Best Places to Watch the Belmont in New York

History could be made on June 7 when California Chrome tries to become the first horse in 36 years to capture horse racing's Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes. With so much on the line, you’ll want to be watching, and if you’re in the New York City area I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of nine great spots to watch the big race in the city. Even if you don’t attend the track, you won’t have to settle when it comes to making the most of your Belmont Stakes experience.

Belmont Park
What better way to see history made than live and in person? Belmont Park is the host of the Belmont Stakes where this year California Chrome could become the 12th Triple Crown winner. It is sure to be a good time, but with attendance projected to be somewhere in excess of 100,000 people, cost and claustrophobia are two obstacles that many will have to overcome. Aside from general admission, most tickets for the Belmont Stakes are already sold out, unless you want to pay top dollar for a seat via a third-party website. If you don’t want to deal with pricey tickets, crowds or potential extreme weather, read on - I’ve got eight more awesome spots to potentially witness history.

Mad46
The rooftop lounge atop The Roosevelt Hotel already has a reputation for throwing one of the best Kentucky Derby parties in New York City. This year, they'll also be hosting a Belmont Stakes party. It starts at 4 p.m. and will feature signature cocktails, a special menu and prizes for best dressed. While there's no charge, you might want to call and put in an RSVP.

21 Club
The standard in fine dining with a racing theme, the 21 Club has a long-established reputation as one of the premier restaurants and bars in the city. A lineup of lawn jockeys dominate the exterior decor and you'll find more hints of racing culture and history inside. The 21 Club is holding a Belmont Stakes Watch Event in its lounge area from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. For $55, you get two cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and plenty of ambiance.

Jack Demsey's
As the official New York City bar of the University of Kentucky, this spot has a natural association with horses and horse racing. America's Best Racing even held a Toyota Blue Grass Stakes watch party here in April. Dozens of TV screens on two levels, and they'll even put TVG on for you if you ask. You'll very likely be surrounded by other racing fans who know Demsey's reputation as a horse-friendly bar.

Triple Crown Ale House
Can't think of a more appropriate location to potentially take in the first Triple Crown in 36 years than the Triple Crown Ale House on 7th Ave. The walls are decorated with famous Thoroughbreds and the menu features plates named after horse racing terms. A fun location where you're sure to meet other people interested in watching the big race, while surrounded by other people excited about it. Triple Crown Ale House will offer drink specials throughout Belmont Stakes day.

Mustang Harry's
This horse-themed bar is actually a Denver Broncos bar, rather than a horse racing spot. But since it's often mistaken for a racing bar - with neon-lit horse signs hanging above the front door - and it's in a high-traffic area, people do frequently stumble in looking to watch the big race. The venue is massive, so you don't need to worry about finding a seat.

Aqueduct
Want to be around horseplayers without having to fight through the massive crowd sure to show up at Belmont? Aqueduct would seem to be a logical alternative. There have been several renovations at the Queens racetrack in the past six months, including a brand-new players bar, lounge and simulcast center called "Longshots." Make sure you get there early enough to secure some prime real estate around one of the large flat-screen TVs.

Monmouth Park
So, it's not exactly in New York but it's only an hour away. Monmouth Park offers another alternative for people looking to bet on the big race without having to fight off the masses at Belmont Park. Truly one of America's hidden gems, Monmouth Park is an absolutely gorgeous racetrack with immaculate grounds, and it's just minutes away from the beach! The track is hosting a Belmont Stakes Viewing Party from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. in the Turf Club. It costs $40 to get in, which includes valet parking, clubhouse admission, a program, Belmont Stakes selection sheet and a lunch buffet. As an added bonus you can watch live racing all day long.

Home
The only thing more important than finding the right place to watch the race is being surrounded by the right people. There's no shame in staying home with friends and family on Belmont Stakes day. You can throw some food on the grill, get your own beverages at a fraction of the cost and avoid the crowds. You're also guaranteed a front row seat to what could be horse racing history. Watch live Belmont coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports. Click here for a complete guide to belmont Stakes TV coverage.