This is the first time I've been here and it was quite eventful. To enter you'll need to pay $5 through the club house. There is the turf entrance but it was too hot for that. Once you go through the doors there's an escalator and stairs to go up. I got here at 12pm to get our table ready because apparently it's a packed house due to the prize amount being $200k assuming you win Turf Paradise races 3-8. I only won race 2 putting horse number 8, Dos Special Eye8Mark A. Jasso | Alex Garcia. With $2 to bet to win I won $15.80 haha! Betting on the horses using the trifecta way was very difficult and costly. You can go to the machines to bet where you'll get the change on a betting ticket to use as your money. Or you can use the cashiers to place your bets. We tried the bowl of beef chili (which was more like paste consistency rather than soup so we ate these with some of our nacho chips), nachos and chips with salsa and guacamole. Tables are very minimal and space is tight. Most are 4 chairs to a table. Our server was very friendly and attentive. There were mostly adults and few kids that attended today's event. This is wheelchair friendly too. Great for large groups as long as you reserve to have a bunch of tables near each other. I would come back again! read more

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Fun group activity, but no vegan or healthy food options on the menu. Best to eat before and bring snacks and a water bottle in your purse. Also bring cash for entrance fee and betting and a hat or visor for outside viewing. We needed $5 a person cash only to enter, but parking was free in their large dirt lot. Betting starts at $2 minimum. We were celebrating birthdays and one person in our group brought cupcakes from a bakery. We arrived at 12:20 pm on a Sat and there was plenty of parking and the entrance line to the building was short. Some people in our party group arrived 30 min later and the line to get in was much longer. We were the first in our group to arrive. We paid $5 to enter and then took the escalator to the 2nd floor and stood in line for the hostess. Our friend had reserved 3 tables under her name. The hostess gave us 3 tickets with the reserved table numbers and directions on where to go. The indoor seating area has a great view of the track and surrounding mountains. There are menus on the table and a wait person will come around to take orders. There was no pressure to order anything so I just had water. You run a tab and pay the wait person before leaving. You can look out the window and see the race and each table had a tv monitor that shows each race. We didn't realize that our monitor was showing races from another location until a couple hours later. We fiddled with the controls but learned that only the waitress has the remote that can change the channel. Once we were on the "Turf Paradise" channel we could better follow the action. I was glad that one person in our group understood how betting worked as we needed an explanation. If desired we could walk outside to the bleacher area or down by the track. Races may only be on weekends during the months when it's not too hot outside. Overall it was a fun group activity. read more

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Turf Paradise was a really fun place to bring your friends and do a little bit of gambling. The facility however, needs some work. parking is challenging however, there is ample parking. The view while you were watching the race is beautiful with a mountain backdrop. Drinks were fairly expensive, around eight dollars for a hard seltzer. It is easy to place a bet and relatively inexpensive for that. read more

Turf Paradise - Between the bar and the track. Viewing deck - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Returned here in 2026 to see what the new owners did, which didn't appear to be much . Free admission for grandstand people, but no food, just a small bar in the middle of the infield. Probably needed to go fancier to see any changes. read more

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Went with my wife, granddaughter & her BF the last Saturday of April. Had a great time stayed for all the races. Food was good, my wife did miss their chocolate layer cake, the server was great and ensured we had all we needed. Cheers - Hope they will be open next fall. read more

Lots of parking but definitely a bit run down. First time at horse racing and it's definitely thrilling. However the facility is on the older side, no ac, definitely warm inside and the setting on the second level dirty with a solid later of dirt. Overall it's was a good experience read more

Turf Paradise - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Visited over Derby weekend for their Derby Dayclub. Such a fun and well organized event! read more

Turf Paradise - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Arrived at noon. Had a really good meal. Friendly Server! Had a great time. Fun. did a little betting... made reservations....

Attended the Turf Paradise Derby Party this past weekend and my sister and I had a pretty good time. The event was fun! The Turf Paradise building itself is pretty old and run down. This place has potential to be great but it's definitely not there. Everything is very outdated and looks like it's stuck back in the 90's. The TV screens inside are old af and not of good quality. We scoped out the bathrooms and I am glad I did not have to use them.. The bleachers are out in the sun with no shade and it's got to be one of the dumbest things ever... how can you not provide any shade, after all we are in AZ guysss -.- We spent most of them time in the VIP tent since this was the only shaded area. When the races would start, we would run out to the fence. Drinks were good and the bartenders were nice! Spent about $150.00 on drinks. The event was great (5 stars) and it was fun to see everyone's attire. This 2 star review is for the place itself, please give it a makeover! :( read more

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I had a blast at the Derby Watch Party. Parking was plentiful, entry was easy, and the vibe was high! What a beautiful way to enjoy a Saturday. Dressing up was so much fun. Since COVID, my dressing game has been hit AND miss. But this was so much fun. All the hats, bow ties, fashions were a show in and of themselves, and I enjoyed people watching just as much as watching the races. If the Watch Party continues into the future, I'd love to have a table with my friends and share this experience with them. read more

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We went to check out the Stella Artois Derby Day Club 2024 tent at Turf Paradise. We loved seeing all the derby hats and attire and was happy to see there were a variety of different food trucks and activities going on. They had tents with tables set up that you could purchase so you could keep out of the sun. Parking was a little crazy but doable as there were several lots to choose from depending on your tickets. I would recommend checking this out if you this is something you might like. It's definitely a day of people watching with a horse race thrown in. read more

Turf Paradise - Checking out the Stella Artois Derby DayClub 2024 - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Really fun place! Entry fees and some things are cash only, but the bars take card. Good selection of beers drinks and snacks but not a full menu. The place is a little run down but it makes for a casual fun vibe and is still worth a visit. read more

Turf Paradise - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have been to Arlington Park many times and Turf Paradise was a bit reminiscent of those days. We loved that park before it closed forever. I hope that turf paradise can keep this track open for generations. The work they have done is great, just keep working on it. The food was general cafeteria food, but upgrade to some plated food. BLT was cold, chicken tenders bad quality and all served in a cardboard boat. Clubhouse level seating is way too tight, you need to remove every other table and relocate them to improve the eating area. Add entertainment outside with a stage, a few more picnic tables and children's activities. RESURFACE THE PARKING LOT. Personally, we brought along friends who had never gone, they loved it. Not the food, but the horses and betting, kids and families having fun. Keep this going, continue renovating, please do not let this tradition die. read more

We paid over $200.00 for the Kentucky Derby double buffet in the Clubhouse Disappointing is an understatement Breakfast didn't include COFFEE? Wtf that's ridiculous Scrambled eggs Dollar sized waffles hard as a rock Nutella spread was FROZEN Lunch buffet was beef tips and roasted chicken BLAND Trying to hard to fancy up A nice carving station offering corned beef or pastrami sandwiches would have been a knockout Cheated and Disservice Never again Asbestos ceiling tiles too read more

Thanks to Turf Paradise and Bailey at Yelp for hooking us up at the Woodford Reserve Derby Day Club 2023 at Turf Paradise. This was the Phoenix version of the Kentucky Derby. We got to rub elbows in the VIP section. Great people watching, vendors selling hats and clothing, booze, raffle tickets for the races, betting machines. There was a DJ playing good tunes. People paraded by in their best fashions and hats. While the majority of women wore hats, some men participated as well with outrageous hats, pink and/or patterned suits. Drinks were flowing with many snacks for sale. There was another covered area where betting took place. That was very popular. Fee for parking across the street. WiFi available. Fun event! read more

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This used to be a family favorite. It is now run down, dirty and getting pretty low end. Upstairs club is closed. Sorry to say we will not be returning. read more

Let me start by saying I am not a race enthusiast, but when you score tickets to the Woodford Derby Dayclub , you go !! Much thanks to Yelp!!! I had a fabulous time. The vibe was really fun and inclusive and people were really overall just nice. Can we talk about the fun fashion here ? The men were dressed to the nines, and the ladies with your high fashion hats and dresses made event that much more fun. It was very nice to be included in the VIP areas and have such great access. The vendors had a variety of food options, which is always great, I was there for a special event, so I can't say if the food vendors are always there, but the food was tasty. This was definitely a party. The DJ's were there playing great music to get the crowd engaged and going ! I was also able to try a mint julep, which is the official drink of the Derby. Placing a bet was also very easy and it was also very easy to cash out after our big win of six dollars. Lol. read more

Turf Paradise - Pulled pork & Chicken sandwich - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Such a fun time out in the sun. Had a great time watching the horse race and drink in a cold beer. Races ran all day opening up at about 11 AM and ending about 4 PM. If this is your 1st time coming to horse races and you have an interest in betting to your research beforehand so you understand the difference adding slang. I'm guessing a quick YouTube video will get you right up-to-date. Please note that they have 2 different entrances they have the grand stand and they have this nicer area. I believe we pay tickets price of $3 to be in the outside area but there was a area that she could be also inside. What was nice as that she can go and see the horses before they went out to do their races. Another fun tip is that everyday is senior citizen day and I believe the ticket price for a signal citizen is only a dollar every day so that's a really good event price. read more

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Was in Phoenix for the VIP Derby party at Turf Paradise, and the party tents did not disappoint though not nearly the scale of Churchill Downs. Great music and DJs, food trucks, good drink service, great party and concierge service and attendants. I was here once before an bought a race for a friend's birthday in the Clubhouse, and this track is on par with smaller race tracks I enjoy, like Tampa Bay Downs, Indiana, Hollywood before they closed, Suffolk Downs before they closed. The missing 5th star is because of their betting machines that I couldn't get to work for the Derby itself and then the cashiers were slow so I wagered less than I planned. I also couldn't find anyone to buy a program from, as we only had one on the VIP tables and of course I seriously mark mine up! A good solid horse racing track. read more

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We always enjoy race days. It's fun to spend the day at the track BUT Why doesn't this place fix its building. Especially the bathrooms and the ceiling tiles. The entire building is in need of a renovation. We have been coming for years and it looks worse every time. The best area is the track. Is a great way to spend a day with the family and place a few bets along the way.. cheers! read more

Turf Paradise - Program - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We love horses and have been to many tracks. Definitely a good time if you have extremely low expectations. Do not compare this place to Santa Anita, or even smaller horse tracks. Sneak in alcohol if you come, because you will get one drink per hour if you sit in the clubhouse. Eat before you arrive or after you leave. Food arrived an hour after we ordered and it was ice cold. We didn't complain because, why? This place is bare bones. We will come back but will follow my recommendations in this post. read more

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Great family place. Fun to watch the beautiful animals. The food could be better but it's just really-opening so I hope that improves. read more

Turf Paradise - Number 8 in Race 9 - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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It's only three bucks to get in, the track is beautiful, they have multiple full bars and a snack bar along with restaurants, and a pretty new sports bar inside too. You're probably going to want to go on a day when the weather is nice and sit outside because the indoor portion is old, run down, and depressing unless you're hanging out in the sports bar. Those bathrooms? Oh barf. I'll leave it at that. They could use more shaded areas outside but there's plenty of seating and even a small bar with barstools if you're lucky enough to snag them before it gets too busy. I don't know the first thing about betting but it was still a really fun experience! read more

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We've been busting Turf Paradise for years and, unfortunately, it feels it's deteriorated quite a bit. When we went yesterday the weather wasn't good so we sat in the clubhouse and the atmosphere is much better in that area. There is bar-type food available, drinks, betting and bathrooms in the area. Each table has its own screen to watch the horses more closely. The bathrooms are clean but everything in Turf Paradise is tired looking. They're building a brand new sports book inside so I'm hoping this will lead to more updates in the other common areas because we really do enjoy going here. read more

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Thanks Turf Paradise, Bailey, & Yelp! I've had the fortune of being being able to attend Derby 2 years I& it is quickly becoming my favorite event of the year. The grounds were fabulous. The event was phenomenal. Truly phenomenal. So enjoyable. If you haven't checked this out, you absolutely should!! Such fun. read more

I read some of the negative previous reviews on yelp and considered not going to this race track. I am from California and have been to seven or eight different tracks around the nation. My favorite is Del Mar and second would be Santa Anita. That said, Turf Paradise is a perfectly fine Race Track and environment. I did not go into the grandstand area, but the admission was free. The parking was free and we were not charged for sitting in the clubhouse. For Californians, the food was quite reasonable, and although it wasn't gourmet, it was very satisfactory. My husband had a pulled-pork sandwich with onion rings, and he was quite pleased. I had a avocado, turkey club with french fries, which was also very satisfactory. Service was friendly and efficient. We went on a Tuesday. In the clubhouse, it was mostly an older crowd, although I did see a few families. This is a local's kind of place, and aren't those always the best hidden treasures? Horse race tracks are a lot like drive-in, movie theaters. They are an interesting part of our culture, which is slowly disappearing. If you have never been to a track, please go! It is one of the most reasonable sporting venues you can attend. When our children were younger, we used to go to Del Mar and bring in an ice chest and have a picnic on the infield. We still wager on horses based on their names and that is perfectly OK! It's 20 minutes between races, and you can have a lot of fun by betting two dollars on each race. You might even win! I have to admit that I did not have a single win on my visit to Turf Paradise. First time ever. I would still greatly recommend that you go! read more

Turf Paradise - View from Club House. - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Turf Paradise has always been a wonderful and exciting experience!! Attended several years and no reason to expect anything less........4 ladies dressed for Derby Day and ready for a fun, memorable time!!....... however, this years experience was nothing but horrific!! $125.00 per person for what ........ constantly running out of food???.....and when available, the food was cold and terrible!.......eating carved beef and turkey when AVAILABLE with a plastic fork and knife on a plastic plate was nothing but despicable!!! How do you cut beef with a plastic knife and fork? Past years you had REAL plates, silverware and napkins and a beautiful display of GOOD food all for less than $125.00 per person Oh, and to top it off NO white wine whatsoever .....NO Chardonay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Champagne!!!! They ran out........What the hell!! Bottom line, VERY LITTLE TO NO PLANNING, VERY DISORGANIZED, NO STAFF, only 3 WINDOWS OPEN FOR BETTING WHEN YOU HAVE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THERE FOR WHAT.......EAT, DRINK AND BET THE PONIES!!! TURF SHOULD BE ASHAMED and EMBARRASSED!!!! read more

Well where do I start. We went to our first 125.00 per person all day Kentucky Derby celebration. Our waitress (Anna) was very nice. I don't believe they had enough people for the event. Long lines for drinks and to get drinks from waitress . Food was buffet style for breakfast and lunch. Also long lines and waiting on food to come out. Probably our first and last trip on Kentucky Derby day. read more

Full disclosure: I am married to an ex-horse trainer. This changes your perspective of a few things when visiting a race track. There's certainly a running debate about the ethics of horse racing. It's a love-hate relationship; similar to Zoos. While I don't think horse racing will survive, as long as it does, I will watch these beautiful creatures in all of their glory and allow them to take my breath away. Overall this is a fun race track. I like the different options for dining. You can do the Turf Club, dress up a bit, enjoy a family atmosphere, have a nice meal and watch the races from the balcony and/or TVs or you also have the freedom to walk down to the track to watch close-up. The Kentucky Derby pre-COVID was set up quite nicely in the Turf Club with a commemorative glass for each ticket holder. Full bar options and wait service was also done nicely. We shall see what happens in the future since probably no more buffets. I found the reservation system, while "old-skool" and requiring a phone call to be a bit antiquated still very polite and friendly. I think even perhaps this kind of reservation option lends itself to something more traditional and I ended up appreciating talking to a real person about our reservations. Try not to bring your kids for the big race days, guys. I think Turf Paradise struggles a bit with turnover for the wait staff. It's a seasonal-type biz so there's that. I'm not mad at them. The gift shop is a must if you are there with littles. They have cute pink stuffed horses in little carriers for girls and the like for boys and fun coffee mugs for dads. The ladies that work the gift shop are the sweetest! If you want to party it up a bit more then stay away from the upper levels and enjoy the lower levels where you are free to get rowdy and this and that. Be sure to observe a few finishes from the finish line: the sound of the horses stampeding is a powerful sound and the creature itself is an amazing and beautiful thing to see. Happy Racing! read more

Grand opening TERRIBLE - ladies bathroom has multiple stalls only 2 working WAS GROSS DIRTY -turned on water to wash hands and it was YELLOW -Waited an hour for bad cold food - everything is dirty -ceiling tiles look like they're about to fall down and hurt you - nothing is clean like not one thing This new owner needs to fix this stuff read more

The staff here are so helpful, welcoming and friendly! The sweetest ever! We attended the Kentucky Derby brunch event at Turf Paradise and had an absolute blast! The club house is a decent size providing the perfect panoramic view of the track as well as an ample amount of televisions throughout. We enjoyed a relaxing day of wagering, eating and drinking ( in no particular order) walking away with some moola and great memories. Five stars for Turf Paradise hospitality :) read more

Turf Paradise - He thinks of the most fun stuff to get into :)) - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Parking Free unless you choose Valet (which there's no sense too). For most general admission is a $5 fee. Club is much more pricey! Two different Will Call locations can be quite confusing, but later found out (after walking to both locations) it depends on where you want/ choose to be. We had tickets that weren't at either of these location?! We finally were directed to the big white tent that's close to the field. Hot day & we were inside this large covered area. Had fans, but didn't cool down the space. Unfortunately, not much seating was available. There were many tables reserved ( some NOT even being used). We ended up finding some white plastic chairs to seat in but felt somewhat out of place with people walking by and forming a line to bet near where we were seated. Another couple ( that was sitting next to us) had to hide their chairs and asked us to watch them while they went to get something to eat. Unique Crowd, the ladies dressing way too elegant with their hats, heals and glam for being in this environment. The men looked as though they should have been out golfing in their very bright attire! LOL We only saw a quick local race, if you'd blink "you'd of missed it"! Most everyone was there to bet and watch the Kentucky Derby on the above TV monitor. Drinks were pricey a beer and Bloody Mary $19! Food didn't look to impressive. Looked to be chicken tenders, coleslaw & some type of fish tacos. Presentation lacked for the sophistication of the patrons. Kinda disappointed in the overall experience and don't get the hype to "dress to the nines", be inside a big hot box on a horse barnyard grounds- poking your high heels in the dirt, watching TV's, paying for expensive beverages and eating generic food. Why? I can do better in the comfort of my own home. Or: I'd rather be watching the race in Kentucky! The Del Mar Fair has "way better" action than this place! I can't even see staying there from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM? We left just after an hour. Boring! read more

What an absolute craphole. We went there 20 years ago and were impressed by how classy and upscale it was. We were there on 1/29/24 for opening day and couldn't believe how trashy it has become. Missing ceiling tiles, holes in walls, puddles of what I can only hope was water in the restrooms. Stained carpet and odors of cigarettes past linger in the air. Whoever the new owner is should be run out of town for this disgrace. There was absolutely no effort (or money) put into this place to make it presentable for what should have been a celebration of the return of live racing the the Phoenix area. 30 minute waits to get to the bar and only three beer options and "a little bit of booze" as stated by the bartender. I honestly felt sorry for the (I think three) waitresses who were doing their best to serve the hundreds of hungry and thirsty customers. The slow service wasn't their fault; there simply wasn't enough of them. It's an absolute shame what Turf Paradise has become. Do better or sell the land to a developer who will make the improvements so desperately needed. read more

This track is an awesome place to watch live horse racing. It costs 2 dollars to get in, and than the horse sheets cost extra. The facility is a little run down, but it's not like you're going to the Kentucky Derby. I've had some outings here where you can win some big money, but typically it's a small bet track. They have deals on certain days, so sometime alcohol is cheaper to fuel your courage. You can either sit inside where the owners sit, or you can smoke a cigar outside. You can see the horses from both of these locations. This track really puts you in the center of the action and can hear what the trainers are going through. The people here are always friendly, but when you're giving them all your money it makes it pretty easy for them. Overall this is an awesome place to get away and relax for a couple hours. They have been closed for sometime due to Covid and I'm really hoping they open up here soon. read more

Turf Paradise - Actual track - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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For the last 5 years, the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. have sponsored a Derby Day at this beautiful track and it has been fantastic! The staff here have always provided top notch customer service as well as a wonderful experience! Yesterday, the rain forced the cancellation of the actual horse races but we still had a fun filled time! read more

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BEWARE!!! This place is STEALING people's money!!! Worst place ever!! I was there yesterday for the Kentucky Derby and I initially wanted to place a bet on 22 in the KD and it was scratched so placed a bet (or so I thought) on 21 which ended up WINNING. The employee working the counter entered my number in wrong!!!! This employee also messed up my Dads ticket and luckily he caught it and had it changed. I am so livid!! I was told "well you should of checked your ticket". Never going to this place ever again!! Worst experience ever!!! I'm disgusted by the ethics of this company. How many more people were given wrong tickets?? Bottom line DO NOT go here and if you do double check your tickets because the employees have no idea what they are doing. read more

Turf Paradise - My ticket that should of been 21 not this crap!!! - Horse Racing Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

What is not to love?! Horse racing! Gambling! Cheap beer?!!! Oh and not to mention FREE SWEATSHIRTS! This place was truly magical, just wished I wasn't the only one dressed for the occasion like the derby in Kentucky... But in all seriousness we will be back we will drink we will be merry and we will hopefully win some money! read more

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Long lines to get food and drinks, very long lines. Bartenders don't know how to make simple drinks, like a Jack and coke. Even though I didn't see any signs saying kids are not allowed to stand in line with their parent to make a bet, one judgy asshole gave me a hard time and almost got into a physical altercation with me. People like that shouldn't work there. Take your bible preaching elsewhere. read more

Went here for the derby day event and wasn't really impressed. The facilities looked very old and definitely needed some up keeping. There was only one food truck, one alcohol vendor, and another food vendor that served burgers and brisket that my boyfriend had to waste because the meat was overly fatty. They at least had music playing in the outside areas which was a plus, but given the fact that this place is located in arizona, they could use some more fans and misters. Definitely wouldn't say this place would have been worth a full priced ticket. read more

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I miss going to the race track in Illinois. This was a fun time, the inside and bathrooms were a bit run down, but all in all, it was a great time in a beautiful day in a nice area! read more