Foodie Guide to the Breeders’ Cup: Can’t-Miss Eats at Santa Anita Park

If the appeal of 14 world championship races over two days at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., wasn’t enough to get you psyched for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup, let us remind you of a few other reasons why the event on Nov. 3-4 is a can’t miss: The wagering, the fashion, the cocktails and… the food!

While many will be enjoying the Breeders’ Cup from home (NBC Sports will broadcast all of the action), those lucky enough to attend are going to have access to some of the best dining options that can be found at any sports venue in America. Here’s our list of four must-try eats at Santa Anita.

Clockers’ Corner

Talk about breakfast with a view. If you’re an early riser, Santa Anita is the ultimate setting for a morning coffee and a quick bite. On Breeders’ Cup week, Clockers’ Corner is where fans have the opportunity to mingle with stars of the sport while munching on made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Located near the top of the stretch on the grandstand apron, Clockers’ Corner also features a merch stand where you can pick up souvenirs like Breeders’ Cup shirts and hats. But make those purchases after breakfast, which you can enjoy while watching the horses train with the San Gabriel Mountains as your backdrop. 

Note: Clockers’ Corner is open seven days a week. Both parking and admission are free with hot breakfast being served from 5-10 a.m. Free coffee until 8 a.m. Seating is outdoors, and children are welcome to join.

Stack ‘Em Up 

We’re not talking about stacking your bills after cashing tickets — although we do encourage that too. What we are talking about are Santa Anita’s carved sandwiches that are stacked with layers of either roasted turkey, corned beef, or prime rib. Visitors to the track have raved for years about the sandwiches (especially the corned beef) which are best served on a freshly baked roll. You can find Santa Anita’s carved sandwiches on the main grandstand floor and on the mezzanine level. 

Crab Cakes in California?

Um, yeah. As a guy who has lived in Maryland, I was a bit skeptical at first. But word is that the Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes at Santa Anita’s FrontRunner restaurant are second-to-none. That’s fitting for a restaurant that also boasts incomparable panoramic views of the racetrack and the mountains behind it. The FrontRunner also dishes out tomahawk steaks, sandwiches, wings, salad and, of course, lots of tasty cocktails. As for those crab cakes, they’ve been served with a range of sides over the years and can be enjoyed these days with asparagus potato salad, accompanied by Sriracha aioli and grilled lemon. The FrontRunner is located on the fifth floor of the clubhouse at Santa Anita. 

Tacos, Tacos, Tacos! 

What Southern California outdoor experience would be complete without the option of some top tier tacos? One of the newest dining additions at Santa Anita is its Los Caballeros taco stand. Located inside the breezeway at Santa Anita (walking from the fountain toward the track apron), Los Caballeros is drawing rave reviews. The Los Caballeros stand dishes out Carne Asada, Al Pastor and Pollo tacos. Each is served in traditional L.A. street taco style with cilantro, onions and fresh homemade salsas. There’s no better way to enjoy them than with a cold draft beer or Santa Anita’s signature Bet-On-Micheladas, which are crafted with a special homemade mix.