
Batavia Downs Batavia NY
Experience thrilling harness racing, over 600 gaming terminals, and live entertainment at this 1940s-era Batavia, NY venue.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Concerts & free play offers

Batavia Downs Batavia NY
Best Time
Concerts & free play offers

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling harness racing, over 600 gaming terminals, and live entertainment at this 1940s-era Batavia, NY venue.
"Great place for a mini-getaway with excellent staff, accommodation, food, and fun casino games!"

🎯 Concert Series Perks
Catch live music and get free play! A great deal for a fun night out .
🚗 Free Parking & Admission
Enjoy the races without extra costs for parking or entry .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Harness Racing
Race Track
Experience the thrill of live harness racing with free admission and parking. A great opportunity for novices and enthusiasts alike!

Summer Concert Series
Event Venue
Enjoy live music performances, often with special offers like free play. A fantastic way to combine entertainment with gaming!

Gaming Terminals
Casino Floor
Try your luck on over 600 gaming terminals. Offers a variety of options for casual players and seasoned gamblers.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fun & Value
Navigating Gaming & Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Concert Series Perks
Catch live music and get free play! A great deal for a fun night out.
🚗 Free Parking & Admission
Enjoy the races without extra costs for parking or entry.
🍽️ Foodie Finds
Food is good, especially baked goods and burgers, though can be pricey.
🏨 Stay & Play Packages
Consider 'Stay & Play' deals for a getaway, but manage expectations on service.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Concert Series Perks
Catch live music and get free play! A great deal for a fun night out.
🚗 Free Parking & Admission
Enjoy the races without extra costs for parking or entry.
🍽️ Foodie Finds
Food is good, especially baked goods and burgers, though can be pricey.
🏨 Stay & Play Packages
Consider 'Stay & Play' deals for a getaway, but manage expectations on service.
☕ Coffee & Casino Fun
Grab a coffee, enjoy the summer night, and try your luck on the ponies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Batavia Downs offers a mixed bag of experiences, with many praising the excitement of live harness racing and the value of free admission and parking. The Summer Concert Series is a highlight, often including free play incentives. However, some guests find the dining options pricey and limited late at night, and customer service can be inconsistent.
"We came for the Summer Concert Series & saw Lou Gramm! The music was awesome! You also get $10 back in free play! The only draw back is the food is a little pricey but very good!"
Debbie Bell
"We went for a one nite stay and had such a fun time stayed for 3! The entire staff at Reception are all Wonderful but in particular Mandy, the Admin Assistant who managed to get us the room for 3 nites. We had a suite on the 3rd nite and were able to sit on the balcony to watch the races. Maureen, Peter, Abigail and everyone who works in the Homestretch Grill are Fantastic. We like that the food is individually made-to-order and the baked goods Excellent (Thanks Maureen!). Burgers were Great too! The buffet breakfast is one of the best anywhere with multiple choices and Cathy & Donna who work there are also Super! Wish I'd won more playing in the casino but with all the benefits, it was a Wonderful mini-getaway...Excellent staff, Great accommodation, Great food, and fun trying the Casino games!"
donna “dsnynut” dougherty
"I had a great time at the race track tonight! I’m a novice, but it was exciting to watch the jockeys and horses compete! The food in the casino was delicious as well! I had a chicken quesadilla along with potato skins and both were great."
Cathy Fraser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Batavia Downs is located at 8311 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is free. If you're coming from further afield, you might consider ride-sharing services or local taxi options, though specific public transport routes directly to the venue might be limited.
Yes, Batavia Downs offers free parking for all visitors, making it convenient to access the gaming, racing, and dining facilities.
The drive from Buffalo to Batavia Downs is approximately 45-60 minutes via I-90 E. Consider carpooling or checking ride-sharing availability for a convenient trip.
Yes, Batavia Downs has its own hotel, offering 'Stay & Play' packages. There are also other hotels in the Batavia, NY area if you prefer alternative accommodations.
Absolutely! Using 'Batavia Downs Gaming Park Road Batavia NY' or the address 8311 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020 in your GPS will guide you directly to the venue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Batavia Downs for the race track and casino floor is typically free. However, special events like the Summer Concert Series may require tickets or have associated costs.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the casino, hotel, and specific dining venues. It's best to check the official Batavia Downs website for the most up-to-date information on hours for gaming, racing, and dining.
Yes, you must be 21 years or older to enter the casino and participate in gaming activities at Batavia Downs.
Yes, special promotions, like those during the Summer Concert Series, can include free play offers. Signing up for their Players Club might also offer benefits and rewards.
No, admission to watch the harness races at Batavia Downs is typically free, as is parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Batavia Downs features over 600 gaming terminals, offering a wide variety of slot machines and electronic table games for players to enjoy.
The atmosphere can range from exciting during live racing and concerts to more relaxed during weekday visits. It's a place that combines entertainment with gaming opportunities.
Yes, Batavia Downs hosts events like the Summer Concert Series and other promotions throughout the year. It's advisable to check their schedule for upcoming events.
Absolutely! Many visitors are novices and find the harness races exciting and easy to follow. The free admission and parking make it a low-risk way to experience horse racing.
Security is present, though some reviews suggest varying levels of attentiveness. ID checks are conducted for entry into the casino area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Batavia Downs offers several dining venues, including the Homestretch Grill known for made-to-order meals and excellent baked goods, and Fortune's Italian Steakhouse for a more upscale experience. There's also a buffet breakfast option.
Some reviewers find the food to be a little pricey, but generally agree it is very good. The quality of ingredients and preparation is often highlighted.
The Homestretch Grill serves made-to-order dishes, with burgers and baked goods receiving particular praise. It's a popular spot for its quality and friendly service.
Unfortunately, late-night food availability can be limited, with some venues and the bar shutting down early. This is a point of criticism for some visitors.
The buffet breakfast is described as one of the best, with multiple choices and excellent service from staff like Cathy & Donna.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the excitement of the race track with shots of the horses and jockeys in action. The hotel suites with balconies offer a unique vantage point to photograph the races. The general ambiance of the casino floor and dining areas can also make for interesting photos.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of Batavia Downs, including the gaming floor. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals.
While not a traditional scenic destination, the open space around the race track can offer pleasant views, especially during sunset. The hotel balconies provide a unique perspective of the track.
Action shots of the harness races are popular, as are candid photos capturing the energy of the casino. Photos of the food and hotel accommodations are also common.
With a good vantage point from the stands or the hotel balcony, and a camera with a decent zoom or burst mode, capturing the horses in motion can be very rewarding. Patience and timing are key!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the casino floor has an age restriction of 21+. Therefore, family visits would likely focus on the racetrack portion of the facility. Dining options are available, but the limited late-night food availability might be a consideration for families with younger children who have earlier bedtimes.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some dining options can be pricey, visitors can opt for more affordable choices or simply enjoy the free entertainment. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded and may offer better value on food and drinks. It's a place where you can have a fun experience with minimal financial outlay if you plan strategically.
couples
Couples can also try their luck together at the gaming terminals, making for a playful and exciting experience. Consider booking a stay at the hotel, especially if you can snag a suite with a balcony overlooking the track for a truly special view. It's a destination that offers a variety of activities to suit different moods and preferences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Harness Racing
For those looking to enhance their experience, understanding the basics of betting can add another layer of fun. However, even without placing bets, the spectacle of the races themselves is a major draw. The 1940s-era facility adds a touch of nostalgia, contributing to the unique charm of Batavia Downs. It's a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern entertainment amenities.
Pro Tip: Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a more relaxed atmosphere and potentially better odds of snagging a good seat. The friendly staff and accessible nature of the track make it a welcoming environment for all.
Gaming and Entertainment Hub
The venue also hosts special events, most notably the Summer Concert Series, which has featured popular artists and often includes attractive perks like free play offers. These events transform Batavia Downs into a dynamic entertainment destination, blending live music with the thrill of the casino. It's this combination of gaming, racing, and live entertainment that defines the Batavia Downs experience.
Community Insight: While the casino offers plenty of gaming, some visitors have noted that the energy and options might not match larger, more established casinos. However, for a local or regional destination, it provides a solid entertainment package, especially when combined with other offerings like the races and concerts.
Dining Delights and Disappointments
However, not all dining experiences are met with universal acclaim. Fortune's Italian Steakhouse, while aiming for an upscale feel, has received feedback suggesting it falls short of expectations, particularly with basic items like a loaded baked potato. A significant point of contention for some guests is the limited availability of food late in the evening, with venues and bars closing relatively early, a contrast to what some expect from a casino resort.
Traveler Tip: If you're planning a late-night visit, it's wise to dine earlier or be prepared for limited options. For a satisfying meal, the Homestretch Grill seems to be a consistent crowd-pleaser.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit