Batavia Downs Gaming

We were in the Area (Medina) camping. With a forecast of rain one night we decided to visit Batavia Downs Casino. It is a smaller casino than any at Niagara Falls or Turning Stone. We had Prime rib at the Steak House Restaurant which was very good. The Clerks at the Racing betting counters were very friendly and helpful guiding us in the way to play a bet since we had never bet on the ponies before. The bar staff was friendly. you could watch the races from most anywhere. There were CCTV’s everywhere, even at the buffet dining tables and bars so you can watch the races and cheer for your horse. I preferred to be down track side at the rail near the winners circle.

Prior to last bites visit It had been a long time since my last visit. Since that 1^st visit the establishment has gone thru big remodel. The change in look was quite drastic and certainly improvement. I’m going to say this up front that it has been a a year or so since I have gone to a casino to play a slot machine but I wondered as we walked around when all slot machines became a 1 cent slots. It wasn’t till I sat down and realized that though they say a penny your actually needing to play 20 cents or more per pull. So certainly not a penny but in reality not a huge issue considering and certainly not the reason for my review. The true reason for this review was the trip into Thurman Thomas’s 34 Rush. Restaurant or bar? Having watched the TV spots I would have guessed a restaurant but in reality it’s a bar area off the slots floor. Nice location and ambience. Brought my son here to celebrate his 18^th to catch game (NFL) good food and of course lose some money at slots. Initially service from bartender was good as she greeted us as we grabbed a table and even was ok with changing big screen from some no volume talk show to that of the football game. Food and drinks were ordered and delivered. My son chose the Thurmanator burger. It came over cooked and not very tasty. Myself I went with the nachos loaded with cheese, tomatoes, chili, jalapeños. My guess is that the kitchen made the nachos first and held them while burger got over cooked. I say this because the cheese used was of a liquid variety and turned the nachos that it was poured on into a wet mush mess. Unfortunately the server never came back to check on the quality of the food or anything at all. Possibly because she was 1 person running the whole bar and running the tables for food. Ok so to wrap up casino was improved though the trip to Niagara Falls would be worth it and I’d suggest sticking to the drinks and skip the food at 34 Rush.

Great place and the remodeling they did really helped make it alot better. They have alot of machines and 2 smoke and play rooms. Some people on here complain they didn’t win much but IT IS A CASINO! If you go in expecting to walk away with a big pocket full of cash everytime then you must not know the definition of gambling. Fortunes restaurant has really good food, been there twice and loved it both times. Food prices range from $ 10 to $ 20 a plate and there is a wide variety of stuff to choose from. There is also 34 rush also which is more of a sports bar and has the typical food you’d expect. They’ve done alot of work making the place alot nicer and if your into the horse racing then head outside and enjoy.

Just ok. Played for about an hour– nothing special at all. Machines all seemed to be low on volume and unable to be turned up enough for it to be fun. Wouldn’t make a return trip. This is a one and done type of experience for me.

I’ve had a lot more Batavia Ups than Batavia Downs, probably thanks to all of those little pink pills that my DJ friend usually supplies me with when I come into town. Oh crap, too much information.
When I visited Batavia Downs, everyone had a good time. The facilities are decent. The special event (a Playboy thing with vintage motorcycles) was great, but I was indifferent to Batavia Downs and especially the horse racing and gambling. 90% of the clientele were male. Employees were fairly nice.
I’ve only been to the downs once, and it was to offer moral support to a girl from Playboy (yes I’m serious). I have a lot of cute and sort-​of-​famous friends from the old days, although my Playboy friend is actually from around here. She looked great and it was fun. All the Batavia boys were drooling and so were some of the girls. We weren’t really bodyguards, we just sort of showed up in case nobody else did so that she wouldn’t feel awkward. But there was a decent turnout. Sadly most of them were throwing away their money on the horses instead of at my friend.
So I’m not going to give it more than a 3 because after all, horse racing is horribly cruel. But having my gorgeous friend come here and sign magazines and posters was great for her and everyone, so for that sort of chauvinistic innovation, I’ll give them a few brownie points. Not that chauvinism is good. It sucks. But at least they’re doing something. And everyone was very respectful to her and she made some decent money.

I can’t say that I have walked away a winner, but I have broke even after a few hours of play. It is close by, and they do a lot of free play stuff, if you pay attention. 34 Rush, the bar inside makes a good drink that is reasonable in price, grab a burger they are also quite good.

It was horrible… machines don’t pay off and the restaurant was horrible… don’t go here… so bad bad bad

It’s kind of sad to watch the horses being whipped at the end of the race.
I don’t smoke so the smoking part of the casino really isn’t interesting or great to me.
The beers outside are a million times cheaper than inside.
I guess if you’re into gambling, cigarettes and don’t care about animals then it’s the right place for you.

Great place. Great bands — very fun … Open a little longer & finger foods too … Over all great place for fun and a great time. Go check it out

dump of a racetrack, with crappy purse structure. Rib eye sandwich ok, but that was years ago, so probably no longer available.