We booked a 2pm tea at Palm Court and it was worth every penny. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were seated right at the lovely water fountain and had the pleasure of being across from the harp player. What a treat. The music definitely added a level of ambiance beyond our expectations.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The table already has dishes of lemon curd, raspberry jam, and clotted cream (very light and whipped) and all you need to do is choose your tea from a good variety. The tea is $78/person. If you would like champagne or other alcoholic beverages there is an additional charge. The tea included a scone, a coconut pineapple cake, four sandwiches (chicken, egg salad in a pastry shell, cucumber red pepper, and salmon with cream cheese), and three desserts (cookie crumble trifle, chocolate crunch cake, and macarons in two flavors) and a pot of tea. The scones were wonderful albeit small. They were traditional plain scones. The raspberry jam was some of the best I have ever had. The cake was a little dry, but perfect with some clotted cream. The sandwiches were good, but seemed like they had been prepared earlier in the day and then refrigerated until served. I say this because the bread was hard or a little stale in places and the pastry shells were rubbery. That being said the items are unlimited and we ordered second of everything we liked. Well worth it! The desserts were delicious but we were so stuffed by then it was hard to even taste all of them. The service was wonderful. Hot water refills, additional food items and service with a smile are the standard. Shout out to Azmir for his excellent service! Tea at The Drake is a treat! Don't miss it! read more

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Came here today for my birthday afternoon tea and it was fabulous! We had three different teas and the tier of goodies was even better. Our waiter explained every goodie on the plates. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a harpist playing to make the atmosphere more enjoyable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had a 1 pm reservation and it was quite busy for a Friday afternoon. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They still had their Christmas decorations so we had to have our photo op.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Booking a holiday tea here was such a highlight on my recent trip to Chicago! [[HIGHLIGHT]]My boyfriend and I ended up being seated right next to the fountain and harpist.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely got suckered into buying a photo, but wanted to remember the most beautiful space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So many flavorful options for tea-- had an issue with my teapot though and ended up spilling a bit on me. The sandwiches were a little underwhelming, but their scones and sweet treats made up for it. We loved the gingerbread entrements and most of the bottom plate (scones, cannelles, and some carrot cake like loaf). Definitely make a reservation read more

Palm Court - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]An absolute gem in Chicago, a total classy place for tea.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not one seat in the place has a bad view.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We did a ladies tea on a Friday, just three of us, and had reservations. Definitely recommend reservations, even on a Friday! They opened promptly and let us to our seat, with a great view. We had a 6 yr old with us, and she was greeted warmly by our server and absolutely taken care of the entire time. The tea menu was quite extensive, with over 15 different flavors! And don't even think about missing out on the cocktails, a huge menu there too. The food at first looks like it wouldn't be enough, but we ended up walking away with a small box of treats. What really made this experience was the fact that our server was on top of it, and truly accommodating to our little one for her princess tea, which is a different menu than the adults. As locals driving into the city, we ended up using spot hero to park around the corner for a massively discounted price, which was a great move since parking can be quite expensive in the area. and of course, this location is perfect if you're planning to hit up any shopping on Michigan Avenue. Our little one noticed the fancy bathrooms as she called it, and it was kind of fun to explain to her why the ladies' room had a sign called powder room. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is beautiful, historic, and classy, with great service and delicious food and tea.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Much better than its location out in Oak Brook! read more

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I was very excited for high holiday tea at the Drake, but have to say, I was disappointed. Not worth it for the price. Next time, I would opt for one of the more expensive tea spots like Peninsula or Langham and would recommend if you're spending the money to do a nice tea, look elsewhere. Majority of the food was burnt or stale or tasteless. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a very pretty setting and our waiter was great, but the quality of everything served was low.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In addition, they're upselling bottles of $10 champagne for $70. I mean, if you're trying to cultivate a nice experience, at least sell $30 bottle of champagne for $70. Overall wouldn't recommend this experience, seek tea elsewhere read more

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We had a pleasant time here. The staff were very prompt and attentive. Our server was super nice and friendly. We had a great time. The food was good. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The experience was exactly what we needed. A relaxing afternoon of tea and snacks with a live harp in the back ground.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will definitely come back for another afternoon of tea. I took a picture of the menu each person can choose one tea and it is a pre selected menu. They will make substitutions for allergies. I had the tropical tea and it was fantastic. My favorite sandwich was the cucumber and chicken. The Chicken sandwich has Indian spices which made it memorable. My least favorite was the egg sandwich I was expecting egg salad it tasted more like just egg yokes. We didn't eat that one. We will ask to substitute that one out for something else next time. The desserts were delicious my favorite was the chocolate mouse and the cake. read more

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3.5/5 Had a good, could be better experience at the Palm Court for afternoon tea. It was very busy, as it was the height of the Christmas season. The food overall is quite good. We especially enjoyed the roast beef sandwich and turkey sandwich, which we ended up getting a second round of. The tea choices were okay, wasn't too impressed by the offerings. We enjoyed the live harpist and the carolers. There was a photographer that was taking individual photos of each table, but the photo print was $20. Because it was so busy, our server was rushed and juggling to keep up. She was extremely friendly, but our service definitely took a hit and it did detract from the whole experience. When she brought out the tower of food, she was carrying 3 of them at the same and hurriedly ran through what was what. I don't know if I would come back during the Christmas season if it is always this chaotic. read more

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I came here during a staycation. The vibe was very elegant so I dressed the part, considering this was only my second time here. The setting was very relaxed and there was a harp player who was playing a variety of music. The songs I recognized right away were Let it Go from Frozen and All I want for Christmas is You by my girl Mariah Carey. We had a very kind and hospitable waiter who was also kind enough to take a few pics of us. The fixed menu consisted of a roast beef sandwich. Lox sandwich with cucumber and Turkey Sandwich. There were a variety of macarons' crème puffs and chocolate. There were also scones and cornbread muffins. We were told to start from the bottom up so sweets first, followed by sandwiches, then you guessed it , more sweets! I had the tropical tea with mango,peach, and papaya and it was delicious! I truly enjoyed myself. I would like to add that the bathroom has a large mirror which is great for a full body pic. and the stalls have cool vintage looking wallpaper. If you want to try something different in the city. This is it! read more

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The first time I came here, I was enchanted with all the flowers, the music, and the overall atmosphere here. You enter into a new world almost and it feels like you're in London at high tea. The first time, our server was a gentleman, he was very patient with us, explained everything to us, came back to check in on us regularly. We had a great experience. We thought the food and dessert was not going to fill us, but we had leftovers. While the price can seem steep, it is a nice experience for a celebration or special occasion. They bring you refills on your sandwiches and biscuits if you ask - you're allowed one refill. By the end of the first experience I had here, our server asked if we wanted a picture. Took a lot of photos for us. He really went above and beyond. Fast forward, I liked it so much, I took my mom for her birthday, hoping to have the same experience. This time, we had a rude server who did not really have the same attention to detail. We had to complain about her after we saw that other tables that got seated after us were already starting their courses. I don't really like complaining at restaurants or service establishments because I understand people can have an off day, but for this price point and the fact that it was my moms early birthday celebration, I had to. I wish that the service was more consistent. The food was still good, but I'm also basing this on the palm court being the only high tea service I had been to in Chicago. I'll probably take a break from here for a while and will try other places before trying to come back. Sadly, my last experience left me with a bad impression. However, our first visit was so good that it slightly raised the overall review. read more

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Afternoon Tea at Palm Court was truly a highlight of my stay and my soft life era is well-fed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The setting? Elegant. The vibes? Impeccable. From the moment you sit down near the fountain under chandeliers and mirrored ceilings, you feel like royalty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The three-tiered tray came out like a couture moment delicate sandwiches, scones, and desserts that felt as lovely as they looked. I sipped my mimosa while the tea flowed and the live harpist serenaded the room. A woman next to me said I looked like a model I nearly choked on my macaron, but smiled sweetly because... maybe I am that beautiful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The teacups, the floral arrangements, the polished silverware darling, it's all in the details.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This isn't just tea, it's an experience. And for a girl like me? Every drop mattered. Highly recommend for celebrations, solo indulgence, or just being the fabulous woman you are. Xoxo, Sierra read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]First time here and I can say it's very beautiful inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]],but the food was okay they only thing was good was the tea and the service I feel like it is kind of overpriced... [[HIGHLIGHT]]the harpist played beautifully aswell[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I had afternoon tea here this past weekend. It's located inside the Drake hotel. The inside decor was nothing short of AMAZING. A nice Greek fountain, or so it looked Greek. They even had a live harpist. Just Beautiful! The not so good..... Once we were seated about 15mins past and no one came to serve us. I had to request service from the host. The food and coffee was horrible! Very small decadents. We were only allowed to choose one tea a piece. I thought the tea experience included a sample of each tea on the menu. The table was very small, with barely any space to house all the things that came with the tea setup. I was also disappointed that the dress code wasn't enforced. A lot of patrons had on casual everyday attire. I expected more upscale, business or dainty wear. . Overall, it wasn't great. Definitely not worth $158 for two people. I gave 2 stars because the decor was phenomenal. read more

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I've been to high tea before and it sure is expensive. But the high tea experience here is well worth your money, and is probably the best high tea you can get in the city! The atmosphere is so lovely. There are flowers all throughout the space, surrounding a fountain in the center. There was a harpist playing contemporary pieces, which really set the mood. The food was scrumptious. Elevated finger sandwiches, cakes, macaroons, scones, etc were all on the menu for us. They paired perfectly with the tea options. The tea is loose within the pot so you do need to strain it yourself, though I think it makes the tea much more flavorful. The servers come around to refill the tea kettle with more water and also replenish the food! If you can't finish everything, you are allowed to box it up and take it home. I could not have asked for a better place for high tea! The atmosphere, food/tea, and service were extraordinary, especially for the price. read more

I made a reservation for myself and my fiancé to enjoy tea at the Palmer Court. They do have a dress code, but not sure how well they enforce it. But I didn't take any chances and wear a suit and my fiancé put on a dress and a tea hat. The tea was very delicious and they bring you a tower with a combination of bread, pastries, and sandwiches. The ambience was very good here. It's a very classy place. When I went, they had a lady playing the harp near the fountain, which made the overall experience much more elegant. It was a very wonderful experience and plan on taking my mother and mother-in-law to enjoy some tea here. Highly recommend. read more

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I've wanted to visit for tea almost since the time I moved to Chicago. Mom disappointed me last year when she visited and had no interest in going because I knew she'd be up for it. When my friend asked if I was interested in going with our kids for tea, I was an enthusiastic yes. I'm not a tea drinker, really. I've tried to like it, and tried to like various types. So I wasn't sure what I might like in a tea and chose one of the herbal teas, The Nutcracker, since it was a seasonal special. I liked it pretty well, especially when I added a cube of sugar to it and it tasted less like something watered down with no flavor. The scone seemed more like a biscuit but was yummy with the clotted cream and jam. I was surprised to find that I liked the cucumber sandwich the best, since I'm not a fan of cucumber in general. The roast beef was ok too though I didn't want to look and see how pink it was (it probably wasn't much, but I don't like meat that isn't well-done, so that's an individual quirk). I liked the little turkey and cucumber in the pâte à choux, but the salmon was lost on me since I don't eat meat. Desserts were ok too, and they have alcoholic beverages you can add on as well. The service was okay. I wasn't sure they came to refill the plates as you finish if you like so it was nice when they did; that was a bit of a relief since it was expensive. Our server was nice, though. They didn't rush us too much, perhaps because we were in one of the final seatings and the place was emptying out. The atmosphere was nice with the harpist and carolers alternating entertainment. The carolers wandered from table to table and will sing a carol if you'd like (and they'd love your tips too!). As for whether I'd go back, I'm not sure. I might, because it would be a sweet little holiday tradition to begin with my daughter. Having said that I know there are other teas in the area as well, so maybe it would be nice to explore others as well. The biggest problem was the lack of accessibility--it was really quite astounding. To get to the lobby level, you have to take stairs. If you need the elevator, they're kind of in the center of the hotel, so if you struggle to walk I guess that's just too bad. The bellman took us through this labyrinthine, backroom maze as the "accessible" way to get to the Palm Court level; the loading ramp or whatever that we used for the strollers is something that would be WAY to steep for someone who uses a walker, cane, or non-motorized wheelchair (and it would probably be difficult for someone to push someone in a wheelchair up it). I know it wasn't the bellman's fault, but the hotel's excuse of being a historic building is just not good enough and the lack of accessibility needs to be the first thing listed on their site and on OpenTable (where reservations are made) so someone doesn't show up here unaware of the nearly nonexistent accommodations. read more

Palm Court - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing experience with afternoon tea at Palm Court at The Drake Hotel. We'd been trying to visit for awhile, and it finally worked out for our schedule. Palm Court is stunningly gorgeous! The tea food is a fixed collection of both sweet & savory finger foods. So delicious! You then choose from a wide variety of teas. Service was exceptional! read more

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We went to Palm Court for the Mag Mile Festival of Lights. I paid $300 for my family of 4 to eat small sandwiches and small pastries and I expected to have great service at a minimum. But the service was awful from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. We arrived right on time for our 3:45 reservation and everyone was hungry as we had been saving our appetite for this meal. We waited in the lobby until 4:45 to just sit down at a table. We ordered our tea when we sat down. We finally got our food at 5:15 but our tea didn't arrive until 20 minutes after our food came. And our food was missing various items from the menu. We asked our server where and when to watch the parade and he had no idea that there was even a parade happening. When we were finished, we waited 20+ minutes to get our check even though we were pretty much the last people left. I cannot believe I spent $300 on this experience. This was supposed to be a special treat - something to splurge on for the holidays. But we would have been much happier going to a pub and spending a fraction of what we spent. read more

Been here several times and always loved it. The ambiance is unbeatable- there's always a harpist, a fountain, an amazing centerpiece, and ornate decorations. I had the Des Vehines tea and thought it was wonderful- great notes of vanilla. Unless you LOVE citrus, I would avoid 7 Citrus because it's incredibly citrus and not exactly desirable in our opinions. As for the food, the cucumber sandwiches were everyone's favorite. The beef and swiss wraps were decent (a little dry and could use a sauce), the fire roasted chicken was not worth trying, and the shrimp sandwiches were pretty good overall. The desserts didn't hit like they usually do here. They were all just okay, and we ended up leaving the top of our tower pretty full. It's a seasonal menu so I'm sure this will be fixed in the future. The plain scones, however, were great! Everyone loved those. Our waiter, Sead, was over-the-top wonderful. He made sure our elderly grandmother could find the accessible ramp to the bathroom, he was incredibly attentive, and very kind. We hope that when we come back we'll get him again! read more

Palm Court - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Booked the Holiday Tea with a dear friend in the main Palm Court dinning space. Yes it was very beautifully decorated and the lady playing the harp was quite talented HOWEVER $85 USD for finger sandwiches and herbal tea is a steep price and I'm not convinced the "experience" was worth that much. Service was just subpar. Waiter didn't keep our water glasses full, we had to ask for more tea and fruit preserves. I was a bit shocked the waiter had neck and hand tattoos in such a high class establishment. In all, I guess I expected attentive top notch service for how much people rave about this place. This isn't the "royal treatment" or even on par with many of Chicago's popular restaurants. Pros: if you ask, they will accommodate allergies or food sensitivities, otherwise it's a fixed menu for everyone. The lobby is gorgeous with the Christmas tree and flying angels overhead. Perfect for holiday pictures. It was mid-week so not very busy for lunch. Cons: with gratuity and tip, it was over $200 USD for two people, no alcohol for a hotel restaurant and not plentiful. Didn't feel like an "experience" which is how it's advertized. I think going to The Drake hotel to see the lobby or have a bevvie at the bar would be enough to check the box and say you saw it, but skipping the High Tea wouldn't be a big loss. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience is nostalgic and historic![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Svc is average between the head staff to the bus Svc lacked some basics. We haven't been back since before Covid times and the finger food was plenty but didn't feel fresh. Maybe because it was the holiday. No honey . no lemons @ this price point. But then again it's a Hilton but his isn't top shelve Svc. I've always been satisfied with the Hilton brand. Lady Diana would not approve of this tea selection !! read more

I absolutely LOVE coming here for holiday high tea! The service is exquisite and the ambience is amazing. You get to select the tea of your choice and they will replenish any treats that you enjoy. I had the Montagne bleue tea which is a mix of black tea, lavender,berries and rhubarb. It is so refreshing and relaxing. The tea sandwiches and scones were delicious. We had an awesome server named Javier ! Beautiful experience and I can't wait to return. read more

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It's just amazing to experience this tradition! TIPS- 1. Leave time to walk around the hotel and take pictures (especially when the holiday decor is up). 2. You can ask for seconds. All being over 40, the desserts were just too much sugar for us. We asked for extra finger sandwiches. 3. Definitely dress up! read more

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If you are not on a budget, go one time. I took my daughter and my mom for a three generation holiday outing/ gift experience. This restaurant is located in the Drake, an old fashioned elegant hotel. The palm court is elegantly decorated for Christmas as we speak and could have been a scene from the 40's , 50's etc ( timeless old fashioned feel ). The wait staff was kind and attentive. The actual tea was good - I chose the fruit blend one that had mango, pineapple, peach - yum. The food is OK. At best. For 85.00 per adult and 35 per child ( up to age 12) it should be more special. They do give you a refill on sandwiches so the quantity part is fine, it's the quality that just needs some improvement. Nothing bad per say but nothing absolutely delicious ( the desserts were particularly mediocre at best ). Pay one time for the experience to make a memory with loved ones. Overall, I'm glad we did but won't likely be back unless the food served gets a an overhaul. read more

Palm Court - The food. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What a lovely afternoon tea at Palm Court! With a gorgeous interior and charming decor, this is the perfect place to catch up with friends and feel a lil' fancy over some tasty bites and sips. We joined for the holiday tea and were welcomed warmly by the staff and beautiful sounds of live harp playing. Our server was very knowledgeable and patient while going over the impressive tea menu. I settled on the seasonal Sugar Plum Fairy, which was excellent! After a short time, the tea tower with all of the delicious-looking bites came out. The variety and presentation was beautiful! The sandwiches included cucumber, roast beef, turkey salad, and gravlax. I enjoyed them but expected a bit more for the price- the bread seemed dry and flavors rather simple. The turkey salad was festive and the group favorite. The sweets array was really impressive, however! We all loved the seasonal stollen bread, which was moist and perfectly spiced. The light and buttery scones were delicious with the clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd. The assorted pastries included mini cakes, peppermint iced brownies, fig spiced custard, and macarons. The cakes lacked a bit of flavor to me, but the brownies were decadent and tasted like an Andes mint in fudge form. The macarons were tender and custard surprisingly light. Overall, the food was not exceptional but definitely still enjoyable. The reason to come here is the experience and ambiance. My friends and I had a great time and would definitely return! read more

Palm Court - Interior - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Absolutely loved our experience at The Palm Court inside the Drake Hotel. We did the full tea ceremony menu which came with delicious desserts and sandwiches. The service was exceptional and enjoyable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They even had a live harpist which completed the elegant vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would come back! read more

Palm Court - Full Tea service - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First off the decor is lovely. It's a beautiful space with a central fountain and a harpist. You're not at all rushed and it's a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The food is good. Some sandwiches better than others. But that's always true no matter where you go. Some issues we had: some servers are better than others. In that we realized from observing other tables that it was unlimited sandwiches. Our server, Christine did not tell us that. We observed another server, Marjia bringing out new fresh sandwiches for her table. We had to ask and felt that Christine would not have told us not volunteered this information. We had one vegetarian in our party, when extra sandwiches were brought out it was as though Christine had forgotten that and just bought out a cucumber one for that person... even though originally he'd had a selection. At over $70 a head this seems kind of like short changing one of our party! In addition, she checked on us once. We had to seek her out to ask for extra including another cocktail and finally the bill. Meanwhile watching other servers they were a lot more attentive. There were 3 of us, we had 2 cocktails a piece and our bill came to over $400. Honestly I'd have expected better care. read more

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Had a lovely time at high tea at the Palm Court! I grew up coming here with my mom so it was nostalgic to be back. The tea service was lovey. They have a nice selection of teas- herbal, black, green, and some seasonal varieties. I had a call seasonal herbal tea which was lovely. The food is pretty standard high tea food- sandwiches, scones, and desserts. They also had delicious deviled eggs. You are able to ask for more of anything (complimentary) which is great. I love the flowers and the fountains here. We were lucky to be sitting right next to it! read more

Palm Court - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was very disappointed with the experience we had while dining at the Drake for Holiday Tea on Sunday, 11/23/25. In the past, it has been a memorable and magical birthday celebration. Unfortunately, this year it was anything but enjoyable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is exceptional as usual; however, our seating for five was extremely uncomfortable as we were seated at a compact table that was low to the ground, and the wood panel didn't allow for putting our legs under the table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food, as always, is mediocre, but the presentation is lovely enough that we can overlook its mediocrity. I might add the birthday dessert was extremely dry and inedible. Finally, and most importantly, our server Christine was the worst I have ever encountered in my 71 years of dining experiences. She gave a negative vibe from the beginning, and it never improved. Our entire dining experience was filled with her negative energy. She was unattentive, unfriendly, and rude. It bothers me to know we spent over $600.00 to eat at the Drake and leave there feeling completely unsatisfied. read more

My group and I have made Tea at the Drake a yearly tradition for the past few years, and we were genuinely looking forward to this visit. We were celebrating a birthday and had traveled an hour to be there, but unfortunately this year's experience made it clear that we won't be returning. From the moment we were seated, the visit started off poorly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Our table was so cramped that our knees hit the underside, and we were squeezed in so tightly that waitstaff continuously bumped into us as they passed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It set an uncomfortable tone for what should have been a relaxing afternoon. Three of us ordered the same cocktail for our first round of drinks, and all three were sent back because they tasted like straight vodka. The replacement drinks were better, but for the price point, this shouldn't have happened at all. For the second year in a row, the smoked salmon was extremely fishy--disappointingly so--and not at the standard one would expect from the Drake. The most disappointing part of the experience, however, was the service from the woman attending to our table. She barely acknowledged us, gave off negative energy from start to finish, and at no point returned to ask if we wanted another round of drinks. Despite our efforts to be warm and polite in hopes of improving the interaction, her demeanor never changed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We still enjoyed each other's company and the beauty of the room, but the service significantly impacted what was meant to be a special celebration.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Sadly, the overall experience no longer feels worth the cost, and after a few years of making this a holiday tradition, we won't be returning. read more

I love The Palm Court high tea! Love it. Love the ambience, the fountain, the flowers, everything! The staff was fantastic, always checking in, always keeping my tea cup full. Food was excellent. The lemon cake with lemon curd was fantastic! The desserts were only ok, but I don't have a sweet tooth at all. So take my opinion about desserts with a grain of salt . The sandwiches were great. The cucumber one was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend the experience! read more

Palm Court - The Palm Court at The Drake Hotel - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came with my family for the holiday tea time. We made reservations in October for our December date to ensure we had a table. The inside of the tea room is grand, as there is a elegant fountain in the middle of the room and the decor is classy. There was a live harpist and she played such beautiful music that set the tone for the evening. Aside from just christmas music, she played modern hits too. If you go on certain days there are carolers - we didn't pay for them to come but we could hear them at other tables and they put on quite a show. Once seated, we started with tea. I got the Tropical Garden blend and was impressed with how vibrant the fruit flavors were, as I could taste each hint of the different fruit. The tea cups and plates for the table were adorable. For the food, they serve a big tower of a variety of finger foods and dessert cookies. For the finger foods, my favorites were the turkey sandwich and roast beef. Im a sucker for a deli sandwich so these were right up my alley. The cucumber roll had unique flavors but not my favorite and I wasn't a fan of the smoked salmon bite (I like smoked salmon but wasn't feeling this one). For the snacks, the little biscuits melted in my mouth and the jam served with it was vibrant. The mini pecan pies had a great flavor too. For the little dessert bites, the salted carmel macaroons were the star of the show for me - The chocolate cube with the drake button on top were good too. You don't go for the food but it is sufficient for a meal and there is plenty to fill you up. The service was wonderful, as our waiter did a great job of ensuring we had all the food and drinks we needed. I was pleasantly surprised to know the tower of food was bottomless. Overall this is a unique experience - While it is pricey, I found it worth it for the quality time i got to spend with family, while enjoying delicious tea, snacks and a curated holiday atmosphere. read more

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I was really curious how this tea experience at The Drake would turn out due to the mixed opinions I've heard about it. I made a reservation about a month and a half in advance on Open Table, but it is probably possible to get reservations within a shorter time frame. Even though we were about 15 minutes late to our reservation, we were seated soon after arriving. Our waiter came by and explained the ordering process. Each person can have their own flavor of tea. There are so many different flavor profiles to pick from on the tea menu. I loved the The Des Vahines tea. This tea has notes of vanilla and almond. Initially, they bring out samples of every food item from the menu. Almost all of the food items were at least a 8/10. We especially liked the smoked salmon sandwiches. I was surprised to learn that we would have the opportunity to re-order additional finger sandwiches and pastries without paying additional fees. I haven't had this experience at most of the other tea's I've been to. We stayed for almost 2 hours, but I would have been totally content staying longer if I didn't have another activity right afterwards. The décor inside this place is stunning and the harpist played great songs. The price isn't cheap (Currently about $70 per adult before tax and tip), but not horrible for the area and atmosphere. I compared the pricing of The Drake versus other hotel tea's in the downtown/gold coast area and this one comes out $15-$65 less than most of them. The Langham and Peninsula Hotel's seem to have the highest prices, but I would like to try both of those eventually too. read more

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