OMG I had the best time and the best experience at the New Orleans fairgrounds a few weeks ago. I attended a business related lunch event and it was amazing from start to finish when I arrived. I was greeted and escorted via Will Call to the VIP section for an elaborate Creole New Orleans lunch. The food catered by Messina's was so flavorful, so many great options and so delicious the team and the weight staff definitely outdid themselves. We also had our own exclusive bar and bartender who was simply amazing and offered great hospitality. We then had a chance to bid on the races, which was my first time there and the experience was so delightful. The digital screens helped to guide you through the process and made it very easy for horse race selections. I actually loved going downstairs to see the horses in the stables as they lined up to go to the track. It was so nice to see the horses, the trainers and equestrian up close and personal. I have so much fun and will definitely be back again when the season opens. I will definitely put this on my list of things to do while in New Orleans especially when the weather is so beautiful at the fairgrounds. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Horse Racing! I can't believe I e lived my entire life and never been to a horse race. Now that I've been, I can't wait to go back. I am no expert on horse racing. So take this review with a grain of salt if you are. But if you're not, you should go to a race. It is fun! On both occasions that I visited, I paid for clubhouse seats. That is absolutely necessary. In fact, despite the clubhouse seats, I watched several of the races at track side where it was free to enter on the days I went. Yes. There is betting. Yes. There are people who have a system. I am not one of them. Here's what I do, I watch the horses walk around the paddock and whichever one looks the feistiest, or has the coolest name, that's who gets my bet. I'm not really successful with this strategy but it's a blast. Races are kid friendly and mine had a great time. Come see a race. You'll have fun! read more

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We decided to come here for an event and we had a great time . There was a covered tent area with a dj and a bar. We had a great time. I'm not good a betting horses but I did win a little something. I also enjoyed watching the horses as they went back to the stable area. Will return next year. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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What went right at this place? I arrived with 60k for an entertaining night of slot play. I wore my best semi formal attire. The evening wasn't worth dressing, sitting up and going out for. The security was overconfident in error upon searching my bag and accusing me of robbing the cage cashier. I brought 60 k cash. I was afraid after they confiscated my money and asked me to leave. I suggested perhaps he had some misinformation about my intentions at the establishment. After about 90 minutes they returned my cash and I was allowed to proceed through security to the slot area. I wish I'd followed my first mind and left 2 hrs later I was penniless. The waitress never offered me a beverage. They passed me up and started at me continuously saying I'll be right back but never returned. I left dehydrated and with only 0.50 left that I donated to someone asking me for a cigarette. I would not recommend this place if you're a high roller. The hospitality isn't here. Security reminiscent of tsa at the airport. I'm disheartened about my experience. Next month they'll send me $15 weekly slot play as a courtesy. Enough said read more

My Husband gave me a early Birthday Recovery Party January 11, 2025 . It was the Exotic Animal Racing. It was Simply Amazing. All our Guest had a BLAST!!! The Hostess Freda was awesome. Our Clubhouse Glass view was Perfect like our home . Food was good. Service was ok. read more

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Great event, family friendly, great staff. Overall a very fun experience. We had our family meet at the paddock to watch the horses before the race gallop around to decide our picks for bets. Great area for family meeting. read more

Paid $90 for a table; wanted to dine as well as watch the races---service was incredibly horrible. 30 minutes before we even got menus read more

This is my first visit to the Fair Grounds Race Course. We surprised my father in law by taking him for an outing here to see his favorite jockey, Shawn Parker, perform in a few races. Needless to say, he was ALL smiles when he realized where we'd taken him....I told him we needed to make a Wal-mart run!!! (I ask for forgiveness!!) Even though the track was sloppy from the heavy rain today, we saw some exciting racing. We sat comfortably in the glass enclosed Grandstand area where general seating was plentiful. My review is not 5-star because the restaurant was closed and the snack stations closed an hour before the last race. I am hopeful that we'll be able to sample the food the next time we visit. If you're seeking a different type outing, check out the Fair Grounds Race Course. read more

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JazzFest 2022, public transportation on the 91 bus to and from the Fair Grounds was coordinated and great. Don't take Uber or Lyft because they drop you off 10 blocks away. Stages, sound systems and screens are great from any stage. Blues, Jazz tents are hot but they have misting systems...but still hot! Crowd control was really lacking this year, because the crowds just stopped on the main road to the main Festival stage and there was just Mo crowd control to be found. Other years, they're many staff, security and crowd control personnel to keep the crowds in control. Local vendors from arts, crafts, clothing are here as are local food vendors from crawfish, Po boys, crab cakes, gumbo and other Cajun delicacies...but where is the sweet potato pie lady? read more

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I spent a few Thanksgiving days at the Fairgrounds decades ago as a college student and the experience back then was phenomenal. We spent $175 a seat for Thanksgiving day this year. We were promised an exceptional dining experience. I was somewhat skeptical. We were a party of eight and we reserved an eight top table. Primary seating arrangement were tables for six and tables for eight (broken out into a six top and a two top). Upon arriving, we were seated in a narrow corner at the end of a row of other tables. We did not have a table for eight but had a table for six and a table for two with a narrow passage between the two tables which required that you turn sideways to pass through. The area was cramped and hot and a good part of our time was spent with our server's rear end between the two tables and inevitably in someone's face. The buffet started ok. The salads were unimpressive. The gumbo wasn't great. The spinach dish (I have forgotten which one it was) was so runny, it was like soup. The mirliton dressing was mushy. The prime rib and turkey started off great with an abundance of moist white turkey meat and perfectly cooked prime rib. The buffet quality declined as time passed. They apparently ran out of white turkey meat and substituted dark meat on the bone. As that dark meat ran out, they began filling the tray with small pieces of dark meat swimming in gravy. It was embarrassing. The prime rib remained fairly good. The service at the table was fairly good. All fairgrounds employees / representatives encountered were cheerful and happy. Being with family and friends was wonderful, which is what saved the experience. Several people seated near us thought the buffet quality was poor. Unless things change, we won't be back. I could have had the same dining experience at a Piccadilly Cafeteria if they still exist. Additionally, we had to work to find out how to make a reservation for Thanksgiving Day. Process wasn't simple. Was poorly advertised. Very disappointed in the experience. A caterer that cares a little more and a management team better regulating / watching the caterer could return this to an incredibly good experience. read more

I really like this casino. Pros: - The food is really good. But the price kinda high. - Staff is nice. - The bathrooms are very clean. - Security, there are plenty of security and staff riding or walking indoors and outdoors. For safety issues. Cons: - 12am the casino closes, if you are playing a bonus; staff will tell you to stop. How, if the game is still playing. I have been there a couple of occasions; I suggest you go early or go to Harrah casino since they are open 24hrs. I think if the casino is close, customers who are still playing should be allowed to continue playing until they are finished... - I think new machines are needed. There are a lot of broken machines. - This part is the worst. I hate that customers try to hold two different machines. I hope the casino can fix that problem.. Overall, this casino is a nice outing. read more

I've never been to a horse race but it was on my bucket list. It was amazing!!! Watched the horses walk around the viewing circle and picked the one I liked. Bet $5 "to show" and my horse came in second place and I won $26!!! read more

We are in the horse business and our horses run during the meet. It's a clean nice facility. Many places to get food. Enclosure for bad weather. That may be present in the winter. Nice small paddock. Enjoy our visits to fairgrounds. read more

I was a guest at a bridal shower held in an event space at the fairgrounds. While it wasn't the easiest finding the appropriate entrance and parking area, once inside the staff were attentive and ushered us to the right area. Was I the last to know there is a casino in here? I didn't stop at the slots, so I can't tell you about the luck factor in that area. So, more about the shower... This room held several tables, enough for about 75 people. I had the seafood gumbo, which was flavorful and a taste like New Orleans gumbo. The other items didn't knock my socks off, but they were still enjoyable and light. The bartenders and service staff were all in uniform and super-friendly. The hostess had good sound with the mic system (not sure if this was provided by the fairgrounds), and there was even space in this room for a photo booth. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Seafood gumbo, lemon chicken, salad, veggies - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I love the fairgrounds. There seems to be a lot of complaints based on service for the exotic races, the busiest race day at the fairgrounds that brings out lots of families with children as well as the locals. This year was no different. While there were terribly long lines at the main bars, mostly due to the literal bus loads of frat boys and sorority girls being dropped off, there were plenty of other bars to get service from. They include the tent as well as the bars in the club house and grandstands. Folks who complain about the service on the busiest day of the year are folks who A.) never come to the fairgrounds except on busy race days or JazzFest B.) aren't into horse racing. read more

If I could give this place a negative 1000 I would. If you are a gambler, STAY AWAY!!! I have been a Red Card member here for years & I won't be returning this year. There are no perks, it's impossible to win a jackpot, the food is no good, the customer service is none existent. I could go on & on. Save your money and go to Harrahs, boomtown or treasure chest read more

The way this place is set up is good it's always fun place and the only reason why people don't like it because you hate gambling because they suck at it read more

the power went out today. there's only one technician bc they don't pay enough so no one wants to work here. we have sat here for almost 2 hours waiting for them to fix the machine to get my money out. the manager "put money on the players card" while we wait. went to a machine. there was no money on the card. 0/10 customer service. they are so rude and are the slightest bit concerned about their customers who keep them in business. DO NOT RECOMMEND. go to treasure chest. read more

For so many years I've heard folks in Nola go to the race track for Thanksgiving. Interesting, but I told my son to make our Thanksgiving plans and surprise me. I expected Commanders, LePavillion, Ralphs. He's not nearly as familiar with Nola as Bob and I are, so we were interested with what would strike his fancy. From the time we arrived in town, people were touting the racetrack - friends, taxi drivers, hotel employees. And damn, if Matt hadn't already figured it out and booked it. But not the grandstands - the Club House upstairs. Honestly, I thought it was a little expensive. But fun...oh so fun. We had a deck to watch the races, betting terminals, a full Thanksgiving buffet, and a drink for just a snap of your fingers (drinks were extra). We loved the people watching. My biggest regret...I didn't know where we were headed or I would have a hat. I have many regrets about not having a fancy hat. And I had almost bought one at Trashy Diva the day before. That will forever remain a lost opportunity. Now I've been to the Race Track on Thanksgiving Day. If I ever go back, I'll dress the part. And enjoy the free track downstairs - up close and personal with the horses. And I'll dine elsewhere - somewhere with a Turducken.i But so happy my initial visit here was the full blown experience. And we didn't lose the farm (we all won a little more than we lost. But not as much as we spent at the bar) Lol read more

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My family reserved a table in the clubhouse on Thanksgiving. We were on the 2nd row and had a great view of the track. We moved around between the outdoor area and the clubhouse and everything was easy access. The buffet was available for 3 hours. The food was okay, but I really didn't expect a 5 star meal in the first place. One of our servers was awesome. It was her first day and I never would have known if she didn't tell me. The other guy was not the best. We asked for things multiple times and we never received them. Also, it took him a long time to bring our check. We were ready to go and I had to keep checking to see if he was around so that I could pay. Overall, it was a nice way to spend Thanksgiving and I'd love to return again to try out the regular dining menu. read more

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It's a good time. Been here for Exotic Races, and now Weiner Dog Races, (Also Jazz Fest). It's old, and has a great history. Food isn't much. read more

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Great place for lunch and to experience horse racing! Be sure to call and make a reservation, if you want to sit at a table and order food.

Small casino with slots and racing. For now, the two sides are completely separated. I felt safer here COVID-wise than I do any time at Harrah's - they take your temperature at the door, and there are plexiglass dividers between many of the slots (and of course, every other slot is turned off). The staff was extremely friendly and talkative. I was told that the racetrack is only allowing a very small amount of people at a time, so people line up early in order to be able to attend. They have the typical casino deal of giving you slot credits for a return trip if you lose money on your first visit. I would definitely go back. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Is sh*tshiw was a business this is it!!!! 1 1/2 hour wait for food, 1 hr wait for drinks on exotic animal racing day. Didn't see a single exotic animal. Where can we get a refund. read more

Went for a work related event, in the" Black and Gold Room". Great view of the race. You can place bets in the room. Food local cuisine, delicious. The pastries were so tasty and on "race track" theme. Wait staff very attentive. Thanks to Ms. Deborah for giving her helping out with bets and picks on the race. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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If you don't compare them to the three competing casinos, then these guys are pretty damn awesome! Contrary to what other reviewer's may have said, the coin out percentage is fair and slightly better than Harrah's, but nowhere as good as Boomtown. THE GOOD: * SLOT VARIETY. They carry the hits like Buffalo, Wicked Winnings, Lightning, Tarzan and Willy Wonka as well as classics like Sun and moon, Cashman and much more. * POINT PLAY. The rate depends on your tier level, but I get five dollars in free play for every $100 I spend * THEY'RE IN MID-CITY. Which is in proximity to everyone who lives in New Orleans. * PLEXIGLASS: They have clear dividers between each machine to keep you safe from germs. * IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE IN THE 80S. They have this old-school retro throwback feel and decor. (There's even a Michael Jackson slot machine!) THE BAD: * IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE IN THE 80S. Technology is not their strong point as there's no Wi-Fi, players cards don't work after a few hours, and half the clientele looks like they're The Walking Dead. * NO OUTSIDE FOOD. Understandably, the kitchen is closed, but they still won't let you bring outside outside food. People need to eat, and if you're not going to serve them food for whatever reason, let them bring in their own damn food. * MORE SLOTS OUTSIDE: They can fix this overnight, but for whatever reason, they choose to have benches on 50% of the wall space. NOT OK! People came here to gamble, not sit down. * PARKING. For whatever reason, fairgrounds caters to the elderly, handicapped and homeless. 50% of all parking spaces here are handicapped and these are the same cheap customers that stay here from open till close playing the penny slots for a free drinks, waiting to die. This place is pretty cool, if you don't compare it to Boomtown or Harris read more

I have to say that the food has definitely improved in the clubhouse. We had an amazing table by the finish line. What a view!! For dinner, I had the Nathan's dog and fries. Wow! The bread was toasted perfectly! The chili on my hot dog was delicious. The French fries were also pretty good. The gumbo is amazing. It's always consistently good. I got to try the chicken quesadilla. Delicious! The flavors were on point. Of course I had to get the ice cream sundae for dessert! It's the perfect ending to an awesome day at the track. FYI... you can't bet on the ostriches or camels. read more

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Review of a wedding reception held on 7/18/2015: When my brother proposed to his fiancé in 2014, she immediately began planning her wedding and reception. My sister in-law stated that she wanted a venue that was different than the common reception halls around the city. The reception took place on the fourth floor with a beautiful view of the city of New Orleans. There was an elevator & escalator available for guests easy access to and from the reception area. The venue was spacious enough for 100 guests that entailed a full serviced bar, buffet-style menu, 20 round tables that seated 5-7 to a table, a disc jockey, & a large wooden dance floor. There were television monitors and an outdoor big screen that repeated a slideshow of the bride and groom that guests enjoyed throughout the reception. The food was excellent that included sweet assorted fruit, boiled shrimp, shrimp cocktail, crab claws, chicken pasta, carved roast beef, & chicken rolls. Alcohol & non-alcohol beverages were available at the bar. There were no paper plates, cups, or utensils. The bride's cake was a traditional white wedding cake & icing & the groom chose his favorite King Cake. The wedding party & guests danced to the DJ until the Brass Band arrived at 7:30 pm. New Orleans is synonymous with Brass Bands; especially at weddings, so it was only appropriate to conclude this four hour reception with a Second Line. The band played the most popular songs as we second lined through the reception area, down the escalator, then out to the parking lot. A special thank you to Shannon, the event coordinator & staff, security, clean up staff, & the entire Fairgrounds crew for making this a memorable event for my brother, sister in-law, & family. We had a great time with lasting memories. read more

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A great way to spend a sunny day. Good food in the Grandstand and friendly crowd. Recommend. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Races - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Its the home of Jazz Fest, horse racing, a casino and lots of fun times. They have a grandstand with a clubhouse that often books bands along with multilevels of numerous little food booths, bars, and all manner of nooks and crannies to explore. This is also the epicenter of the popular NOLA Thanksgiving day tradition to eat, drink, and bet on the ponys. Some of the most fun times to be had here, other than Jazz Fest, are during the Starlight racing series. read more

Great fun! Fantastic place for people watching. Definitely a great time to be had watching the horses run!

I'm not a gambler, so while I have been to the Fair Grounds race track dozens of times it has never been to try and make money. I love to watch the horses and to watch the people watching the horses. It is free to get into the stands, so you can go and have a reasonably good time without dropping so much as a dime. In addition to being a great place to people watch, the Fair Grounds is the site of the Jazz & Heritage festival each spring, which in itself is a great people watching endeavor. But, really, the best people watching at the Fair Grounds occurs on Thanksgiving day. Locals of all generations don their finest apparel and head-wear to participate in the tradition that goes back for decades. Since we live within walking distance, it is our family tradition to put the turkey in the oven and spend a few hours at the race track...just another reason I LOVE my city. read more

This is a unique way to spend a relatively cheap day in New Orleans. Depending on you budget, you can eat, drink, and gamble as much as you want. Some of the food vendors here are actually pretty good. Drinks are not cheap and the lines are not short. Betting on the horses can be a fun way to pass the time whether you are a serious gambler with an addiction or just a novice looking at the cool horse names. Tips: Try to figure out the different ways of betting besides just picking a winner. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - My winning horse. - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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About a year ago, I went to the Fairgrounds for an actual race. It was part of a fundraiser so we had a buffet lunch and were up in the top part of the grandstand (can't remember the name for the level...maybe clubhouse). The food was really good but my group overwhelmed the bartenders and we ended up heading down to the next level to beat the crush. I needed a cocktail to help decide on which color horse or silk to bet on; I am so scientific. I was surprised at how into the racing I got. Learning who the jockeys and the horses were and where they were from was really fun. Prior to that trip, I've been to the Fairgrounds every spring since I was about 5 or 6 to attend Jazz Fest. The grounds are an excellent setting. I do miss the old grandstand though...stupid fires. read more

I have to say I am not a gambler except when it comes to horse racing. Although I hardly think my $20 I put in the machine for the day pushing it back in forth is gonna make them or myself much money I do ok. But what I love is I ride my bike over, enter for free, have a beer and enjoy the sunshine and the horses. Love being up close in the paddock area pickin which one I think is Purty and makin a bet. And they offer Groupons which give you entrance to the club house a program and a cheat sheet and then what you pay for the Groupon u get back in beer and food vouchers. Yes people it's more than just where they hold jazz fest. Come on out to the races and enjoy yourself. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Take a ride/seat paddock side. - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Visited the Fair Grounds for Jazz Fest 2017 and had a wonderful experience. Lots of space for vendors to setup, plenty of space for stages needed for the artists performing, and although there were no restrooms found...there were port-a-potties everywhere. This is a wonderful place to have an event such as the Jazz Fest. I would recommend taking uber or if you're lucky, you'll find parking on a residential street. Great first time experience! read more

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Thankfully, our friends have a suite, so we had a bird's eye view of the action, which was EXCELLENT for me as a 1st time guest to the Fair Grounds Starlight Races. Unfortunately, the suite manager for 5G was FAR less than welcoming to me & my friends. Her attitude was downright unprofessional and she treated the people of color (only) quite rudely. Aside from that one person, all else was really great. The venue is large; ample parking; well-appointed areas/seating for all levels of attendees; spacious preview area; lots of food/drink offerings at a reasonable price; and, dozens of staff members to help get you to your correct section. Great fun! I recommend valet parking at $20. Well worth it...especially when you've won at the races!! read more

If you have not already clued in to it UBER is the way to go in NOLA. Especially to the Fairgrounds. A ride from the track to Brennans cost around $14 in a cab it would have been close to $20 Pick up is a snap to as the track is with it enough to create and UBER area. Nice job!!! The track was packed -- it was busy in LA Derby day. They added more food stations than last year another nice move. The food could still be better -- but downstairs adjacent to the paddock area it is way better than upstairs. I am sure that was just for the Louisiana Derby. All in all a great day at the track read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - 2017 Louisiana Derby - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

After hearing about the Thanksgiving tradition for years, my boyfriend and I finally went out this last year to see the races. It was so much fun! We definitely have a new Thanksgiving tradition. They have a few different dining options, and if you want to do the full Thanksgiving spread, buffet style, it's available. All your typical fairground foods are there as well: popcorn, giant pretzels, hot dogs, red beans & rice, you name it. People watching was so much fun, since everyone gets into the spirit of things and dresses up. Betting and watching the races was fun too! This is a great alternative to spending the day inside with your family on Thanksgiving! read more

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My alumni chapter had a day at the races fundraising event on a Sunday. I was pleasantly surprised at this place. I had never gone to the races on a Sunday and ate at the buffet. It's a really nice getaway for a family to have a nice brunch or a cool day date. The horses are on the first floor but you can overlook the grounds from above. The food was great and so were the mimosas. Service was pretty good. I plan on going back soon. It is definitely something different to do on a Sunday. read more

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots - Horse Racing Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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