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We are starting to get into the thick of horse racing season. In May, the Kentucky Derby will be held for the 151^st time. For devoted fans, or even just the racing curious, now is the perfect time to start immersing yourself in the culture of this great game.

The good people of Suffolk, Virginia have plenty of options when it comes to picking a place to watch high-profile races. The ideal setting will offer a comfortable, relaxed environment where you can order drinks and relax while the race unfolds.

If you are planning a day of horserace viewing, here’s where to think about going in Suffolk, Virginia.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium

Did someone say “delicious bar food?” Rosie’s Gaming Emporium has a menu full of delicious fried and seared treats. Get yourself a hamburger with a heaping side of fries and then settle in for a day of racing.

The vibe at Rosie’s is casual but decidedly adult. It has a bar and lots of gaming machines, giving you plenty of things to do in between races. Just make sure you find a babysitter for the kiddos.

Sharks Sports Bar

A casual but clean bar setting. Sharks is well known for its cheeseburgers, which are branded on the top bun with the bar logo and served alongside a big pile of crinkle-cut fries. Inside, the bar is cozy, with several TVs tuned frequently to sporting events—including championship racing.

There are also a few pool tables and dart boards, making it an all-around good place to order a few drinks and enjoy an evening out.

Kickback Jacks

If you enjoy good hot wings, Kickback Jacks might be it. This sports bar is on the larger side, with an inviting atmosphere and a notably friendly staff. It’s a great place to watch any of your favorite sporting events, while potentially enjoying some unique menu items. Where else are you going to find Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?

Baron’s Pub

Baron’s straddles the slightly nicer end of “casual.” It’s a come-as-you-are vibe with a menu that includes bar classics alongside higher-end dining options like crab and shrimp. At the end of the day though, it’s still a pub with all the fixings.

You know what to do. Order a drink. Eat some good food. Watch an awesome horse race.

District 41

A nice, clean sports bar with notably good happy hour options. If you find yourself thirsty at around 4 in the afternoon, head on over for a cheap cocktail, and whatever high-level sporting event happens to be showing on the TV.

District 41 also has a pretty stacked menu, loaded up with all of the bar food classics you could hope for—and then some.

Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key wins the award for “coolest name on the list,” at least as far as we are concerned. Aside from that though, it’s just a comfortable environment in which to watch any sporting event.

You’ll find a clean interior, friendly staff, and a well-stocked bar, flanked by plenty of big-screen TVs.

Go at dinner time to give some of the more interesting menu items a try. Plenty of crab, shrimp, and stromboli. Also, typical sports bar classics, including a few interesting burgers.

AJ Gator’s

Slightly different from some of the other options on our list in that AJ Gator’s is equally appropriate for the family as it is for the individual just looking for a place to get away and watch a good race. This location puts a bigger emphasis on the “grill,” than the “bar.”

Still, you can watch races and enjoy a nice hot meal served along with a stout, cold beer while you do it. People with kids need an evening out just as badly as anyone else. Often more so. AJ Gator’s is the perfect option for people who want to go somewhere to watch a big race but can’t get a babysitter.

Where will you watch?

Ultimately, the venue is less important than the race itself. Virginians do have plenty of fun options to choose from if they are looking for a night out. However, when the racing is good enough, it really doesn’t matter where you watch.

You can even have a great time at home if that’s the kind of mood you are in. Set the scene. Grab your favorite beer. Maybe throw together a mint julep if it’s Kentucky Derby season. Relax and enjoy.

And if you are going to stake the race, don’t forget to do your due diligence first. Click here to have the racing odds explained to you.

Not only will doing a bit of research allow you to make a more informed choice but it will also deepen your overall experience.

There are so many ways to enjoy horse racing in Suffolk, Virginia. Where will you be watching?

 

Gamble responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Read more at: https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/2025/02/27/will-we-ever-get-a-local-major-league-sports-team/