HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — It's a day at the races this week on Eat it Up! We traveled to Hot Springs for the opening weekend of Oaklawn horse racing. Before they open the gates on the 2024-25 season, we got a taste of the Oaklawn Track Kitchen!
This historic spot is known for the Rueben, pastries, and famous pancakes!
"Track kitchens are one of the oldest traditions in horse racing. It's safe to say we've had a track kitchen here since 1905," said Oaklawn VP of Marketing Chris Ho.
The old track kitchen at Oaklawn was built in 1970 and was located where the hotel currently is.
"The current building has been here since 2019," Ho added.
On race days it can be hard to find a seat, especially before post time.
"You have your groups that come here, your regulars, and people make it part of their race day. You can start off at the track kitchen, then go right across the parking lot to the shuttle stop and take the shuttle right to the front door and start your racing day," he said.
Hayden has been coming to Oaklawn his entire life and highly recommends getting a Rueben sandwich before the races start at the track kitchen or a corn beef sandwich inside Oaklawn Park.