Drake Hotel

Came here for a friends birthday last night and it was a great pick! We had a large group that was kinda mingling on the rooftop patio and not sitting down anywhere but the staff was very accommodating, if a bit MIA (busy night after all). The food was good, but on the pricey side considering the portions weren’t that large. I had the lobster nachos and I would definitely recommend it. My friend ordered the truffle fries, and it didn’t seem to be worth it (small portion, even if the flavour was good). I tried a few of the drinks too — paper plane was so easy to drink, as was their house wine. This is a fun, chill spot. Suggest getting here around 9 to beat the crowds and still get some grub!

This review was for the lounge on the Thursday night. If you love live music this is the place to go. It was packed with a 40 plus crowd. To bad I’m in the mid 30 crowd. The drink menu seemed speak easy type but the bartender wasn’t super friendly so we never ordered and we just walked out.

Lovely spot for brunch on the weekends. The chicken and waffles are amazing… by far the best savory waffle I’ve had in Toronto. The Drake is quaint and quirky, perfect for something outside the typical hot spot.

Whoa. We have been Draking it as a group for the last couple of years.
Style all of its own; mid century simplicity, eclectic freaky-​styley, sexy as hell.
Leaving the patio, the rooms, restaurants, clubs, shops and incredibly personable staff makes the drive home a little less joyful.

A buddy of mine wanted to celebrate his birthday with style and hopefully high quality dining, so we took ourselves to The Drake Hotel on Queen St. Colour me surprised, but apparently the Drake is actually also a hotel on top of being a restaurant. No hip, ironic restaurant names here.
To paint the picture, our hostess lead us through the dining area, past a wall stocked with a mystery selection of books, by the bar, then to our marble table booth. Think modern, classy vibe, but not so classy that you’re in the vote-​for-​Harper tax bracket.
Since we were celebrating, I put aside the diet and tried quite a few different dishes with the group. It started with the Drake + Bake, which is an appetizer of various house breads and crisps served with three different spreads, (and banana peppers for some inexplicable reason). The most impressive combo was the slightly toasted, but still supple rye bread with a scoop of what was some sort of raspberry/​strawberry butter. The dish doesn’t knock the ball out of the park, but serves its purpose to get you going.
After this came the Lobster Nachos. This special plate of nachos hit close to my heart as a big nacho fan. Instead of the typical salsa, the corn chips are served with a mornay sauce, cilantro, picked jalapeños, and lobster, with guacamole and lime on the side. The creamy mornay and cilantro pairing defy you to even think about craving salsa or sour cream.
For my main I ordered the Drake Dry-​aged Burger along with a caesar. When this guy arrives at your table you get a little excited. The milky bun has a bit of a gleam to it, under which you’ll get a glimpse of the cheddar, bacon, and Russian dressing. A bite into that milky bun will harken back to a freshly baked egg bun at first, but once you settle in it taste and feels almost like a good pot pie crust. Really appreciated that. I won’t claim to have actually recognized the «dry-​aged» quality of the beef, but the patty was obviously a good quality piece of meat. The Russian dressing turned out to be a stellar mild combo with the medium strength of the cheddar, and of course bacon is delicious. The one question mark here is the gigantic pickle that they serve on the side. I know this is typical burger pairing, but the thing was huge. (That’s what she …)
We finished it all up with a side of Drake Fries (fries, pecorino, truffle butter), and their Chocolate Banana Dacquoise for dessert. The dacquoise is sinfully good, and of course a caloric nuclear bomb, so thank God that it’s a pretty small dessert. You’ll get a hazelnut praline, chocolate mousse, and a crisp spiced banana.
Overall, I came away a happy man. Though the waitress did take a good while to get to our table at first, she dealt with our admittedly high maintenance group with poise. I’d be happy to go back, and would suggest it to anyone, (if they’re ok with paying for the quality).

Stopped by Drake Hotel for Saturday brunch. It was my first time and, in my opinion, the second floor patio (newly renovated) is a hidden gem. The ambiance is one of eclectic modern and the service (speedy and friend) lends itself to a comfortable meal. I am hesitant to give a higher review because it took 40+ minutes to recieve our food after ordering; the wait staff did comp our coffees but a tad inconvenient none the less. Check out the attached picture of the smoked salmon bagel.

The Drake Hotel (Toronto)
Came here for a music performance and free guacamole showdown which were awesome and had a drink while I waited. I like the vibe for sure, good looking people and nice décor for the hip crowd. The cocktail I had was about 3 ounces of liquor which made for a stiff drink, two or 3 of these and you’d be set, specially right before a show. The guacamole showdown was awesome but who doesnt love free guac.
PRO TIP: I wish I had more time to try the food and drinks, maybe next time

This is my husband and my go to brunch spot and not just because we live close by! I LOVE the smoked salmon — either on a bagel or the benny, it is hot smoked and flaked not like a lox or gravlax style. The regular Drake benny is equally delicious as is the regular breakfast. I had a bite of fried chicken and waffles for the first time last week, chicken is boneless which I enjoyed. It’s not really my thing but each element was executed well (crispy chicken, fluffy waffle, tart cherries).
The hot sauce is hot but also has some flavour, I’d almost call it apricot-​y. Use it sparingly but on any egg or potato dish.
Don’t miss the Caesar if you’re in the mood, plenty of horseradish for a nice kick. If you don’t feel like alcohol, the latte is so creamy and delicious, always a nice treat.
Reasonably priced for the quality. Patio is a great scene in the summer, nice people watching.

Went here for brunch on a Saturday. We waited for 20 mins but we were lucky enough to sit close to the window and had a very nice view.
The chicken and waffle was really good. Chicken was well seasoned and cooked to perfection.
I would give this place a 5 star however, the bacon I had was too crispy and dry.
Atmosphere: young and hip
Recommendation: come early if you are in a hurry.

After long last, I tried the Drake again over the weekend.
We had fabulous service, it was a great atmosphere, and the Burger was unreal.
Well played, Drake Hotel.

Went there for Sunday brunch. I’ve been before to their trivia night and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was very crowded already at 12.30, so we had to wait around 25 mins. Reservations highly recommended. Or you can go to the Drake general store next door to take a look while you wait.
The server was very kind and told us a lot about the restaurant and the Drake brand. The food tasted amazing, but the service was a little slow, even when it wasn’t very full by the time we left. I highly recommend the Drake breakfast (not sure if this is really the name) with homemade sausage (tasted amazing!) and taco breakfast (sounds weird but yummy as well!) We also ordered their specialty coffee, which was very good.

Went back and the hamburger is still A-​OK and the fries are not greasy or oily.
Atmosphere is unique and not generic like elsewhere.
The restaurant is cool, but the waiter did not have a snobby attitude.
If the prices were a little lower it would be perfect, but other than that ⁴⁄₅.
Stay cool

Came here for brunch with girlfriends on Sunday morning. Waited for about 20 minutes before being seated. We all ordered the eggs bennys but were not blown away. It’s not a bad place for brunch, but nothing spectacular.

Love the vibe and cool interior. I’ve been here a few times and its always so full of energy here. I heard they have a Chinese new year menu and wanted to try it out. Although I was disappointed as I googled online there was suppose also have a Drake dim shum event. And online says it’s starting at 8pm. However, when I arrived, the event must’ve been cancelled and at 9pm announcements were made that they were giving out taste bottles of tsingtao beer.
There shrimp wontons was too salty but the fried rice was añ interesting combination. The best was probably the chicken thighs. Juicy and succulent to crispy chicken skin … Yums! Come here for the atmosphere, not the food. That’s my advice!

The first time I came here was in December and it was for a work Christmas party and everything was great which is why I returned so now onto my actually review of my experience yesterday (February 5^th).
Came here for my 19^th Birthday with a group of 6 and I have to say we had the most miserable excuse of a waitress to start the night. I can see what other reviews are complaining about because she was just flat out cranky there are a lot of coffee shops in the area if she needed a caffeine fix but don’t take it out on paying customers especially in a group because you’re ruining your chance at repeat business from all those in the group and their friends in the future.
We got here at around 9:30 and we were seated in the north lounge area. We planned on just having appetizers and drinks not a meal. The waitress asked if we wanted a meal and we said no that we just wanted appetizers and drinks and that’s when she took a turn for the worst. I have to say she had to have been the rudest waitress I’ve had to deal with in my life.
We ordered a few orders of fancy fries and a round of drinks to start some people in our group ordered beer and the rest ordered cocktails. We enjoyed our drinks and fries. As soon as we finished our fries the waitress comes over and places the bill on the table. We didn’t ask for a bill we were still going to order more. Honestly the worst customer service any of us has ever received. We paid then we went to the upper bar/​lounge area the staff up there seemed better and more welcoming. The roof top patio looks like it would be really nice in the summer months. We just went with bar service up there and the bartender was really nice and friendly as well a quick he was easily able to handle all the customers without seeming confused or over welmed.
Lastly we went to the lower bar or drake underground area which I can see being a lot of fun when a good bands in unfortunately when we were there it was DJs on stage and they were playing the crappyiest music. I heard the top 40 and some older songs from the early 2000s all in all the music was craptastic and not what I expected.
I honestly cannot see myself returning as I rather go to the Rivoli or the Gladstone where they play better music. I mean I’ve always wanted to go to the drake so I’m glad I did but it’s honestly not what I expected and I’m extremely disappointed especially by the service since that’s in excusable.
FYI: Coat check is $ 3 which is reasonable

Friends were quite surprised when I told them I have never been to Drake hotel. I even thought this had something to do w Drake, the rapper, and obviously I was later corrected.
We booked a table for two for dinner on a Friday night at 7. Parking was available on the street w/​o much walking. Without much wait, we got seated by the window. The tables were put pretty close to each other. It felt crowded sitting down especially with no offer of hanging our jackets. Also, the design of the table legs made it hard to get in and out. It makes you feel so clumsy.
The food: menu is full of selections. From regular bar food to seafood, sushi, dumplings, steak, ribs. Etc which makes Drake hotel able to cater to different crowds. Based on other Unilocal reviews, I ordered duck wings $ 17, and fried chicken thigh $ 6.
Duck wings were pretty big in size, and very tender, plus moist. I am used to the Asian way of roasted duck but drake makes it less oily and light. Loved how they paired it w deep fried crispy shallot.
Fried chick thigh did not disappoint either although portion is small. Well it was only $ 6. Maybe it was just too good that I wish they could serve more. It was very well fried on the outside and when you bit on it, it sort of felt like dissolving in your mouth w the right amount of fat. So moist so tender and flavorful. It was served very hot, another reason why it tasted so good I guess.
I think almost everyone told me their cocktails are very on point. Ordered «paper plane» $ 14, 2.25oz. It was pretty good. Different layers of flavor going on in one tiny little glass of bourbon. One little sip, I tasted refreshing lemon juice while it ended w a tad of bitterness after taste, in a good way. Like it, but price didn’t justify it for this tiny amount. Maybe not next time but still a good experience.
After getting our bill, we proceeded to the upstairs outdoor patio which was known for a must-​see at drake hotel. Even tho it’s freezing outside, they sheltered this patio with plastic cover and put enough heat surrounding you. They put up lights around the patio. Pretty romantic. I must say this is a very good spot for holding a party. 2 secluded areas here perfect for a party size of maybe 15 – 20 people each area. As a matter of fact, tonight there was no place for us to sit down other than standing at the bar. Same drink menu as downstairs and I wasn’t down for another $ 14 pricey tiny cocktail. So I left after a glass of bar rail and made note to myself I’ll probably host my next birthday bash here.
Overall I would give 3.5
Food was really good
Service ok
Trendy décor but I felt kinda clumsy and packed
Round it up to 4, cos I think it deserves at least a visit here to check it out. Check out my pictures ;)

Drake hotel, when it comes to your food and drink… you win… you always do. I was fairly confident that I had reviewed you in past, but as I near ridiculous levels of Unilocal review-​ness, a few will definitely slip through the cracks.
Cocktails are always on point here, my go to is their OF (of course, because what else do I drink aside from my standard). However there OF has changed a few times at least to my taste, and each time it’s changed I’ve loved it all the same. The consistent point is the oversized rocks glass and a huge block of ice.
The food… ahh the food. It’s good, like all good. Local, calorie laden, flavourful, you know all the things you want. This past week I went for the Fried Chicken and Waffles served with crème fraîche and season cherries. Having had the C&W before I knew I wouldn’t be satiated with only one chicken thigh… so I preemptively ordered a second with my meal… bold choice, but the right one. I challenge you to challenge that move…
My only critique of the C&W is that the chicken on some occasions (and I’ve had the dish on more than one occasion) can be a little dark on the cooking for my preference. It’s still great, but I’m more of a golden colour sorta guy rather than browned. You dig?
Come to think about it, I crashed on the floor of a friends room one time here and the floor was the most comfortable floor I’ve ever slept on. ever (lmfao). OK, perhaps alcohol played a factor, but the rooms are pretty rad, tiny and basically an OCD persons wet dream with how they’ve maximized/​organized this shoe box room into something that resembles something just short of a mansion by the time they were finished with it.
Come to the Drake, to eat, to sleep, to drink… to listen to music. All the things!
Eatcrest, Sleepcrest, Drinkcrest OUT!

Have you ever had a weekend where you went broke from bottomless glasses of wine or partying too hard? Maybe you have always had a curiosity to learn and to try a variety of food to expand your palate?
Drake Hotel is the place to be on Monday nights! They hold weekly food sampling events with a different theme at no cost. If oysters or fish ever became endangered, I would definitely be part of the problem! Being a huge fan of seafood, I had attended the «6^th Annual Ocean Wise Ceviche Smackdown» event. I had some of the freshest oysters shucked on the spot and an assortment of fresh seafood that were flavorful and garnished to perfection.
Every week is a surprise and definitely worth visiting!

The Drake a Hotel was a great stop on our Queen West artsy tour; one we cobbled together from Lonely Planet suggestions.
We snagged a seat at the rooftop bar where we enjoyed cocktails inspired by mixologist from all over the U.S. and Canada. Being form Kentucky, I tried their take on an old fashioned — brown butter infused bourbon with mole bitters and maple syrup. Yum!
You can tell this is high-​end cocktail bar not only by the menu and $ 15 cocktails, but their big, clear ice cubes. May sound silly, but if you enjoy a good cocktail, you know what I mean.
While prices were steep, the scene was funky and lively and I’d definitely check it out. We just missed the band, so you know the night was only going to get better!

The Drake is a cultural hub in my hood, and I’ve been coming here for various reasons for about a decade, so I have to toss it some five star lovin’.
Once upon a time I came for lots of shows in the underground and drank too much on the roof on the regular. Then it became a place I’d recommend to friends visiting Toronto, because their boutique hotel rooms are cute and reasonably priced. Now, it’s usually a brunch stop. If you’re ready to eat at 11am when they open, you’re pretty much guaranteed a couch seat in the sun, and their brunch is always sublime. Lately, I’m a huge fan of their warm scones and meat sides. Gititgitit.
Whether you want to dance, sleep or dine this place is an institution, and you should check it out.