EVENT SETTING I have been going the racetracks from a teenager to my adult life. I never had envisioned coming to a turf club at a racetrack as I felt that area was for the elite. The first time I went to a turf club was at Golden Gate Fields Racetrack more than fifteen years ago. There was an event that my co-worker invited me to come. Buffet was included and I was able to watch races. My experience at the Turf Club in Golden Gate Fields Racetrack changed my perception. I started going to the Turf Club in June 2021 when places were starting to open. That day in June was for the Belmont Stakes. I placed my bet on Rombauer who won the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields in February when at that time the racetrack had not been opened to the public. It was great to get back to normal. During that year the buffet was not available. In 2022 for the Kentucky Derby buffet was served at the Turf Club. I enjoyed my time while eating, drinking, and betting. Eventually the Turf Club would have the event "Second Saturday Buffet" where every second Saturday of the month the buffet would be served. During this event I started noticing a lot of events taking place at the Turf Club. I saw a 50-year reunion of El Cerrito High School. I've seen Catholic groups coordinating events. I've also seen a reunion of a college fraternity. In summer of last year it was announced that Golden Gate Fields Racetrack would close its live racing forever in December. Eventually there was a reprieve that the racetrack would remain open through June 2024. Starting last August I would come to the Turf Club when the buffet was available. Even though I was there to eat mainly I was there to experience going to Golden Gate Fields Racetrack. I came here on September the day after my birthday for the buffet before leaving to watch the college football game between Auburn and California. I went here to for the Breeders Cup Watch Party in November. Last February I came here for the El Camino Real Derby, which is a Kentucky Derby prep race. Twice I came here in May for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes watch parties. Yesterday was my final time to come to Golden Gate Fields Racetrack as it was the second last day of live racing. I came here for the Belmont Stakes Watch Party. I brought my nephew for his high school graduation gift. I was saddened that Golden Gate Fields Racetrack would be closing but I relished by enjoying my time at the Turf Club. In the Kentucky Derby I ordered the cocktail Mint Julep. For the Preakness Stakes I ordered the cocktail Black-Eyed Susan. For the Belmont Stakes I ordered the Long Island Iced Tea. Hearing the crowd cheer for their horses they bet to win is something I will miss from the Turf Club. Due to its closed area the Turf Club can be loud when people are yelling during the races. After the final race of the day I shook hands and gave hugs to people at the Turf Club. After the pandemic the servers and staff were helpful and inviting. They know and appreciate that life is short. I left the Turf Club past 6:30 PM knowing that I will never come here again. read more

See all

Date: 3/26/2022 Time: 1:05 PM 59° Sunny My husband and I were invited by one of my classmates to the Turf Club for a birthday celebration. Her friend turned 62 years old. It has been over six years since I came here for horse racing. Back then the Turf Club had a buffet with plenty cakes and pies. They no longer have the buffet, and I believe it is due to COV-19. My husband and I like watching the horse races in the Turf Club instead of sitting outdoor. I remember many years ago watching the races outdoor in the fall. Weatherwise it was cool and breezy. Definitely it is more comfortable sitting indoor. The employees at the entrance were friendly, especially the gentleman at the podium. He was the "ambassador" of the Turf Club, greeting and escorting guests to their respective tables. Service was slow when it came to ordering from the menu and receiving the items. Besides my husband, two people at our table ordered the Turf Club sandwiches. Those items came out quick, and we found out that those sandwiches were given to us in error by an employee on the wait staff. Ooh, there was one thing I did not want to hear within earshot was an employee scolding another employee for the error. The main person helping us was Catherine. She was very patient and accommodating with us and other guests. There was a limited selection on the menu - starters, soup/salads and sandwiches. Prices were slightly pricy. Eats & beverages: turf club sandwich, fries included, and a margarita for husband, Caesar salad with shrimp, onion rings and an Arnie Palmer for me. I always order an Arnie Palmer as a taste test to determine whether the food is going to be delish. The tea passed even though I had better elsewhere. Husband said margarita was not strong enough, as in alcohol. It was sent back to the bartender and the second one was better. My Caesar salad with shrimp was on point. The onion rings with ranch dressing were yummy and I wanted more. I love onion rings and by far they were better than those in a fast food joint. I'm not much into placing bets on horses. I have become cheap in my old ways. I perused the program and I wanted to place a $2.00 bet on a horse named Cheap Cheap Cheap in the 8th race for the way I felt. Alas, I was not able to do it. My husband's Inogen pack was running low on oxygen after the seventh race. We had to leave and head home. I can't really say when my husband and I will return for a day at the races. Peace out! read more

See all

I would come here to celebrate my bday pre and post covid. Unfortunately, after covid the food went down hill. Pricey and not that great. But service is good. Sad it is shutting down. read more

Turf Club - Golden Gate Fields - Horse Racing Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Food is delicious! I wasn't able to take any photos because I scarfed it down so fast. The servers are also very friendly and nice. We always have a great experience whenever we dine here and watch the races! read more

I had a wonderful time with my daughters in the Turf Club. They have never been to GGF, and what a perfect introduction. It was a beautiful day, and there was great racing. The food was very good and our waitress was always checking on us. We had a great afternoon. Now, if the track would please stay open. read more

Great area to view the race's and the food and service was good. The staff was attentive and helpful to a large number of of my family and friends. read more

A great day adventure nearby. Food was good and service too. Brings back memories of days gone by.

Cozy for watching the races BUT horrible for large groups. We went to the turf club on a Sunday as part of a birthday party, a group of 30-40 and food service was terrible, low staff, and unorganized. Multiple tables received wrong orders, and wait for food was lengthy. No drinks were served as they should have been (water, tea, coffee) one of our family members started to SERVE coffee to help staff. Waiters did their best, but management of food/beverages was poor. And this was a planned event, staff should have been prepared for a large party. read more