Founded in 1870, Monmouth Park certainly looks its age with peeling paint, splintered seating and ancient amenities mixed liberally throughout its thoroughbred racing cocktail. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy going for a fun day out but the facility is well past it's sell-by date relying on the recently opened Caesars Sportsbook for a revenue lifeline. So, in classic New Jersey fashion, the town fathers believe more casino gambling, a few hotels, some condos and an odd assortment of softball and pickleball facilities will turn the tide on Monmouth's decrepitude and revitalize the old girl -- basically Atlantic City North. Have you been to Atlantic City? Once you get past the Boardwalk and the Casino strip, the town is an impoverished mess. Springsteen said it best... "It's a place where when you hit a red light, you don't stop." Personally, I hope they make it since I enjoy watching these magnificent animals run but it's New Jersey where the uninspired reliance on gaming usually leads to snake eyes. Four very cautious stars. read more

Gorgeous Venue to go watch a Horse Race. The live betting is easy and staff is very helpful. Can't wait to come because they have a lot of events during the summer!! read more

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I been coming to this venue since 1972. Back then Monmouth was open 5 days a week. Tuesdays were special because NYRA was dark. Once a must "go-to" place in summers because of great racing, comfortable grandstand seating to watch the races in the upper balcony levels, Shoulder coolers were allowed in the grandstand, concession stand and betting windows were manned and open. NOW? LOL. It's a shell of what it was. 3rd floor balcony grandstand is vacant. More like a tumbleweed ghost town. 2nd level balcony has ONE teller betting window open. NO refreshments stand is open. If you want a beer or hot dog forget it. Oh you can travel down to the main floor for food and drink. It wouldn't be so bad if a confession stand was open on the upper levels. But if you are an old-time fan of this sport, you come to view the races from a grandstand seat. If the management plan was to convert Monmouth Park into a gambling casino, they are almost there. Racing days are down to 3 days. Summer Friday's (only 6 card races) and Saturday & Sunday. (8 to 9 races) It's only a matter of time before the upper levels are converted into a casino. THIS WOULD BE THE FINAL NAIL IN MONMOUTH COFFIN. IMO, the state killed it. Besides Haskell day, track attendance has been down. Unless there is an event. Food trucks, beer and wine tasting, classic car show etc. Godspeed Monmouth Park. read more

Good horse track that is family friendly. You can view horses before races. Decent food options. No problem with parking. Friendly staff. read more

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This racetrack has been a mainstay at the Jersey shore for as long as I can remember and over the years it has entertained countless horse race fans. It is showing its age though and is in desperate need of some TLC. Our union rented out almost all of the picnic areas available for what turned out to be a rainy Saturday. Sure you can't predict the weather and people aren't going to stand in the rain for long. The covered rooftop along the main building side area leaks like a sieve. While trying to stay dry and eat our lunch, it was raining nearly as much inside as out. The staff for the most part was friendly and those that were processing the wagers we made were very patient and helpful. They can clearly see who the newbies are and they made every effort to make the betting process as simple as possible. The staff for the event itself, the security personnel and those at the gates as well as everyone else we encountered during our visit were professional and helpful. For the young ones there is a playground with slides and swings and some other fort like jungle gyms for them to get rid of the boundless energy they seem to have. Showing signs of wear, it too, could use a makeover but it kept the kids happy. For the money at entrance, this is a good value for a few hours of fun and a chance to spend a great day at the Jersey shore. read more

Tara at booth #810 , stole $168 on a trifecta bet, I told managment , suprise, they don't care. I asked Tara for a receipt and was told they don't give them, this was repeated by management. Hard to know exactly what you are supposed to get immediately after a race on a trifecta . If they got me then they can get you!!!!!!!!! read more

Was a fun experience!! Lots of parking across the street with officers assisting you along the way! Pay a nominal fee to enter & enjoy the day! Bet or don't! Pet the horses! Food, beer, drinks... ATM on site, of course!! Lots of seating open - nothing assigned to general population. Interesting as a 1st timer!!! Saw families relaxing & seriously serious gambling going on- a mix of patrons. Check it out for yourself, responsibly! read more

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It's a wonder why attendance is low at this place. The ridiculous policy of coolers being brought in is flabbergasting. You cannot have a 8"x6" cooler into general admission but can bring in a 24"x16" baby diaper bag with drinks In it and have no issue. Just ridiculous. Not a fun way to start the day. Increased my 1 star to a 3 because after the mayhem with the cooler bag we actually were able to relax and have some fun watching the ponies run. Bathrooms were kept clean, machines to bet were in operation, the staff behind the cashier were friendly and seating was plentiful. There should be no smoking allowed in the grandstands however, especially cigar smoking. read more

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Monmouth Park is more than just betting on horses. They always have festivals and activities for both adults and kids. In addition it has many spots for relaxing and taking in their beautiful landscaping. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

What a beautiful place this is , there's the Turf club where you can eat , watch the races and bet at the same time . Plenty of parking and the staff is very friendly , the only bad thing is that they don't really have signs to tell you what is where . We were there Saturday for the derby party and there were simply no directions to the turf club and half of the staff don't know how to get there either . Aside from that it is a nice place to go if you like races :) read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

Fun experience for the family at the horse racetrack. Stopped in on Father's Day (men enter free) and got invited to a suite with food and beverages. It was kind of hard to find the suite, needed to go in multiple elevators? It was confusing but overall when we finally found it it was nice. Food was ok, chicken fingers, waffle fries (they were hard and stale sadly), mini cheeeburger slider, Mac and cheese, pulled pork, warm pretzels and assorted wraps. They did allow us to take food at the end of the afternoon to-go which was nice. (Hate to see food wasted) staff seemed really nice too. Overall it was a nice time. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse race - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

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Reviewing the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival more than the track just in case you're reading this today. More crowded and more focused on fried bar foods than usual, it's still worth checking out. At Sweetpepper, the Beauty Queen arepa sounded simple but was surprisingly effective, with a chicken and avocado salad ideally geared for today's 87 degree temps. At G'Day I enjoyed the lamb pie - whichever one you get the fully stacked version is mandatory if you're taking pictures. The bands were energetic; did not expect hear an awesome Arctic Monkeys cover. read more

Great spot! Stopped by for Haskell. Tons of vendors, new betting machines, and old school vibes of a horse racing venue. Great annual trip. Yes the venue is old and a bit worn down, but it also has charm! read more

The facility for the racing is ok... HOWEVER, the clubhouse restaurant is a disaster! The cover charge per person covers food that is disgusting! I'd rather pay a la carte and have the option for fresh food that would add to the fun experience of horse racing! You are better off going to the grand stand, getting a hotdog and joining in the camaraderie of the other spectators! read more

Beer & BBQ Fest. Horse racing. Lots of space to walk around and chill. Deeeelish smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, and beef/pork ribs. Clean bathrooms...lots of bathrooms. Lots of beer tents to get cold beers at. Monmouth Park is a must-hit spot in NJ, America. God bless America. The United States of America. read more

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Great time @ Wine and Chocolate Event. Laurita was there as well as Dematteo, Valenzano, Villarreal, Cedar Rose Vineyards, and Wagone house winery. All had something we liked. It wasn't busy when we arrived. We casually strolled around the grounds from vendors with jewelry, dips, honey, food, and second floor had desserts and chocolate tastings. Delicious!! Enjoyed watching the horse races!! Can't wait for another event here!! read more

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I watched the horse race which very entertaining. I ate there loaded chips which were good. The rooms are very clean and I would recommend this place to others. read more

Monmouth Park - Loaded chips - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

I am a horse racing fan but not one that bets or frequents horse tracks very often. I do like to upon occasion frequent premiere thoroughbred races. What brings me to Monmouth race track is the Haskell. Admission cost to this acclaimed race is $100 for general admission grandstand seating and it goes up from that point for the Dining Terrace on the 3rd floor, Club House. The Club House has huge windows so you get a spectacular view of the track. It is a full service restaurant as well. Monmouth Race track first opened it's doors in 1870 . It's turbulent history included a 60 year shutdown and several owners. Today, the track is impeccably maintained but other structures not so much. You will find areas were paint is peeling and seating is dated and tired looking, especially in the grandstand area. You will find the restrooms to be adequately clean. There are plenty of food courts selling standard fair like chicken fingers, burgers, fries, pizza, ice cream and salads. Beer is $5 for a bottle. There are specialty restaurants where the menu is extensive, proper attire is requested and the food choices are somewhat upscale. Before the corona virus you were permitted to bring a cooler with food and drinks. The track has a shaded picnic area. For the kids they used to have a bounce house, pony rides and face painting before Covid-19. The parimutuel clerks are incredibly patient with patrons. The number of betting stations are adequate and betting lines are not long. If you hit a trifecta, the line for payout is going to be really short. Sometimes parking can be a hassle but Monmouth has a huge parking area. The rack has an abundance of policing and even exiting is relative quick at popular events. Since the Covid-19 pandemic your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a few health questions. No outside food or drinks are permitted. Food bought in one of the food courts must be eaten outside. read more

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I felt compelled to write this post in today's world that we have seemed to of lost sight of seeing thru the white noise and unnecessary criticism about everything. This is unfortunate because we are missing amazing things that go unnoticed every day around us. I have been a horseman owning and racing horses for over 25 years having witnessed at times unjustified challenges about the concerns and safety of the horses surrounding the sport. This couldn't be further from the truth firsthand witnessing nothing than the highest quality, concern, and care from owners, trainers, staff, and management related to ensuring every measure is taken to assure the health and safety of an amazing sport and industry. While attending the races a Monmouth Park Racetrack in NJ today one of the sports premier tracks I witnessed with my wife something needing to be shared. During the Jersey Shore Stake race, the horse Squire Creek collapsed in front of us after crossing the finish line which had our hearts drop in complete concern along with everyone watching, As immediate tears filled my wife's eyes, what we witnessed next was something to share. Isaac Castillo one of the sports great jockeys after just falling reacted immediately with disregard for himself to help safeguard the horse. Without hesitation, he removed equipment while the horse lay on its side in obvious stress and unrest as he began to massage and at times what appeared to be providing chest compressions to the horse while the animal ambulances and staff rushed immediately to the scene. I have met many jockeys and without any doubt, Isaac's quick and immediate professional and unselfish attention and actions made an amazing difference this moment as the horse after a while of not looking promising rose to its feet then staff and workers jumped in assisting calming, spraying water and caring for the animal's safety while we watched. The horse appeared to be in good condition and jogged from the track while the entire track cheered in gratitude. For the love of the sport, thanks for the professionalism and concern for the horses, jockey, and industry Gregory A Shiffner read more

I absolutely love Monmouth Park. It's a way to step back in time and slow life down for a day. Place a few friendly wagers on your favorite horse, enjoy a hot dog and beer. What could be better on a cool summer afternoon? Yes the park is old; yes the facilities are in need of updating but that's not why you come here. The charm is the most important part of the experience. So grab a few extra dollars and head over to the stable and enjoy some horses. read more

Came to celebrate a birthday. We had a picnic area with tables and umbrellas right outside the track reserved. The track employees were friendly and helpful. There was a food truck festival. The lines at the trucks were a bit long but on a beautiful day it was a lot of fun read more

Just arrived so nothing yet. Always beautifully maintained and numerous festivals during the season. A destination at least 3x a summer. However, last time I was here, 3 Sundays ago, tablespoons inside by betting windows (& tv's) were first come first served. Now, today, free admission, but a $25 minimum at the formerly free tables. WTF? I know exactly why. Football season. So much fir free. That annoys the HELL outta me. Very disappointing MP. Very read more

Love this place. Especially the patio bar on the off season and the parterres during the live racing.

Monmouth Park dining room on the 3rd floor is just plain awful! We tried it 2 yrs. ago and gave it another try last Sunday ( room was 3/4 empty and here is why. First the salad bar was 1/2 empty of veggies etc. soup watered down! $40 with tip, add a crab cake for $22, bringing your bill to $62+ ridiculous with no drinks and dessert! Our hamburgers were well done to the point of being dry, the Chicken Salad on a soggy croissant, was tasteless. Want dessert, that's another $10 bucks, add a soda/ice tea you are up to $70, no wonder this place is EMPTY! I have eaten in a Parterre box and the food is much better! I was told a different chef there! Charge me $20 for seating and I will go Go get a hot dog and soda much better off and tip the waitress!!! I gave it a 1 because the waitress was nice, that's it! read more

This is a review of the Park's Dining Terrace (3rd Fkoor, Club Ho This is a place for septuagenarians and/or racetrack regulars to sit in comfort while nibbling, nursing ice tea, and betting on the ponies. FOOD: The food is just fine. I mean: Who comes to a racetrack to eat? Have had a sampling over several visits - crab cake sandwich, fries, BLT. All are credible - just not eats you'd go out of your way for. ATMOSPHERE: Think "Elegant diner meets racetrack." Most tables have a TV. The restaurant itself has ceiling to (nearly) floor windows so all patrons have an expansive view of the track. BEVS: So this is where it goes off the rails... I ordered a bottle of white wine off their limited-but-just-fine menu. I was told it would take 5 minutes because they would have to "go to the other bar" to get it. (Be advised - We're talking your average bottle of Pinot Grigio and not, say, Dom Perignon.) A half hour later and wine never made its way to the table. Server never noticed. When I politely inquired about status, she asked if I wanted a glass of something else instead. I asked her what was the easiest thing to order. She said Prosecco ($8/glass). 10 minutes later that glass arrived at the table after I had finished most of my meal. VERDICT: If a sweltering day at the track demands air conditioning, I'm in. Otherwise I will take a pass on the Dining Terrace. read more

Monmouth Park - View from my seat. - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

I went to the trackside dining. Perhaps if my Dad didn't take me there 25 years ago every week I wouldn't have been so disappointed. Monmouth needs to put back the classy atmosphere in its trackside dining room. Its now small poor choice menu with just ok food. Please bring back the class this track used to have. Otherwise I'm afraid it will close. Its list its ambiance. read more

I'm not gonna lie...I had fantasized about being bougie b*tch with my big hat and pastel dress, while pulling bets from my prada bag with my white gloves. This is not that establishment, this is the burger king version of my steakhouse. Besides spending money on gambling every 5 minutes, because the race is over SUPER fast, there's NOTHING else to do here. There is one sorry excuse for a gift shop and sketchy looking food spots. I wish there was at least music playing in between races, so that I can feel motivated to get some drinks and bet some more. Or even get some people to offer drinks around like at a baseball game or casino. It wouldn't kill them to hire some friendly and fresh looking faces as tellers, as I had rude ass old people attend to me every time. Possibly have something for kids to do here like a park, since it seems like people like to bring their kids to gamble as a family event. I would not return unless there was some kind of awesome free food/free drinks/ride a pony event. Pros: BYOB Beautiful Race track with nice fields Large Picnic areas Close to the beach Cons: Terribly maintained inside box office Uncomfortable box seats Nasty ass tellers (yes, I would ONLY like to bet $2) Dirty, there's receipt garbage alllll over the floors and cups and just trash. read more

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In the last couple of years, Monmouth Park has extended its racing season into the Fall, and it is really a great place to spend an Autumn afternoon. If you've never been, Monmouth has a lot of charm. Calling it a 'park' is ideal, as the grounds are landscaped beautifully. There are plenty of places to sit comfortably in the shade or sun while reading your racing program. You can enjoy yourself just seeing the horses paraded in and out of the paddock without even betting a race. As for the crowd, the majority is an older, 'old school' type of crowd. But you get your share of everyone, so expect to see anyone from little kids, to teens, to twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, forty-somethings, you get the picture. Park for $3, enter the grandstand for $3, and get a program for $2.50. After that, every race bet has a minimum of $2. They have a clubhouse for a little extra if you need some more comfort. The bars are stocked with really ice cold beer. Don't come too hungry, because hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream are pretty much the norm. However, large groups can reserve a picnic area right alongside the track where you can grill and party all afternoon. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

Groupon was definitely worth it! It was nice to get the clubhouse experience. If you don't want to pay the $30 groupon then just go there and parking is $4 and entrance is $5. Not bad, but not too sure how much a program is. It was a beautiful Saturday to watch some horse races and win some money. The people are very nice. We looked like first timers so we were lost but a security guard helped us find out way to the box. Someone was sitting in our box so we just sat somewhere else. With the boxes it is hard to sit there if you don't have an assigned box since the security guard there knows the owners of the boxes and will move you if the owner is at the race track that day. He was super nice about it though. Nachos and pretzels are a good snack. I would come back here and sit at the spot where you can bring your own food and sit under an umbrella. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

A friend and I decided to venture out and go to the BBQ & Beer event that the Racetrack was having. Who doesn't love BBQ & beer?! There is tons of parking and enough space to walk around. They event was located on the side of the building and there were about 6-8 food trucks, a few beer vendors, local craft vendors, and company pop-ups. We both had a couple plates of the BBQ available and everything was delicious in their own way. I couldn't pick a favorite. At one of the beer samplings you paid like $15 per person and you got 20 or-so drink tickets. The tickets didn't really matter though as almost none of the employees pouring the drinks never took our tickets. Yay! After checking out and eating all the fun stuff, we headed over to the race track and watched a few horse races. If you aren't into this, even the slightest, it's really boring. I'm not a sports/betting person, but it was cool to experience it. read more

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I like coming here it's a fun place to spend the afternoon and try my luck betting on some horses who have names I like... I spend way less money here then in AC and it makes for a fun afternoon. I felt very accomplished when I actually won my first $1.00 trifecta boxed and won a whopping $20.00...lol I came here for the food truck festival which was nice it was of course more crowded then usual but the lines weren't that long at the trucks. Even when there isn't anything special going on it's a nice place to go. The people are friendly and the place is very clean. You can bring your own food and drinks if you like and many people bring coolers and have their own little picnics. Or they have a selection of food stands to choose from with your typical pizza, hotdogs, burger, chicken fingers, ice cream and Italian ice. I know they also have full service restaurants but I personally haven't been to any of them. Sundays they have family day so they have pony rides and face painting so you have something to do with your kids there. So all in all it's a nice way to spend an afternoon. read more

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We love it here and have had many family events. A quick break down. Parking is $5 per car. $3 per person to get in. You can bring your own food and drink if you sit in the picnic area all the way to the left. If you go to the end of the picnic area you can grab a table by the playground. Plenty of places to bet. Enjoy. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

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Monmouth Park has been an institution in Oceanport since the 19th century. Its history has been documented many times. This park is meticulously manicured and I'm sure a lot of money is put into that area. Parking is five dollars and entry to the park varies depending if you want General admission or clubhouse. Also, seniors pay $3 to gain entrance. Security is very tight. I decided to go here because I wanted to see their Irish festival which I think occurs once a racing season. There were many families in attendance. This fest, was on the grounds of the track but in the picnic areas. The fest had entertainment, food and clothing vendors and of course beers. The scones were excellent, btw. I hear that on Sundays they have entertainment for the whole family. Check on their website for more info. In the track itself I noticed the food concession stands have stayed with the times i.e. BBQ, Max's hotdogs and craft beer. Also check online how long the track season goes. Tip: go during the week, it's less crowded. Go on Sunday if you have a family. It's crowded ...so what your kids will love you. If you want to be seen, go when they have the featured races,usually on Saturdays. read more

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The track has really upped its game in the food concessions choices this year big time. Max's Famous hot dogs only 5 bucks. Just as great as the original location and cheaper, too. There's a Strollo's Italian ice stand wisely placed where the sad arcade was. Best soft serve & Italian ice in the area. I had the cherry Italian Ice and later the vanilla soft serve. Both refreshingly delish. The New York style pizza actually lives up to the name. I had a plain and a sausage so I can attest. After several years of mediocre pizza where even Val's failed this is a plus to get a decent slice here now. Need I say more? Oh yeah, when the food trucks are here it's a plethora of choices to binge on. There's more here than meets the eye besides the races. read more

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Memorial Day weekend.....yeah, skip that. I have never seen so many people in one place before. My dude has been to this track before for regular races and big races (Haskell) and he has never seen it as crowded as it was on Memorial Day weekend. There was also a food truck festival on the grounds the day I visited, and numerous people mentioned they came to the track that day for the food trucks, so definitely avoid this if you can. The track itself is nice and not hard to reach on NJT, but a little steep at $22 round trip, but this also includes admission and a program. Food options and drink prices were very reasonable, with small beers $4.50 and large beers $6.50. I think I enjoyed Belmont a little more than this track, but that could be just because it was really crowded the day I visited. Definitely get there early if you want to snag a picnic table. read more

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We finally decided to come over here for the "Italian festival" I use both of those terms lightly. It was neither a festival or very Italian. It was 3-4 food trucks selling overpriced rice balls, sausage and pizza. All of it mediocre at best. The Bath Fitter booth definitely screamed old country...This was a waste don't come for that, save your money and go to a nice Italian restaurant. For $5 you pay to park, $5 per adult to get in. If you're there to gamble sure it may be fun, they do have a BYOB section so for adults it would be a good time. If I came back here it would be sans kids. This isn't a place for the little ones as much as they market it as such. Between the mass amount of cigar smoke and wasted people this isn't a kid friendly environment. My daughter did love seeing the horses but other than that it was meh. This place does consist of every NJ stereotype there is, guys flashing money, big gold chains yelling "ohh, ayyyee" good lord the Sopranos is over stop trying to act like a goomba. As a Sicilian it's almost sad to see. That just isn't my scene. Maybe I will come back with friends but with the kids, highly unlikely. read more

Bring a cooler filled with beer (or soda or bladder of wine, whatever) Pack a lunch. Bring folding chairs. Bring cash. Spend the day outside with friends and maybe make some money. Also, go to the bathroom upstairs and avoid the awful awful love downstairs. read more

Monmouth Park - Horse Racing Near Me - Oceanport, New Jersey

I was Monmouth Park for the 2023 Kentucky Derby and went to the Summer Wind Patio Bar for the buffet with my nephew. The price was $20 how could you go wrong?.The restaurant opened up last year and I have been there about 3 to 4 times. The manager said he was there 62 days I never saw him. What kind of a manager shows up for work in short pants and no socks. The food as always was mediocre and the service was slow but I love the atomsphere of the track. I have been going since I was a kid and I now take my grandkids especially for family days. I have gone to super bowl games and food truck events. However, today was not an issue with food. My nephew and I were the first people at the buffet and we took our seats at a table furthest from the service area. We had our red tags showing on our wrists and we were asked a minimum of 4 times about our red tags. I was the 4th time and I was stopped by the manager I argued with him. His name is Brian Skirka or something or other. He was rude and not manager material all, no customer service skills at all. He told me I could leave if I did not like it. I said why are you yelling he said you would know if I were yelling. My nephew heard him and he was not close. I am a 68 year old disabled veteran and did not care for the way I was treated. To make matters worse he sent security stooge dressed in all black standing right over our table pretending to take pictures on his cell phone and spy on us. What a jerk. We stayed until the derby was over the buffet ended at 5pm. And there weren't any cookies at 430-440 as they usually run out at every event. Needless to say Monmouth Park will not be getting any of my money in the future at their concession stands. I will still go there to bet horses. SHAMEFUL Tony P. read more

Don't eat at the Terrace Dining Room. Major rip off. l Food is awful, choices are beyond poor. Get a better meal at a fast food restaurant. Addie read more

I went here today for Father's Day with a group of 8. It was $5 for parking and $5 general admission - all men got in free today regardless of age which was nice. Upon entering the park, the crowds of people were endless. Good thing we brought folding chairs because all of the benches were full, but it was still very hard to find a spot. It was 90 degrees out, but most of the stadium was shaded. The garbage cans were overflowing and the ground was covered in trash. I waited at the bar for 30 minutes for a $5 bottle of corona. When I proceeded to get food, the concession stand was out of everything but popcorn which was disappointing. Maybe I'll try coming here again, but definitely not for a special event day. read more