What's on the Fair Grounds Thanksgiving menu in 2023

For many Americans, Thanksgiving takes place at a big table surrounded by family. Some of us go the “Friendsgiving” route, enjoying a potluck-style dinner with besties. Others class up the holiday affair at a restaurant.

In New Orleans, we’re fortunate to have one more option — a food tradition all our own. This Thanksgiving will be the 99th year that the Fair Grounds Race Course has hosted its annual Thanksgiving Classic. For those involved in the sport of horse racing, millions of dollars are on the line. But for an estimated 10,000 attendees, it’s an opportunity to grab their finest hat or fascinator, gather with friends and family, and begin eating early.

“The Fair Grounds is a place that is deeply tied to New Orleans history,” said Ashley Cabeceiras, a marketing supervisor at the track. “We opened in 1872, the third oldest racetrack in America, and it feels like every New Orleanian has a Fair Grounds story. Older residents talk about coming to the Thanksgiving Classic since they were kids, and now they’re bringing their own grandkids with them.”

Whether your goal for food at the track is a snack to hold you over until dinner or the main meal itself, Cabeceiras says the Fair Grounds has you covered.

“We want to make sure there’s something for everyone, no matter the experience you’re looking for,” she explained. “The grounds are absolutely full of food. From a world-class catered buffet, to delicious sandwiches, New Orleans favorites, local food trucks and casual concessions, we have everything you could want on America’s favorite food holiday.”

Go for broke

There are lots of ways to enjoy a horse race, Cabeceiras said. Whether it’s track-level outside down on the apron, inside the grandstands or up in the clubhouse — on Thanksgiving each of those experiences comes with its own food options.

For the most decadent experience, head up to the Clubhouse or to the Black and Gold Room for the buffet by Messina’s Catering & Events. Messina’s has catered in the New Orleans area for more than six decades, and their Thanksgiving menu includes nearly 20 of their top creations.

A series of salads include a muffuletta pasta salad, a mandarin and roasted pecan citrus salad and several others. Traditional Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce, a truffle mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole will be served along with local favorites like andouille cornbread dressing, seafood mirliton dressing, spinach Madeline, and a chicken and andouille gumbo.

Entrees include two carving stations — one for turkey and giblet gravy, and the other for a garlic-studded prime rib with demi-glace sauce — and desserts will feature white chocolate bread pudding, pecan pie, and of course, a classic pumpkin pie.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a buffet that’s beloved year after year by attendees, but also by Fair Grounds staff who look forward to the Thanksgiving Classic just as much as other New Orleanians.

“As a lifelong vegetarian, I’m super excited for the truffle mac and cheese and sweet potato casserole,” said Erka Leona, group sales manager at the Fair Grounds. “And I’m a big fan of Messina’s white chocolate bread pudding, so I’ll probably have at least three servings of that this year!”

To enjoy the buffet in the Clubhouse area, the ticket is $175. 

“Along with the meal, you’re getting an incredible experience,” Cabeceiras said. “The Clubhouse is located on the fourth floor and has a dining area with five levels of tiered seating so guests can enjoy great views of the race from their table.”

For $150, guests can feast on the same buffet in the Black and Gold Room, though views can be slightly obstructed.

Reservations are required for both dining areas and seating is limited. Reservations are available by calling (504) 948-1285 on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your ticket includes tax and gratuity, nonalcoholic beverages (a cash bar is available), reserved seating, and an official race day program book.

“It’s really a special New Orleans Thanksgiving tradition,” Cabeceiras added. “Because people have their tables reserved for the day, they’re often dressed up in full Derby fashion — colorful hats, heels, dresses and suits. It’s a scene.”

Roam the grounds

Other visitors are looking for a lineup of more affordable food to hold them over until a bigger Thanksgiving dinner. General admissions to the Fair Grounds is free, and there are plenty of options for those not looking to totally splurge.

“We have food all over the grounds,” Cabeceiras assured, “but, of course, longtime attendees have their favorites."

The corned beef sandwich is the item repeat visitors most frequently seek out, she said.

That sandwich, along with salads, fried fish plates, gumbo, red beans, and standard sporting event fare like burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and nachos, can all be found at the Grab & Go station connected to Gentilly Grill, located on the first floor between the slot machines and the starting line.

Another popular food area for the Thanksgiving Classic is on the apron — the ground-level, outdoors space between the building and track — where you’ll find a series of food trucks.

Returning this year is JB’s Softee Treats, a New Orleans-based ice cream truck with soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats. There’s also a large tented space on the apron where attendees can purchase drinks.

Between the races, bettors like to check out the paddock, where the horses gather before they are brought out for their race. On either side of the paddock are Messina’s vendors serving food and beer: barbecue pork and brisket sandwiches, pretzels, and Abita Amber on the side of the paddock near the Winner’s Circle; and Italian sausage sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, turkey and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, and Peroni beers on the side near the valet lobby.

If the weather is cold or rainy, Cabeceiras said the covered grandstands are a great place to watch the races. On the second floor, on the starting line side, you’ll find another Messina’s station with muffulettas, meatball subs, and pasta with meatballs or Italian sausage.

There’s the Sweets Shop for those craving dessert on the first floor near the finish line and off-track better (OTB) area. There you’ll find ice cream, muffins, cookies, coffee and cinnamon rolls.

The Fair Grounds also runs a series of concession stands on the first, third and fourth floors where you’ll find gumbo, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, red beans, fries, burgers and chicken sandwiches. 

Post time is noon. General admission is free. Check the track website