Palm Court afternoon tea: booking, timing, and what to expect
Palm Court afternoon tea at The Drake runs Friday–Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM with each seating allowed up to 90 minutes; reservations are highly encouraged and can be made online via OpenTable or by phone. Expect a Smart Casual dress code, traditional tea service including a child-focused Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for ages 3–12, and limited seating, especially on holiday dates when hours expand.
In this guide
When Palm Court serves afternoon tea
Palm Court’s published Afternoon Tea hours are Friday through Sunday, 12:00 PM–4:30 PM. During the holiday season the service schedule expands on specific dates—holiday hours have differed from the regular schedule, so check current dates before you go.
Each tea seating at Palm Court lasts a maximum of 90 minutes, so plan for about an hour to an hour and a half for your visit; this helps the restaurant manage limited seating and keeps service predictable for all guests.
- Regular Palm Court hours: Fri–Sun, 12:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Seating duration: up to 90 minutes
- Holiday hours: Palm Court runs special extended holiday service on published seasonal dates (check current schedule)
| When | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fri–Sun, 12:00 PM–4:30 PM | Regular Afternoon Tea hours |
| Holiday period (seasonal) | Hours may expand; check current dates |
| Seating length | Up to 90 minutes per reservation |
How to book and contact Palm Court
Reservations are highly encouraged because seating is limited. You can book Palm Court afternoon tea online via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly at +1 312-932-4619.
If you prefer hotel assistance, The Drake’s front desk and concierge can advise on reservations and availability; the hotel’s main address is 140 E Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.
- Book online: OpenTable (Palm Court listing)
- Phone reservation: +1 312-932-4619
- Hotel address for arrival or concierge help: 140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
| Booking method | Tip |
|---|---|
| OpenTable/online | Best for seeing available times quickly |
| Phone: +1 312-932-4619 | Ask about holiday hours and kids’ tea options |
| Hotel front desk/concierge | Can confirm reservation details on arrival |
Timing: best times to go and holiday considerations
If you want a quieter experience, aim for earlier seatings shortly after 12:00 PM on a weekday-equivalent day (Friday) or the first afternoon slot on Saturday or Sunday. Late afternoon seatings can be busier and more likely to run into weekend crowds.
During the holiday season Palm Court operates expanded Holiday Afternoon Tea hours; those dates and times are published seasonally and often attract strong demand—book well in advance for holiday dates.
- Earlier slots often quieter (first seating after 12:00 PM)
- Holiday service is seasonal—check current schedule and reserve early
- Plan for about 90 minutes for the full service
| When to book | Why |
|---|---|
| Earliest seating (around 12:00 PM) | Usually less crowded |
| Mid-afternoon (1:30–3:00 PM) | Popular with families and groups |
| Holiday dates | High demand—reserve weeks in advance |
What the service includes and family options
Palm Court is a traditional afternoon tea venue; the hotel describes it as a celebrated tea service in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The menu typically follows classic tea formats (teas, sandwiches, scones, pastries), though specific menu items vary and should be checked in advance.
Palm Court offers a Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea tailored for children ages 3–12, making the venue family-friendly. The Drake welcomes guests of all ages; children 18 and older are charged at adult rates for hotel stays, but the tea’s child offering is explicitly for younger guests.
- Classic afternoon tea components (tea, finger sandwiches, scones, desserts) — check current menu for exact items
- Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for ages 3–12
- Dress code: Smart Casual
| Guest type | Tea option |
|---|---|
| Adults | Standard Palm Court Afternoon Tea |
| Children (ages 3–12) | Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea |
| Families | Children welcome; reservation recommended |
Dress code, accessibility, and other practical details
Palm Court’s dress code is listed as Smart Casual. While some guests choose to wear dressier attire for afternoon tea, gloves or hats are optional and not required.
The Drake provides accessible features including wheelchair-accessible paths to the elevator and accessible restaurant seating. If you require a specific seating arrangement for accessibility or mobility needs, mention it when booking so the restaurant can attempt to accommodate you.
- Dress code: Smart Casual (tea party gloves optional)
- Accessible seating available—notify when booking if you need accommodations
- Arrive a few minutes early to check in with host and maximize your 90-minute seating
| Practicality | What to do |
|---|---|
| Accessibility needs | Tell host at booking or call the hotel front desk |
| Late arrivals | Seating is timed—arriving late may shorten your tea time |
| Payment and gratuity | Confirm payment options and how gratuities are handled when booking or on arrival |
Expected costs, gratuities, and booking notes
Specific pricing for Palm Court’s tea offerings varies by menu and season and is not provided here; check the restaurant or reservation confirmation for current prices. Reservations on OpenTable or by phone will usually show the current menu and cost when you book.
Seating lasts up to 90 minutes; if you need to change or cancel a reservation, contact Palm Court directly or use your OpenTable confirmation. For hotel-related questions about arrival, parking, or accessibility, The Drake’s front desk and concierge can assist.
- Check current menu/pricing when booking via OpenTable or phone
- If you need to cancel or modify, contact Palm Court directly or use your booking confirmation
- For arrival logistics (parking, check-in, directions) contact The Drake’s front desk/concierge
| Service | How to confirm |
|---|---|
| Price/menu | OpenTable listing or call +1 312-932-4619 |
| Reservation changes | Modify via OpenTable or call the restaurant |
| Hotel assistance | Contact The Drake front desk/concierge on arrival |
