Restaurants and bars near The Drake
The Drake offers three on-site dining/drink venues: Coq d'Or (historic American bar), Palm Court (afternoon tea), and Cafe on Oak (breakfast overlooking Lake Michigan). Coq d'Or and Palm Court are best for sit-down experiences; Cafe on Oak is a morning spot with limited weekend hours.
In this guide
On-site bar: Coq d'Or
Coq d'Or is The Drake’s historic American bar on the Arcade Level, open since December 6, 1933. It serves classic cocktails and elevated American fare in a formal, business-casual setting.
Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are not required and seating is first-come, first-served. Coq d'Or also offers partial or full bar buyouts for private events.
- Specialties: Executive Pour Martini and Bookbinder's Red Snapper Soup (served at The Drake since the 1930s).
- Dress code: Business Casual.
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, Friday–Saturday, and Sunday (see table for published hours).
| Day | Published hours (Coq d'Or) |
|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 11:00am–midnight |
| Fri–Sat | 11:00am–1:00am |
| Sun | 11:00am–11:00pm |
Afternoon tea: Palm Court
Palm Court is The Drake’s long-running afternoon tea venue located in the hotel and is the property’s signature tea service. Afternoon Tea is offered Friday through Sunday with seatings that last up to 90 minutes.
Reservations are highly encouraged because seating is limited; you can book online via OpenTable or by calling the hotel’s Palm Court number. Palm Court runs a special Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea option for children ages 3–12 during regular tea service.
- Published hours: Friday–Sunday, 12:00pm–4:30pm.
- Seating duration: up to 90 minutes.
- Dress code: Smart Casual.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regular Afternoon Tea | Fri–Sun, 12:00pm–4:30pm; reservations encouraged |
| Prince & Princess Tea | Available for children ages 3–12 during afternoon tea service |
Breakfast spot: Cafe on Oak
Cafe on Oak is The Drake’s breakfast nook facing Lake Michigan on the corner of the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach. It focuses on a la carte morning dishes and counter service.
Hours vary by weekday; the published weekend schedule is limited to mornings on Friday through Sunday, and guests should check with the Front Desk for Monday–Thursday hours.
- Published hours: Friday 7:00am–11:00am; Saturday–Sunday 7:00am–12:00pm.
- Typical menu items include petit waffles, avo-toast, and an egg skillet.
- The Drake’s Bed and Breakfast package includes a daily breakfast credit (terms apply).
| Day | Published Cafe on Oak hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 7:00am–11:00am |
| Saturday–Sunday | 7:00am–12:00pm |
Practical tips for dining at the hotel
Breakfast is not automatically included with room rates; on-site breakfast and Palm Court tea are charged separately. If you have a Bed and Breakfast package, follow the package terms for the included credit.
Coq d'Or is walk-in friendly. Palm Court is popular and reservations are recommended, especially for weekend and holiday seatings.
- If traveling with children: Palm Court offers a child-focused Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for ages 3–12; otherwise children are welcome in hotel venues.
- If you have accessibility needs: The Drake provides wheelchair-accessible dining and public spaces — contact the Front Desk or concierge for assistance.
- Check hours with the Front Desk if you plan to dine early on weekdays; Cafe on Oak weekday hours vary.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Reservations for Palm Court | Book online via OpenTable or call the Palm Court number |
| Late-night drinks | Coq d'Or is open late on Friday–Saturday (until 1:00am) |
| Dietary requests | Ask staff when ordering; menus are a la carte |
Eating and drinking nearby
The Drake sits at the north end of the Magnificent Mile and faces Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan, putting you within easy walking distance of many downtown restaurants and cafes. The hotel’s location is convenient for exploring the Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile dining options.
If you want to dine away from the hotel, the Front Desk and concierge can recommend nearby restaurants, make reservations, or arrange transport. The hotel’s proximity to Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place means many options are a short walk away.
- Nearby points of interest that influence dining choices: Michigan Avenue, Oak Street Beach, 360 CHICAGO, and Water Tower Place.
- Ask the concierge for neighborhood recommendations and reservations.
- Walking is often the quickest way to reach nearby restaurants along the Magnificent Mile.
| Nearby landmark | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Michigan Avenue | Concentration of shops and restaurants along the Magnificent Mile |
| Oak Street Beach | Good for a morning walk before breakfast at Cafe on Oak |
| 360 CHICAGO / Water Tower Place | Nearby attractions with dining and food-court options |
Meals for meetings and events
The Drake’s event spaces — including the Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom, French Room, and Camellia Room — can accommodate plated meals, buffets, and bar service for weddings, receptions, and meetings. Catering details and menus are handled by the hotel’s events team.
If you’re organizing an event, contact the hotel’s events or sales team to discuss menu options, space setup, and audio-visual needs. The property lists multiple room capacities and square-foot figures for its larger ballrooms.
- Gold Coast Room: largest ballroom, Lake Michigan views; seating capacities listed in the hotel’s event materials.
- Grand Ballroom: historic 1920s room suitable for live bands and receptions.
- Camellia Room and French Room: options for intimate or mid-size gatherings.
| Venue | Notable fact |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast Room | Largest ballroom; Lake Michigan views |
| Grand Ballroom | Built in the 1920s; 5,214 sq ft listed |
| Camellia Room / French Room | Smaller, suitable for intimate to mid-size events |
