Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Drake – Orlando
The Drake - Orlando
Photo from The Drake
The Drake at a glance
Orlando Lake Eola Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#65 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#20 Restaurant out of 32 in Orlando
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
746
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting ambiance
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant The Drake Kitchen + Bar invites you to an unforgettable dining experience in the vibrant Lake Eola Heights neighborhood of Orlando. This upscale and romantic spot is renowned for its exceptional atmosphere and, as many discover, its truly great dessert offerings.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a trendy night out, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance here. You can look forward to a memorable meal in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting The Drake
The Drake offers a delightful dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and modern decor. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff, contributing to a pleasant visit.
The culinary offerings, particularly the creative cocktails, generally hit the mark, making for an enjoyable outing. However, some diners find the overall price point a bit steep, questioning the value for certain dishes.
While service is generally good, occasional missteps or slow delivery have been noted. Specific food items, like the lobster risotto, have also received criticism for quality.
Good
7.5
out of 10
746
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
175
negative
23
neutral
548
positive
The Drake generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 7.5. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 73.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This overall sentiment is drawn from over 700 customer observations, with a clear majority of 548 positive remarks outweighing 175 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.6) truly shines, setting a high standard.
Service (7.8) also performs well, ensuring a smooth experience for many. The Food (7.2) is generally considered good, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the atmosphere or service.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.2), which falls into the average range.
What people like
- Inviting ambiance & decor
- Attentive, friendly service
- Creative cocktail selection
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional service delays
With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, The Drake is generally a worthwhile visit, especially if you prioritize a pleasant setting and attentive staff. It offers a good experience for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and well-crafted drinks.
If you’re looking for a place with strong ambiance and reliable service, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for inconsistent food quality, which might temper expectations for some dishes.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Drake
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Overall, the food here earns a solid 7.2! Many diners rave about the `quality of the food`, `unique food` combinations, and `delicious dessert`. With 275 positive comments out of 395 total, guests frequently highlight the great `flavor` and `variety` on offer, making for some truly memorable dishes.
However, the 69.6% customer satisfaction suggests a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the 106 negative comments point to `portion size` concerns, `food consistency` issues, and dishes being `salty` or `undercooked`. There are also mentions of `stale buns` and `tough steak`, indicating that not every dish consistently impresses.
Food
395
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
106
negative
14
neutral
275
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, delicious flavors
- Great menu variety
- Excellent gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portion sizes
- Salty or undercooked
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was beautiful, and the staff were great. We enjoyed some delicious food, including the special lamb meatballs, goat cheese croquettes, and zaatar flatbread. Everything was so good!
- drinksbrunches, dinner and drinks, it is all exceptional
- cocktailsThe restaurant perfectly blends Caribbean, Mexican, Asian, and French flavors, bringing excitement to every plate. This is complemented by adventurous cocktails and quality wines, all at very reasonable pricing. The decor and ambiance are great, with convenient parking available in the back and side of the building.
- truffle friesBut the highlight may have been some truffle fries we also ordered
- FoodFood, service, and ambiance was top notch
- food and drinksThey included some beautiful decor on the tables as well as a custom sign for the event. The food and drinks were super delicious and they provided plenty of each dish for all of our guests (we did a family-style dinner). They were also SO great about providing delicious options for our guests with food restrictions.
- French toastMy favorite dish of all was the French toast very crispy on the outside soft on the inside.
- Mango Mai Tainot too sweet, not too sour. Flavor and mix was perfect.
- goat cheese croquettesgoat cheese croquettes were all excellent
- mealeverything from the service to the meal was excellent
Frequently criticized
- foodTwo of us ordered the lobster risotto, and it was cold and had a strong, nauseous smell. I don’t know what was more disappointing, the food or the service. We had two waiters taking care of our table; however, neither seemed to be focused on making sure our full meal order was delivered.
- entreesMy food went cold because I was waiting for the rest of my tables orders. When we finally all had our entrees we mentioned to server, why the food air. She said, we are “tapas” this is how it comes.
- burgerWe had two waiters taking care of our table; however, neither seemed to be focused on making sure our full meal order was delivered. We had all finished our meals except one guest who was still waiting for his burger. We mentioned it to the waiter who acknowledged that the burger was delivered very late.
- drinksOur dinner experience on a Saturday night was nothing short of horrible. Our drinks came late, and that was only after we reminded the server. They were out of two of the main items on the menu, Wagyu Steak and Oh Piglet!
- lobster risottolobster risotto, and it was cold and had a strong nauseous smell
- pork bellyThe scallops were too soft in the ceviche, and the plantain chips, while a good receptacle, were soggy. The pork belly was not very tender, and the grit cakes in the oxtail dish were off – we actually sent this dish back. Overall, I had a decent experience, and if I were to be invited, I would go again for cocktails 🍸 and vibes.
- scallopsAlthough the presentations were immaculate, there were components of the dishes that weren't executed well. The scallops were too soft in the ceviche, and the plantain chips, while a good receptacle, were soggy. The pork belly was not very tender, and the grit cakes in the oxtail dish were off – we actually sent this dish back.
- steaksteak was tough , and extremely well done
- wagyu steakwagyu steak that is renounced for its buttery melt in your mouth texture was overcooked and dried out it was tough and tasted raw
- Arancini dishdisappointed with the Arancini dish from the Happy Hour menu, which lacked taste
If youre looking for creative dishes and dont mind the occasional miss, this place could be a great culinary adventure. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, some experiences can be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score and 77% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many of the 174 positive comments highlight attentive service, friendly staff, knowledgeable recommendations, and exceptional service from individuals like Cameron and Roger. However, 47 negative comments point to areas for improvement.
Some diners experienced long waits, disjointed timing of food, unprepared service, and a lack of attention to detail, occasionally finding staff unpersonable or management seemingly uncaring.
Service
226
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
47
negative
5
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive service
- Friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Disjointed timing
- Unprepared service
Often praised
- serviceEach plate was quite unique and delicious. Contributing significantly to the great experience was the service provided by Cameron. He offered excellent recommendations and menu guidance, even foreshadowing upcoming specials.
- staffThe restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating; we chose indoors, where the ambiance was modern and aesthetically pleasing. Our waiter, Camron, was amazing, and the entire staff was friendly and attentive. For drinks, my sister created a specialty cocktail while I enjoyed a refreshing white sangria.
- serverThe decor was beautiful, and the appetizers we tried, including the goat cheese croquettes, truffle fries, and pork belly, were all excellent. Our server was also truly lovely. However, the main course fell short.
- customer serviceHe was such a genuinely nice person with great customer service.
- managerThe manager Roger even touched the table just doing his rounds and he was wonderful too!
- waiterThe restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating; we chose indoors, where the ambiance was modern and aesthetically pleasing. Our waiter, Camron, was amazing, and the entire staff was friendly and attentive. For drinks, my sister created a specialty cocktail while I enjoyed a refreshing white sangria.
- CamCam, short for Cameron is a great waiter!
- CameronCameron W made my birthday so special.
- Mandymet one of the highlights of the Drake Restaurant Mandy. Super outgoing , friendly beyond belief
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt turns out they charged me $3 for the crostinis that never arrived. The food was good, but the service was disappointing. 2 stars = MEH.
- LeslieLeslie totally failed to remember half of our order
- ServiceWe even had to wait a long time even for the bill for a meal that was an absolute disaster. Service is obviously not top of mind for this establishment, and although the manager walks around pretending to want to know customer’s feedback, he doesn’t seem to care.
- attention to detailUnfortunately, the waiter couldn’t offer much explanation or guidance, which didn’t help make the experience any better. Overall, while the food quality may have potential, the poor timing, lack of attention to detail, and unprepared service made this a very disappointing visit. I hope the restaurant takes this feedback seriously and makes improvements for future diners.
- attentiveShe wasn’t personable or very attentive
- bartenderThe bartender never introduced herself or gave her name
- bartender AustinBartender Austin seemed more attentive to his regular
- checkAfter 29 minutes, I asked for my check because the flatbread never made it. It turns out they charged me $3 for the crostinis that never arrived. The food was good, but the service was disappointing.
- coursesOur servers were very friendly and accommodating, which I really appreciated. The only aspect that was less than amazing was that the first order of drinks and each of the three courses took a while to come out, so the dinner ran longer than expected. But, we did have a lot of people, so it was not too surprising or unexpected for the food and drink to be more delayed than a in normal dinner.
- customer retentiondon’t think they care much about retaining customers
Overall, the service here is generally good, often praised for its friendly and attentive staff. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies with timing or occasional lapses in attention. It's worth a visit, but keep an eye out for those minor hiccups.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Hey there! If youre looking for a place with a fantastic vibe, youre in luck. The ambience here scores a solid 8.6, with an excellent 93.6% customer satisfaction.
Out of 94 total remarks, a whopping 88 rave about the cozy locale, beautiful decor, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a truly tasteful vibe for any occasion. However, a few of the 5 negative remarks point to minor comfort issues. Some wished for coasters for drinks and better air circulation, while an outdoor DJ occasionally disrupted the peace.
These are small points, but worth noting for those sensitive to such details.
Ambience
94
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Cozy atmosphere
- Welcoming environment
What people don't like
- Loud outdoor DJ
- Lack of coasters
- Poor air circulation
Often praised
- atmosphereWe asked the hostess for permission to take photos in the bar area, mentioning we'd also get drinks. They were incredibly welcoming and gave us the royal treatment, spoiling us with champagne, beautiful appetizers, and the most loving hospitality and atmosphere we've ever received. The food was delicious, as were the drinks.
- decorWe had 30+ guests and they were still able to make it feel special and private. They included some beautiful decor on the tables as well as a custom sign for the event. The food and drinks were super delicious and they provided plenty of each dish for all of our guests (we did a family-style dinner).
- vibei enjoyed with the outdoor and indoor dining
- Atmospherei enjoyed with the atmosphere
- ambiancethe ambiance was modern and aesthetically pleasing
- ambienceambience was delightful
- noise levelBeautiful restaurant
- outdoor seatingOur server was knowledgeable, but there were missteps, like taking my glass with leftover beer and not returning with a new drink promptly. Despite these minor issues, The Drake offers a pleasant dining experience with a great selection of cocktails and outdoor seating that allows dogs. The price range is a bit higher, around $30-$50 per person, but the unique features and cozy ambiance make it a great spot to try.
- patioI'd definitely recommend hitting Drake bar for a great time on the weekends or even in the morning with your laptop, as I did. I enjoyed listening to music on their patio, next to their homegrown garden. My server was incredibly polite and attentive, always keeping my water filled, which I truly appreciated.
- vibesthe vibes were immaculate
Frequently criticized
- DJ outdoorsThe poached eggs with braised beef had a disappointing amount of beef. Additionally, there was a DJ outdoors playing electronic music during our visit.
- air circulationperhaps another fan or two for air circulation
- coasters for drinksadding coasters for drinks so the condensation doesn’t drip on us
- experienceFor a $24 entrée, we were expecting better quality. It may have been an off day, especially since we visited right after Thanksgiving, but it still impacted the experience. Hoping this was just a one-time issue, because the starters showed a lot of promise.
- tables and aislessmaller side for tables and aisles
Overall, this spot clearly excels in creating a wonderful atmosphere. If you prioritize a cozy and intimate setting with beautiful decor, you'll likely have a fantastic time. Just be mindful of potential minor comfort quirks like the outdoor music or lack of coasters.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Value
31
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricemore than justifies its price
- pricesGreat prices for the quality
- billThe bill was fairly priced
- expensive hamburgermost expensive hamburger I have had
- happy hourExcellent happy hour deals
- happy hour menua nice happy hour menu
- price-quality ratiothe price-quality ratio is exceptional.
- pricingThe restaurant perfectly blends Caribbean, Mexican, Asian, and French flavors, bringing excitement to every plate. This is complemented by adventurous cocktails and quality wines, all at very reasonable pricing. The decor and ambiance are great, with convenient parking available in the back and side of the building.
- tipWhen we went to pay, they told us the water was free and there was no way they would charge us anything. We left an ad hoc tip. Lovely people.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the atmosphere was really nice and the service was good, the food was just okay. I ordered the grits and shrimp for $25, which was disappointing. It only came with 3 shrimp and about 4 oz of grits, and it was missing the chorizo that was advertised on the menu.
- Bloody MaryA Bloody Mary was 23 bucks
- Fried Chickenoverpriced @ $30 (no sides)
- billThe server spoke with the manager who reluctantly comped half of the burger. We even had to wait a long time even for the bill for a meal that was an absolute disaster. Service is obviously not top of mind for this establishment, and although the manager walks around pretending to want to know customer’s feedback, he doesn’t seem to care.
- costvery mediocre especially for the cost
- drinksdrinks were fine but overpriced.
- flight of ketchup varietiespay $2 bucks for a #flight of ketchup varieties
- food qualityfood is way too expensive to be serving people poor quality
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- price pointat this price point I believe that even the singular beer that my friend had should’ve been covered
How are the prices at The Drake?
You’re looking at roughly $51 per person – reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits at $51, the actual prices reported by diners are quite spread out across different ranges, indicating a diverse menu with options for various budgets, not just clustered around the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 93 most recent reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in Orlando.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Orlando, especially given the diverse range of options available. It seems like you can find something to suit different budgets here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Drake
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Beautiful Restaurant, Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The restaurant itself was beautiful, creating a lovely atmosphere. The food was delicious, and I'm eager to return to try more dishes.
Additionally, the cocktails were excellent.
- restaurant10
- food10
- cocktails10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Great Food, Disappointing Service
I've been to this restaurant many times, and the food and drinks have always been excellent. Today, I visited with four people around 1: 30 PM. While everything started excellently as usual, the entrees were served to each person at least five to ten minutes apart.
This is unusual, as on previous visits with others, the food came out as requested. The servers kept apologizing for how slow and uncoordinated everything was, and we were the only group in the restaurant. If you decide to go, be very clear about your expectations for service, otherwise be prepared for a horrible experience.
It's sad because the food is very good, but we will not be going back.
- food and drinks10
- food9
- entrees2
- service1
- experience1
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Great Food, Poor Bartender Service
My friend and I visited for happy hour around 4pm and sat at the bar. Unfortunately, the bartender never introduced herself or offered her name, and her demeanor was neither personable nor particularly attentive. We frequently had to flag her down for additional orders, as she wasn't proactively checking on us, even though the bar was not busy.
When we requested two separate checks, she silently placed the handheld device in front of my friend, which we found to be quite rude. Despite the food and drinks being great, the service significantly detracted from the experience. The bartender, who had two-toned hair and arm tattoos, was not hospitable at all.
- food and drinks9
- bartender2
- personable2
- attentive2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Awful experience, never again!
Wow. One of the worst dining experiences. Four of us went in for lunch at 1 pm.
Only one other table than us on a Friday. Server was pleasant at first. We ordered two apps to share and then our INDIVIDUAL meals.
Once the first meal arrived it was another 7 mins to the second then 3rd then fourth. People (except our server) kept apologizing for the wait. My food went cold because I was waiting for the rest of my tables orders.
When we finally all had our entrees we mentioned to server, why the food air. She said, we are “tapas” this is how it comes. What?
So we can’t eat our food together at a restaurant? After multiple people apologized? Will NEVER come here again.
People come to share a meal together, not eat in shifts.
- server7
- wait2
- food2
- meals2
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Good Food, Poor Service Experience
While the food is good, our experience was marred by a significant service issue. One of our party's entrees arrived with the starters, completely ruining what was meant to be a celebration. He had to sit and watch us eat our entrees, finishing his 15 minutes before us to avoid it getting cold.
One of the owners offered an "apology" but provided no resolution. While I don't expect a comped meal, at this price point, I believe even a single beer should have been covered. Despite liking the food, I don't think I'll be back as they don't seem to prioritize customer retention, which is unfortunate given I live a 5-minute walk away.
- food8
- entrees2
- service issue2
- owners3
What The Drake offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at The Drake Kitchen + Bar?
Yes, you do. The Drake Kitchen + Bar recommends making reservations, especially for dinner and brunch, to ensure you secure your preferred seating. You can plan ahead to enjoy your visit without any hassle, as they accept reservations for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at The Drake Kitchen + Bar?
At The Drake Kitchen + Bar, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. They offer a diverse selection of hard liquor, happy hour drinks, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails. You can also enjoy small plates, complemented by their great wine list and beer selection.
What is the overall verdict on The Drake's dining experience?
The Drake holds a good overall score of 7.5. Its Ambience (8.6) and Service (7.8) are highly regarded, while Food (7.2) is good, and Value (5.2) is considered average.
What makes The Drake's atmosphere stand out?
Guests frequently praise The Drake’s inviting atmosphere, modern decor, and pleasant vibe, often highlighting its outdoor seating options like the patio.
Are there any common concerns about the pricing or food at The Drake?
Some patrons find certain items, like drinks or specific entrees, to be on the pricier side. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent food quality, such as issues with the lobster risotto or wagyu steak.