I go here often. Great chicken, seriously worth trying! Service is nice and everything comes fresh. This food is probably considered pricey when compared to lower quality places, but that's just because of its quality (I think it's justifiable!) Never had a bad experience here. Atmosphere is typical chicken place. Not sure what to add to this part of the review. I enjoy their tenders often (seriously that meal deal is quite nice! And super filling- I probably couldn't finish it all unless I was dying of hunger). Additionally the Carolina burger is something I get often. I enjoy it! read more

I've heard great things about SC chicken but I was not impressed. The fries were old and seemed reheated. The customer service was off. Presentation from beginning to end matter. read more

I remember working in downtown Columbia and calling Drake's "The Greasy Duck". We loved the breakfast and lunch despite the side ways nickname. I visited the new and updated Drake Duck In today and it is un-greasy. Same good for, new soda shop feel. The remodel is gorgeous. Food is fresh cooked, friendly service. I will be back read more

Very good chicken and Hamburgers Establishment has been here since 1950's. I've been coming here since o was a child. read more

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The best food we've had in a long time! Fried chicken and burgers were on point. And amazing French fries! The staff was super friendly and the place is really clean. We'll make a special trip to come back for sure. read more

Drake's Duck In - Chillin with JT - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Finally found myself able to try Drake's Duck In! I went at the top of lunch time so parking downtown wasn't an issue. The menu has a lot of options and the restaurant definitely gave a down home vibe. Customer service was decent. The lady taking the order seemed like she was hurrying me a bit but was helpful in modifications and answers to my questions. After I placed my order, people started coming in so I get the calm before the storm of the lunchtime rush. The chicken was greasy but it was good! Extremely flavorful! I like my chicken cooked well so the next time I will make that request. I ordered the wing combo. I wish the fries were hot and cooked fresh which was a bit disappointing. Next time I know exactly what to say when placing my order. The buttered roll was good too and I am a sucker for bread. I had second thoughts about the coleslaw after looking at it so I didn't even taste it. It was too soupy for me, however, looks can be deceiving so I will try it next time. Definitely plan to stop in again. read more

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Good food, fast service, love the new face lift they gave Drake's - ambiance was very nice. Not a lot on the menu tho.

My friend and I had a very disappointing lunch at this restaurant. She had the Classic Burger. It was not very tasty and had so much sauce that the bun immediately fell apart. I had the Chili Cheese Fries. Also not good and way too salty. read more

Drakes opened less than a year ago. Since I was staying at the Sheraton, I walked less than 1/4 miles to get there. Upon entering the restaurant, the staff member with one glove and drinking a fountain drink immediately caught my eye. When I see staff out of the kitchen gloved up, I often wonder if the gloves will be changed upon going back in the kitchen. I ordered the chicken wings platter which came with 4 whole wings and two rolls. I paid $12.34. The restaurant looked clean and new. The table I sat at to wait on my food, should have been cleaned as it was slightly dirty. My order took less than 5 minutes to complete. I then wondered if my wings would be hot. The paper bag the food came in was nice. The wings were lukewarm. The wings were well seasoned and fried to a golden brown. I did not eat the rolls, as I just didn't want the extra carbs. I don't eat fried chicken often, but if I did, I probably would try Drake's Duck In again. read more

Food was great, service was great, and place was very clean! Workers were very nice and took great care of us. Had the chicken and waffles and it was the best I've ever had. Would definitely recommend and come back to. read more

Drake's Duck In - Chicken and Waffle - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Service was great and fast, the food was AMAZING. Highly recommend getting the ranch!!! I got the classic burger combo which includes two smash patties, fries, and a drink. Pink lemonade was so yummy and burger was well sized. The place is so pretty and clean inside also, has a modern diner take almost. read more

No frills or faking it here. This place is just good old fashioned food. Gotta love it!

Been here twice for online order pickup. Tried chicken sandwich both times I've been. Both times the chicken is so dense I physically cannot take a bite out of the sandwich without reaching in my mouth and pulling the chicken apart. This place has so much potential but I mean the chicken is some of the worst (in terms of density) that I've ever had in my life. Apart from how tough the chicken was, it's brilliantly fried, seasoned, whatever. The sandwich is amazing but nearly inedible because of how tough the chicken is. Ranch is delicious, bun is fantastic, large portion of fries similar to how Five Guys does it. I'll keep trying because I really want it to be good but might have to try different menu items instead. read more

Great food and great service. Place was extremely clean. My family and I really enjoyed it as one of our pass through spots. Marking it as a must come back to. Chicken and waffles and breakfast plate was amazing! read more

The renovations look good, however, I think they have included the renovation prices into the costs. I use to frequent this establishment often for years, prices were decent..but now, every thing is over priced. I don't mind paying for what I want. The service was good and the food was decent, I'm complaining about the price. $14 dollars for 4 full wings and two rolls...that was ridiculous. You will have to pay $4 more to get fries and a drink. Especially since I know several other restaurants within 2 miles with better food and service for less. This was my last visit to this restaurant and my chicken had feathers on it, I hate that. It was like they just put the chicken in th grease and didn't even pull the loose feathers off after seeing it. This use to be one of my fav spots..I will not be visiting again. Last thing, the menu is limited, no kid meals..I was truly disappointed read more

Drake's Duck In - One of the wings and fries. I wasn't going to waste my money. I had to pull about 4 feathers off of each wing. - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

On my coast to coast road trip, stopping at all the awesome local eateries like this one that I can find...Drake's wins. It's the most authentic, delicious, and friendly Diners DriveIns and Dives type spot and they've been doing it since like 1910. Everything is clearly made in house which makes all the difference. Staff was so nice and friendly despite being pretty busy (both days - I went back for round 2 my second day in town it was so good). Chicken sandwich was 10/10. It's the real deal sandwich the national chains all have versions of now, except everything at Drakes is fresh, not frozen. Macaroni was so good. You can tell by the noodles and cheese its definitely made in house. Coleslaw was really really good, they do this fine mince to the veggies that makes it unique to Drakes. Chicken strip basket was as big as you can possibly get for like 6 bucks. Fried chicken batter for lunch special was as delicious as you would imagine in a place doing it for 100 years...so perfectly seasoned! read more

Drake's Duck In - Every single item was so good! - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

First time eating here was today. Was on door dash trying to find something new and this little place showed up so I decided to give it a chance. I ordered the chili cheese dog with onions, 4 chicken fingers, and chili cheese fries. The fingers were great , fully cooked, flavorful, and about medium sized. They honey mustard they have a sweet and tastes great. The chili cheese fries were ok. I did not like the chili on the fries, it had a sweet taste to it but it was NOT horrible, just not my taste. The actual fries were crispy and the cheese they used was shredded not queso. I perfer queso. The chilil cheese dog was great. Oddly enough, the chili used on the hotdog was good and not sweet at all so I actually enjoyed that. Next time I choose to eat here I will make sure that I go in person to check out the brick and mortar! read more

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I've heard good things about this place and couldn't wait to try them again for the second time. I've only had the chicken wings and fries which is always very good. They have the seasonings and crispiness of their chicken down pack and this is what will keep me coming back. Pros: It's black owned and has been around for decades Cons: parking is downtown & can be a hassle, especially if you go during lunch hours in the week Food: 10 Service: 10 Location: 10 Cleanliness: 10 Price: 10 read more

Went here with our lunch group today. One ordered a hot dog, one ordered a fried bologna and egg sandwich, one order of 2 piece white chicken w/fries and coleslaw, and another chicken sandwich. We all agreed that the chicken was okay, but not as crisp and juicy as other places in town. I found the Breast to be tough and dry. The cole slaw was good. Fries were just fries, nothing special. The bologna and egg looked better than our chicken. We weren't I,pressed so I doubt that we'll try it again. read more

Stopped here during a wedding in Columbia. One of our friends favorite place to grab some fried chicken. We went by there over a year ago and the front was under construction. A year later still under construction. The inside is normal. You order at at a counter and wait for your food. We were here for the chicken so we ordered some fried wings. They were a $1.70 each. Our food was ready so we were ready to try the wings. We couldn't figure the batter but it was good. Had a nice crispness on some really good size wing pieces. The chicken was moist and quite good. One of our friends got a breast and was also very moist. Great fried chicken. read more

Ive lived in Columbia basically my whole life and I cant count how many times I've walked past this place! This establishment has been on Main Street for more than 50 years! Apparently it's a hole in the wall (but not) favorite or everyone. Yet it took me 30 something years to even notice it lol. I'm glad I have finally stumbled across the greatness that is Drake's! Backstory, I was super skeptical of trying the food once entering the restaurant. My husband decided he wanted a 'snack' because the restaurant we were heading to the kitchen was not open yet for Dinner. He insisted that I get over my initial hesitation because the food would make up for it. I decided after walking in I wasnt that hungry. He ordered a two piece wing basket with fries and a drink. It was a perfect snack size actually lol. Me being the typical woman I asked to have a 'bite'....then I realized 'ugh I knew this foodie would never steer me wrong' so needless to say I ordered myself a 2 piece basket and enjoyed every crunchy savory tastes like someone's grandmother was in the kitchen dropping the chicken...bite! Of course the only gripe I have is the fact that the floor is coming up in the front of the building. And hey they may be remodeling! Otherwise grab my food and go is my dining experience going forward because I certainly will be back! read more

Okay BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH. This place is my guilty pleasure of lunches. Their fried chicken sandwich is the best that I have ever had, add that it is so so cheap and it is a huge winner. Highly recommend ordering online if youre getting it for lunch as it can get super crowded during the week. read more

Came in for a quick lunch and ordered two hotdogs and two fries. Had to come back up because their card reader wasn't working. The wait time wasn't long, but after waiting and receiving my hotdogs, I sat there for a couple more minutes and was confused why I didn't get my full order. I proceeded to go back to the register and they told me I didn't order fries after I sat there, and Told her again I ordered fries. After going back-and-forth I just ended up not caring and said forget it. I paid for the hotdogs and tipped her $10 so kind of frustrated at the service especially since it's my first time coming and trying to support. I just don't like that the issue wasn't situated and instead she began going back-and-forth. Will not be returning. read more

Never ever will I return here guy forgot to put my order in and the chicken was uncooked. I started to turn around and place a complaint but I rather just trash it and never return. If you're gonna serve chicken take forever to call the order Atleast FRY it all the way!!!!!!! read more

Drake's Duck In - Uncooked chicken tenders disgusting - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

We went to Drakes for the first time today. First, the service was friendly. We had questions about kids meals and such. We were even told about the weekday crowds, which I've heard of for years. (I have lived in a Columbia my entire life and never been here.) Our daughters had hotdogs and fries. My wife and I both had the filet sandwich. It is a basic sandwich - two filets, mayo, and pickles on a bun. The seasoning in the fried filet was great. The chicken was thick but seemed a little dry. It's a basic, but solid, sandwich. We ordered it as a basket (fries and a coke) and left full. It's was worth the visit to experience a Columbia institution, but we wouldn't go out of the way to eat here. The outside is undergoing a renovation at the moment. The inside is old school. But Drakes has been around for over 100 years. The only drawback was that the restrooms were pretty gross and lacked toilet paper. read more

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Love Drake's. It's a small space, absolutely nothing fancy going on. It's simple. Their food is reasonably priced and yummy. I like that the lunch special is like $6.00 and comes with a roll, fries, hot sauce, etc. I'm only knocking it down a star because at times, it can be quite slow. I typically get white meat chicken and I feel like I always have to wait for it to cook. I cannot be the only person to get white meat. Anyway, other than that I have no complaints. read more

Definitely a dive but it was very delicious. I recommend stopping here , it's a good chicken place and seems like an old fashioned place . Average fries when I went but I'm sure they could be good if cooked longer read more

I've heard about this place for years, but haven't tried it before, because it's so hard to find parking on Main street. I was able to get delivery recently, so I got it delivered. Well half the order was missing, and the food was kind of meh. I ordered an omelet platter, and an eggs platter with grits. I was really in the mood for grits, but they were left out. For some reason they put tomatoes on top of the eggs, can't say I've ever seen that, and don't think I want to see it again. I have heard they do excellent chicken sandwiches, and burgers, so I'll give them another shot, but don't think I'll order breakfast from them again. read more

I ordered the wing basket. Smelled and looked lovely, but it was tooooooo salty. I mean a salt-lick. I wanted this chicken so bad so I tired each piece, but too salty to chew let alone swallow. So salty your body does this flutter and one eye closes and the other eye is wide opened. My husband love the burger though! read more

The best chicken biscuits in Columbia, probably the world. Buttery, flakey biscuits and hot, juicy, thick, crusty fried chicken. Thank God the new owners didn't change a thing! read more

The chicken here is incredible. The people are friendly and the prices are great. I am so glad I found this place. I foresee many more visits in the near future. read more

The chicken wing basket that I got was excellent. The wings were very juicy and the batter nice and crisp. The chicken thigh and leg however was dry. It is southern check in, and they do give you a very mild hot sauce with it. Unfortunately, I think my taste buds have evolved a bit where I need some sort of Brine or heat to the batter. This is not their fault just my personal taste. The kitchen staff wore their masks as well as one checkout lady. However, the one checkout lady with very long eyelashes did not wear her mask. It is very uncomfortable when someone without a mask is handling your food. read more

Best fast food in columbia Hospitality 100. When you visit columbia stop into drakes and enjoy read more

If you're looking for cheap eats this place is it! The chicken sandwich was so good. I did the combo and it's plenty of food. Some of the best fried chicken I've had. read more

Drake's Duck In - Chicken sandwich combo - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

An unassuming shop that resembles any other fast food chicken joint (think Popeye's). Almost completely empty when walking in, so I got my order of chicken and fries in about 4 minutes. Chicken is moist but not as oily as KFC. I would say it's on par with Popeye's. Fries were really good. The bread was soft, but lacked any flavor whatsoever, so had to add butter. A good place to grab some chicken if looking to be in and out in 15 minutes. read more

Drake's Duck In - Chicken, fries, bread, cole slaw - delicious - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The place is very run down but clean. Staff was nice enough. But the burger was undercooked and bacon was limp. 9$ and change for a Diet Coke and a bacon cheeseburger by itself (and I gave a 2$ tip) and it honestly tasted like a vending machine burger. Had always wanted to try this place and was disappointed. Maybe the chicken or breakfast is better but I won't be going back to find out. read more

Nastiest restaurant in Richland County. It's obvious that the health department just kind of bypasses inspecting there. Mid renovation mess. What's with that? I miss Steve, he ran it a lot better than the clowns who bought it from him. read more

"Quakin Good Food" is their motto! And, it's true. This place kicks Chik Fil A's butt! Incredible freshly fried chicken sandwiches and salads. And, service is top-notch. I'm told this place is a town staple and I can see why. It's like Chik Fil A learned customer service from these folks. Wish I lived closer! read more

Drake's Duck-In serves possibly one of the best chicken sandwiches in Columbia, but it is one of those local hole-in-the-walls that you would never find unless you knew someone who eats there (Thanks Flarké!). The one problem with restaurant is its location - it is in downtown Columbia on Main St., and it is harder to find parking around there with all the meters, especially during lunch time. However, it is a definite must-visit for anyone searching for a delicious Southern-style fried chicken sandwich. Although Drake's Duck-In serves both burgers and chicken sandwiches (along with some desultory salads that I would never recommend ordering), I think almost everyone around here comes in for their chicken sandwich. It's pretty simple, with some shredded lettuce and some tomato, but the taste of this sandwich has got Chick-Fil-A beat by a mile or so. Why? Drake's Duck-In put at least two thick breaded and fried chicken breast fillets in the sandwich, and the meat texture is juicy. It doesn't get better than this! The fries, by the way, are excellent, freshly fried, thick and crunchy. =) Additionally, you can order the sandwich with a side of honey mustard, which comes in a separate plastic container. I strongly suggest you try it with the honey mustard sauce, it makes a good chicken sandwich even better! =) For more details, as well as photos of the restaurant and the great food here, you can visit my food blog, http://epicurious-eats.blogspot.com/ read more

He said: Dear Lord was it hot in there. Fix that AC before summertime! The place isn't classy, but has a fun, divey, kind of ambiance. Staff friendly enough. I thought the food quality was ok, but not brilliant or anything. Chicken sandwich was, as everybody says, good. Go eat one, already. They had a charge for using a debit card, which is dopey. Parking a slight pain, but found a meter fast enough. She said: After having read so many 4 and 5-star reviews for the chicken sandwich, our expectations were great. Unfortunately, the day we were there, the chicken sandwich was good, but not one I'd go back for. Based on the other good reviews, if I am back in the area, I think I would give them another try just to see if the quality of the food that day was a fluke. read more