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Arlington Park Racetrack
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
2200 W Euclid Ave(at Wilke Rd)
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 385-7500
- Hours:
Wed-Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
133 reviews for Arlington Park Racetrack
133 reviews in English
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Review from Liz T.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2012
This is one of those reviews I don't want to write because I'm afraid more people will do it and it will become crowded and less fun for me.
That being said, this is good cheap fun! You can bet on machines so its not intimidating and bring in your own food. It's outside, its relaxing (that's right its relaxing, unless you're betting big bucks) and I like it! i say go! -
Review from Steve D.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the nicest horse tracks in the country. The facilities are always clean, and the location is surprisingly welcoming for families. Food can be a bit pricey, but you are allowed to bring your own and camp out at a table. Still one of my favorite places in Chicagoland to spend an afternoon.
Four stars instead of five because of the nickle-diming the track has done to patrons over the past couple of years. $8 admission is pretty steep in comparison to most other tracks, plus they've begun charging for programs. With the money coming back from the casino fund it would be nice if some of those benefits made their way to the patrons. Still, a great place and a must-see. -
Review from Matt M.
2/26/2012
I've been to a lot of racetracks in the U.S. over the years (no I am not a compulsive gambler! - just and equine enthusiast with a knack for picking winners).
This is what is referred to as "top tier". The services, the facility, the horses, the atmosphere are all the highest quality in the industry. Its evident when you pull up to this huge facility. Everything is way cleaner and less mobbed up than its contemporaries in the Chicagoland area.
A great place to spend a summer afternoon. -
Review from Kris G.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2012
I don't give many places a full 5 stars, but the Arlington Racetrack deserves every one... and then some! This place is so much fun! I just went this morning for the first time for a wedding shower. It was in the Million Dollar Room which had a delicious buffet, a nice quiet dining area, and you can see the racetrack from above through the large windows. Then for a more casual tone, we spent the rest of the afternoon on the main level watching the horses and placing our bets!
The racetrack is just such a great place to spend a summer day with your family and friends - out in the sun, eating and drinking cheering on your horse! a definite fun time! -
Review from Jean S.
Cicero, IL
5/14/2012
This place just oozes class. It's clean, the horses have class, very little riff-raff to deal with at this track. If you have one single solitary negative thing to say about this track, go to Hawthorne in Cicero just one time. Just once. Then go back to Arlington, you'll swear you just walked in the Emerald City, or Valhalla, or the Taj Mahal of horse racing. You haven't lived until you are standing at a self service kiosk at Hawthorn placing bets and minding your own business when someone snatches your voucher right out of the machine before you have the chance to do so. Yep, true story. Had $30 bucks on it, too. Told the friendly staff at Hawthorne and was abruptly told, "too bad." I don't think that kind of thing would happen at Arlington. I love this place, it is freakin' gorgeous. Take the trip and bring the fam. You'll feel like you are in a Ralph Lauren ad!
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Review from Pat E.
Updated - 5/14/2012
Compared to OTBs and other tracks, this place is pristine! I want to take my dad for Father's Day.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2010
Awesome! Always fun to spend the day at the track! I went here once for a wedding reception (which… Read more »
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Review from Chirag P.
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
First time at the races yesterday and this was quite fun. Luckily we were in a suite so everything was fully catered along with an open bar, but Arlington Park is really nice. I have nothing to compare it to, but this one impressed me. It was also nice that we could take the Metra from the city and it drops you off literally right in front of the main entrance, of course on the way back you have to plan accordingly, since it's almost 2 hours or more in between trains. I had this amazing spinach mac & cheese that I had to go for a couple of times. The chicken adobo with rice was also really good. As for the horse racing, I was learning as I went, of course a little beginners luck involved, but I soon got the hang of it and was doing pretty good. Check it out if you get the chance, or if you just want a fun day out, it's worth it to take the hike up here.
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Review from Bobby D.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
A nice horseracing venue. Though I wish I was here before the tragic, devastating 1985 fire which consumed the whole original platform and much of the venue. Also known as the "Grand Old Lady".
Yet the park is still a great forum for horseracing activities
Yet one qualm I have, Is the box seats. And practically sharing with some strangers. They could have a much better seating policy. -
Review from Paul K.
East Dundee, IL
5/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
It's Arlington. Next to Churhill Downs, there is not better track.
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Review from Ben V.
Downers Grove, IL
5/14/2012
This place is really going downhill. We have gone to the Terrace Cafe for years as it has always been a decent deal and you get a table with an umbrella, plus the price included admission. Well the admission is not included anymore (they never explained this new policy on the website when booking) and when we opened our umbrella men in black suits (not kidding) came around within minutes to explain we had to close them for "safety reasons". Keep in mind it was 72 degrees with nearly zero wind.
The staff was pretty rough- they messed up basically everything we ordered and were very slow despite the actual cafe area being fairly empty (probably due to the new policy of not including admission with the 45 dollar price).
Granted most people don't do the whole cafe thing, and I don't recommend it as all you get is a table basically now that the admission isn't included.
The rest of the track is nice, well kept, and its a beautiful facility, but the prices are outrageous and have been going up severely for about 3 years now- A very generic 10 ounce bloody mary was 6.50 and you would be hard pressed to tell if there was any booze in it.
They have now also instituted a rule where no alcohol is sold after 10 minutes to post on the final race- definitely annoying.
I will still go here- its a fun time and a very nice/unique place, but it is really starting to reek of a place owned by a faceless corporation desperate to squeeze every penny out of everyone who walks through the front gate. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
8/18/2011
$7 gets you into a lot here. Beautiful grounds. Cheap beer and food. You can rent tables for cheap for your party. Not to mention bringing in your own food. :)
Buy a program and don't forget to get your cheap pen for a souvenir of the day! Place your bets - no need to be intimidated - plenty of electronic machines everywhere where you can study and figure it out yourself.
Enjoy! -
Review from Matt T.
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Arlington Park Racetrack is always a good time. The races are fun especially when you bet a little cash to make it interesting. I guess I wouldn't go unless I put some money down but for a fun afternoon go to Arlington with some friends or the family.
If you want to reserve a general admission bench you got to get there early. Races start at 1pm (9 races in all, every 30 mins) so I'd get there around Noon. $8 gets you in the door and you can sit on a bench, stand, sit on the steps, etc. The programs are $2.50 (free back in the day but I know Arlington is struggling) and they give you basic info on how to bet and good info on each race. I don't pretend to know how to read the program but my wife does, so that helps.
If you want reserved seats you can pay more and buy the tickets online. I've sat in the reserved area that is like a private booth with a TV, a table and servers, which is nice. This is not that expensive either.
The food is very mediocre but it's basically what you'd get at any other sporting event. A bit pricey but cheaper than Wrigley Field. Beer is also moderately priced for a Miller Lite in comparison to Wrigley or the Bears game. There's ample selection of food, a brat and sausage station and a bar with mixed drinks (bloody marys, pina coladas, etc).
All in all, Arlington is a fun time, it's something different to do on a Sunday afternoon and the price won't break the bank (as long as you don't develop a gambling problem). -
Review from Jelena Z.
7/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Without a question, I just witnessed the best fireworks display of my life. I would elaborate, but you'll have to wait because I'm busy driving back to the racetrack to pick my jaw up from the floor. I think they took half of the day's gambling proceeds and literally burned the money by way of a spectacular show in the sky.
Insane! I'm still reeling. -
Review from Chelsey O.
Chicago, IL
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The track is lovely and most of the seats offer a great view. Staff on the other hand are not so attractive or helpful. One teller informed us that " every time you use a machine you are putting someone out of work." Take it up with management buddy.
Food options for someone who doesn't eat meat or processed foods - not great. -
Review from Curt L.
Elmhurst, IL
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
We are so fortunate to have a world class racetrack here in Chicagoland.
Always bring visitors here.
It nevers fails to impress.
You can bring in food.
Try the picnic tables at the 3rd turn. A little sunny in the summer but a fun spot.
Computer terminals provide an option for betting. No need to go to the "old ladies".
Beer always tastes great here -
Review from Vince A.
6/22/2011
This review is specific to the Million Room. The actual track is great with enough to keep kids busy for the day and the horse races are fun to watch and bet on. Definitely best to pack a picnic lunch and bring it on in as food costs are high here.
Now on to the Million Room, we went here for Fathers Day with a large group. We made reservations in advance and were not told that 1) it would be a buffet and 2) where we would be seated. Buffets are great but at the cost and the group we were with, none of our participants could really justify the cost (42 bucks). As for seating, they have great tables along the windows so you can see the whole track. Unfortunately, we were placed in a back area that I had never sat in before. You had no view of the track and had to walk up to see the races. This was a big no no in my book. I should have been told ahead of time and I would have politely declined the reservation. The food itself was fine but they ran out of most of the food by the 2nd race. AND they charged for cokes and coffees which most buffets include in the cost of the meal. Just all in all a bad experience. -
Review from Sarah S.
We held our company party here in the marquee tents about a month ago. The planning process was interesting because the person assisting us changed three times prior to the party happening. It led to a bit of confusion and having to repeat our choices as far as dining and drink package but it wasn't a huge burden.
It was extremely hot on the day of our party...so be warned there is no air in the marquee tents, just some big fans. It was cooler inside the open tent then sitting out in the scolding sun. Either way, it was better then it being rainy out. The food wasn't anything to write home about and I wish it had been a bit tastier as it was quite pricy per person. We opted for a liquor package plus added an additional hour and our bartender was great. He remembered what I liked most and didn't skimp on the hard liquor.
It was a lot of fun placing bets right in our tent and the lady who was assigned to us at the time of the party was very friendly and helpful. All in all, a good spot for a work party which came out to about $100/person for all you can eat and drink and the tent itself. Betting is extra! :) -
Review from Steve G.
6/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I should ding them a star for crappy beer selection, but the pure joy of a day at the races in this parklike setting easily trumps that negative. If you haven't been here in the last 5 years, make a promise to yourself to get here this summer. And bring the whole family! Kids love this place. Check their website for special events.
$8 or less gets you in the door. Bring your cooler with snacks for the kids and you can have a day of fun and racing excitement for next to nothing. Win a bet or two and the whole day is free! -
Review from Sarah G.
Arlington Heights, IL
Updated - 9/24/2011
My horse lost , my other horse lost , my horse lost ,
had 3 beers , an ice cream , the staff was not polite at the counter
my horse - that was to show - won , I left with no cash on hand
, but I had fun , and next time , maybe my horse will be winning
next year1 Previous Review:
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4/8/2009
great place
especially on sunday for family
have won 50$ once
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Review from Julie O.
7/5/2011
Fun, fun, fun, here we come!
Arlington is a great place to spend a nice day outside. The grounds are lovely. The races are lively.
I have never paid to park and the admission price is reasonable. The daily program costs a couple dollars and is totally worth it. It not only details the horses, farms, owners and jockeys, but also gives the downlow on all the bets so when you get to the cashier you can be all fancy boxing your $1.00 trifectas!
Food options are no worse than any other stadium. The soprts bar they put in is great for drinks, with a few decent beers on tap. Also new this year was a gluten-free kiosk in the food court.
Can't wait to get back! -
Review from Andy K.
Lombard, IL
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last time I was here, I was 12. Now I'm 30 and can actually do something ... so I did. My workplace had a weekend get-together here in one of the Marquee Tents. Let me be blunt about the location of the tents: it sucks. You see the horses trot by on their way to the starting line, and the finish line is way up the track from the tents, so you never actually see them run full-tilt. Now, if they put the Marquee tents on the *other side* of the grandstand, that'd be excellent because you'd see the horses coming around the bend to the finish.
The food was okay in terms of flavor. Can't speak to price because it was paid for. My wife waited a little long before trying the potato salad (which had bacon, which is key because I don't normally eat potato salad) and ended up paying dearly that night, to the point that she had to call off of work after spending over an hour shut in the bathroom. Not cool.
The package we ordered had a bar. It was apparently one of the mid-range packages. I had enough rum & cokes to become an honorary pirate, and I won the last 5 races I bet on so I just kept the liquor flowing.
As this is the only racetrack of this variety I've been to I don't have much to compare it to. But overall I came away from it thinking "hey, I can come here with my wife every now and then and have fun." -
Review from Ericka A.
8/25/2010
I used to live down Northwest Highway from here and would even pass it on my way to skating and kept telling myself that I would go, but it never happened. It finally took my friend Rachel J. inviting me for her friend's b-day party to come, and that almost didn't happen because I didn't want to be a party crasher. Her friend was not only great about having the extra company, but was quite the gracious hostess. She hooked us up.
We got to take advantage of the ARC patio on the main floor. The view wasn't so good, but they have many TVs inside and you would only have to walk about ten feet into the glaring sun to watch any race. It also had easy access to the lower areas where you can get up close and personal with the track. At the end we were able to go down into the paddock and take pictures of the horses for the last race. I'm all giddy just thinking about it.
Prices on food and beverage were a bit crazy, but they let you bring in your own food (in proper containers - no glass or metal utensils, no liquids). That cuts down the prices a great deal. Then you bet on games for as little as $1. I mostly put down $2 bets on the winners and did a couple trifectas. Came out just a little behind at the end of the day.
I'm not one to really get into sports, but I was screaming my head off for Eclaire De Lune. The odds were against my little horse, but he came through and turned my $2 into $22. I was jumping up and down, hooting and hollings, doing my best My Fair Lady impressesion. "C'mon Dover, move your bloomin' arse!"Listed in: I Like It On The Patio!, NW Highway My Way!
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Review from Kyle H.
7/1/2010
Arlington Racetrack served as a great place for our work's Summer Outing. Preferred parking for $5 is totally worth it, as it gets you right up next to the park.
Our company had reserved the Miller Lite Party Deck on the third level. Employees at Arlington are super polite, I love that! We had a great selection of salads, and picnic fare, and the spicy pulled buffalo chicken sandwiches were good!
I don't know much about racing, but followed my instincts, read up on horses in the program, and had a co-worker help me place bets on the self-serve machines. If you don't know how to place a bet the program gives you exact wording on how to place those Exacta Wheels and Trifecta Boxes, so just wheel on up to a cashier and they'll place the bet for you!
Arlington is impeccably clean, and kids are everywhere enjoying the horses, the sun, the action. Of course, being a bass player, I had to put a bet on Jazz Odyssey to win in the 6th! He came through for me, and cashing out was easy peasy. It was a great relaxing day! Driving or Metra- I'd totally come to Arlington again.Listed in: Tourist for a Day
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Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/22/2008
$7 in admission.
$2.40 to bet on a superfecta, which included Elusive Man and Wild Expectations (yes, I bet solely based on names, and throw an underdog in)
$5.75 for a huge Miller Lite
Not having to go downtown with my family: PRICELESS.
So, on a $2.40 bet I won about $40, so I'm thinking I came out pretty good for the day. Drinking beer, soakin' up some sun, and pretending that I know what I'm doing when it comes to horse betting...Listed in: Summer dreamin', Entertaining Dad.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/23/2007
Ok, so I'm not really a gambler. At all. I hate casinos, I can't play cards worth a damn...yeah, I'm… Read more »
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Review from ann s.
Evanston, IL
2/24/2011
Just a tip: If you bet on a horse named "Colonel Klink," you deserve what you get. Which for me was $2 down the drain.
I'm not a regular, but I go with friends every so often. One of the things that's nice is that there are so many seating choices. If you're down in the stands, admission is pretty inexpensive, and it's reasonable elsewhere as well. Last time we got a box, which sat five of us comfortably. There's a server to bring you food and drink (not the cheapest snacks you'll ever order), and the betting machines are conveniently just inside. We've also done the deal where you book a table in the Million Room. The food costs a bit too much, but you get to monopolize the table while you watch the races. And if it's a really hot day, the AC can make it very pleasant. Biggest bonus of all: the horses are beautiful. -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2010
Some friends and I donned our best Kentucky Derby garb and headed here to spend the day.
Parking is free and there's plenty of it, so big ups to that.
Arlington Park is a veritable adult playground without the hefty pricetag that typically accompanies places like this. We paid $13/person for box seats, all day long. Not a bad deal.
The venue itself is many levels, and it's quite clean and spacious. I never felt like I was on top of people and this was on one of their busiest days of the year. They also have great music piped in - I never expected to hear Bob Mould at Arlington Park Racetrack.
Despite the cool weather, it was a lot of fun. I am not well versed in horse racing at all, but one needn't be to enjoy themselves here.
There's a plethora of food and liquor options. I especially loved the bloody mary booth where you can customize your drink with all the garnishes. For $6, it was a damn good bloody mary.
I know one doesn't visit Arlington expecting to have amazing food options, but if I'm going to spend upwards of eight hours here, I want to be able to enjoy something decent.
We found a concession stand that served some odd food. To wit: a hamburger quasi-dilla. What the f*ckety f*ck is that you ask? First off, the name is hilarious. I assume they meant quesadilla, but quasi-dilla was exactly how it appeared on the menu board.
This strange concoction was a cross between a hamburger that was broken apart, some congealed cheese sauce and flour tortillas. I couldn't stomach this but two of my friends ordered this. This supports my belief that men sometimes will truly eat anything.
Quasi indeed: Quasi edible. Quasi stomach pains. Quasi money wasted.
My female friend and I have higher standards apparently, so we opted for turkey sandwiches. They sounded promising. Real carved turkey - how bad can that be, right? They were served on hamburger buns. I'm not sure why bread is a rare commodity at Arlington?
Anyway, Arlington is a great place to spend the day that won't break the bank, and as long as you're not expecting gourmet cuisine, you'll have a perfectly lovely day. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
6/15/2008
Arlington, you are a fun afternoon out. I love sitting in the sun, watching gorgeous horses race by while I sip on an icy beverage. I can almost pretend I am wearing a frothy black & white dress, carrying a parasol and having a terribly high-class time about the whole thing.
("Come on, Dover, move yer bloomin' arse!")
Alas, instead I end up with a sunburnt nose, too many children and beer-bellied men crashing into me, and all my money gone on losing bets.
And then I think, "Sorry Arlington, you are no Ascot." -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
7/27/2008
Gorgeous, clean grounds. It's been here since before the Depression. It's absolutely one of the most beautiful sports venues anywhere. And beautiful athletic specimens parading before you throughout the day - how cool is that? Racehorses really are exquisite, especially since I never bet on sports, and I could just enjoy them. This facility is so huge it would rarely feel crowded, and it's accessible on METRA.
And, how can one complain about being a comped guest in the International Room, with it's pristine, expansive views, at a charity benefit that provided open bar and a buffet - - on a gorgeous day no less?
The highlight of the day, apart from my seven-star hostess, was my trip to the men's room, which was a scene right out of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
This was a benefit for the disabled. I got into the bathroom and wheelchair guy was attempting to use the regular guy urinal. And his friend was trying to help him. But there was nowhere for me to pee. I gave them an "ahem," and amidst the stumbling and fumbling wheelchair guy mumbles to me ever so sweetly while pointing to the handicap stall: "that one is open." -
Review from Ben K.
5/20/2009
I went here for the Kentucky Derby a couple weeks ago and I have to say that Arlington Park is a fantastic venue for almost any occasion.
To begin with: transportation. The Metra station for Arlington Park is literally in the parking lot for the venue itself. Getting here from downtown Chicago could not be easier. The ride is about 45 minutes, and you can crack a beer open on the train if you want to.
The racetrack itself is a beautiful facility. Its concourse is massive, with many layers of concessions, alcohol vendors, and human and automatic betting tellers. You can pretty much buy/wager anything you want, anywhere you want. Watch out though, if you are trying to place bets within the last few minutes before post time for a race, you will be fighting the crowd to do so.
Once you cross through the front doors outside, the track comes into view and it is a beautiful sight. The dirt race track is on the outside, guarded only by a metal railing such that you can walk right up to the dirt itself during races! The infield inside is a large expanse of greenery, with a big lake and plenty of nice looking foliage. There's also an absurdly complicated array of monitors and LEDs that display everything you could possibly want to know about the betting action on whatever the next race is.
There is A LOT of good seating at Arlington, so be prepared to make some choices. You can sit on the grass at a picnic table over to the left, where there are fewer betting tellers but a live band plays between races (you can bring your own picnic as well). You can sit directly in front on one of the many straight backed benches that have the best view of the finish line. You can go all the way up to the rail and scream your guts out like your family's chances of eating dinner tonight depend on the outcome of the next race and the small square betting ticket in your hand. Finally, the grandstand (there are two upper levels above the concourse, each of which has a multitude of food and beer vendors and betting stations as well) is a great place to get out of the sun. Seating is assigned but it's never crowded up there and nobody's checking.
All in all Arlington Park provides an awesome experience. There is something for almost everybody from the soccer mom with a gaggle of little children to the degenerate alcoholic with a gambling problem. I will keep coming back every year. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2009
Things I wish I'd known before my first trip to Arlington:
you can bring your own food
you can bring blankets, chairs, coolers, etc
you "can" bring in your own drinks...if you are sneaky
you can leave and come back
if you want to get a table, you need to come early
July 3 is a cluster of annoying children
Despite not knowing just how to make the most of our experience, we still had a great time watching the equine atheletes demonstrate their power. We won some, we lost some, we spent about $50 over the course of 4 hours. But next time we'll know better.
Next time we'll:
place all our bets at once (less crowd-battlng each time, plus less chance you'll "let it ride" because you feel lucky, or decide not to bet one race. . .which of course is the race you would have won big bucks on)
bring our own food
come early and camp out at a table or with our own blanket
smuggle in some tasty drinks to offset the $6 weak drink cost
not come on an uber-family-friendly day
With a few tweaks, this could be a very enjoyable, exciting, and inexpensive way to spend a day. -
Review from Daphne L.
7/21/2009
I haven't been to Arlington since it was revamped several years ago, and went for the reopening on Mother's Day, complete with opening day hat and cute linen dress. Forward to 2009, and it's still as much fun, and a great way to spend an afternoon.
We were there this past Sunday with friends for a day of races and betting, and some decent drinking for good measure. We reserved a box, which is the PERFECT way to do a day at Arlington: under the pavilion (I guess that's what it's called), your own seating area complete with comfy chairs, a table, and, t.v. to keep up with the White Sox in between the races. Best part about the box seats? They're only $10/apiece when reserved online..sweet! You do have to purchase general admission as well, but at $6 there's nothing to complain about. We watched the races, did some betting (and won!), laughed, talked, and had a great afternoon at Arlington.
A few pointers:
1. The parking lot fills up quickly, but, anyone can park in the "Preferred" area, as opposed to "General" for a mere $5. In my opinion, that is $5 well spent so as to avoid the trek from general to the front entrance.
2. Buy your tickets on line! It's not hard usually to get box seats, and if you get them on line ahead of time, you pay $10 instead of $12.
3. The bathrooms are divine! You'd think that with the number of patrons passing thru on any given weekend the bathrooms would look like monkeys had been let lose, but quite the contrary. They are clean and tidy, and that's just what I like in a public setting.
4. The Metra stop is literally right on top of the park, so if you prefer not to drive it's a great alternative. -
Review from Erin B.
4/23/2007
I love spending a weekend afternoon here. While I have no idea how to really bet on the ponies, it's so much fun to pick a favorite based on number, color, name, or jockey's jersey! Perhaps its because I have so many memories spending the afternoon with my Gramma and Great Aunt and family, but all in all, it's beautiful here!
The food is great, and is prepared by Levy Restaurants (note, I do work for them in the summer time, however, their food is the best!), and I've never really stood in line a long time for bets or food.
Just a note, get there early, or you'll be walking SUPER far to get back to your car after the race!Listed in: Awww Yeah!, Coming to Chicago??
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Review from Nick M.
5/22/2008 1 Check-in Here
It's like Chuck E. Cheese for adults, think about it...you put money into a machine ($2.00 bets which is probably what it costs kids now) trying to win, you eat junk food (the restaurant has better food then the vendors), and you have drinks. Ok so ours have alcohol in them but still you can't help but feel like a kid again here.
I have been here for work events, charity, family and friends. It's almost the funniest thing you can do on a sunny summer day. It's super clean, the tellers will help those who are not so sure on how to bet and the horses are beautiful.Listed in: I bored take me to......
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Review from JAMES M.
Chicago, IL
9/16/2008
I totally like this place. The Metra dropped us off right inside the parking lot! Again Inside the parking lot!!! Awesome!
Good food, a nice clean race track!
and its fun!
Im not a big gambler on horses, but I couldnt help myself.
I had alot of fun and am looking forward to going back!
SHake & bake seal of approval -
Review from Beth M.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2008 1 photo
Eh.....er.....um.....well......
I realize that I'm the lowest rating here but I'm going to stick to my guns. I have not given up on Arlington Park Racetrack but I'm definitely not in a hurry to go back. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
First, the good:
Beautiful, manicured lawns
Clean facility
Clear, easy to read program that explains the different kinds of bets
The bad:
Ridiculously overpriced food
Ridiculously grumpy cashier/bet takers (use the machines instead!)
I'm not a fan of most of the clientele
And then there's the whole animal cruelty thing. Yes, horses like to run--but around a track in the 90 degree heat with a little guy on its back, whipping it? One horse fell down at the start and I swore to myself that if it didn't get back up I was never going to a horserace again. It did get up, luckily, and looked like it was okay.
And I'm not bitter because I lost money. I actually broke even.
If you don't over-analyze the animal cruelty thing and go with a good group of people, you will probably enjoy APR. -
Review from Stacey A.
7/29/2007
I spent the first thirteen years of my life wanting to be a jockey. I'm a teeny tiny girl with a thing for horses - seemed kind of a natural fit. And then I learned that jockeys don't make any money, have little to no health insurance, and that girl jockeys are basicaly treated like crap.
So I got over that career dream, because the un-romanticized version of it sucks.
Still, the racetrack itself is GORGEOUS and clean and vibrant and spacious. If you know how to play the ponies, your drinks will pay for themselves. If you are a short female, the jockeys will catcall in your general direction, and if you say that you're looking for work as a groom and look legit, you can poke around the stabling area in the back.Listed in: Schaumpton, What?
-
Review from Janet K.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2009
Next time I wake up on a Sunny Sunday I'm heading back to the track!
I grew up about 5 miles away from this place and never went. A group of about 15 of us happily drank, ate & gambled our Sunday away and I can't wait to go back.
If you're going with a larger group definitely send someone early to grab tables - and bring food! We had ourselves a feast and broke even which is winning to me ; ) -
Review from C. Benjamin W.
Chicago, IL
9/8/2007
I grew up in the shadow of the old burned down Arlington Park. I remember there being a lot of excitement when they reopened the track when I was eight, but neither of my parents nor any of my friends parents were racing fans. Naturally, I never made it out there. For all I knew, it was a good idea to stay away from Euclid Ave. after the last race finished because you would experience as close to Arlington Heights has to a traffic jam. (A close second would be crossing the tracks at Arlington Heights rode during rush hour with all the commuter trains.)
It wasn't until a friend's bachelor party this summer that I actually went to the track for the first time and I absolutely and unequivocally fell in love. Even knowing very little about horses and betting, it is easy to have a good time there.
Being very aware of a dark hour of my life as a preteen at a local festival with the quarter pusher machines and seeing how games of poker between friends can become very unfriendly, I have always had a cynical eye on gambling. But it is not the gambling that I enjoy about Arlington Park. Just having a horse in a race is exciting. So when the pack tears around the turn and you watch and hope that your horse can pull into the lead into the final stretch, you realize that it's not about gambling at all. It's about the horses.
So here is how a total neophyte should plan an afternoon at Arlington. First, go with friends. There is about 25 minutes between races and you don't want to spend that time talking to yourself. Pack a lunch. You are allowed to bring coolers into Arlington Park. Just don't bring glass, alcohol, or fast food. Make some nice big sandwiches and bring bottles of water. You will save an awful lot of money. Bring $26 dollars (6 of those dollars is admission) and don't plan on seeing that money back. You should prepare to have a good time, even if you get skunked in all ten races. The point is to have a horse to root for, not to get mad because you lost money. (The track wouldn't be in business if they didn't take your cash readily.) Then just put a simple $2 bet on every race. If you want to go conservative, put down "show" bets on favored horses.
Once you get the hang of the betting kiosks and reading the program, you can start looking at more exotic exacta and trifecta bets.
But whatever you do, don't forget to take in the pure majesty of the grounds and the excitement of the race. Even if it's not your horse pulling ahead at the finish, someone around you has put $2 on that horse to win and is giving every ounce of support to the jockey. -
Review from Franklin D.
Arlington Heights, IL
4/8/2007
I love the track!
My wife and I packed up the kids and went down last summer and let them run on the big grassy slopes in back of the grandstand. Lots of stairs and walking involved. Cheap to get in, somewhere between $3 and $5 I think. Of course the track is more fun when you win but there are plenty of food, bars, gift shop, etc. to distract you between races either way.
It's easy to access from the Union Pacific Northwest line of the Metra (the one that goes to Crystal Lake). -
Review from Eve A.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2006
World-class racing, fun atmosphere, reasonable drink prices and decent food. $2 minimum wagers - just about in my range for gambling purposes. Love that it's right off the Metra UP-NW...must get back here sometime soon.
Four stars and not five because I know what happens to racehorses when they get hurt :(
