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Drake Hotel
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Nightlife Bars Lounges Hotels, Lounges [Edit]
1150 Queen Street WToronto, ON M6J 1J3
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
(416) 531-5042
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7:30 am - 2 am
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
86 reviews for Drake Hotel
Review Highlights
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"I tried their fried chicken with waffles and it was quite..." In 2 reviews -
"They have such a great outdoor patio." In 16 reviews -
"The general store is truly a gem it has everything you..." In 3 reviews
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86 reviews in English
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Review from Andie J.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2012
I've had a love affair with the Drake for a few years now. It's my favourite place for dinners and drinks and they have a great brunch. But I had there for dinner last night and I was blown away by a delicious meal.
We went for drinks and decided last minute to instead have dinner as we were both famished. Although there were many tempting dishes on the menu I decided to go with a simple fish & chips order accompanied by a pint of Blanche de Chambly. Being that I've had the real deal courtesy of the lovely Brits, my expectations were that it would be an okay attempt at a fish & chips. I was okay with this as I had a hankering for something fried.
I should have known that there would be nothing "simple" about it being that I was at of-course at The Drake. It was the best fish and chips I've had in my life, and that includes my fish & chips experiences in London, which until that very moment could not be touched by any North American attempt.
The fish was lightly battered, so none of that more batter than fish nonsense. It was succulent, well-flavoured and delicious. The portion size was also quite generous. My friend was a little jealous, saying that he should have ordered the same, so I shared a little with him.
Also I love my potatoes and these chips were made from real potatoes - none of that frozen stuff. The sweet cold-slaw topped the meal off nicely and my pint of Blanche de Chambly was of-course tasty as expected.
Service was good, as the server was very helpful... as was the hostess who kindly accommodated our requests.
I'll definitely be back for another serving! -
Review from Dave J.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2012
I try, so hard, to like the Drake. So hard. I try to like it because it's so pretty to look at and location-wise, it's perfect. But the vast majority of experiences I've had there have been average at best and bad at worst.
The Drake's food is usually good. Not great, but not awful. The wait to get said food, however, is always far longer than you'd think (unless the place is empty). The service is hit-and-miss: Either you get an attentive server/bartender or someone who wouldn't notice if you were on fire. And god forbid you, upon standing at the bar for a long while, have the temerity to summon a bartender who is off playing grab-ass with a waitress. If you are brazen enough to do that, you will get treated rudely and overcharged. I worked a bar for ten years -- I know the "I'll charge for two singles instead of one double" trick. I also know when I'm getting short-poured.
Whenever I think of the Drake I think of an absurdly attractive person who never had to learn to be nice, or interesting, or whatever else because all their life they've been popular, liked, loved and praised based solely on their looks. I know that a lot of people like the Drake, but too often I find that the place, food and drink-wise, is coasting and is given a pass because man, it's just so damn pretty -- and the tie goes to the stunner. -
Review from Kat S.
3/10/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I like the art in the lounge. As I sat in the bar waiting for my table I watched as a clown made the sloppiest drinks I'd ever seen in my life. A guy at the bar ordered a $20-$25 shot of some whiskey and said clown split it, and served him a wet glass. He looked at me for my reaction, and I simply said 'that's what happens when you hire a clown.'
The hostess arrived and I was super excited to jump off my stool with my weirdo Shirley Temple that has orange juice in it ($4). I was lead through the entrance, out the front door, back in the front door, back through the host stand, behind the staircase ( and I had to carry my own drink!)... until I was seated in what felt like a diner.
At least I was away from the clown.
My server was a pretty girl who was attentive, and let me order things the way I wanted. Even being gluten free I couldn't help but wreck my GI for the day by getting chicken and waffles. I mentioned I was from the Southern part of the states and this is a very common food for us, so I was excited to try it again- BOY WAS I WRONG lol.
It's not bad, it's just an... interpretation of chicken and waffles. Herb waffles with chicken strips covered in a cherry sauce, and creme fraiche. Lol Ludacris would roll over in his grave if he were dead.
The chicken fingers were good. The waffle was okay (i took it home for pups). I had more fun dipping the bacon in maple syrup than anything.
I'll be back as I love the ambience, and have a friend crush on my waitress, and hope to see her again, and make friends. -
Review from Ashleigh G.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2012
The only thing I've ever been blown away by at the Drake is the bill.
The atmosphere is beautiful. I love coming during off times to meet with friends... but the food is always mediocre. And with prices where they are - I expect more. There is definitely more competition in the area than there has ever been.
I will happily pay for quality, but that's not something I've ever seen here. The cocktails are always too sweet. It's probably the only place I've ever been that's managed to make lobster taste bland. -
Review from Yvonne T.
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a review for a Social Feed TO event held at The Drake Hotel.
The Drake Hotel is not a place that I have been to many times. I had been here once with a friend and former co-worker when she came back to Toronto and it coincided with TIFF, so it was packed and definitely a "happening" place to be. That was a little over 2 years ago.Queen West past Bathurst isn't exactly the most exciting part of the strip, but the likes of the Drake and Gladstone bring in the crowds.
My first ever Social Feed experience was at Marben, and it was nothing short of awesome. So I've been on high alert for up and coming events. As I came out of recovery mode post wisdom-tooth extraction, I decided that The Drake + The Social Feed would be a great way to ease back into the social scene.
I arrived "fashionably on time" and although we missed co-founder Reggie Milligan this time around, the folks at the Drake were well-organized. A simple checking off of my name from the list and we were escorted to the cozy, communal table for 18 towards the back.
I actually had +2s to this event, and because we arrived late, we were thrust into the "social" aspect of the event early on (being unable to sit together). But hey, that's part of the fun. I was graced with the company of project managers, media magnates (read managing editor for http://680news.ca and online advertising guru employed by Yahoo! Canada). I even got a few pointers from a TD financial advisor on what to do with my money instead of letting the bank pay us trivial interest while they take our hard-earned cash and make their millions!
Unfortunately I did not get to sip on the Mill Street brew as I was still on antibiotics - so one of my +2s went home a little happier than usual with 2 beers under his belt!
The most memorable dish of the evening for me was definitely the Caesar Salad Royale clad with generous chunks of lobster, a dressing with a hint of wasabi, and some outcasted ingredients (avocado and tomatoes, that would normally have no place in a Caesar Salad). The bread crumbs were heavenly - perfectly garlicky and salty. I ended up noshing on these instead of the actual basket of garlic bread that came post haste.
My only real complaint is that the steak came cold. I guess that's why the dishes they gave us were so warm?! The pasta was great (if you liked olives). The Drake took a bit of a risk IMHO because although there were sweet tomatoes and earthy mushrooms in the mix, the predominant flavour was still OLIVES. And olives is something you either hate or love.
The garlic bread was also cold. As mentioned above, I found the croutons to be tastier. The edges were also severely burnt. Hey! Just because I was born in the month of July and I'm a Cancer doesn't mean...
The Rapini also had a burnt taste to it (but at least it wasn't cold?)
The Tiramisu was a heavy heavy dessert, and it was served with a chocolate-chip-almond-ginger-bread-biscotti. Wasn't a fan of the chocolate chips, and I wasn't a fan of the stale factor either.
All b!tching aside, the staff were stellar, keeping our glasses topped up and checking in on us. The crowd at the Drake is definitely what I would classify as "hipster" but don't let that keep you from coming. As I was leaving around the 10 o'clock mark, I saw a band setting up on stage. Culture + Food + Good Times = The Drake. -
Review from Courtney B.
Pickering, ON
1/31/2012
I went here for one of their 86'd events. I think it's a really cool idea and is not intimidatingly "foodie" but I have to say, the service left something to be desired. We were literally sitting at one of the bars and had to ask repeatedly for drinks, food, and so on. That being said, the drinks were really reasonably priced.
However, I was here for New Year's Eve and the service (at least upstairs) was fantastic.
Some people are worried that they won't fit in here, crowd-wise, but I say to them who cares!! I love the look of this place and the effort they are putting in to contribute to the arts scene. I don't look like a hipster, but as long as the waitstaff treats you politely, who cares?
Will definitely update when I come for a full meal. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 12/9/2011 13 Check-ins Here
I have been a regular guest at The Drake every couple of months for more than a year. And this past stay, I was lucky enough to stay in the room that received my last "Dear Room" Yelp review.
Hello Again 208,
Since I first yelped about you, I have come to fall in love with a number of your other Drakenesses. Your theme song that serenades me when I walk in, the piece of fudge, cookie or peppermint bark that waits for me on the nightstand. The little note that reads "Welcome Back Crystal." Honestly Drake, this is why I keep coming back. I love the little touches.
Even the services I have not taken advantage of intrigue me: the pleasures menu, the spa menu, the kazoo party. Yup, you can buy your own party in a paper bag. Every time I visit I get a General Store coupon, and every once in a while, a drink coupon. How nice! If anyone is reading this and wants to buy me a present, I have been eyeing the harmonica necklace that you can also buy right in your room.
You have a few quirks, but for me that is just part of your charm: the old pipes rattling, calling downstairs for a room service menu and the taped toilet paper and no waste bin in the loo.
It's like you have your own personality, and for that I say don't change. Keep it quirky!
Love,
CrystalListed in: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts,…, Toronto Musing, Up In the Air - The Travel…, Oh Canada!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2010
Dear Room 208,
I love falling into bed with you. You might be hard to get (walking up a flight of… Read more »
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Review from Devyn G.
Toronto, ON
1/1/2012
No, we didn't have a meal there. Nor did we stay in the hotel itself. Yes, it's very lovely and very popular and very trendy and the band we saw there was very good.
But, um. I have to tell you: ... Worst. Martinis. Ever. I mean, so weak that at first sip, I actually startled myself into thinking that maybe I had just drank from my glass of water.
No lie.Listed in: Queen West
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Review from Cailin P.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2012
The go to place for brunch for me as I live in the area.
Consistently great coffee. Freshly squeezed OJ. And a damn good standard breakfast plate with toast, eggs, home fries, and your choice of bacon or sausage. I generally opt for the sausages, as they are pretty fantastic.
The blueberry scones are pretty great as well. Haven't had a chance to try many of the other breakfast items, as when I go there, I am generally in the mood for just the basics. Hoping to try the Chicken & Waffles next time, as they are always very tempting.
All in all a great place to get a good brunch. Don't be surprised if the Cafe itself is packed full when you go for weekend brunch. Have no fear though, as the restaurant area across from the Cafe generally has quite a few seats available as well. -
Review from Mochi M.
1/7/2012
I went for brunch last weekend to catch up with a girlfriend. I guess the food itself wasn't bad, but I almost felt like McDonald's would have been tastier and I am someone who doesn't eat in fast food restaurants. :|
We ordered the chicken and waffles and in one word, it looked and tasted disgusting. Deep fried chicken breast, over a deep fried or panfried waffle that was soaking in some syrup with cream and cranberries on top. Yuck. My friend liked it though.
She also ordered some scones which looked old and dry (at least 1 day old), and did not look appetizing at all. I only ate the fruit on the plate, but left the rest to her.
I had the poached eggs over toast and the fries looked brown, old and disgusting (am pretty sure they were day-old fries). The poached eggs were done pretty well, but the hollandaise sauce (although not broken), looked flavourless (I took a little taste and it WAS flavourless).
Overall, I think an egg mcmuffin @ McDonald's would have been cheaper and tastier than what we got. Sorry.
Update: I will say that management is at least on their toes. Not long after this review (which I do think shows them in a very bad light), they emailed me asking for more information about why I felt this way, etc.
I still stand by my review because what I ate was simply disgusting and not what I'd ever eat again, but I do love that they take the time to read and care about what people are saying about them.
Thumbs up for management initiative! -
Review from Cindy H.
12/11/2011
Attended a Birthday party at the Drake this past weekend.
The dinner reservation for 15 allowed us to sit upstairs, in the "tunnel" area, which was quite private and set away from the bar. It was a great spot for group conversations.
A price-fixe menu was arranged with lots of selection. We started with a fresh salad, with apple, toasted pumpkin seeds and blue cheese. Delicious and so refreshing! For the main, I had the crispy chicken with butternut mash. Also, good was the arctic char and steak. Most impressive was probably the dessert ~ a cheesecake, with sweet apples on top.
Service was amazing! Our waitress was attentive all night, even when bottle service for our group began.
Music around 10:00pm was mainly rock, with a mix of top 40.
The Drake is a good place to have a few drinks and get some appetizers. If you're looking to have a long dinner, a reservation is recommended. -
Review from Ryan W.
11/9/2011
Came here with the significant other for a fun getaway from the States, and loved everything about it: the neighborhood (gritty but friendly, and full of great bars and restaurants), the aesthetic (quirky but comfortable rooms), the staff (understatedly kind as only cool young Canadians can be), the on-site music club, and the fact that we could crank up the stereo with our iPods plugged in til the wee hours and not get into trouble. (It pays to stay in a hotel that's known for hosting touring rock stars.) Overall, well worth the drive and the splurge.
One note: if you're booking the "Crash Pad," be warned that the shower walls are see-through, which may be a pro or a con for you depending on the company you keep. -
Review from Casey P.
2/3/2012
We stayed at the Hotel*, drank in the bar, and had dinner. I will say one thing... we had no idea what we were walking into but we absolutely loved it!
My boyfriend made the comment, "If only there was a really great restaurant with comfy beds upstairs." Well, we found one! The hotel is based entirely around provoking your inner sexual being. No matter if you're the timid kind or the S&M type, you will find what you are looking for here. We walked into our room and adjacent to the bed was the shower encased in glass. This, of course, was his favorite part of the room. On the bed was a stuffed animal in bondage, yes an S&M stuffed animal - for sale! Upon snooping around the room we found a hand curated dvd menu. Pages and pages of descriptions of featured length-ed erotic entertainment. These of course could be delivered to you discretely if you so desire. Adding to your visit are the products provided by The Drake: Malin + Goetz.These add sensual aromas to an already sexually charged room. The best products I have had provided. Right up there with Bvlgari! Which of course may be purchased at the Apothecary downstairs.
I do have one 'complaint' about the room... Just as the shower is encased in glass, so is the WC. Which can make for some awkward moments. The glass is frosted but you can see your feet and if the lights are on- your silhouette as well. Will this deter me from going back- hell no.
We also had dinner reservations. Our table wasn't quite ready so we sat at the bar! The drink list is superb! I'm talking 50s style drinking. I started out with The Farmers Daughter which had ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon blended finely with scotch. It tasted great, a little bitter according to my boyfriend, and the ginger puree made it pulpy. He had a barrel aged cocktail- a not your average run of the mill drink. Honestly I think we came here specifically so he could have one- or two! He had the Boulevardier, a burboun campari and sweet vermouth imported from Italy. The key here is "imported from Italy". He proceeded to the Majreha which was a deliciously lite Key Lime Pie on the rocks. Very lite, don't let that description deter you. He then followed it up with another Boulevardier and I with a Majreha.
There was a prix-fixed dinner menu but we opted for off the regular menu selections. We started with the Hemp salad and home-ade bread basket with dips and things. A very good start to our meal. I ordered the Crispy Chicken with a hollandaise sauce roasted veggies! Absolutely fabulous. He had the Arctic Char with roasted fennel argula, a cilantro mint chutney perfectly pan seared.
Desert was a doughnut with a "double-double". The doughnut was sinful and the whipped cream just melted in our mouths. The whipped cream was actually the double-double part... at the bottom was espresso flavored whipped cream. A wonderful little surprise to end an amazing meal!
* Not a family friendly hotel. This hotel is sex driven. Which is fine, but I am glad we didn't have my son with us. I would have had to have an awkward and premature talk with him about things I am just not ready to talk about yet! -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2011
I'm a little mixed about this place. Coming on a saturday night, being told that the lounge opens at 10pm, the bouncer told us a private party was happening until 10:30 so we thought it was only right not to stand in the front loitering around. Little did I know that within 15 minutes, there was a line up of 20 people down the street, just a couple minutes after the 10:30 mark. If someone had told me that there was a line forming, then I probably would have hung around.
Finally getting into the lounge, up the stairs to find some seats, I was once again asked to leave where I was because the entire area was reserved, but it clearly wasn't stated that way as I only saw one reserved sign.
We finally finally found a few seats on the patio, luckily not too chilly, and warmed with heat lamps.. I enjoyed my friend's company as the people smoked heavily around us... but what can you do on a patio.
With a giant lit sign stating best cocktails 2011, you would hope that the drinks would be top knotch! Loving pears, the pear cocktail was really a no brainer... too bad it was way too sweet, full of puree and not really crafty at all. I tried a second cocktail, the peppered one, which had a really unique taste, and a bit if a peppery kick. I was surprised to like this one better than the first, but I still would not consider it one of the best in the city. There were special beer cocktails listed, but when I attempted to ordered one, I was told that they were not serving them, which I found to be quite odd, because their options were written all along the ceiling walls, so why would they tempt me with beer and absinthe if it wasn't available to me!!!!
By the time we left, I was shocked to see the amount of people in the downstairs lounge area. You would not even move and getting out was quite a struggle.. it was like finding a crack in the wall to slither through.
There was a $2 photobooth that we had to take advantage of, and believe it, it was tempermental. We put in two rounds of photos and they never came out... super disappointed but luckily, we talked to the concierge and she checked the machine and TADA!!!!!!!!!!! the photo booth was playing tricks with us. Thank goodness it all worked out in the end.
I definitely think this place has a cool vibe.. would love to come back, but not to be suffocated. -
Review from Peter D.
8/20/2011
I felt a bit honored to stay in a place designated as one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World. I'm not exactly sure what the process is for selection, but I did thoroughly enjoy my stay here at The Drake, and that's what really matters. My satisfaction.
The "CrashPad" was predictably tiny (and not all that cheap), but then again, I don't need much room. The important elements were all intact: great shower, great bed, and great service from an almost shockingly cheery desk clerk. However, that might just be due to her Canadianness. I hear you people are better than us in every way.
Speaking of, sustainability seems to be a priority around here (as it should be), so I'm not upset about not walking out with tiny shampoo bottles I'll never use. And to be honest with you, I felt downright pampered by the huge bottles of cilantro conditioner, bergamot bodywash, and particularly the peppermint shampoo. I know everyone thinks I'm a man's man,* but I do like to smell nice.
I do have one minor complaint, Drake; why do you stock the world's scratchiest tissues? I thought my nose was going to bleed after using one, and then I'd have to explain to my boss (again) that it's not what it looks like, I haven't been doing cocaine on the job.
__________
*Nobody thinks this.Listed in: the places where my head…, toronto.
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Review from August L.
11/16/2011
This is a great place to get friends together and have some grub!
VENUE
The ladies and I went out to celebrate a birthday. We had a nice cozy area near the fireplace. We thought it might be too hot but it was just perfect.
I really liked the art work on the wall.
FOOD
We had a couple pitchers of white sangria and some food. The sangria was very nice although initially I thought they put way too much ice in the pitcher and glasses.
I have to say though, the food portions are small. You would think you could share the nachos with the whole table but I would say you could only share with maybe one other person. I really liked the mac and cheese but I don't know if I would pay that much compared to something I equally like out of a box, and an 1/8 of the price. ha. I'm paying for the ambiance. I know.
CLUB
The room changed to a dance club. The music at the beginning of the night was 70's and 80's so unless you liked that stuff, you were a bit bored. You could request songs but the DJ wasn't very pleasant when you went to ask. By the end of the night, they songs turned into top 40.
I had a great night that evening and think it's a fantastic place for a group of friends. -
Review from Hideki K.
7/3/2011
Wednesday Trivia Nights at The Drake!
I attended Trivia Night at Drake Hotel (a hipster boutique hotel at Queen West in T.O) on Wed 6/22.
Wed, 8pm - Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W (bet Beaconsfield Ave & Lisgar St, near Abell St), 416-531-5042
http://www.thedrakehot...
https://www.facebook.c...
Twitter: @thedrakehotel
$2/player, 4 people per team (1pt deduction per round for each person above 4ppl that are on the team).
The Q's here were really hard! Some were Canada-specific.
It was 3 rounds of 13 Q's. The first 10 Q's were regular general knowledge Q's. The last 3 were either Picture or Name That Tune Q's. Every question is worth 1pt, unless both the artist & song title were asked, in which case that Q was worth 2pts (1 for artist & 1 for song title).
There were possibly ~20 teams. It's impossible to tell b/c the QM doesn't grade the sheets (teams swap and grade each other's sheets), and the QM doesn't ask for tallies. He only asks for the final score of the highest scoring team at the end. You basically have your hand raised and he starts going up, saying, "keep your hand raised if you scored 20pts, ... 30pts, 31pts, ..."
For last night's trivia, it was out of a possible 45pts (13pts, 16pts, 16pts). We scored 6+3+4pts for a grand total of 13pts! Yes, it was that hard.
The Q's were really tough, but we learned a lot.
Some examples (we got the Q correct, unless otherwise noted):
Q: How many balls are there on the pool table at the beginning of a snooker game?
A: 22 (we guessed 17)
Q: What British playwright was stabbed to death while walking on the streets of London in 15-something-something?
A: Marlowe (we guessed Chaucer)
Q: What was the flight # for the Oceanic Airlines flight that crashed and was the basis for LOST?
A: 815 (guessed 418)
Q: What does a bicephalopod have two of?
A: Heads (guessed Brains)
Q: What is the name of Dora The Explorer's monkey?
A: Boots (BS guess of Chico)
Q: At which CT casino (the largest in the world by # of slot machines) did the Boston Bruins celebrate their Stanley Cup victory by spending a bar tab of over $150,000 (most of it was on an expensive bottle of champagne)?
A: Foxwoods (guessed Mohegan Sun)
Q: What national police force is known overseas as "The Force"?
A: Canada's RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). We guessed Israel. Steve & Wilson, who are Canadian, have never heard of Mounties being called "The Force" either.
Q: What is the term when a whale jumps out of the water?
A: Breaching (guessed Cresting)
Q: In 1966, what film, that was based on a play, was nominated for an Oscar for every possible category it was eligible for?
A: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (guessed West Side Story)
Q: What is the only country that does not sell Coke or Pepsi? In fact, both are illegal there.
A: North Korea
Q: What language has the most words (most vocabulary)?
A: English (guessed Chinese)
Q: From 1815-1820(?), what foreign city was the capital of Portugal?
A: Rio de Janeiro (guessed Paris b/c of Napoleon, it probably moved to Brasil b/c the king & queen probably fled there to avoid Napoleon)
Q: In 1840, German forgot-his-name coined what term for the system of teaching children?
A: Kindergarten (guessed School)
Q: What is the score needed in an IQ test to be considered a genius?
A: 140 (guessed 150)
The hotel was a cool hangout spot, and reminded me of places like Bowery Hotel. There are multiple bars and places to eat inside the hotel. The lounge area on the 1st floor, where trivia was held, served drinks, beers on tap, and had a food menu, which included sushi. The food was pricey, and not that great, for what you end up paying for. The place is a bit far off for the Subway to reach, but it's on Queen West, and is in a Williamsburg-like hipster area of T.O. You can get there by car, taxi, streetcar, or bus.
Compared to Pour Boy, I enjoyed TN at Pour Boy better. It was more intimate with questions that didn't make me say WTF?Listed in: Best of T.O, T.O - Trivia Nights
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Review from Nikkita F.
Stratford, ON
5/18/2011 1 photo
Drake Hotel... I like the Cafe, it is really nice I often have a soy smoothie and fruit bowl. Good place for a casual, easy, meeting and nobody is getting there Hipster Snipe or heavy sigh on regarding whatever it is you are up to...
But at night, I think it was Thursday... We went into the main area, and were greeted by this curly haired glasses dude in a purple jacket who looked at me like I was trash. He clearly likes the fragrance of his own toots. I politely told him we would like to eat and that there were four of us, (There were these awesome big black kind of industrial tables in the middle, I asked for one of those) the response... I can't put you at a table but you can sit on the big bench on the side to eat, there are small tables there... The guy puts us in a back corner where it was super Dark, I could barely see the people across from me. Weird. So when he lead us into the corner I asked why we couldn't eat at the centre tables, he said they were being moved for dancing...
So we sit at the side table area, order our drinks (the blond female server was very polite and efficient)
So were sitting there getting our jackets off and the curly haired glasses guy seats 4 people at the exact table we wanted... and they ate too... about 5-8 minutes later...
We asked for our bill right away, paid and left. Did not even order food, we were offended!!! My feelings were hurt, this was the first time I ever felt really disrespected by anyone in a Customer Centric Role. I also just moved to the area, and was feeling really regretful regarding that just then.
I will never go back into the main area ever again. I was mortified.
Gladstone Cafe is where I meet with my supply rep for my company, and we have always had great service there. My Buddy Aleks recommends Whoopi Pies. I recommend the smoothies! -
Review from Eric M.
1/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm obviously too cool for this place because the last time it was interesting was before the renovation. Yes this puts me in the minority because if you didn't know any better, the Drake looks like a cool place. The people are pretty and well dressed. There's a door man constantly letting people in from a second line you're not "cool" enough to know about and the drinks are just expensive enough for the same things they serve everywhere else that you'll wonder if you're just paying the "f-you" tax on top of the standard import pricing.
I get suckered into coming here about once a year by friends from out of town. They've heard it's great or have been before and love the atmosphere. In either case I generally spend all my time people watching and wondering why anyone would like this place.
On my last trip here the cream of the intellectual crop were hypothesizing that their friend was so great at vomiting because he does it all the time. That was shortly topped by a 5'0" tall man suffering from a little big man complex making a big show of tipping the door man for letting him in...because he was at the front of the line anyway.
If you're looking for a place where you'll hear the words "bro", "guy", "sick" and "dude" all in the same sentence but you're to shy (or old) to hang out in a high school parking lot then this is your place. You can stump the crowd with your cunning ability to use acronyms like dtf because we haven't all known what that meant since grade school.
If you were to remove all the obnoxious people the room would be empty and you'd just have an ok bar at that point. Bar service is alright but nothing spectacular. Drink selection is pretty standard and the food is okay.
Mark this down in the "Tell us what you really think." category.Listed in: Eric SMASH!!
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/5/2011 5 photos
((This is a review for the Winterlicious event - Guilty Pleasures))
It's the second time we came to this annual event, organized by the Drake and the Fashion Incubator. The first time, last year, we had a lot of fun, and decided to make it a tradition. This year, it wasn't the same, it was hard not to compare, but that's how it is.
The event is described as:
"Toronto's favourite fashion brunch, is back by popular demand! Start your weekend with a scrumptious three-course brunch featuring fresh juice, blueberry scones, soft and sexy scrambled eggs and so much more. Browse through rack after rack of original Canadian designs, collect limited edition pieces and peruse one-of-a-kind accessories and jewellery."
FUN RIGHT?
We got there at 3pm (more on that later), and was greeted by some pretentious people at the entrance to the dining area. I say this, because I was looking to see if my friends were there, and their attitude and annoyance that I didn't approach them first before peering into the dining area didn't sit well with me.
We had to have the 3pm seating as I called in January to book the tickets for the Feb 5th event, and apparently most of the seatings had already sold out. Last year we had an earlier seating, and perhaps it made all the difference.
We were supposed to have pastries waiting for us as we came in, but I had to ask for them. They were significantly lacking from last year (see my blog post (http://restodiary.blog...) especially since this year we had an extra person. Coffee and mimosas are included ($10 value). You also get a Parfait (lacking again with fruits), $8.50 value) and a choice of Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, and A vegetable tart. I believe this is the same menu as last year.
I have a more discerning taste than last year, so I feel that there was nothing really that special with the eggs benedict. There are places that would charge less (most likely) or give you much more ($12.50 value)
My girlfriends had the Buttermilk Pancakes ($12 value) LOVED them, and a huge factor in our returning next year. They were creamy tasting (how can?!) and topped with stewed berries.
I loved the concept that during our meal, we could shop and there were was a fashion show, showcasing the designers available in the booths around the hotel. Last year, the models gave each table business cards so that we know where to find them later; this year they didn't bother.
They have booth for local designers for clothes, bags and jewellery. Like a mini one of a kind show. There is also a silent auction when some really good stuff there.
My biggest complaint (other than the fact we didn't get goody bags like last year) was that shopping and the silent auction ended at 4:00pm
I mean, it was 3:45 when our main course arrived! How is it possible that we could shop afterwards?? Could someone have informed me this when I booked the late seating?? The room was full of diners! And everyone was just getting their meals! Could they not have extended this for an extra hour? What was the rush?!
The whole shopping experience is one of the main factors you pay a slight premium to come here - and it was incredibly rushed. When we told them about this conumdrum - she says, "we can go until 4:20" .... seriously.....
The cost of the event is $35 plus tax ($42) and you about a $30+tax value in terms of food. I would really expect to have the leisure time to shop.
+1 star for being awesome next year, and I hope with an earlier seating will make it better. We're going to give it one more chance (because of the pancakes).
Free parking one street east, on Lister (one way south)
Free one hour parking two streets east Mon to Sat, until 6pm
Street parking is $1.50 an hour
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Update:
I wrote a tasteful disappointment feedback letter to the Drake hotel themselves stating my concerns about timing. The lady in charge of catering/food has informed me that they are planning to re-vamp the event, making it better, longer and bigger. She also invited me+1 as her personal guest next year. Looks like I'm going again, and will need to update my review!
GREAT customer Service. -
Review from A B.
Scarborough, Toronto, ON
7/17/2011
Great patio on a summer day. Well decorated and comfortable but that's about it! Food was terrible and service took forever. We wait 30 min for bread and had to ask three times. They are known for their cocktails but those were overrated and overpriced.
Please do not order food there! It was subpar for what you are paying. -
Review from S K.
8/17/2011
They have such a great outdoor patio! Perfect for spending a lazy Saturday afternoon drinking your stress away.
Our waiter went out of his way to make us the perfect Caesar! I'd never tried a caesar before and he asked a lot of questions to make sure we'd enjoy our first experience. Unfortunately we only had drinks so that is all I can comment upon.
Service was excellent and attentive and the location made for great people watching :) -
Review from Nicole M.
Vancouver, BC
1/17/2011
Came for a birthday brunch with some of my fave ladies.
It's a cute spot. Friendly servers. There's a guy playing the guitar by the fireplace. We were there for over 2 hours, drinking our coffees and catching up. I appreciated that no one seemed to mind at all...
Had the breakfast burrito (if a burrito is an option, I'm likely to order it). It was good, just served with a side of sour cream and salsa. Best surprise - the roasted potatoes were IN the burrito. Thanks Drake!Listed in: Toronto Brunch - Hot or Not…
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Review from City G.
Toronto, ON
8/13/2011
Best descriptor of the Drake: paltry.
I really don't appreciate paying cover to enter such a noisy sleepy lounge with inferior drinks and guys who look as though they've just stepped out of their phd programs and decided to go to the Drake because they once caught wind that it is the place to be. Please stop bumping into me, and no, I really don't want to dance. -
Review from Nora U.
10/11/2011
I'm actually writing a review for their restaurant. (By the way, interesting concept of trendy hotel + restaurant/lounge + "underground" club). I was in Toronto for a friend's wedding and a big group of us went to The Drake Hotel for dinner the night before. We sat on the rooftop which had cool decor and the breeze was nice because the day was so hot. Service was good and the food, which was fusion, was really great. I really liked the lobster nachos and mac & cheese. We also got other stuff like fried rice and a ton of sushi. Yum... I totally pigged out... The bill came out pretty high though. So definitely a place to go when you're feeling like splurging. Also, apparently this place is the place to go if you're visiting Toronto, according to Air Canada.
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Review from Alison C.
2/1/2011 5 photos
I have no problem admitting that I sort of begged to be included on a sales trip to Toronto. Luckily, I was approved for the voyage, at which point my manager eagerly advised me to stay at the Drake Hotel. He insisted that it was THE trendy hot spot in town and that its bar was even frequented by locals. Although he yearned to book there himself, he was dedicated to his hotel rewards program and decided to live vicariously through my stay instead. I perused the website and loved that the hotel offered comedy performances, trivia nights, and more. It really was a unique boutique hotel, so I agreed to book there.
Upon my arrival, the courteous front desk quickly checked me in and had my bags ferreted up the steep staircase to my quarters on the third floor. The staff was additionally helpful when I needed advice on navigating the area, locating enjoyable running trails, etc.
The lobby was dimly lit and decorated like a Hard Rock Hotel with a young, artsy feel. My room was also rather funky, though not in my taste. The "closet" was an open bar hanging along one wall. The bathroom was completely open and made up another wall of the actual room. In other words, the toilet, shower, and sink area were all in the bedroom itself rather than in a separate alcove. The washroom facilities were divided into three sections with the toilet on the left, shower in the middle, and sink on the right. In order to wash your hands after using the facilities, you had to step back down into the main room, walk around the shower, and climb back up in front of the vanity. It was inconvenient and just plain strange. This would not be an appropriate location for vacationing with friends. I will confirm that it was very clean though.
I did not utilize the amenities and cannot comment on them except to say that the garden area was delightful and crowded during the evenings. In regards to the location, the hotel was at the very end of the hipster section of Queen Street. Heading one block towards the Downtown area, you would find great restaurants and cool boutiques. However, wandering in the other direction displayed a less desirable section of Queen Street, upon which many homeless people lingered. The residential areas beyond the main drag were fine, but provided little need to a tourist. Lastly, my colleagues were staying downtown, which was actually a substantial cab ride from this hotel.
While the Drake might have been an "It Spot", it did not provide satisfying accommodations for a business traveler. I would not recommend it for anyone, except perhaps young single or couples on personal vacations. -
Review from Tara A.
11/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been to the Drake hotel many a time for cocktails or concerts but yesterday I got the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous brunch with my BFF's. I never thought of the drake as a brunch joint per se but after enjoying an incredible Steak and Eggs, it will quickly become a spot I will frequent. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is brilliant. As we were finishing up, a live band was starting up.
I highly recommend going to the drake not only for the music, the atmosphere, the cocktails but for the Brunch.Listed in: Favourite Brunch Joints
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Review from lole d.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2010
I went to the Drake for the first time on a Sunday just for drinks with a few friends. Place is nice, decor is cool. They had a band down stairs which was not my type of music but still cool. Service was good.
I will come again on a more hyped night. Sunday seem like a good date place!
p.s We didn't order any food so no comment on that :) -
Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2011
I had a fantastic meal with a couple of girlfriend here! This is definitely a go to spot if you want a lively ambience. Great atmosphere as the restaurant showcases its attitude with colourful frame and sculptures hanging from the walls and ceiling and the bar supported by a pipe? Interesting indeed.
Food is unique and delicious though prices are a bit steep. That's what you get for eating at "the Drake". Our dinner included a bunch of enjoyable appetizers and a bunch of sushi rolls (as recommended by our server which was surprisingly very creative and yummy!). RECCOM: B.C. Kimchi Roll, Baked Mac'N' Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries and Prosciutto Flatbread. -
Review from Michelle H.
1/6/2011
What a delightful reprieve from the dolldrums of business travel hotels! The Drake is undeniably boutique & fun - but didn't omit those things that make one comfy while on the road. The Drake makes being in your room really great - but who wants to be in your room when you have access to a cool roof top bar or a great breakfast nook.
The neighborhood is majorly interesting. Plenty of restaurants, cool shops and wacky little dives. -
Review from Imran N.
3/30/2011
It's all about summer time at the drake on their patio. I don't know what it is about this place - but every sunday in the summer, this is where i want to be if i'm in the city.
Staff are good. Crowd is nice. Music is funky.
I also like how they set up a shot bar on the patio on the weekends.
Every year the decor of the patio changes as well. Can't wait to see what this summer brings :)
Also, i will mention that i used to organize my staff parties, and the drake is a great place to this in the lounge area main floor. Very very reasonably priced and the food is amazing. Cool things like fish and chips in mini newspaper wraps, fried rice in tiny chinese take out boxes, sushi, sliders etc. Great service always and they work with all budgets. -
Review from Lizz P.
Guelph, ON
7/25/2011
My girlfriend and I stayed at Drake Hotel for our anniversary for
one night. It was a very nice surprise, as I always wanted to check out The Drake and she booked the "art passport package". We both thought that this included an art tour or something..but it includes 1 bottle of wine and a postcard print of a local artist piece in your room. The room had style which is the only reason I am giving 2 stars.
When we arrived, the receptionist said they would call to confirm our reservation for dinner. We never got a call and mind you we had this booked weeks in advance so waiting for a table for another 30 minutes was annoying. When seated for our meal, we got wedged in a small side table close to the kitchen. The service was awful and the food just okay. The set up of the dining room is small and uncomfortable. We also got charged twice for the stay and incorrectly for the meal.
My final opinion don't waste your money here when you can go up the street to the Gladstone. -
Review from Angela S.
Etobicoke, ON
4/25/2011
I've been here a few times for brunch and I've enjoyed it every time. Between the cool patio and the trendy lounge, it's a great spot to relax with friends.
I tried their fried chicken with waffles and it was quite interesting. I was picturing KFC style on waffles but got fried chicken laced with Indian spices. Odd combo with the waffle but I was glad I tried it (the curiousity was killing me). Eggs benny is pretty good served with nicely browned fries. Tea is brewed as a loose leaf tea too!
Service has always been friendly and very relaxed. Servers usually strike up humourous conversations and pleasantries. Overall, a great place to check out for brunch. -
Review from Kent P.
8/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
Nice space....sky bar especially. Brunch is OK on the weekends, sitting out on the patio. It's overpriced though. The real problem here is the people who go there in droves. It's "popular" to the "905" crowd.
The Buck 65 shows there recently have been especially fun.
My advice is go when you'd expect it to be dead.
place+ amenities = 4 pats
price/value = 3 pats
people= 1 pat
+_______________________
8 pats
8/3 = 2.667 pats out of five possible pats (on the back)
ttyn,
-patListed in: DRINKNG IS FUN, Brunch.
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Review from Kevin L.
1/21/2010
Woops. I got the smackdown from Kat about posting my review for the wrong business listing. Soo... here we go again.
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Un peu le poo.
I was going to leave a two star review for lunch... (let's leave it at this: the "chicken burrito" that Miriam and I shared had no such chicken in it... unless the word "chicken" in Canadian means "egg.") Fortunately, we dropped in here for a quick nightcap after a super fun (and deliciously filling) Elite Event and ended up having a reasonably decent time.
The drink offerings here are pretty serious. With a variety of drafts, bottled beers, and creative cocktails, the Drake Café offers enough libations to please pretty much anyone looking end the night in a besotted state.
The Devil's Share doesn't skimp on bourbon. Refreshingly -not- excessively sweet, I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant mix of orange juice and ginger beer.
I'm still a little fuzzy on whether or not it's a cultural thing, but as with our lunch here, it was a smidge on the challenging side to flag down a server when we wanted one. Maybe it's a European thing, but I definitely went without a refilled water glass for a good ten or fifteen minutes at a time, and even after we got our check, it was a pretty sizable gap in time before anyone came around to pick it back up.
I'd much more readily return for a drink than for a bite. It's pretty tough to argue against the chill, laid back ambiance. Or the heavy pours. We have an understanding, yes? -
Review from Miriam W.
Updated - 4/23/2009 2 Check-ins Here
It's easy to see why it made Travel + Leisure Magazine's Top 500 Hotels in the World: The Drake Hotel has thought of everything. From their demonstrated commitment to the environment (they've dispensed with tiny shampoo bottles in favor of MALIN+GOETZ products in large, re-fillable bottles) to their achingly hip dining room, bar and cafe, this hotel has left no detail to chance.
The rooms are spacious and will duly impress even the most serious design snob among us. The iPod docking station in the room is something I wish every hotel room had - it lets me have a dance party every morning when I wake up!
Asking for a "quiet room" at the Drake may seem like a misnomer but when I did on my first visit the staff knew just where to stash me. I like this room so much that I asked for it again on a return visit. Jonathan L at the front desk was even sweet enough to do some room shuffling to ensure I could have it! Oh how I love when folks make my wishes come true!
While I haven't had the chance to take advantage of their 'pleasure menu' I love that they have one!
I spent last night in another Toronto hotel and all I could think was, "I want to go back to the Drake!" The only hotel I like better than this one is the Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica.
Best of all, the Drake is affordable! While some of its amenities are very luxurious, you won't find luxury hotel prices here (nor will you find an elevator so pack light in order that you can more easily hoof it up the stairs!)Listed in: Toronto's West Queen West Art…, Hot Hotel Picks, Best of Toronto
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2009
Chicken or steak and chocolate cake!
Is there any way imaginable that this could be a bad thing?… Read more »
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Review from Emily C.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2010
I hate the Drake. Let me tell you why I hate the Drake: I hate the Drake because it loves itself so so much. Leave the Drake alone in a room with itself and a mirror and the Drake would be amused and occupied for eternity. The Drake probably doesn't have many brain cells.
My impression of the Drake, on the single occasion that I went, was that it charged way too much for crappy food, and that the clientele were completely and utterly fascinating, fascinating because they were entirely unaware that they were in Toronto and not Miami or L.A. A lot of designer handbags and high heels. A lot of pretension. A lot of Look-At-Me mentalities.
I have to give the Drake this: it has a great patio, and they serve a killer sangria: cloves and Jack Daniels. Who would have thought?!
Having worked at a restaurant for two years I understand that when things get busy, you don't want people hanging around and not ordering anything. I went with a party of 10 for a birthday, having been told well in advance that we could by no means stay more than an hour and a half (due to other reservations). People with clip boards (entirely unnecessary accessories, only elevating the pretension) came around periodically to remind us of the time, only to tell us later on that the reservation after us canceled and that we were welcome to stay. Thanks.
Although the Drake makes a good drink, it creates a kind of vibe I do not jive with. I like going to a place where I don't look out of place sans a designer handbag. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2011
I went here for Memphis Tuesdays with The Treasures (country rock-ish). Really good music, and a very unique sound the band had. Crowd was relaxed and laid back but really into the music. Cool atmosphere for music to be played too, although some of the artwork on the wall was a little bit weird.
Beers ran about $7.25-$7.75 for a pint, and the service was all around good.
Would recommend/ go again. -
Review from Whiskey L.
Toronto, ON
6/1/2009
This is a three-part review for: underground, the lounge and brunch.
Underground: Great space with some pretty cool acts. The only downside is that there is no cell phone reception. Good to know if you're meeting up with friends. Also good to know if you're the antsy type that is waiting for that cute boy/girl to call you back, and then freaks out when you realize that your phone has been offline for 3 hours.
The lounge: is awesome because of the mix of people it brings in. Hipsters, wanna-be hipsters, the corporate crowd; the old, the young, the really young. It makes for some awkward interactions. I love awkward.
Brunch: Decent place for comfort food the morning after. The fried chicken and waffles is a southern dish that I haven't seen elsewhere in Toronto. The only downside is, depending on how embarrassing the previous night was, you might feel like Buckner walking back into Shea. -
Review from Richard S.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010
I went here for Saturday brunch with a group of 8. The side patio is beautiful, especially in the morning when the bulk of the hotel keeps it nicely shaded. I also really like the collection of tables they're using. Each is different. Old, worn and rustic furniture gives this outdoor spot a very charming and inviting presence.
Now the food... it was alright, but the problem is I can compare it directly to another restaurant in the area, and that comparison doesn't favour the Drake Hotel. They offer Eggs Caleb, which is essential Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Shanghai Cowgirl about a 20 minute walk east along queen also offers the same dish. The difference is their version offers quite a bit more kick in the flavour department over the Drake.
I also ordered a caesar with my meal and I wasn't overly impressed with that part of the meal either. It tasted more like HP sauce than a caesar, so I suspect their recipe must be a little liberal with the Lea & Perrin's.
Overall, I say the patio is a great spot, but if you are excepting your taste buds to be blow away I wouldn't hold your breath on this place.
