Could this new outdoor lounge near Aventura become the next Wharf (but with horses)?
CORRECTION: The story was edited to reflect that the venue is no longer opening on Feb. 18, 2022 due to permitting issues. A new opening date has yet to be determined.
Think of Carousel Club, the new outdoor entertainment spot at The Village at Gulfstream Park, as a close relative of The Wharf, only with racehorses.
The horses, of course, are not admitted to Carousel Club. Not even the winners. But the 14,000-square-foot open-air lounge, which features a large tented space, two bars, a deck and a grassy lawn, is now open for around 1,500 guests, day and night every weekend.
Named for the antique carousel at the main bar and designed by Studio Collective, Carousel Club is a collaboration between 1/ST Experience, the brand that owns and operates Gulfstream Park, and Breakwater Hospitality Group, which created the outdoor event venues The Wharf Miami and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale.
“When Gulfstream Park approached us with this opportunity, it was a no-brainer,” said Emi Guerra, co-owner of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “We love the tradition behind the sport but also appreciate that this concept is more than just about Thoroughbred horse racing. It allows us to showcase our form of hospitality in such a chic and unique setting.”
The club will feature food pop-ups from Spris Artisan Pizza from Miami Beach, Ms. Cheezious from the Design District and Mad Room Hospitality’s Los Altos Taqueria. There are giant video screens, plus a great view of the racetrack, which makes Carousel Club a special kind of day club.
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It’s almost two clubs in one. During the day, the space offers a family-friendly experience, with shaded seating and giant lawn games like Jenga and horsehoes. At night, the atmosphere shifts to more of a lounge feel, with special lighting, DJs, live performances and all sorts of craft cocktails. There’s even bottle service if you’re feeling flush (or hit it big at the track or the casino).
Live racing at Gulfstream Park runs through April 3. The Curlin Florida Derby, considered to be an important lead-up to the Triple Crown, will be held on April 2.
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Carousel Club
Where: Village at Gulfstream Park, 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
Hours: Noon until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-midnight Sunday
More information: carouselclub.com or 954-228-3378
This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 6:00 AM.