Equestris

- 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11416

For New Yorkers seeking a dining experience that elevates the typical buffet into a premium event, Equestris at the legendary Aqueduct Racetrack, often referred to as "the Big A," provides an unparalleled option in Queens. Equestris is far more than just a place to eat; it is Aqueduct's premier dining venue, specifically designed to offer guests a sophisticated, all-inclusive culinary experience paired with the thrilling spectacle of live Thoroughbred horse racing. This unique combination makes it a destination for horsemen, track officials, and racing fans alike, as well as anyone looking to host a distinctive group event or simply enjoy a premium day out.

The primary feature of the Equestris experience is its renowned Premium Buffet, often described as a "Chef's Table" selection. This is a 3.5-hour experience featuring a wide variety of expertly prepared dishes, which includes non-alcoholic beverages, a race day program, and all tax and gratuity, creating a straightforward, all-inclusive package for patrons. The food is celebrated for its quality, with one customer review highlighting their satisfaction: "Loved the food and the friendly and hard working staff."

What truly sets Equestris apart from other buffet-style restaurants in the New York area are the breathtaking sightlines. The dining room is equipped with towering floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping, unobstructed views of the racetrack. This architectural design ensures that every seat is a prime viewing location, allowing guests to take in the excitement of the live racing action while comfortably enjoying their meal. This immersive environment positions Equestris not just as a buffet restaurant, but as a premier entertainment and dining venue in the Ozone Park/Jamaica area of Queens.

Operating primarily on live racing days—typically Saturdays and select Fridays and Sundays during the Aqueduct racing meets—Equestris offers a scheduled dining format. The doors generally open at 11:00 AM, with the buffet commencing at 12:00 PM and closing at 3:30 PM. Given its unique nature and specialized schedule tied to the NYRA racing calendar, making reservations is strongly advised to secure a table for this coveted experience. For those looking to add a little extra excitement to their day, various open bar packages are available for purchase, although customers should be aware that the price of alcoholic beverages can be a point of discussion, as noted in customer feedback.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for local New York users, detailing the location, accessibility, specialized services, and premium features of the Equestris Buffet Restaurant, cementing its status as a must-try unique dining experience in Queens.

Location and Accessibility

Equestris is conveniently located within the renowned Aqueduct Racetrack complex, making it a highly accessible destination in Queens, New York.

The venue's address is:

110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11416, USA

The location on Rockaway Boulevard is easily reachable for New York residents using a variety of transportation methods. The Racetrack is well-served by New York City public transportation, including the subway and bus system. For those who choose to drive, a significant amenity is the availability of On-site Parking within the Aqueduct complex. This is a crucial convenience for patrons traveling from different boroughs or the surrounding Long Island area. The restaurant itself is positioned to provide premium viewing, utilizing floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure spectacular, panoramic sightlines of the racetrack below. As a formal dining area located within a major entertainment complex, the venue is clearly structured to handle high volumes of guests while maintaining a premium dining experience.

Services Offered

Equestris offers a specialized set of services centered around its unique position as a premium dining venue overlooking a live sporting event.

The key services provided by Equestris include:

• Premium Buffet Dining: Offering a 3.5-hour, shared buffet dining experience known as the 'Premium Chef's Table', available during live racing days.
• Reservations: The restaurant actively accepts and encourages reservations due to its limited operating schedule and high demand.
• Group Event Hosting: The dining room can be booked to host group events, allowing guests to enjoy the premium food and beverage service with the added excitement of live racing.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: The standard package includes the full buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, a race day program, tax, and gratuity in a single price.
• Alcoholic Beverage Packages: Guests have the option to purchase add-on Open Bar packages, including Beer, Wine, and Seltzers, or a Premium Open Bar.
• Event Viewing Access: Guests are provided with prime, sweeping views of the live Thoroughbred horse racing from the floor-to-ceiling windows within the dining room.
• Dedicated Schedule: Operating on Saturdays and select Fridays and Sundays, aligning precisely with the Aqueduct Racetrack live racing calendar.

Features / Highlights

Equestris is defined by a host of unique features that blend high-quality dining with a memorable entertainment experience, making it a distinctive choice in the New York buffet restaurant scene.

The most prominent highlights include:

• Sweeping Track Views: The premier feature is the stunning, unobstructed view of the live racing track, provided by large floor-to-ceiling windows, turning every meal into a high-stakes viewing event.
• Premium Chef's Table Buffet: A high-end buffet selection curated by a Chef, offering a substantial meal experience that includes a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: The set price covers the 3.5-hour buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, program, tax, and tip, simplifying the planning and payment process for guests.
• Flexible Beverage Upgrades: The option to enhance the experience with 4-hour Beer, Wine, and Seltzers or Premium Open Bar packages.
• Ideal for Special Occasions and Groups: The premium setting and unique entertainment factor make it an excellent location for celebrating special occasions or hosting corporate and social group events.
• Dedicated and Friendly Staff: Customer feedback often praises the "friendly and hard working staff," indicating a high level of guest service.
• Located within Aqueduct Racetrack: Situated in "the Big A," positioning it as the top-tier dining destination for racing fans and track visitors.
• Guaranteed Seating on Race Day: Accepting reservations ensures guests have a dedicated spot for dining and viewing on popular, often crowded, live racing days.

Contact Information

To reserve a table, inquire about group events, or obtain current pricing and scheduling, please use the following contact details for Equestris at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Address:

110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11416, USA

Phone:

(718) 215-3327

Mobile Phone:

+1 718-215-3327

What is Worth Choosing

When considering a visit to Equestris, New York patrons are essentially choosing a full entertainment package rather than just a meal. What is truly worth choosing here is the combination of the premium buffet and the unparalleled ambiance of live horse racing.

The primary reason to choose Equestris is the Unique Live Racing Dining Experience. No other buffet in Queens offers the sightlines provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a memorable backdrop for a meal. For horse racing enthusiasts or those seeking a special event venue, the environment alone is worth the price of admission, which is currently listed at $75 per person for adults (ages 13+) and $30 for children (ages 3-12), including the buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, and gratuity.

Next, the Premium Buffet/Chef's Table itself is a compelling choice. While the specific menu rotates, it is framed as a high-quality, shared buffet featuring the creations of the Chef. This moves beyond standard buffet fare, aiming for a more refined selection of food that has been well-received by diners who appreciate the taste and the efforts of the staff.

Finally, for guests who wish to fully immerse themselves in the celebration of a race day, the Open Bar Packages are a popular add-on. While one past review mentioned that drinks were "ridiculous," the availability of dedicated 4-hour premium and standard open bar options (at $55 and $40 per person, respectively) provides a clear, fixed price for unlimited drinks, which can be an economical choice for those planning to drink throughout the 3.5-hour dining window. However, patrons should plan their budget carefully if they opt for à la carte drink orders outside of these packages. In essence, choosing Equestris is choosing a premium, convenient, and exciting afternoon of food and sport, a truly one-of-a-kind Queens experience.

Equestris

110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11416, USA