A perfect summer evening at Woodbine Racetrack's Stella Artois Terrace, featuring breathtaking views of horse racing, delicious food and drinks, live jazz music, and an elevated patio experience. Amanda sitting on Patio

Travel

Dining, Racing, Views: The Stella Artois Experience at Woodbine

02.08.24

The ultimate summer experience at Woodbine Racetrack’s Stella Artois Terrace: breathtaking views, delicious food, live jazz and the thrill of horse racing!

The Ultimate Patio Experience at Woodbine Racetrack

Looking for the perfect summer spot in Toronto? Look no further than the Stella Artois Terrace at Woodbine Racetrack! This elevated patio experience offers stunning views, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment, making it the ultimate destination for a memorable outing! Whether you’re planning a date night, a bachelor or bachelorette party or even a corporate event, Woodbine’s Stella Artois Terrace has everything you need for an unforgettable time. Let me prove it…

Unmatched Views and Atmosphere at Woodbine

Perched above the racetrack, the Stella Artois Terrace provides the best seats in the house. Overlooking the finish line, you’ll have a front-row view of the thrilling horse races, accompanied by the smooth sounds of live jazz music on Jazzed Up Thursday nights. The chic and modern design of the terrace, combined with the vibrant atmosphere, sets the perfect backdrop for an exciting evening. The Terrace is open Thursday through Sunday during live racing! (Every Thursday evening during the summer, from 5-8 p.m)

Delicious Menu and Refreshing Drinks

The Stella Artois Terrace offers a curated menu with something for everyone. Indulge in a variety of delicious dishes, from gourmet appetizers to mouth-watering mains. Pair your meal with a refreshing Stella Artois on tap, perfectly chilled and served just the way you like it. The terrace also features Summer Fridays, where you can enjoy 3-for-$60 sharable apps and $25 sangria pitchers from 12-4 p.m., making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon with friends.

Live Jazz and World-Class Horse Racing

Every Thursday evening, from 5-8 p.m., the Stella Artois Terrace comes alive with the soulful sounds of live jazz music for what they call “Jazzed Up Thursday”. As you enjoy the music, watch as world-class horses and their riders compete in thrilling races. The combination of live entertainment and the excitement of horse racing makes for a truly unique experience. The level of talent every Thursday will truly knock your socks off and you can see the upcoming entertainer list over on their website here.

Be Part of the Action: Sound the Woodbine Bugle

Want to add a special touch to your visit? At the Stella Artois Terrace, you have the unique opportunity to be part of the race day experience. Sign up online to sound the bugle, a tradition known as the “Call to Post,” moments before the horses take to the track. It’s an honour steeped in the rich history of horse racing, and now you can be a part of it! I had the pleasure of sounding the bugle before one of the races and it added a touch of exhilaration to the evening as you are counted down and working alongside a floor assistant who is working with the broadcast team.

Get Up Close and Personal with the Horses

One of the highlights of visiting Woodbine Racetrack is the chance to get up close and personal with the magnificent horses and their riding teams. Ask your server about visiting the paddock before the race to see the horses being prepped and feel the excitement at ground level. We even heard that people like to check out their horse before placing their bets for the race! Whatever works right!? It’s an experience that horse/animal lovers and racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss. You can even watch the race at ground level for a different perspective! Because there are multiple races in a night you can really take in the experience at different angles.

A Rich History and Upcoming Kings Plate

Woodbine Racetrack has been a staple of Toronto’s entertainment scene since 1860. The upcoming Kings Plate, a prestigious horse racing event, adds a touch of royal history to the venue. Stay tuned for more information about this grand event, which is sure to be a highlight of the summer season. So grab your fancy dress, fascinator and get ready for a fabulous day at the track!

How to Book Your Experience

Booking your experience at the Stella Artois Terrace is easy. Simply head to OpenTable and reserve your table. The terrace is open from Thursday to Sunday, so you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this incredible experience. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be one of the best patio spots in Toronto this summer!

Personal Experience: A Night to Remember at the Stella Artois Terrace

Let me share my personal experience, and I can’t express enough how much we enjoyed it! We had the absolute best server, Dwayne—if you’re lucky enough to have him, make sure to say hi from me! He even ensured we were able to get the best shots with the lighting and by bringing out the Head Chef to create some excitement at the table. Honestly I am so grateful.

Not only was the service impeccable, but we also scored the best seat in the house. If you can, request a table right by the glass and, if you’re feeling bold, as close to the finish line as possible. The views were breathtaking, and you could feel the electrifying energy in the air when the starting gates opened.

As someone who doesn’t know much about horse racing, I found the experience fascinating. Being naturally curious, I loved every minute of it. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. From the lovely ladies who invited us to sound the bugle horn to Maya, who gave us a tour of the Paddock and the main level, we learned so much about the care of the horses, the workings of the races, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming King’s Plate.

The rich history of Woodbine Racetrack makes you feel like you’re part of an age-old tradition. And don’t worry—you don’t need to be a “horse expert” to enjoy this experience. You can even place your own bets and join in the excitement!

Overall, Jazzed Up Thursday was an incredible vibe. There’s something magical about a summer night, a cold drink in hand, good company, and the smooth sounds of jazz filling the air. I can’t wait to go back and bring more friends and family for a fun evening out. It was a refreshing change from the usual dinner outings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night!

I hope I’ve convinced you to check it out because I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did!

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Summer at Woodbine Racetrack

Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or just looking for a new spot to enjoy a summer evening, the Stella Artois Terrace at Woodbine Racetrack offers an unparalleled experience. From stunning views and delicious food to live jazz and the thrill of horse racing, there’s something for everyone. Book your table today and get ready to elevate your summer at Woodbine!

Thanks for having us Woodbine! And let me know over on Instagram if you checked it out!

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