Emerald Downs Reviews

Love this experience! Food is good, atmosphere is good. I recommend getting box seats so that you don't have to worry about your seat getting taken while up betting or getting a bite. Attentive staff and very helpful even for first time track goers.

We spent a great day at the horse track with our family, we brought a picnic lunch, and enjoyed watching the horses run. The view of Mt Rainier from the seats was just fantastic,and we had a great day trying to pick out the winners in each race,while not costing us a great deal of money.

My company provided a day at the track with lunch served and $20 to bet if you wished. It was my first time at Emerald Downs even though I live and work very close. What a blast. The food was excellent, the races were so much fun and the people watching so interesting. We even walked down to the stalls to watch the horses and jockeys warm up for the next race and to witness the winner in the winners circle. So much fun, I highly recommend the experience; can't wait to go back.

This is a great place for the whole family. They have kids activities and areas where you can get really close to the horses. You can also choose the amount that you are wanting to spend. The parking is free, if you park out a bit and the shuttle to the front door is free too! The alcohol is a little pricey but all in all, it is a great place for flexibility from cheap to lap of luxury. It is up to you and your pocketbook.

This track is located just off 167 real easy to find as you can see it from the freeway. Parking free however the free lots are a bit of a walk. Spend the 7 bucks and get preferred parking you'll win it back I'm sure. 10 bucks for valet however I'm just not that high filuten. Admission free for military (me) or before you go sign up online for their member card 2 dollars off the admission and 10 percent off at the extensive gift store. The facility is great new and clean. We ate at the restaurant great prices compared to santa anita. They have just the dirt track but they run1 mile and sprints. I think if you go you'll have a great time and I noticed that on the table tvs they have a cartoon channel for the kiddies. Good luck and bet on the grey!

My husband and I are terrible gamblers, as it turns out! If there had been a prize for consistently picking the LAST three horses, the losing Trifecta, we'd be rich! I won't say what we called the prize for consistently betting the losing three horses...

Great fun place to visit.

Take a bus tour and join a group for a great day at the races at Emerald downs. We were in the buffet room. The views were great and the food was good-get in line early because it is there and then it is gone. Go downstairs for ice cream and to visit the very nice gift shop. If you are military ask for a military discount. I knewnothing about betting the horses, but they gave a short awareness class before the races began and I walked away a winner. It was a great day of fun.

Crowded but easy to navigate and park.

FREE admission for Military! Always good to find venues to go to that honor veterans in such a kind way.

VERY expensive beer! You can bring your own food which I thought is great for families!

We were here to enjoy the Father's Day Brunch which was amazing! Prime Rib, Cedar Plank Baked Salmon, Pork chops and gravy, western scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, salad, fruit, cheese n cracker platters then some sweetrolls/bread and breakfast sweets. Amazing selection and the salmon was perfectly cooked!!!!!

Looking forward to another trip there!

Seen one seen them all. Charge to get in, charge to sit in the nicer inside seats, wonderful staff in the betting cages. Food is ok

This was one of several annual auctions we had hosted at Emerald Downs. A total success, with much thanks to the great banquet staff and outstanding culinary staff! Great Food & Great Service = excellent event that raises funds for families in need ! Nice Job Ron & the Emerald Downs staff!

Emerald downs is a great venue to watch horse racing. On the evening we went, there were some good purses, so the quality of horses was good and the races competitive. It was a low-key venue, with food concessions, betting, parking, and moving around made easy. You can stand at the rail, sit in the bleachers, or enjoy box seats all for a reasonable price. The cashiers are super friendly and helpful for those not used to betting on the ponies. Just a great relaxing place, with about a half hour between races to enjoy your family and friends.

Betting in the horses was confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it it is so much fun! Not only that but the views from the track were gorgeous. Parking is pretty far away so that wasn't pleasant. But if you want to park closer you can shell out $7.00. Overall and awesome experience.

Emerald Downs is a fun and low cost way to spend the afternoon at the track.
I had a great time and it is an entertaining way to spend some time whether you are a master gambler or a novice going for your first time.

It is actually lower cost than going bowling or seeing an evening movie for two with popcorn if you only bet the minimum of two dollars a race and pick "show" on your bet.You will win just often enough to always get your money back through the day and this way you may continue to wager for an afternoon.
When you start at 1pm at the first race and leave at 6pm and divide your total money you spent divided by the number of hours you were there it becomes cheaper than other forms of entertainment.
We determined we spend only $ 3.60 an hour, which is cheaper than other forms of going out one could do such as bowling, movies, the fair, etc.

The track officials and security and cashiers were all helpful and friendly as well as the restaurant staff and the front entrance booth person.They pointed out betting procedures and were smiling and cheerful.

The signage was clear and well placed and restrooms were clean.The PA system is loud enough but sometimes you need to listen well as the crowd is loud over what he is saying.

You may bet inside the main building as well as outside near where they parade the horses and show them prerace. As well you may purchase beverages there and they have outside seating with umbrellas to shade yourself from the sun.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at Emerald Downs from barbecue to finer dining to Quick Picks cafe to the several bars with food available for purchase.

They have both an elevator and stairs and covered for rain and exposed areas.

Also available to get to by bus and taxi and UBER.

It's quite fun watching the races. You have an entrance fee of 7$ and then you can bet, if you want. Bets start as low as 10 Cents. So there is a good chance you feel the thrill but won't lose too much.
The only problem is you need someone who can explain all the different types of bets.

They always have a n awesome fireworks display every year on the 3rd of July at night. Works out better because the next day is the holiday and everyone can sleep in after.

Had so much fun at Emerald Downs with Family! Enjoyed going down before each race and viewing horses and jockeys then placing bets. Very clean facility, exciting and great sunny day! Lots of excitement! Also went during 4th of July Holiday and Super Firework Display!

We have gone as a family to ED every year for the last several years to celebrate Mothers & Fathers Day. However many of us go there individually during the season fairly often. My first visit there this season was yesterday.
I immediately noticed the many money saving changes they had made which inconvenienced the customers. For example, there were a very few manned betting stations with a majority of different types of betting machines that don't work right most of the time.
The turnout was paltry for a sunny Saturday. I wondered why when I went to the food stand and ordered a Caesar salad and the server threw in a handful of lettuce into a bowl and handed it to me. When I asked if there was any meat I was told I could get chicken for $1.00 extra. I acquiesced and was promptly handed a miniscule salad dressing type container which held about a tablespoon of finely chopped chicken. Beyond measly!! For $11.50??? What happened to the tasty and attractive food the old ED was famous for. Looks like the new ownership is trying to gouge their Customers as they do in the other businesses they own!!
That was our very last visit to ED. The end of a long standing family custom. Sad.
Duncan D

We went with some friends and watched the camel and ostrich races in addition to live horse racing. Lots of fun whether you bet or not. Check Groupon for deals before you go or use your military ID to get in for free. Concessions are expensive just like any other venue but they let you bring a cooler with your own food/drinks. Plenty of tables with umbrellas if you arrive early. Or pay a small upgrade to sit in the covered grandstand.

This was a family day...but it was sooooooo quiet with VERY long stretches between races. Lots of time for conversation. Food was pretty good.

Went to the race track on one of my few days off. Fast parking, good food and won some money!!! It was Elvis day so the wife was happy too...

Everyone loves a fun day at the races, unless you bet too much and lose of course! But there's much more to do if you have a family. You can picnic on the grassight next to the track or go to one of there events that feature watching the horses breeze in the morning and the go backside and see the stalls and trainers. Very interesting!

Great place for Saturday morning fun. Lot of adrenalin during races and some horses are amazing. Definitely will be back...

We took my parents to Emerald Downs last summer to see the horses run. We sat in the upper stands where we had a wonderful view of the track. We also had an opportunity to go down and preview the horses before the race. It's nice to get close enough to have a good look at who's running and make your pick (if you like, just because you like the horse's color!) We all made small bets on the race and my mom actually won a tidy sum for her efforts. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the track.

I've only been to horse races a couple times, so I'm no expert but I really love Emerald Downs. First of all the setting is terrific, with Mt. Rainier in the background, and also the facility is very nice clean and well kept up. The food in the restaurants is great and they have a lot of choices for admissions. If you are not too familiar with how to bet on races, they have good clear explanations and the tellers are friendly and helpful. We sat in reserved box seats, which cost 60 dollars for 4 people, however if I did it again I would probably just get admission to the club house where you can sit at tables, with good views, and table food service. There was food service in the box seats too, but no table and you had to balance it on your knees. Other than that, this is highly recommended for a fun day out.l

Our party of four really enjoyed our experience at Emerald Downs. Used a groupon and with the ticket, received $10 towards lunch, a beverage and a free program ($3). Stopped at the Customer Service area for a brief explanation of how to place a bet and was a bit disappointed in the gentleman's attitude. We watched the 2nd race and wished we placed a bet as I picked the 1st place horse. From then on, we won money in five out of six races. Spent $20 and walked away with $50. Super fun and can't wait until we return the next time we are visiting family in Seattle. Would advise not bringing the kids. Very crowded in the outdoor seating area; everyone was 'saving seats'.

Me and my wife had breakfast at the café. It's at the end of the race track. Kind of a cafeteria style place. We both enjoyed our breakfast very much I had an omelette and she had Pam and eggs. Good prices. We will definitely go back. Fun to watch the horses from there.

While I miss the beauty and closeness of the old Longacres track, ED has a very nice layout and is a fun place to watch the ponies. The food is (or at least was) not bad either. Lots of betting windows and a helpful staff. It is clean, spacious and well lighted. The view of Mt. Rainier at dusk on a clear day is spectacular.

I traveled here last Summer and had a great time, we checked out the horses up close and had great out door seats and tables. The food however isn't healthy just fried and greasy wings, fries, etc.

Saturday afternoon at the races was a lot of fun. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Clean and nice grounds. We just wish the video screen on the board outside showed the race. Beautiful day at the races. We'll be back.

Great venue to see the horse races. Full card (11) of races on Sunday. Plenty of food choices on all track levels. As you would expect prices can be challenging if you are on a budget or not successful in your para-mutual wagering! Paddock area was terrific for viewing the connections for the horses and getting saddled and jockeys up for the post parade. Overall the facility was clean and inviting. Lots of other Family activities were available.

This race track has something for everyone. The pricing for food, etc. is average and they have $2 beer nights, etc. The nicest thing is there are outdoor spaces for families and others to sit even if they aren't betting. Beautiful facility. Valet parking is worth the $ as free is a ways away.

Nice place to hang out, watch the races, have a bite to eat. Met one of Deadliest catch captains here.

First, I loved being at Emerald Downs. It's been the first time in over 5 years and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. HOWEVER, the experience at the Rainier restaurant was utterly awful. Another couple was with my husband and I. His wife ordered the Prime Rib and I ordered the Prime Rib sandwich. Julie's prime rib was cold at the first attempt to deliver, and just as cold the second time, but she ate it anyhow. She had also ordered a salad, but that never showed. Although my Prime Rib Dip sandwich was good, I would have expected more than just a little bit of food...especially at $16 for the plate.

Short drive from Seattle -- sit outside underneath the shadow of Mt. Rainier, clean, lively, fun horse racing.

Such an inexpensive day for a family. Lots of entertainment, good eats and fast horses. We went on the Corgi Race Day and that was a lot of fun!!

Calling ahead to get in on the free stable tour before the Saturday races, we were told to be there by 10:30 for the 11:00 tour. While it was an extra bonus to get to go in and watch horses work out before the tour, it was not necessary to be there a whole half-hour ahead. We could not even buy a cup of coffee while we waited; nothing is open before 1:00. The tour tram carried us all to the vet facilities where we had a rather long though interesting (to adults) talk by a vet assistant. Just driving by the stables was disappointing; we had imagined that we would get to walk inside. Our guide gave us lots of good information about Emerald Downs, but it was a drive-by tour other than the stop of the vet facility. We were first timers at the track so we took advantage of the Newcomers' table just inside, where Doug gave us a quick rundown of how the betting works at ED. Armed with information and curiosity, we wondered around and waited for the food venders to open so we could have a bit of lunch. (The Deli on the second floor has great carved sandwiches.) Then we waited. Going to the track means lots of waiting. We studied up on the handicapping, went over to view the horses before each race, and picked our lucky guesses. The races themselves were fun to watch, but the waiting in between - well, we were glad it was a sunny day. Maybe if we had been big betters it would have been more exciting. All in all, it was a pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Went to have a late lunch, they open at 2 PM, with friends and decided to stay and gamble a bit. Table minimums were actually reasonable at $2. They have a Thursday special, $2 Beer, Burgers and Blackjack. How can you go wrong? The food was hot and delicious. Good selection of beers on tap and bottles. Cards only at this point. I know they plan on getting Machines and other table games but they have to get the land in trust before that can happen. Overall a good experience.

We love going to the track on Friday nights during the summer months. Nice inexpensive outing for the whole family.

Good atmosphere... fun races.. opportunities to see horses in advance... decent food pricing. Parking is out there on bug events

We stopped here for something to do yesterday afternoon. For a Saturday it was busy but not overly crowded, we bet on some of the local Thorobreds racing. There was also simulcast racing from other parts of the states. The drinks were plentiful, lots of food options and sitting. We paid 13.00 per adult to get into the track and then picked where we wanted to sit inside or out, it was a great afternoon, they even after a shuttle to take you to your parking lot. We walked. Easy to find and plenty of parking well worth the trip.

This is a smaller track, but has plenty of good atmosphere for an enjoyable day at the races. usually an 8 or 9 races, and typically small fields (7-8 horse), mostly claiming races, with the occasional graded stakes race. Plenty of self-service teller machines, good views from the clubhouse, paddock area is close by and you can get very close to the horses and jockeys as they get ready for the next race. Plenty of food and drink options - go early to avoid the lines, especially on a sunny Saturday. There is free parking if you are willing to walk a couple of blocks, otherwise, you can pay for parking and be right near the entrance turnstiles. Whether you like watching down along the rails, or sitting in the clubhouse in the air conditioning, there is plenty here that appeals. If you take the kids along, there are usually enough things going on over a weekend to keep them occupied. You can bet most other major tracks via simulcast as well. Things get very crowded on special days like the Kentucky Derby so plan accordingly (reservations in the club house are a good idea on special days).

Great place to spend an afternoon
Beautiful view of Mt Rainier and for the kids to check out the horses
And you may get lucky 🍀

This is a fun family or friends activity. The horses are well cared for and the accommodations to watch the races are also really comfortable. They have good basic concessions and I recommend getting a program as it is fun to pick your winners of the races even if you don't want to bet.

Emerald Downs is a fun family friendly way to have a little vacation close to home. I am always impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and the beautiful view of Mt. Rainer. You don't have to gamble to have a great day of fun and excitment at the races. The quality of the food is suprisingly good and consistent. My favorite is the fresh turkey sanwitches at the Deli. Going to the races at Emerald Downs is an inexpensive way to do something fun and out of the ordinary.

Very clean and layed out well! I love the way you can sit almost anywhere and have a great view! Friendly staff is always a plus! I love the horse tracks I have been to and this is one of the best! I will be back next season!

the dinner was very good the race where ok they had to put down a horse so it was hard on some of us

A great track.with all.tupes of seating. Choose from open benches, family area, picnic area, general reserved indoor seating, club house indoor seating or suites.
Food ranges from burgers , sandwiches, menu or buffet.
You call also bring in picnic items.
They have numerous beers and cocktails.
They welcome small kids and often have activities for them.
Free parking with shuttles, or premium paid parking or paid vallet.

Recently, we visited Emerald Downs. We had a fun day, and really enjoyed the excitement and chaos associated with the Indian Relay Races! We'll go back to the racetrack, but probably we'll try to plan it when these Indian Relay Races happen next year. Amazing, and so exciting!

Live a few blocks away from Emerald and it is my first time to watch and bet on the horse race. For first timers it was confusing but once you understand it, it is actually fun..The place alone is huge. there is restaurant, concessions and alot more inside.. theres karaoke and other events. There is a parking fee if you want to park closer but if you dont mind walking you can park at the general parking its free and they have shuttle. Eating at the restaurant upstair was disapointing. the ambiance and the setting is nice but the food that we got was not good. I ordered the whiskey bbq ribs with mac and cheese and coleslaw. the mac and cheese was bland, the coleslaw was ok and so does the ribs.. they have all the right ingredients but it was not combined or used good. Maybe the other foods they have was good. I would still come back to watch the race.

You can either spend the minimum and get front row views of the races (which is fun) or pay as much extra as you like and get lots of amazing experiences - from having a party in your own private viewing box with friends or seeing the horses and riders up close and personal to having a picnic on the grass! Make sure it's the season for live races though!

We have always enjoyed watching the horses at the Race Tracks and Emerald Downs we hope will keep going to keep the Racing Spirit alive and not just on TV. Go to the track buy a drink and a hot dog and enjoy the trill of Racing.

Great race track, fun full day activity. Able to walk around and see the horses up close. Well worth the visit. Only bad experience I had was with admission. I purchased seating tickets in advance online through the emerald downs website and was told at the gate that only seats were purchased, NOT admission. Note that admission is an additional charge if you buy reserved seats. Not obvious on the website and was disappointed and surprised at the additional charges. Next visit I will purchase tickets directly at the track for general admission--reserved seats weren't necessary

I have to say it was the most exciting and very entertaining show ever. There was a great seat for everyone the colors of the fireworks we AMAZING

I have been several times to see the Fireworks Spectacular held annually on July 3, and it never fails to impress. The venue is great. Is reasonably priced, and they allow you to bring in food, drinks, & chairs etc. You can lay a blanket out on the grass or sit in the bleachers, whatever you prefer. You can get up close to the horses before the races. It is family friendly & enjoyable. I say go.

Come watch the horses race. The addition of 2 large-screen outdoor televisions enhances your experience. i just wish they were COMPLETELY nonsmoking because the prevailing wind carries smoke into the grassy area by the children's face-painting and pony rides.

We had a great time watching the corgi racing (the horses are fun too). Our only issue was that we got there a little late and every single parking lot was full. We ended up parking at the Outlet Mall and taking a Lyft there. Once there, I saw there was a shuttle running from one of the Auburn stations, so we might try that next time. Overall, we had a great time!

This lovely horse track is one of the most scenic in the United States. Set in a beautiful valley surrounded by farm land, it sits under magnificent Mt Rainier. The grounds are beautifully kept. Children 17 and under are free. Lots of free parking. Give yourself plenty of time to make the drive from Seattle if you are going during rush hour.

Enjoyed 2 days of racing with some great friends. Lots of food and beverage options and some great, exciting racing! Picked a few winners too!

Took daughter and son in law along with 2 year old granddaughter to Emerald Downs.
They had complimentary pony rides, face painting, and of corse horse racing. Granddaughter loved the racing the best. Nice afternoon outing for whole family.

Had a fun day. They even have people there that will teach you how to bet on the ponies. They could have some better food options

Went here on a Saturday race and was pleasantly surprised. We are not regulars to horse races but thought it would be fun. Not knowing anything about wagering there were guys there ready to help run you through the programs so you can make good choices on who to bet for. Everyone was very friendly. The food selection was good, a couple lounges places around the property for your drink needs. Good clean fun with even a family friendly feeling with an arcade and a lawn area to run around on. But I would probably not bring real young kinds because there is about 20 mins between each race, might get a little restless. But great for couples or friends wanting some fun and relaxation time. So with the help from the staff by the end we felt like we kind of new what we were doing and will go back someday for some more fun.

Decided to go to the track for a few races. Beautiful day. Grounds were in excellent condition. What a great selection of concessions. Almost everything you could ask for. We had ice cream before we left, delicious. Many paramutual windows to get your bets in. Off track betting was available as well. Rewards program is pretty good if you gamble. Now they have a casino upstairs where you can play cards. Handicapping center available for the beginner 's. Nice day with the family.

We went to the breakfast at the wire at Emerald Downs and the breakfast itself though fairly cheap and non-eventful, watching the race horses warm up and the informative talks about the facility and what it takes to run the place was very much appreciated. Following the breakfast, we got behind the scene and paddock tours which were good. I would recommend, if you are even remotely interested in horse racing or Emerald Downs, go down and have breakfast at the wire and take their tours

The races were defnitely excting, the food was carnival like and the chairs were very firm :) I liked all the pomp and circumstance.

It was a rainy day with a sloppy track but we all had a good time. We were cold so we went to the upper deck to warm up and get some hot chocolate. Good racing and sorry to report but horrible food!

It does not have to be just betting on a horse race. There are a number different ways to spend your trip to "The Track". If handicapping, wagering and watching a horse race is your deal then obviously this the place to go. The atmosphere is just that in most places at the facility. Or if you really like to gamble there are casino games in the building. Don't know where they are...never played them. It can be other things too. Social time with friends with a beer or cocktail is an option. Kids can play in the north part of the spectator area where it is more open. A trip to the paddock is fun to see the horses up close. You can bring items in that are not allowed at a lot of other stadiums(obviously no alcohol). They will check in your bag but you are not required to buy their food. Pack a picnic if you want to. If not, the food for purchase range is acceptable. It's nothing like Safeco Field, but if you don't like concession food go upstairs and sit at a restaurant table. Check the schedule as they have different promotion days and dancing on Friday nights. Weather can be an issue. It's strongly suggested to go on a warm day and enjoy being outdoors. Lastly, I believe they are open all year with a casino and restaurants but we have never gone then.

Today I met relatives from Switzerland visiting the United States. They wanted to spend the day at the racetrack, so I told them we could take a tour of the facilities. When we arrived, the tour had been cancelled. Kathy arranged for "Joe" to take us on a private tour of the grounds, paddocks, and the buildings. We jumped on a golf card and Joe took us all around. Upon our return to the main building, we got a tour of the jockey's room, the place where they hang their riding jackets, the offices, a boardroom. Kathy met Joe in the board room and offered us free entry tickets, gave us $25 dollars for food and beverage, Emerald Downs ball caps, posters, and coloring supplies for the kids. We couldn't have been happier with their hospitality...then...Joe took us upstairs and gave us a free class on how to place bets. We followed his advice and I won $175. The grounds were beautiful, the races were fun, we won money and were treated like royalty! Thank you Kathy and Joe for your kindness and understanding that my relatives came all the way from Switzerland and chose to spend a day at Emerald Downs..You both made our day!

Group events are awesome any time of year @ this location. View the horses! View Mt Rainier! Enjoy the open flat surface parking and easy elevators to get around. Book your next office party, retirement party, or any occasion on these grounds..and enjoy the management that will assist you with any planning!

Emerald Downs has been on our mini-bucket list since Spokane's race track closed (many years ago); after driving by every year, we decided to stay one night. It was fun; I was surprised at the number of children in attendance although I grew up growing to the races. It was nice to be able to watch the horses for a good amount of time. Out of the four windows we used, the three women were very friendly although I dither; my husband makes the more liberal bets and gives the information quickly. I wish that I had known about other food venues; the walk up window near the betting windows wasn't really good. I wish the horses were a little higher caliber, but we had a good day.

The track is totally classy and just like those in the south. The trees and flowers were scenic, and the INDIAN RELAY, was scenic as well!. . Nice horses, handsome men.

The tracks are set for the last months of the season and are smoothly and perfectly conditioned. The facilities are well kept and horses well cared for. We had a great time.

Hadn't been to the track in a very long time and decided to go one weekend. Had a great time! Food was great, everyone there was helpful and nice. Had a lot of fun!

Emerald Downs is a great place to go for a day of entertainment. The horse races are exciting to watch. There are a lot of food options, but our favorite is the Rainier Restaurant, located on the 5th floor of the grandstand building. The food is fabulous and reasonably priced. You are also afforded an unparalled view of the entire track from your table. The day we were there the weather was not that great, so we were able to hang out at our restaurant table for the entire day.

One day visit to watch dog racing (for fun) and horse racing (for $$) was good for an
hour or so...busy days are long lines at the concession stands. Didn't know you had
to be in the "correct" line to buy different foods, which irritated our group. Bring extra
$$ because it will cost you $15-20 bucks to get inside before you eat or play the
ponies /casino games. Horse racing consists mainly of 7 or less horses running each
race. A fun day with the family, but wouldn't return anytime soon.

During horse racing season on a sunny afternoon you will enjoy a venture to the track --- maybe even win a few dollars. The scenery of the Cascade Mountains is beyond words and the facility is still new and clean to not worry about family members --- There are different seating areas, I recommend the box seats especially if you can get a discount coupon or get lucky from a season box owner. The food is over-priced as well as the drinks --- but it totally a fun day.

We parked for free, used a groupon for entrance and had reservations in the Rainier restaurant and enjoyed the races. I even won some $.

If you don't like getting to the races really early to snag a seat only to have someone grab it from underneath you make reservations at the Rainier restaurant. You only have to spend $10 a person and the seats are yours for the entire day. The view is great. It can be hard at times to get your server to take your order. Reservations can be taken up to 2 weeks before the date you go. Of course if you want to be in all of the action stay on the track level.

Love going here to watch the horses run! We don't know 2 much about them but, we love to make small bets. We sit outside and have a few beers and enjoy the sun!

This is really a pretty track that is well maintained - both the track and the facilities. Live racing usually goes between mid April and mid to late September. Sunny days are particularly inviting as there is a great view of Mt. Rainier, plenty of choices of food and beverage, and attractive grounds to enjoy the great outdoors while demonstrating your expertise in handicapping. The paddock, where they saddle the horses before each race, is well situated for those who like to look at the horses before they race. Sunday is family day and they bring in a bouncy house and pony rides for the kids. There are betting windows near the family picnic area, too. Check their calendar as they have may promotions throughout the racing season. The parking fee is a bit high ($7), but they do have free parking and shuttle if you want to park at the far end of the lot or the nearby park and ride.

My first time there.. won a whopping $9 on a $5 bet. Very exciting to watch the horses even when you only have a small wager.

Looking for a night out that’s more than just a dinner and a movie. This is the perfect solution for your date nights!

Having lunch and watching the races is a great way to spend an afternoon! Or come for the 4th of July fireworks!! Or the food truck competition...Fun for the whole family!!

We had a great time watching the 3rd Annual Corgi Races at Emerald Downs - 92 corgis Races in 7 different races. We had a fabulous view from the terrace of the Rainier Restaurant- and the food was delicious!

Well it was "Italian Day" recently, which spoke to my cultural background.... Spaghetti eating contest, horses backsides glitter-painted with the colors of the flag, good food, beautiful horses, and an outstanding day of sunshine. Emerald Downs had friendly workers, and an overall family atmosphere for a "gambling" establishment of horse races. When in town, it's worth spending a day with friends or family to watch the horses.

We went to the horse race track again, during our stay in Seattle with our family,and it happened to be Corgi day at the track, it was very cute to see the little dogs race on the track to get to their owners and also check out all the other dogs. We enjoyed the horse racing too.

This is a great place right off the highway. You can bet on the race and it is so much fun. It is great for a date night or a family outing.

We go to Emerald Downs several times a season, and have always been treated wonderfully. Their food is great, with many selections and the betting lines are not long. This time, we rented an umbrella for a table and sat where we could see everything so well. We recommend it to everyone...oh, and there is lots for kids to do and the bathrooms are ALWAYS spotless.

everything was great could not find any thing wrong lots of horses and things to do they have shuttle for service

Fun fun fun for the whole family - they have an arcade for the kids! And on a sunny day it is absolutely beautiful....Views of Mount Rainier and you can be in the sunshine! Drinks & food are expensive! But watching the horses run is always fun!! The Quartershoot cafe is a great place to eat first before going in to the track!

We were first timers to Horse Racing! What a great venue! (7.00 entry fee)Staff was fun and helpful and MORE than patient with teaching us the "ropes" so to speak! Even the Security staff was helpful with direct instructions on using machines to place bets etc. WE attended on a Friday evening. Which I recommend for newcomers.... plenty of time to learn the betting / racing process (if you go before 5:00) and have dinner (seating at 5:30). Excellent dinner. Make reservations early in the morn....to get a good seat ...then you can stay in your seats for the entire evening to watch the races! Or rent Box Seats -for viewing (only 24.00) Great Evening of fun and action.

What a fun surprise! My girlfriend and I had never been to see hose racing and what a fun evening we had!!! We didnt have a clue what to do but the booth "ABC's" of horse racing was so helpful. The gentleman we spoke with was professional and very helpful. Emerald Downs was a first class experience, and we actually won a few $!!

My Birthday is July 3rd and we go every year except last year 2020 due too well you know. Anyways I'm praying we get to go this year🤞

Emerald Downs is one of the cleanest and friendliest racetracks in the country. The staff goes the "extra mile" to be sure everyone, not just the bettors, enjoys themselves. On the weekends, there are activities for the children. Dinning in the Turf Club or Rainier Room is a pleasure. The food is good, even the concession stands are well above average in taste selection and value.

Great Time...Very clean. Did not eat... Can't wait to go back next year.. I wish small children did not run around screaming and yelling. I don't mind them being there I just wish parents mad them use good manners! My only complaint.

We have gone to Emerald Downs at least once per summer for past 7-8 years.
Wife and I enjoy it and place a few small bets even though we are not educated on the subject of horse race betting ...
Our 8 year old has fun as there has always been things for him to check out, he likes the horses and excitement of the races, and the arcade.
A little variety can be found for food and drinks

We went for the first time with Grandkids. It was inexpensive as they got in free. The food was more reasonable that other venues in the area, and very good.

A recommendation, pay the extra 2.50 and get reserved seats. It is a much better view of the track and the races.

I went there for a dog sent trial. They have many events there during off racing time. It is a beautiful facility with gambling on other races showing on TV.
I want to go back and watch the racing, the track looks amazing. I don't gamble but the beauty of watching the gorgeous horses race would be thrilling! Go just for the fun of it. Gamble or not, it would be a great day!!

Our second trip to the food truck festival at the races. There has been a great selection each time. We've been to a few special events and this is one of our favorites. The staff is always very helpful at friendly. We always enjoy a great day at the races.

We like the atmosphere and when you go with a group it is a lot of fun. The weather was great so that helped too! Fun Friday they had drink specials and prime rib special too.

I attended a banquet at Emerald Downs and that's when I found out they have a Casino there too. Very nice operation.

Emerald Downs is not like many of the rundown and dirty tracks in other states. The Indian Tribe keeps the grounds clean and looking new - and the facilities are all in working order. EMD is a great place to spend a day with the family.

A visit to Emerald Downs is always a great way to spend an afternoon whether you want to bet on the horses or just look. Covered seating, lots of food options and action everywhere you look

A beautiful view of Mt. Rainier from anywhere at Emerald Downs..the grand stand keeps you dry if a rain cloud goes by, worth paying the extra $2.50 per seat for the entire day..try the restaurant at the Downs..a nice buffet.

I am an avid horse racing fan and make an effort to visit local tracks when we travel. I was thoroughly impressed with this track. First, the views from the track are spectacular. Mount Rainer is visible from the apron and on a clear day the views are amazing. Second, the park is very clean and family friendly. The are a variety of good food options including food trucks on site. There are stands serving shaved ice and ice cream. The grandstand has an arcade and large gift shop. Lastly, the track itself is laid out well and is a great place to watch horse racing. The paddock area is large and allows you to get up close to the saddling area. The infield has a large tote board with video screen. This is a great racetrack experience and I enjoyed Emerald Downs more than some of the big name tracks we have visited.

When the weather is nice, going to Emerald Downs horse racing is the perfect place to be--even if you don't want to bet on the horses. It is a family-friendly place and the children seem to really enjoy the horses. There are other activities for them, too. And there are obviously lots for adults to do, too!

Always a fun time on a Saturday afternoon, the staff is helpful, the pace is easy and the horses are exciting to watch. They routinely have family activities so it is a good place to take the kids, check their website for what events are scheduled. The cost of entry is reasonable and many times sites such as Groupon will have good deals on reduced ticket prices along with food coupons and a program. The grounds are kept clean and the visitors are well behaved. We attended a couple of times each summer and really enjoy the experience.

I had never heard of Emerald Downs before coming to Seattle for a holiday with my partner. He was the one who suggested we go and i'm so thankful he did.
The day we went was a very chilled day but it was also Irish day. Our routine was place a bet, get a drink, see the horses, watch the race then repeat. I had so much fun!! There was also a live band which added to the atmosphere.
We had one problem with one of the betting machines but that was quickly fixed by a member of staff. For future i would perhaps recommend not using a machine to make bets and collect winnings, its far easier with a human on the other side.
Overall a great day out and i would highly recommend going.

Apart from a few minor frustrations, this is a great place for a day at the races... vastly superior to Hastings in Vancouver. I particularly appreciate the design of the facility, with the paddock so easily accessible from the grandstand. But I'm puzzled why they have so few staff at the betting windows: I've never waited so long to bet at a track before! And the lines for food and drink are similarly long. Let's just say I've had to watch a race from a concession stand more than once, and this shouldn't happen at a facility where you have to pay for admission.

Horse racing at its best. Bring the kids (free admittance) because Sundays usually means the addition of kids things to do - pony rides, bouncy house, face painting. All kinds of food, from sandwiches, ice cream, kettle corn to inside table dining on the 4th floor. If you really want to see the "backside" of the track, go to the Quarter Chute Café for breakfast any morning. It's open to the public. You'll see and meet trainers, jockeys and you'll see the horses work out and train.

We have been coming to Emerald Downs (ED) for years, and usually have a great time. They charge adults for admission, so if you have a large group of kids, you can get off cheap. Compared to seeing the Mariners or Seahawks, this is a real bargain.

They have family days with free bounce castle, inflatable slides, face painting and pony rides. Food is not outrageously expensive, but you can bring your own - just not alcohol or open beverage containers (like your Starbucks latte). Free seating at the track level, but you can pay a little extra for grandstand seats, or buy box seats or tables at the Rainier Restaurant on the 5th floor. Reservations are taken up to two weeks in advance. If it's cold or rainy, it's worth it to sit in a paid seat, because the wind blowing along the concrete can get very chilly. Another advantage to the paid seating is that you can see the whole track, and not have your view of the track obstructed by the reader board or people standing in front of you. Seating on the 5th floor is particularly good.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the view of Mount Rainier is lovely. There's also a small air field nearby and lots of planes take off and land throughout the afternoon. And, there's train traffic, which is relaxing.

Visitors to ED represent a cross-section of America. All kinds of dress - from fancy evening wear with hats and gloves to grubby jeans and t-shirts and everything in between. All ethnicities. All ages. The smokers are segregated downwind. (My advice - wear layers.)

You don't have to bet to have a good time, but for those who want to learn about betting, ED has an education booth where you can get the basics. They don't talk down to you, so don't be afraid.

If you have questions about the track, ED's customer service staff is very helpful.

Nice time, free for military with id. Have fun watch horses and people, know when to hold them and when to fold them. All in all, fun time.

Fun day at the races, their Kentucky Derby party was so much fun, and a huge turn out, complete with Mint Juleps! Had such a great time already planning next years trip!

I hate watching people ruin perfectly healthy animals by running them until they are injured at an age most people would not even start riding.
It was great to be able to participate in a group meeting without being in the middle oft the chaos that is horse racing.

Nicely laid out. Cover options for inclement weather. Able to go to staging stalls & inhale the wonderful horses. Affordable if you don't drink beer. Beer prices 2 years ago were $6 which I thought much for having to go get it as well as wait in line. Only tried the short-order food; reasonable & satisfactory. Would like to try the restaurant one day. Great activity for a group even. Overall an inexpensive day out (again, assuming you don't drink beer).

Loved the Sunday horse races & Weiner dog races!!! Park for free, Get your Living Social for $10.00 for entrance, a free program and lunch included, Grab an umbrella covered table by the track for free get a cold beverage & enjoy a fun filled day at the track! Clean, safe and completely enjoyable day out!!! Highly recommend it!!!

We recently went to the 20th Anniversary celebration at Emerald Downs. It was a beautiful evening with no rain - well until we got ready to leave and then it was a deluge. There was thunder and lightning which caused the stewards to cancel the last race. But - prior to that there was a good race card for the evening. This is a very reasonably priced form of entertainment unless you wager too much. There are a number of places to stand, sit, eat and drink and a variety of foods available. Emerald Downs is always clean and inviting.

Went with friends and had a GREAT TIME. Cheap beers, a free training course on how to bet. We had such a great time! A fabulous way to spend an evening with friends.

We try to go once a year with the family. Fun to see the horses up close and to see them race. Kids love the food and they have free kids stuff on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months. If you call ahead of time, you can get a tour of the stables and see some of the training if interested.

We really enjoyed our afternoon at the races when visiting with around 20 of us in our party. We took rugs for the bleachers, as they were quite uncomfortable to sit on. A small track meant that we were able to see the races clearly. The children enjoyed the free activities on offer (wax hands, face painting and glitter tattoos). Food stands are quite expensive, as you normally find at these events. We brought in our own snacks (no opened drinks are allowed through the ticket barriers, so be sure to only bring sealed drinks). The ice cream from the ice cream parlour is huge & great value for money. My two children were able to share the small scoop and still couldn't manage their portions! The winners circle is lovely to head to. The cheaper parking was very busy by the time we arrived, with quite a queue, so we opted to pay for the more expensive parking, nearer to the entrance

I have been here a couple times and it is always really fun during mothers day and especially during the fourth of July! There's lots going on and seating usually isn't a problem

This was the first time i had been to the "horse races" in 20 years. I had been to the old track, but Emerald Downs was great.... clean, well laid out, easy access to food and drink, very friendly and helpful staff. Not much of a "better" but enjoyed the races. Look forward to the next trip

I have three sons and as each of them reached the 12th birthday I would take them to Emerald Downs for a special day at the track. We would rent third level box seats (a 4-seat box, but just for the two of us), get a couple racing forms (so we can study the odds), tour the Saddling Paddock (to inspect the horses), walk through the park (sampling the ice cream) and then, from our box seats, order up a wide range of terrific snacks to munch on as we debated which jockey & horse matches were bound to win. And occasionally, we would snake our way down to the fence side to taste the flying dirt as the horses ran past us before working our way over to the winner’s circle, when our rarely successful pick actually won. A great day for a dad and his son to bond and make wonderful memories. Well worth every penny spent (and lost).

A fun experience if you have never been to the horse races. People who work there are very nice and any questions you may have they are so helpful. Betting on the horses? If you have no clue they will help you figure it out. I won numerous times; even it was a little. Family fun there too. They have certain things through the season for family fun days. Fireworks....GREAT fireworks even if you don't enter into the gates you can see them while you are in the parking lot getting ready to go. Awesome display!!!

Spent the Friday night at Emerald Downs. I hadn't been there in a year and the place has really be remodeled and upgraded. I was really impressed with the whole place. The 5th floor features a classy dining and cocktail lounge and the other side of it has nice tables to plan your betting. A bank of TV screens to watch other race track plus even a TV's for local sports...hey like football and baseball too. The betting is easy too all right there. Oh, did I mention the food served was great too. Watching the races is easy from any location. If your looking for a fun and enjoyable day at the track you've found. I might mention that table games are there and slots are coming soon.

I've been to many racetracks over the years. This one is a new low. I guess it works for some people but not me.

It seems as if most people now are going to the casinos, which is too bad. There's nothing like watching the field come around the last turn heading for home, finding your horse and see how he'll finish.

We love family Sundays at the track. The kids get to eat ice cream, visit the horses, ride the ponies, and play games.

Fun night at the track. Food is very limited and not that good so eat before arriving. Seats are close to the action, also a Casio on premises.

Emerald Downs is a safe environment and offers some of the best thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in the NW. I have traveled to horse racing tracks all over the country and I can safely say the Emerald's facility is one of the best of the newer tracks. In response to one reviewer's comment about fairness of his payout on a bet, the amount paid is based on para mutual wagering and that means the payout on any ticket is based on how many bettors picked a particular horse to win, place or show. The teller that told him it was the computer is correct that the payouts are calculated by a computer but the amount is determined by the number of bettors.

Emerald Downs is an incredible Horse Racing Track! You can get up close by the ponies before they run so you can check them out! Various lengths of races, good food, expensive beer, clean everywhere you look, you can easily spend the whole afternoon here betting on the Horses and Jockies! Discounted admission for little kids and Seniors! We had a ball!

Emerald Downs seems to be a great and popular family day out. There were lots of activities for families and kids under 18 get in free (adults are 5$ with a "membership"). You can bring in picnic food (no glass or outside alcohol) and there are lots of tables with umbrellas available to eat at. The horse racing was good but there were lots of other activities too (it was Irish/Scottish day and there was a rose show going on too!). Parking was free (past the pay parking which is closer) and there was lots of it. There was also a whole area for new or first timers explaining how to bet and a bit about the horses/industry so if you do not have any idea how it works there is someone there to assist you (and they will not think you are stupid for not knowing!). Many tracks we have been to were mostly older "rail birds" drinking beer but this one was filled with families enjoying the day and putting a few dollars on the horses. Great day out!

Just off the freeway, lots of parking, buses from parking lot to entrance are good. Search for discount tickets prior to your visit, several options. If you are betting, set your limit prior to arrival, as it is easy to get carried away.

Prior to each race you can view the horses and jockeys at the north end of the stands from up close. Good for picture taking. Then they take the horses out and they walk past the grandstands so everyone gets a look and can choose their favorites. (You should also look at the data in the program available on the horses and trainers history of performance).

There are many betting options available. The smallest bet I believe is $2.00. You can make bets on many different combinations of horses. For beginners stick to one horse per race. Celebrate even if you only win two dollars.

There are lots of food and drink options, the lines get long right after a race, get to the food line early. The betting lines also get long, but move quickly. If you don't make up your mind soon enough, you may get to the line too late to place your bet.

Ther are seats in the shade if you desire that view, many race goers prefer to be closer to the action and right on the rail.

Being Horseyfans, we have visited nearly all the racetracks in the UK and like to visit new ones whenever we are on holiday. This is one the smaller overseas tracks we have visited but was very enjoyable. The racing (although lower grade) was competitive and the facilities/catering were very good - but a large TV screen opposite the stands would be a useful addition.
We were based in Seattle and used public transport to get the course. It was a fairly long (but cheap) bus ride to Auburn station and then the course provided a free minibus transfer to the course.
When we left before the last couple of races (only because of the length of journey ahead) the minibus took us straight back to the station without waiting around for ages for any other passengers. This enabled us to catch the bus back to Seattle on time and was excellent customer service.

We visited Emerald Downs on Italian Day. It was very fun! Valet parking was $10 and $6 self-parking. In between races there were entertainment (Italian dancers, band (singing in Italian), and pizza eating contest). Easy to bet on races. The was instructions in the program ($2.50) made it easy to make a wager on the race. It was worth purchasing. Don't worry about eating healthy when you go (because there isn't any). The concessions had problems keeping up and keeping stocked (ran out of coffee and it was not very good when they finally finished making it). Hot dogs were good, pizza was not. We liked the popcorn and ice cream. Family member said smoking area was great. Bathrooms were clean. I liked the gift shop (20% off sale). It was a very nice day.

My cousin has a horse so she brought me down there once and it was pretty crazy. I was driving by there yesterday and saw a Ferrari and a Lamborghini aventador racing. Luck???

Groupon gets you in for $10, and that includes a free racing form and a credit on food! Then you can bet as little as $2 on each race (it's really simple and they have instructions) and go crazy as your chosen horse heads for the finish line in a neck and neck battle (or limps home last, it hardly matters, it's still fun). 8 or 10 races and a few snacks later, you've just had a really fun day with friends at a cost of maybe $20.....or, who knows, if you pick them right you get paid to be there!

A good way to spend your day w/family. We always reserve a window table @ the Rainer Restaurant. It overlooks the finish line & each table has a tv telecasting every aspect of the race. It's cool on a hot day. You get there @ 2pm & the table is yours until the last race around 7pm. The betting window is convenient. The waitress brings you drinks right to your table. Then you spend the next 5 hours studying the race form then ordering appetizers, salads, main meal, dessert, coffee & aperitifs. The energy is cool and fun. We got three free tee shirts for going on a Mexico Day. Parking was $7. Admission was also $7 but w/coupons from the entertainment book, buy one get one free. 3 Free racing books too. If you really study all the stats on every race, bet wisely, you can win all of your $$ back & this days adventure is literally free. Good luck!

Emerald Downs is a good venue for race track patrons, small scale reunions, extended family get-togethers, or similar events.
Easy to get to, great view of Mt. Rainier and the grounds from all floors, especially from the upper floors with restaurant, etc. Plenty of betting windows and friendly tellers for newbies.
If you have a group of 5 to maybe 25, reserve a few tables at one of the restaurants and what a great setting! Magnificent views, good restaurant selections, lots of room, etc.
We have a yearly get-together of old college pals who golf regularly and we always have a final get-together toward the end of golf season.

It is always a great way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon and evening in the Great Pacific NorthWet. Buy a program so you can make intelligent choices on which horses to bet. This time out we couldn't pick a winner with a time machine but that doesn't take away from the fun to be had cheering on your latest "acquision." The staff and guests are polite and there are several venues from which to buy food and beverages. The myriad of betting schemes is extensive compared to when I would go to the races with an uncle many decades ago. Take the kids, but first check to see what events are being offered for them to enjoy, usually at least once a month they have some type of family events.

We go a couple of times a season and never tire of the beautiful landscape and of course the magnificent stars of the show the thoroughbreds.

We just wanted to settle in for the afternoon, watch the horses run and have a prime rib. Everything was very pleasant.

This great racing venue has a lot to recommend: reasonable prices, good seating and a nice selection of refreshments during the horse races. I went with a friend to watch the Indian Bareback Relay Races, a really exciting spectacle! However, there were FAR too many little kids running around, largely unattended. They bumped into us as we carried our beer to the table, (ground level) spilling it. They jumped on and off the other side of our table as we tried to watch the races, again spilling our beer. There should be some guidelines around this to ensure that adult paying customers an enjoy the races.

Emerald Downs was clean and safe, however I would not want to bring children at night but there were children there.
The Saturday buffet was good but they did not keep up with the food and the hungry masses. and at $27 a person they should have.
When making reservation for the buffet make sure you ask for the FLAT SCREEN monitor table!! I got stuck with a tiny 5"x5" old screen which cut off the odds and who came in what place - order.
Alcohol drinks are VERY strong!!!!
I like my drinks but they were too overwhelming and spoiled the flavor of a good drink.
If you buy box seats I would say get them indoors, they were nice and they had the updates flat screen monitors!
Only negative about the box seats, NO table just chairs. Would have been nice to have a table to lay race forms down.

From watching the Racehorses being saddled and promenading around the show ring,
To hanging on the fence at the finish line, to feeling and hearing the horses thunder down to the finish line. You cannot get a more personal experience anywhere in the USA
The sun shines and Mt Rainer is out in all her glory; a more perfect day is not possible unless you win your bet!!

I was there for my company Christmas party. The catered food was nice and staff was friendly. I will go back as it was worth the trip

We had a fun Sunday afternoon at the races! We happened to be there on exotic animal racing day - so fun. I saw folks who got there early and set up shop with coolers, tablecloths, games, cards, etc. This seems like a smart way to do it. Overall, I recommend checking it out!

We didn’t get a credit for food like supposed to, parking was unclear - but easy and free! And the “box seats” are totally not what we expected. We ended up hanging outside and some nice employees wiped down the rain covered tables. The employees were super nice and we had a great time meeting up with family. Overall it was really fun. The kids games like corn hole and giant Jenga were fun. It was kind of a bummer no employees could get the crowd of adults drinking beer off the kids jenga table game (the adults were not playing and kept offering to buy my minor family members alcohol). They were alright but creepy?... overall a 3/5 stars

The cool thing about this is the free course on how to bet; not many places show you how to do so. We really enjoyed the races and especially the cheap beer. If you've never been to a horse race, this is a fun place to go for your first time.

Ive lived in WA for over 10 years and never went to emerald down and finally this year for my birthday i brought 8 adults with me .. it was just terrible .. at the Rainier restaurant half of our orders didnt even make it to the table and the other half was cold,dry,bland.. we got there around 6 and their prime ribs were already sold out . The mongolian beef didnt taste like mongolian beef, the salmon dish was dry and cold. Was not what i expected from here.. very disappointed in our first time experience.. when we brought it to the manager she gave us free entry tickets .. we are military we get in for free and for 2 meals i paid for that was over 50 dollars and to be given a 9 dollar entry ticket is pathetic. Soooo disappointed because i gave this place a chance even after reading bad reviews .. SHOULDNT HAVE! ..

Can't believe my luck at this place. Only been there a couple times but left with more money then when I came. fun place

I am a seasoned Emerald Downs go-er, and have been there 20+ times. I recently went for opening day 2017. Typical of many sporting event venues, the food and drinks are pricey. Getting assigned seats in the grandstands is good to have a better view of the track and to keep you from getting rained on. It makes for a fun family outing, but isn't something I would want to do every weekend either.

You can have a great day of fun without ever placing a bet. Some days have special races (ostrich, dinosaur, zebra, bare-back, etc). Gorgeous views on clear days. Plenty of parking. Easy access off freeway. Kids can pet horses, etc. very family oriented. No negatives

I really wish they would put me thought into their food. Really nothing anyone with diet needs can eat. Thank goodness you can bring your own food in!

Great place to come for horse racing!
Good food, good drinks.
Love to come on opening day for the give-aways!

My family was visiting from Hawaii and my father had never been to a horse race and always wanted to see one. It just so happened that the Preakness was also going on during our visit. The place was very organized for such a large crowd and seemed to keep things flowing. The food was very average for a horse track. We got tickets for the preferred enclosed seating are on the 5th floor with a private dining experience. The menu, interestingly consisted of items you would see in Hawaii. Mahi Mahi, poke, etc. The facilities are clean and well kept. The only thing that was disappointing was the elevator. There is basically one elevator and sometimes the wait takes a while. Most people take the stairs but if you are with elderly people be prepared to wait during high traffic times (start and finish of the races). All in all it was a great experience!! The horses are amazing while performing!

Love the horses whether betting or not. Get close up by going down to the paddock to check out your favorites.
So many places to sit. In with the crowd or off on the 4th floor where we like to go and watch the TV.

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!

Bought a deal online that got us entry and a $10 food credit. Food isn't cheap, but we had a good time. It pays to case out the different food stand though because some offer different items. I wish we had seen the other side first because I would have preferred the hot sandwich to the hamburger I got. We had a great time picking a horse for each race. At $2 each race for the cheapest bet, it was a fun, slow paced, day. Don't forget that you can check out the horses before each race. I think if you go much earlier during the day they have tours and practice runs.

I am a real horseracing fan and have been to tracks all over the country so when visiting the Seattle area had to check out Emerald Downs. Had a very pleasant experience throughout the facility. We did the tour in the morning and it was very well done (thank you Phil) got to see the backside and even got into the jocks room, something no other track tour that we've done has included. Came back for the races in the evening and had a great time. This is not a big major racing venue but really well-run mid-sized operation. Very evident was the friendly atmosphere among the staff. Everyone, mutual clerks, bartenders, gift shop staff, ushers all were nice, friendly, and helpful to us and they all seemed to know each other and enjoyed what they were doing. Even if you are not a horseracing fan check this place out, you will not regret it.

We liked going to see Emerald Downs and watching the horses race. This is a nice horse racking track just south of where we were staying in Kent, Washington.

We went for the international wiener dog races and it was a blast! Horse racing in between as well of course. It was packed and had to park super far away but there's a complimentary shuttle you can hop on. We got a great package off the Groupon site too so check in there if you go.

This is a great place to go with your family or even for a date night. Several different seat options with lots of choices to eat and drink.

July firework display is amazing! Just be prepared for lots of people and lots of traffic getting out.

If you are not been to the horse races I recommend you give it a try. It is a blast. You can buy tickets for a minimal price (look at groupon) and then bet as much as you like. The food is okay, the atmosphere is great and the facilty is very clean and well kept. Parking is $7 reserved but there is also free parking a bit further from the facility.

We went to Emerald down with my son-in-law's family to celebrate his birthday. They have been doing family Birthdays here since it opened. What a fun evening. We found the employees to be really nice. It was clean. We were able to have about 12 folding chairs grouped together so we could all be together and fairly close to the track. I like that they play the race on the big screen so you can see how the horses are running. Our toddler grandson loved it. He liked was cheering the horses as they ran by him. There was enough room that one of the grandpas could walk behind him so he coif burn off energy without tripping people. We will go back!

Emerald Downs is a great place to go on a sunny day in your new sundress or just shorts and a T. (It's fun on a rainy day too). The beer is cheap, the crowd is fun and polite while they're at it and the horse racing is super exciting. Check it out.

Not being a native Washingtonian, there is something magical about seeing Mount Rainier in the distance. Fun races. Reasonable concessions. Definitely going again.

The facility is great, beautiful view of Ranier on the right day, comfortable seating areas, decent concessions. Lines aren't too long for wagering.

But if you're going just to go, and not too focused on the betting, check their website for Wiener Dog races.. they are great fun to watch and would be fun for kids.

Come with family or friends it's always a fun day at the track. The horses are beautiful and you can see them close up. Nice track. Clean. Good restaurant

Had an OK meal but the fun atmosphere made the time well spent. Nice to be able to watch the races from an air-conditioned, comfortable seat.

Fields are to small and favorites win 75% of the races.
Food is expensive and not very good. People working at windows are inattentive.

Came for Fathers Day as we do every year. First the negative- they need to add more tables. You can arrive over an hour before the races and still not get a table.

Positives:
kids in free
Plenty of free activities for kids
Plenty of choices and places for adult beverages
Plenty of machines to bet on - or with people too
The hat this year was the best in years
Great Horse Racing!

We always have a good time at Emerald Downs we always feel welcomed and we love love love the horses we need to help keep this place alive and open.

The hospitality is incredible and it was a great way to spend the day. It was my boyfriend's birthday and the bugler did him a special happy birthday song. The jockeys let me get a picture with them and everyone was very nice.

This is a great 4th of July activity. The fireworks show is some of the best. The buffet was ample with fresh food including hot and cold, fruit and vegetables, chicken and beef, and very nice deserts. Hosted bar is right under the tent. With friends present, this was one of the best 4th's I have had.
Make sure to spend the extra money on parking valet. You will be the first one's to leave. Otherwise you will be waiting 1 hr+. The evening fireworks end well before midnight so that is nice too.