium...just walk, or take the free shuttle) + Groupon (if you can score a discount ticket it's definitely worth it!) + $7 general admission + pretty good food choices that don't break the bank + look for deal nights where the beer is only $2.50! + lots of machines and attendants that can take bets I love how you can sit pretty close to the track or up on the bleachers/stands. It's a fun experience for all! read more

We had so much fun as we always do! However it would be really nice to be able to get a cocktail. Meaning a real cocktail. Perhaps a kamikaze muddled with lime and NOT just a shot of vodka warm with a splash of fake lime flavored syrup. I understand at some of the drink stands things need to be fast and easy but I feel like I should be able to get a cocktail when I head up to the casino. Muddled, shaken, garnished with a skilled bartender. read more

I got a discount pass for July 3 on Groupon. It was a great deal which included admission ($10 value), a brochure ($3 value), and $10 for food, and I was also able to enjoy the fireworks--all for $10 per ticket. I'm not a gambler so I didn't place any bets, but it was a fun atmosphere and it was cool to observe the horses racing. Not something I would do often, but it's something I would recommend trying at least once. read more

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So I can def see how some ppl can spend hours here. It's an exciting atmosphere, lots of ppl, lots of bets, etc. But...I'm not really one to gamble and after the initial win, I was quick to call it quits after the next few losses. Gambling just isn't my thing. *shrug* Anyway, interesting experience, but I don't think I'll be going back. Plus, crazy stuff, one of the horses tripped during a race and had to be put down. Def a mood killer when you see it fall on the track and know that there's no other outcome than to put it down. Emerald downs is perfect for those who are into horse racing/betting. But, for me, I think once was enough. read more

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The concessions are terribly managed on Kentucky Derby day. Should not need to wait 27 mins in line for a canned beer or cider, over and over. That poor older lady working solo at her beer booth...non-stop slammed with no help, hailing ice while ringing up sales and getting drinks. Not cool. Our group stood in another line for 30 mins upstairs at the bar for cocktails. In the meantime we had to send friends to stand in line to place bets because the waits there were long enough for you to miss an entire race. Waited another 20 mins in a line to cash out (wasn't the end of the day either). Will give it another shot on a regular day. read more

Emerald Downs - Horse Racing Near Me - Auburn, Washington

The dinning room was horrible. The service was slow and they got our orders wrong. The food wasn't very good. We ordered drinks and didn't get them untill our meals came. The bartender doesn't know how to make drinks. read more

This is a fun way to spend a sunny day watching some beautiful horses run. I am not much of a gambler with the horses, but there is enough to see and do to keep you interested. The facilities are really nice and they had a couple of food trucks last time I went. Major complaint.....there were far too many cashiers working the betting windows which caused a long backup and you had to really rush to try and place your bet if you prefer an in person cashier over a machine. Fun for a get together with family! 3.5 read more

Wow! No idea that Western Washington even had horse racing...(haha) Saw a great offer on Groupon, and my bf & I went to check it out. Getting there was easy, and once we arrived, (thanks to the great yelpers who reviewed this before) we took their advice and drove past the main parking lots that required you to pay. It was a bit far from the entrance...BUT there was a free shuttle to take you back and forth. Why pay!? The place is huge, wonderful view of the mountain, lots of bleachers, television screens, food, and close up with the horses. Since we had no idea how to bet, we just sat and watched the races. It was fun to bet for fun too, and yell, shout, and get excited if your horse wins. It was a sunny day, so we took advantage of the outdoors. I liked that we could stand really close to the horses and jockeys. (behind a fence) but still, I thought it was neat that you could get up close. And oh boy, the horses were huuuge! My favorite was the ICE CREAM. Those ice cream on waffle cone were HUGE. (check out pic!) I couldn't even finish mine...they looked and tasted great. Definitely get one, and skip out on other desserts. Lots of space to walk around, watch, sit around, eat, take pictures, bet, cheer, DRINK, play, etc. Good for groups, families, and even a date! read more

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I expected gambling when it came to the horses, I didn't expect gambling when it came to dining. Bait and switch. The original reservation is sold out but I can spend 3x more on the next available or go to the basement and watch the televisions. It was almost comical but sad listening to the (no-credibility) sales pitch trying to convince me how great the basement would be - it has this, it has that... And no comps, no discounts and zero accountability. I won't be back and hope this review spares you of the same high hopes-turned disappointment. read more

Although I was born and raised in Washington, I went to Emerald Downs for the first time when I was in town for my high school reunion this past year. It did not disappoint! My husband and I paid a little extra to go speak with the experts and get the program, but it was worth it. We had such a great time. You're able to do small bets, you can do bets with help or without, and by the time we left, we had the whole process down well. If you don't get help, however, it might get frustrating. I highly recommend it. The only downfall or reason for 4 stars out of 5 is due to the ridiculously long lines at each of the bar carts. I think having more than 1 person making the drinks would be a smart idea. It wasn't frustrating simply because of how long it took, but because the lines would get so long they'd start blending into betting lines or food lines and next thing you know you have people stepping in the middle because they are lost and everyone is confused about who belongs where. You also don't want to miss your race, so you may wait in line for 20 minutes only to leave in order to watch your race. All in all, however, we had a great time. The parking was organized, the shuttles are quick and the drivers are friendly. We will definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

Emerald Downs - Not moving but trying to get in! - Horse Racing Near Me - Auburn, Washington

Came for a family night out. Had Groupon coupons with $40 In dining. Stayed inside in restaurant on 5th floor. Ordered French dips and almond chicken with fried rice. Both excellent. It was WSU/UW alumni night (Go Cougs!!) Which included $1 12oz beers (oh yeah). Finished off with chocolate desert, cheesecake with strawberries and lemon cake. All were EXCELLENT! Our waitresses were fast and super friendly. We even played the ponies and won on four of eight races! An all around great time. Next time will try to make it for the Corgi races! read more

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The staff brought a new level of service to their repertoire, made happen thru the efforts of their outstanding employee Chip. A pari-mutuel ticket was lost, and he went out of his way to contact me and let me know they had me covered. Unfortunately the ticket turned out to be a loser, but the experience with Emerald, and particularly Chip was not. Thank you for your effort. read more

Having a great time at Emerald Downs! Love that it is family friendly and glad we got here early for the fireworks display later tonight! read more

Emerald Downs - Horse Racing Near Me - Auburn, Washington

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The horse racing was good and the weather and view beautiful. Unfortunately since covid they don't seem to be able to find the staff to provide better quality food. Since I don't care for deep fried foods I ate nothing. Even the Groupon deal no longer has a food credit. Very generic experience.. read more

Went here for the first time yesterday for the Corgi Races. First off, crazy day, loads of people there, but still everything seemed pretty clean, lines kept moving, and staff was very friendly and helpful with us first timers. So much fun watching the dogs race, and great environment. Enjoyed the AC up in the clubhouse, and walked down to the GA section for the final race after cruising through the food truck area and meet and greet with some of the horses. Good prices, and a wonderful day out, will be back! read more

This establishment really needs to understand what service really means!! I would go for Seahawks viewing parties and other Seahawks events here!! Never again!! Worst customer service ever!! If your gonna do events you may want to staff accordingly!! Food is awful and cold and you have to get up to even get a soda to drink!! That's pathetic!!! I will no longer be giving them my money!! read more

Would be really cool if you guys didnt change the bets half way through the race? I bet $100 on 2 separate bets for a straight up winner, and in one race I won $15 because the (odds changed), and the 2nd one I won $30? Seriously??? This is a sham, and I'd reccomend any of my friends or family to steer clear of this place, seriously.......... read more

Redemption. That was my main goal on my second trip to Emerald Downs last Saturday. I had a disastrous outing last summer when I left the track with one win for $3. That certainly did not cover the price of admission which is $7! I am not a gambling person by nature, but betting on the ponies is entertaining and I definitely do not go over what I plan to spend when I go to the track! It helps that the minimum bet is $2 - I'm not going crazy here, folks! And with 9 races from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. on a Saturday, it makes for a good day when the weather is nice! Emerald Downs is located 25 miles south of Seattle in Auburn, WA. It opened in 1996 as the heir to Longacres Racetrack which operated in Renton, WA, from 1933 to its closing in 1992. Emerald Downs provides lots of free parking with free tram service to the grandstands. The lots closest to the grandstands are pay lots. I haven't had much in the way of the food offerings at the track, but they do have a decent selection of beer. My only complaint was my beer was kind of skunky (Manny's Pale Ale). I guess they must not sell a lot of that. I bet you are probably wondering how I did last Saturday, right? After all was said and done, I pocketed an additional $43.10! I only brought $30 in cash with me that day! SCORE! Redemption! I scored on the trifecta on this race: ________________________________________________ | | | EMERALD | | -DOWNS- | | 27-JUL-13 47E | | RACE 6 | | _____________________________________________ | | $1 TRIFECTA BOX $6 | | 1, 4, 8 | | _____________________________________________ | | 6 BETS TOTAL $6 | | | |_______________________________________________ | read more

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A fun outing, and the BEST view: on a sunny day, the track with Mount Rainier behind it is perfect! Here are some tips to get the most out of your day, especially if you haven't been before and/or don't go often. 1. You can arrange a FREE morning tour of the stables and the grounds on Saturdays. On their website they list a phone number to call to reserve your spot. The man who does the tours is great. He's charming and entertaining. He'll offer lots of advice and explanations about betting (explaining some of the exotics and other options). Plus, he's always a super sharp dresser, which is a nice touch of class. You'll get to tour the vet facilities and meet Jim, the veterinarian. At the end of the tour, they give you a ticket for FREE ADMISSION!! So after your free tour, you save the $7 entrance fee. 2. The Quarter Chute cafe!! It's over by the stables/training area. Don't enter the main Emerald Downs yet. Go to the Quarter Chute cafe for late breakfast/early lunch (this works extra perfectly after your free Sat morning tour). It's open to the public...you just have to give your ID to the security people inside the door, and they'll give you a visitor's badge. It's inexpensive diner food. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. Offering a selection of breakfast options, as well as your standard lunch foods, too. Additionally, they have a variety of baked goods (Cookies as big as your head for just $2)!! This is where most of the staff eat. It's pleasant and tasty. (Not a lot of vegetables involved, but I got Joe's Scramble last time, and it was full of fresh spinach leaves, which was lovely) 2-A. BUY YOUR BEERS AT THE QUARTER CHUTE CAFE. Bottles of beer are $3.75 (it's more than $6 inside the racetrack). So, if you plan on drinking, why not have a few bottles here first. Then wander over to the Emerald Downs entrance, ride the escalators, and start your betting. 3. Sign up for the rewards card. It's free. Why not? Even if you come less than once a year, you'll still get occasional mailings that include free admittance tickets and free coupons for the program (which is $2.50 otherwise) 4.Park in the FREE general parking. It's really not a very far walk to the main gate, and the $7 you save in parking fees can be spent gambling or buying a beer. 5. At one end of the main floor, there is a Margarita stand. Drinks are $7.75 and you get to keep the commemorative Emerald Downs glass. After 4 years, we now have a full set. *classy* read more

I have a friend who put himself through school working the window at Longacres, then the OTB in Southcenter while Emerald Downs was being built, and finally Emerald Downs paved his way to an MSW. He now spends his days helping the "misfits and loony tunes" cope with their lives. So nice that he was able to get there on the backs of addictive personalities. I enjoy the irony anyway. _________________________________________________ I like to take a little risk in life and I like things that are a little naughty. The track provides me with a very wholesome environment in which to scratch these little itches. I love a long shot, but I don't invest too much. I give myself $100 or so to piss away on the possibility that one of the horses who's name I was attracted to will pay off. I have no idea how to read a form you see - I just trust my instincts. At the end of the day, if I win groovy - if not, I haven't lost much and I had a good time. It's kinda like the flirty little dance we all do with someone we're attracted to; maybe it'll work out, maybe no - maybe you'll get a friend out of it, maybe no. At the end of the day, it was fun and totally worth it if for nothing else than the risk and the rush. And the naughty for sure. Wiener Dog races at the last race of the season. Yip-eeee! Get it? 'Cause they're yippy dogs. Sorry. read more

Yay for my first time at the horse races! Came for a "girls day" on a Saturday afternoon. Lucked out with the great summer weather too, beautiful view of Mt. Rainer. Overall it's a pretty casual place, most people are in shorts/slacks and t shirts. There were girls in dresses and hats as well (definitely dressing the part next time!). One of my friends gave me a crash course on horse betting, but the program has a few pages dedicated to teaching you as well. Minimum bets are $2 makes it easy to bet, and bet, and bet some more. I got the hang of it pretty quick and I won some and I lost some. The people that take your bets are pretty friendly and helpful as well. Everywhere you look they sell booze, mostly beer. They have food everywhere, we went upstairs to eat. Food was pricey but good. They also have a full bar upstairs. I recommend making a reservation beforehand so you can get a table that overlooks the track. Plenty of parking, lots of lots that charge, lots of free lots, and $10 valet. Valet is pre-pay just in case you lose all your money betting. read more

Emerald Downs - Horse Racing Near Me - Auburn, Washington

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Earlier this year, we descended upon Emerald Downs for a beer festival Amber found on groupon. The usual suspects: me, the Burcks, Jen, Janene and Barry and an Ian (there must always be at least one Ian) met up for the event and to take in all that is HORSIES!! The day was absolutely stunning. Sunny, warm, Mt. Rainier was out in full glory, and between race track, Auburn, beer festival -- the people watching was superb. I had a great time. Placed my first bet on a horse ever (AND WON!), toured the grounds, learned some ins and outs from the crusty ol gamblers smoking cigars in the lawn, had some tasty beers and general laughs and good times with great friends. I was lucky enough to be in the company of a horse lover (amber) and a beer lover (everyone else) to really get the full experience of horse racing + beer festival so I felt like I got a full experience of everything there was to do, see, learn and enjoy that day. now, don't go to any beer festival here and expect it to be on par with all your favorite huge monstrosities of festivals back in Seattle--it won't compare. Only thing left to do now, is for Amber and I to get ourselves some ridiculous huge hats and cute little outfits and do a Derby day up right. read more

Let me start off my saying I love horses and horse racing. As much as I love watching the ponies I hate what Emerald Downs is doing to it's customers. I went opening weekend of the 2009 meet and you better bring your wallet. First problem was the disabled parking lot nearest the entrance, it was full by 11am and the first Emerald race doesn't begin until 2pm. There is off track betting from other tracks around the nation that starts at 10am so people do arrive early. I had a disabled person with me and if that "free" lot was full in years past they would let you double park in this lot and you leave your keys with the lot attendant and they would jockey the cars around. No such luck this year so we drove to the next closest lot we came to and it was $7. Last year it was $5. We ended driving down to the free lot which was too far to walk for my disabled friend so we waited for the shuttle tram. Fair warning if you take this tram, you better not have to pee, or have any kind of spinal issues because this tram could jar the fillings out of most anyone's teeth. It was the most bouncy ride ever and it felt like the wheels were gonna fall off. We arrive at the gate and guess what? With these tough economic times Emerald has decided to raise the price to $7 to enter. Last year it was $4. If you join the players club it will only cost you $5. I always like to buy a racing form to get the inside information and past performances to help handicap the races and the form cost $4. Inside the grounds there are many places to sit, inside or out. Some great options for the kids such as an arcade room, face painting and inflatable bouncing area. There are many food choices with most being average to just OK. I think Emerald is making a huge mistake by raising their prices. This is such a tough economy and if the average person came here and wanted to spend a day with a friend or family it would be very expensive. I think kids under 18 to get in free though. Parking (within walking distance) $7 Admission $7 Racing Form and program $6.50 If two people wanted to spend a day at the races they would be out $34 if they bought forms, programs, admission and split parking cost before the ever placed a wager or bought any food. You could drive 10 minutes away to the Muckleshoot Casino and park, enter and start gambling for FREE. This is a bad move on Emerald Downs part. I hope they survive. I also hope management wakes up and realizes they are destroying a great industry. read more

Top 5 jobs I covet at Emerald Downs: 1. Jockey. But I'm neither short enough, light enough, or male enough. 2. Bugle player. So I can get everyone's attention. 3. Concession stand worker. So I can stick my head under the spigot of chocolate-vanilla-swirl soft serve. Then just the vanilla. Then just the chocolate. 4. Bet-taker. So I could mess with people and say, "Really? That horse turned its ankle during its warm-up run earlier." 5. Tram driver. To shuttle all the gamblers back to their cars. I figure, there'd be some big tippers if they had a lucky day. But since I already have a job, I guess I'll settle for visiting once in a while. Today was especially sweet, though, due to the Groupon offer that got you admission ($7 value), program and tip sheet ($4 value) and $10 in food ($10 value) all for the low low price of $10. The only money I spent was $6 on a beer. (I'm not much of a gambler, except when I'm betting against myself on something). The weather was gorgeous, luckily, and Mt. Rainier was out in all of its glory. I can't imagine it would be that awesome on a rainy day, but if you're bored on a sunny weekend, there are good times to be had here. And make sure to tip your tram driver. read more

Nice Casino with the best view.. If you love horse betting this is the place for you.. Just sad that's it's super slow.. Food could be better and the ball park price on drinks is redicilous smh.. unless your gambling then it's okay still spendy tho comparing to other Casino.. read more

We love coming to the races! Our kids love seeing the horses run and 17 and under enter for free. This is the first time we bought the Groupon for the 5th floor dining. The restaurant has great view of the racetrack (and is warm and dry) but the food here is sub-par to say the least! The rib eye steak was the toughest steak we have EVER attempted to eat, then when they took it back to correct the mistake it came back ( ordered medium and no onions) cooked to a crisp and very oniony. We ate it because by this time we were hungry. The server asked how it was this time. We let her know. Still charged full price. So in summary.... we love the racetrack but will never recommend this restaurant to ANYONE. Also the desert was off (no crisp shell on a creme brûlée?!). read more

Love love LOVE the horse races. Went with my hubby on a Friday night (our favorite night to go) because Bud Light is $2.50! :) Can't go wrong... We went with a Groupon deal which gave us entry into the facility along with a program and a $10 voucher for food. Food was what you would expect at a place like this...not the greatest... fried, battered, chilied, cheesed... you know what I'm talking about. But the overall rating was based on the experience! :) There were seven races that started from 6:45pm and every 20? minutes after that. I think we left at 9 something... Sad that it's in Auburn and so far from my house. I would totally go more often but since I can't, I always try to make it out at least once a year. Till next year Emerald Downs! Side note: There is an area designated to teaching newbies on how to place bets as soon as you enter so if you don't know what you're doing, head in that direction. read more

It's been an annual tradition with a couple of my friends to come here every year. Around summer time we wait for a Groupon that gives us admission to a day at the horse races, with a race program, and some food coupons that we can spend at the food stands there. I honestly know nothing about horse racing. I usually like to bet on the horses with funny or cute names. It's still fun nonetheless and you're less likely to lose your money as quickly as if you were to put it in at a slot machine. But here is a secret I'm about to pass on to everyone. One of the main reasons I look forward to going to Emerald Downs each year is their fries!!! And a side of cheese sauce. Best fries and cheese sauce ever!!! Their other food is decent, but definitely try their fries. read more

Love, love, love this place! We had a great time even though it was raining - this is Seattle so you shouldn't ever let a little rain ruin your day. You can park in general parking and walk, pay $7 to park closer, or pay $10 to valet. Then it's $7 per person to enter. Then it's $2.50 for a program. You can buy a reserved seat upstairs for $2.50. So the fees stack up, but the entertainment can last hours (and you may win some money while you're there) so for me it's worth it. My favorite part was the guy who explained how betting works and how to read the program. I've been to a few other tracks and none of them have been nearly as educational and the guy who explained it also made it quick and interesting. Food is meh, but no one goes there for the food. All in all, we had a great time and we'll certainly be back for more. read more

I've never been to other horse race tracks, but I really like this place! Around this time of the year, there's Groupons and Amazon Local deals that really make going to Emerald Downs a steal. They are usually $10 and includes admission fee, the betting booklet, and two $5 vouchers for food. The food vouchers can be used at almost any of the food courts owned by the Emerald Downs (this will exclude most of the food stands located outside). Seating can become pretty limited at the lower level and people will save seats even though you think you found a spot to sit at, however, if you wait until a race ends, you'll have more luck. I find this place a very fun way to spend a day. Even if you don't gamble, it's fun to go look at the horses - sometimes they even let you touch them. If you got kids, it's also a great place to take them. They love running around and cheering for the horses, too. If you've never betted on horse racing before, they have a booth where someone will explain it all to you. And don't worry, it's real easy to pick up once they explain it to you. read more

Dude! Ponies! This place really does have it all. I didn't think I'd be all that impressed when my roommate told me she was having her birthday party here last year, but I went along with it. I ended up having a fantastic time and we've been back several times. I'm addicted. They really try to make it an establishment for all ages. The establishment is always clean and appears in good repair. Staffers are friendly and helpful and will help you if you are new to betting. There is a huge variety of food and beverage choices, all at fairly decent prices, and on Friday evenings Bud & Bud Light are just $2! SCORE! And the people watching here... it simply cannot be beat. While the free parking area is quite a ways away from the establishment they have a shuttle to take you right up front, or for a few bones extra you can park up in the VIP area. How elite! read more

There are so many good reasons to go to Emerald Downs on a summer weekend. I can't possibly list them all, but these are a few of the key offerings. 1. It's thrilling. You put a couple bucks down on a horse every half hour, and you're rewarded with a total rush of adrenaline. It's a gas to be part of the crowd screaming and jumping to their feet every 30 minutes. And you may even win cash!!!!! 2. It's cheap. Just 5 bucks to get in and a 2 dollar minimum bet. Even if you lose every race a whole evening of entertainment costs less than dinner in a mediocre restaurant. 3. $1.50 beers on Friday. Hello? 4. There is absolutely NO hipster presence. You can spend all day in a great, cool place with tremendous underground cache and cheap alcohol, and yet you won't find a single black-clad rockstar wannabe. 5. The more time you spend there, the better you get at WINNING. There really is a science to winning $$$ at the track, and you start to figure it out on your 2nd or 3rd trip. After your 5th visit, you'll always leave with more money than you came with. I'm not gonna tell you my foolproof system, but it works every time. See you there! read more

I came, I saw, I cheered, I drank, I lost a bunch of money. Really, what more could you ask for? I had never been before and will certainly be back again. It takes a minute to learn the lingo and figure out the bets, but it's awesome once you get the hang of it. Note: searching for great hats and mullets is a great activity if you lose too much money. read more

PONIES!!! Yay! Love 'em. Hotties? Some. INDOOR/OUTDOOR: There's indoor and outdoor seating both. FOOD: Hmm...not great...not bad. (BTW hotdogs are not food lol. But, they do have other stuff on the restaurant menu.) PARKING: They have a major parking lot. Valet is optional, but costs. DRINKS: What?! Drinking and gambling? Oh ya!!!! HOTTIES?: Ya there are a couple of hot looking guys who work there. RETURN?: Whenever I can afford it, oh ya. read more

I came here for a graduation party for my friend's kid. So I got in for free. But the front entrance is clearly marked so it's easy to figure out where to buy tickets and get in. There is paid parking up front but I parked in the general or free parking lot. There is small busses and trolleys that can transport you from your parking lot to the front entrance. It's free but the drivers do accept tips. While some think it's just lazy to not make the 5-10 minute walk, I thought it was fun. Plus I was happy to not have to walk in the hot sun. And the drivers were nice so that was great too. For the party I was at, we were seated in the mid-level, near the food. My view was pretty good, though there was some tents and such blocking parts of the track. The upper levels with the best views are reserved for VIP and horse owners. I couldn't hear the announcer over the loud speaker at all. So I had to rely on reading the large reader board and the few small TVs to see the results of each race. Before each race, you can go to the left (while facing the track) to take a look at the horses. This is a staging area where the horses get their saddles and jockeys put on. It's a great area for pictures. For the gambling - I recommend you buy the $2.50 program for the day to help you out. It lists each race, approximate start times and a list of each competing horse. In the center of the second floor (near the food) is a big wall of machines you can place your bets on. There are also a few windows where you can have someone help you. The machines don't explain much but if you use basic reasoning skills, you can figure it out on your own. I used the machine with no problems. You can bet big money or just a few dollars. All around I had a great time here. Mt Rainier looked amazing against the blue sky background and it was awesome seeing all the beautiful horses do what they love doing! I was very happy my friend had her kid's graduation party here because it couldn't have been more amazing and fun! Go Stryker PhD! (My favorite horse) read more

Emerald Downs is great all the way around! Horse racing and other summer events/promotions are always fun! We're there almost every weekend and often entertain out of town guests there. Always a good crowd; everyone has a good time. They don't put up with drunks, belligerents, etc. so it's a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Employees are professional and efficient without sacrificing friendliness and warmth. Fun gambling, good food, good prices and a variety of great venues. Normally I would have given 5 stars based on the above. The 4 stars are entirely the fault of whatever brainless wonder thought it would be a good idea to run a $3.95 steak and egg special on a Saturday night!! Especially beginning at 10pm! Most people have already eaten earlier in the evening and are now ready to enjoy the gambling and entertainment. Add in the people coming for the special. This crowd is usually there for the special and leaves after eating. Most people don't envision eggs (?!) with staying for gambling and entertainment. They envision them AFTER enjoying gambling and entertainment and BEFORE heading home to bed. As a result, employees were run ragged and left unable to provide the usual great service. There was already a crowd of, I'm estimating, about 350-400 people. Add in the people coming for the special and the place turned into an overcrowded and unpleasant mess. Instead of staying to enjoy the entertainment and gambling, we left. Disappointed. As did many others. I'm hoping this won't be the norm in the future. If so, a lot of people will be enjoying gambling and entertainment elsewhere. read more

I live close by, so was able to be dropped off. However, they have relatively reasonable valet parking. Paid $2.50 for a program and got a betting information pamphlet, but still wasn't able to put the pieces together. I understand they have helpful people at the booths, but decided I would have to read-up on it more. This is a great choice for getting together with friends. Temps were very pleasant in the shade/box seats. The view of Mt. Rainier - stunning! The wait staff was swift and attentive. Good food selections. I was able to order an Asian Chicken Salad from my seat. Nice! The racing was exciting and the horses absolutely beautiful. We even got to see some horse drama (someone DID NOT want to race). Loved Emerald Downs and will be back. read more

It was devastating when Long Acres was turned into a Boeing lot or a vacant field or whatever "worthwhile venture" made it so they just had to tear down a track with such character. I was thrilled when they built the new track. But not thrilled it was in Auburn. Yesterday my family made the trek to the track once again and, as always, had a nice little Saturday. Our preferred method is taking a place in the dining room. You are required to order $10 per person and then there is a wonderful view from every table and you have your own secure area to setup shop. Perfect. I have my rituals. For the first race I usually just observe from the table, quietly muttering "my" horse's number as he crosses the finish line...usualy 4th or worse. The next race i bet and eagerly call his name from the table. Then next race I go down to the paddock and carefully look over the straights hocks, long underline, and ample rump than watch the race from the finish line. My rituals do not work. I am a conservative gambler and I lose...over and over. The food is an ok value. Appetizers are pitifully small. Alcohol is ridiculously marked up. I hear they have cheap beer on Fridays and that sounds like a good time with friends, but then you have to make the drive. Damn you Auburn! read more