Experience A Day At The Races From The Comfort Of Downtown San Diego | New Restaurant & Bar, Striders, Offers City's Only Horse Racing Offsite Betting

November 3, 2015

Get ready to place your bets! Striders, which opened October 31, is not only a gorgeous bar and restaurant, but it is the only place in downtown San Diego where you can wager on horse racing. Racing fans can bet on premier horse races from around the world, including at our own Del Mar Race Track, in addition to Santa Anita, Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park and many more. Located at 100 Harbor Drive, opposite the Convention Center and under the iconic twin black towers of the Harbor Club, Striders is a multi-level restaurant, bar and high-end Turf Club.

Striders' giant 15 foot screen
The concept is a joint venture between Sportech, one of the world’s leading sports betting organizations, and SSG which is owned by the Kassab family, who are well-known locally for their hospitality and retail ventures.

“Striders is an exclusive entertainment venue that combines a restaurant, bar and high-end lounge featuring over 150 HD TV’s for watching sports all under one roof,” said Phil Balderamos, Managing Director of Sportech Venues California. “Most uniquely, Striders is the only place downtown where guests can wager on horse racing as permitted by the California Horse Racing Board.”

The first floor of the 8,200 square foot multi-level space includes a signature horseshoe cocktail bar, a casual dining room, an open kitchen with chef’s tables and two outdoor patios. The 360 degree, Las Vegas-style Winner’s Circle Bar is the focal point of the second floor Turf Club lounge where guests can relax and dine in premium booth seating and wager on horse racing. Two panoramic balconies boast spectacular views of the San Diego Convention Center and the downtown area and are available for reservation for groups and private parties, as is the entire venue.

"The California horse racing industry could not be more pleased with our newest mini-satellite wagering location at Striders," said Del Mar Racetrack Chief Operating Officer, Josh Rubinstein. “At the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club we are currently running live with our second Bing Crosby Season and Striders will be a great way to keep the fun of horse racing going after our meet closes."

Teaming up with consulting chef Ivan Flowers, previously of Top of the Market, Stiders' Executive Chef Rodrigo Campos has created a seasonal menu of reinvented classic American starters, salads and small plates made with fresh and local ingredients. Selections range from “Out of the Gate” appetizers to “At the Finish Line” desserts and include Char Sui Glazed Chicken Wings, Togarashi Seared Ahi Sliders, Crispy King Trumpet Mushroom Po Boys and Red Velvet Waffle “Ice Cream Sammies.” Striders offers an innovative array of hand-crafted cocktails, wine and craft beers. Striders has also teamed with local award-winning craft brewer Mike Hess Brewing to create its own signature suds - Striders Pale Ale.

“We’ve built a first class facility that we anticipate will be a big hit with locals and visitors alike,” said Ron Kassab of SSG. “Based on the popularity of horse racing in San Diego County, with the world famous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and many horse owners and trainers, Striders is designed to appeal to racing fans as well as residents, tourists and conventioneers and everyone who loves the style and gaming action of Las Vegas.”

Striders offers lunch and dinner daily with a brunch on Saturday and Sunday that will feature both a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bars. And if you need your morning coffee fix, Striders has you covered with an Illy coffee bar open in the mornings. Additionally, there is a state of the art Turf Club lounge where race fans can play the ponies in style while sipping on hand-crafted cocktails. Striders boasts over 200 high definition screens throughout its contemporary space. The video wall is actually so big that the race horses will appear to be life size.

For more information visit striders.com or call (619) 363-7166.