Ultimate Guide to San Diego Dining at the Del Mar Racetrack

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Summers in San Diego are characterized by sunny days, adventures at the beach, and horses in Del Mar.

The Del Mar Racetrack is a Southern Californian institution and has opened for its 69th summer this year. While San Diegans look forward to Opening Day and subsequent trips to the track with visiting relatives or for corporate outings, Del Mar isn't just for gambling anymore.

Rediscover San Diego dining where the turf meets the surf, and indulge in some people-watching that can be just as entertaining as the Thoroughbred show.

Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack is always so much fun: the crowds, the hats, the drinking - what's not to love? But then the initial excitement ends and you find yourself back at the track a few weeks later with a bunch of co-workers who are all encouraging you to put some money down on a filly named "Goldie Goes to the Finish." You randomly choose the trifecta when you place your bet and are thrilled when your companions tell you that you've won - until you realize that you've magically transformed your five dollars into $7.50, and that betting on horses is not going to turn your beer money into a Christian Louboutin shopping spree.

But there's more to the Del Mar Racetrack than betting; there's dining and drinking, too. Picking the ponies might not be your forte, but you can still be entertained by the excitement of the races while enjoying a meal that's worth the drive to Del Mar.

Champagne and Champions

If you're looking to recreate the finery that was on display Opening Day, choose to dine at Il Palio, the only restaurant at the Racetrack where jackets are required. The Turf Club dress code is in full effect, so leave the designer jeans and fancy flip-flops at home ladies, and sorry guys but a polo tee isn't the same as a collared shirt - you're going to need to wear a tie.

The Derby Buffet is the common choice, although there is a small a la carte menu as well as plated menu options, although the latter requires you to place your order five days in advance. The sixth-floor seating offers spectacular views of the track - just make sure that your dining neighbors don't overhear you placing your two dollar bets.

Beer and Betting

Reservations are required to secure a trackside table at the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant where the choices are sun-seating or shade, Del Mar Cobb salad or Enseneda-Style Beer-Battered Fish Tacos. The casual fare at Terrace Restaurant is echoed at the Stretch Run Grill Restaurant where all seats bask in sunshine, as well as Café del Sole Restaurant and the Red Star Café at O'Brien's Pub.

Enjoy a cheese and fruit plate at the Terrace and then change your view of the track by heading to the Stretch Run Grill for a garlic shrimp wrap. Indulge in dessert with a trip to Café del Sole for a slice of their carrot cake, or a post-meal drink. After all, you'll have something to celebrate because surely the change in venue will mean a change in fortune and "Lightening Round" will fly to the finish line in the next race. I mean, with a name like that, how could he not?

But it's not all betting and eating, Del Mar has music, too, with a packed entertainment schedule for the 2008 4 O'Clock Friday concert series. If you make the trip to the racetrack to catch one of the bands playing this summer, then you'll want to stop by O'Brien's Pub for a drink in the newly renovated space. The renovations are great, the Heineken is cold, and there's a view of the band stage in the Plaza. If you just want to enjoy the pub without the music crowd, stop by on a Thursday afternoon for O'Brien's happy hour and rub your corporate shoulders against those of the horsey set.

Tourists flock to Southern California because of the sand, surf, and sun, but SoCal residents come to Del Mar to spend a day at the track. Put your money where your intuition is and bet that "Ladies Love Cool Journey" will double the dollars you've placed on him. The Del Mar Racetrack isn't just for betting however, you can also catch a Friday concert or lunch with friends on a patio overlooking the races. Whichever way you do it, just make sure that the pace is leisurely; leave the running to the horses and slow down to enjoy your day. When even the shuttle buses to the track are asking you to have some fun by featuring a ukulele player, it's best just to succumb and enjoy the ride.

Check out Opening Day photos here. And, learn more about the 2008 Del Mar Racetrack season here.