The Clubhouse Dining: A New Orleans Tradition
Since 1872, the legendary Fair Grounds Race Course has been a coveted entertainment venue that encompasses the soul of New Orleans’ culture, sports, and hospitality. As the third-oldest operating racetrack in the nation, our iconic Clubhouse has long been celebrated for world-class thoroughbred racing and exceptional dining—creating unforgettable experiences for generations.
This year, the Fair Grounds is proud to partner with Messina’s Catering and Events, an award-winning local favorite, to bring you The Clubhouse by Messina’s – a refreshed, elevated dining experience inspired by tradition and crafted for modern tastes. Rooted deeply in Fair Grounds history, Messina’s is dedicated to restoring The Clubhouse to its status as a must-visit New Orleans destination.
Whether you’re hosting a business lunch, enjoying a day at the track with friends, or planning a private large-group celebration, The Clubhouse invites you to savor the thrill of top-tier racing paired with fresh, local cuisine—all in a vibrant, elevated atmosphere you’ll want to return to again and again.

Discover the new era of racing and dining at The Clubhouse by Messina’s —where every visit is a winning experience.
The Clubhouse by Messina’s offers a race day buffet featuring award-winning local cuisine. Beverage service including craft cocktails, premium wines, and local beers is offered table-side and at the Clubhouse Tenacious Bar. Please note: Dining Room food service ends prior to the start of the second-to-last race.
On Thursday & Friday regular race days (Nov – March), the buffet is $30/per person + tax and gratuity.
On Saturday & Sunday regular race days (Nov –March), the buffet is $40/person +tax and gratuity.
On regular race days, tickets are not needed to enter the Clubhouse Dining Room.
Joining us during race season? Book your reservations at the button below!
Book Your Race Day Reservations Here!
Clubhouse Line: 504.571.3901 or email [email protected]
Clubhouse Dining tickets must be purchased via Ticketmaster on the following days:
November 27th Thanksgiving Classic
November 28th Black Friday
December 6th Exotic Animal Races Family Day
December 13th Louisiana Champions Day
December 20th Road to the Derby Kickoff Day
January 1st New Years Day
January 17th Road to the Derby Day
January 31st Exotic Animal Races College Day
February 14th Louisiana Derby Preview Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Day
February 17th Mardi Gras Day
February 28th Weiner Dog Races
March 14th Clash of the College Twilight Racing
March 21st Louisiana Derby Day
Please note: Food and beverage is not included in the ticket price except on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Louisiana Derby Day.
On premiere Marquee Race and Special Event days (Nov – March), the buffet is $50/person +tax and gratuity. All beverages are a la carte + tax and gratuity.
Please Note: When reserving Clubhouse Dining tables on non-marquee race days, for tables of 4, at least 2 seats must be purchased. For tables of 6, at least 4 seats must be purchased. For tables of 8, at least 7 seats must be purchased.
Tables must be purchased as a complete set on Lousiana Derby Day.
Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended in the Clubhouse Dining Room on Event/Marquee race days, as space is limited.
Dress Code: Men must wear collared shirts. No shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, or sweatsuits allowed.
Purchase Box, General Admission, and Marquee Dining Tickets Here!
