COLLINSVILLE, IL – Fairmount Park Casino & Racing is thrilled to announce the opening of Longshots, a country-western BBQ restaurant offering scratch-made food, live music, and with clear views of the horse track and winner’s circle. The restaurant, located at 9301 Collinsville Rd., opened on Thursday, June 5, 2025, and features a full bar, a patio, a music stage, and a total of 150 seats for indoor and outdoor seating.
In partnership with The Fifty/50 Group, a Chicago-based and nationally recognized restaurant group, Fairmount Park developed its food and beverage offerings. Executive Chef Shea Maples is leading the kitchen with a menu that’s hearty and down-to-earth, focusing on high-quality ingredients, time-tested techniques, and bold flavors. Prior to his tenure with The Fifty/50 Group, he contributed to the opening of Post Commons, a combined coffee shop and restaurant situated within a century-old post office in Alton, Illinois.
Guests can choose from a variety of scratch-made options, including small bites, cracker crust pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and signature smoked meats. The
authentic BBQ is smoked daily in a state-of-the-art Cookshack smoker capable of handling over 500 pounds at a time.
Themed shots called longshots and cocktails are crafted at the bar and served in cowboy boot-shaped shot glasses. The longshots on the menu are as follows.
- Blue Rodeo – Herradura Blanco, Malibu Rum, Pineapple
- Hot to Trot – Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (chilled)
- Peachy Paddock – Jameson, Peach Schnapps, Sweet & Sour, Splash Starry
- Pony Pop – Tito’s Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice
- Tequila Trot – Monte Alban Tequila (chilled)
- The Lunchbox – Good Trouble Whiskey, Amaretto, Orange Juice
The restaurant’s distinctive name pays homage to the world of horse racing. A longshot is a contender with high odds, often considered unlikely to win. Yet when a longshot is victorious, the moment is exhilarating and the reward substantial. That connection to a memorable experience reflects what restaurant guests can expect.
During the racing season, Longshots is open Tuesdays from 11 am to 10 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 10 pm, Fridays from 4 pm to 11 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm, and is closed Mondays. Guests can enjoy live music at 7 pm each day they are open.
To view the menu, see the list of bands performing, make a reservation, and learn more, please visit https://longshots-bar.com.
ABOUT FAIRMOUNT PARK CASINO & RACING
Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, located in Collinsville, Illinois, has been a premier destination for horse racing and entertainment since 1925. With the addition of a casino, Fairmount Park continues to evolve, offering guests an exciting mix of live racing and top-tier gaming. The company is committed to providing a safe, convenient, and dynamic entertainment experience. For more information, please visit https://www.fairmountpark.com/.
ABOUT THE FIFTY/50 GROUP
The Fifty/50 Group, founded in 2008 by Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner, is a renowned hospitality collective celebrated for its diverse portfolio of award-winning restaurants and bars. With a commitment to exceptional culinary experiences and innovative concepts, the group has established itself as a leader in Chicago’s vibrant dining scene and has garnered national acclaim. The Fifty/50 Group proudly fosters a culture of culinary excellence, partnering with acclaimed Michelin-starred and James Beard-winning chefs to consistently deliver unparalleled gastronomic adventures. For more information, please visit https://www.thefifty50group.com/.
