Seating:
There are several levels to the track-side building. The bottom most is made up of tile flooring, plastic chairs and folding tables. It is also liberally littered with losing bet tickets. The middle floor has stadium seating to the east, which is rarely used these days, and the clubhouse to the west, which consists of several tiers of seating with video monitors. The 2nd floor also offers a self-serve deli and bar.
There are also several types of activities and specials on live-racing days (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays), including $1 Mondays (referring to $1 hot dogs, $1 popcorn and $1 soft drinks).
If you’d like to watch the race at the rail, outside access is available.
The Restaurant: The Clubhouse Dining Room
- Buffet available for $18.95
- Entrees from $10
- Deli sandwiches also available
The restaurant occupies the west end of the third floor and consists of several levels of four-top tables, all of which look out over the race track. Each table also has two video monitors, allowing you to watch both the Northville Downs feed and outside channels, such as simulcast races or a basketball game.
The restaurant has a $2 per person cover charge to insure patrons don’t come in and take up a table without eating. It offers a buffet with a good selection of entrees, dessert table and carving station. The entrees on the menu include dishes from the restaurant’s kitchen, including turkey and dressing, gourmet burgers and cod (which turned out to be pretty rubbery). Sandwiches from the downstairs deli are also offered, but can take much longer because of the extra trip for the wait staff.
The elimination of a racetrack cover and the broadening of the menu to include deli sandwiches and pitchers of beer make an evening at the restaurant a reasonably-priced alternative for track-side dining. The restaurant tends to cater to its regulars, however, and obviously prefers patrons to eat from the buffet. Beyond its unique location, it has no real signature elements.
Tip: Reservations are highly recommended.
