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    The Drake

    4.4 (603 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndBars, Music Venues, New American
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Drake Photos

    THE DRAKE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Loud
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - The Drake

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    Reviews With Photos

    Unique cocktails, really different
    Rachel S.

    I feel like it's rare a restaurant stands out to me, the way The Drake does. The ambiance & food is 10/10. Don't Miss it!

    Old Fashioned
    Roger C.

    This place is awesome! Not too big but a fair amount of seating. It has a stage for live music and you can watch the chef cook your food! SERVICE: Great! We had a private event (Jan 20) and they took great care of us. Kept our drinks flowing, and were very attentive and friendly. FOOD: Steaks were very tender and flavorful. Their potatoes 3-ways were good (the chip could have been crispier). The sauce was Fab!! And if you have not tried their fries?? Get the fries!! That with their dipping aoli - super yummy!! We enjoyed our evening and recommended this place - great job!

    Sorbet
    Kati V.

    What an experience! 12 months ago Incredible live band, Great service, food, and company? What else could you possibly want!? Beautiful restaurant incredible decor and service. We were seated right next to the band, which was a memorable experience. Tiger prawns 8/10 Filet mignon 10/10 Guacamole and chips 7/10 Fig salad 10/10 Sorbet 10/10 Salted caramel budino. 10/10

    Beef Stroganoff
    Michelle E.

    While on vacation in Laguna Beach, we were looking for a place with great jazz music and a nice vibe, and we definitely found it at The Drake. When we arrived, it was a full house and we didn't have a reservation, so we sat at the bar. Even though we weren't seated in the main dining area, the experience was still fantastic. There was a projector screen showing the performers, and the music could be heard throughout the entire establishment, which made it easy to enjoy the show from anywhere in the room. When seats became available in the main area, the staff invited us to move so we could enjoy the full effect of the show, which we really appreciated. That gesture alone showed how attentive and exceptional their service is. The music was amazing, the drinks were great, and the food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the stroganoff dish and the portion size was generous enough for us to split. What made it even more special was that it was finished in the back of the house before being served, which was such a unique experience I've never seen before. The pictures truly don't do it justice -- I would honestly go back to Laguna Beach just to have that dish again. The service was exceptional as well. I mentioned to the bartender that it was my partner's birthday, and he kindly offered him a drink on the house. I really wish I remembered his name because he was nothing short of amazing. If you're looking for great jazz music, strong drinks, delicious food, and an overall classy vibe, The Drake is definitely the place to go. It's a beautifully run establishment, very professional, and truly a memorable experience.

    Daisy W.

    Food and vibes are always phenomenal at The Drake, and last night was no exception. Nick was our server and was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely taken care of throughout the evening. Ezikiel, the server assistant, was outstanding as always with his attention to detail and elevated service never go unnoticed. We ended the night at the bar with Janaka, who made some delicious cocktails.

    This was the 1/2 order of the Beets, an "Opening Act" aka salads
    Rie M.

    Love love love the Vibe From start to finish we had a Marvelous time As we entered, we were greeted with a warm welcome and smile. The energy of the place hits you immediately -- upbeat but not overwhelming, classy without being pretentious. Everyone here knows how to have a great. From food to entertainment, it was a dining experience I would recommend you experience at least once a year -- if not more often! I loved that it was fancy, yet you can dress casually. The vibe is that perfect sweet spot between special occasion and just-because-you-deserve-it. This event bécame the yearly (never-miss) birthday celebration for my highschool friend and I. Low lighting, tasteful decor, and just the right volume of music provided by Sharon Marie Cline was just perfect to set the mood without drowning out our conversations. You can tell every detail of the space was thought through, from the cozy, intimate seating arrangements to the elegant table settings. Our server Emilio had an alternate ego named George, who never woke up throughout the entire dining experience (inside joke). Emilio was friendly and attentive to our dining needs. Our water glasses were always full. Our meals delivered at the perfect temperature and pace. And can we talk about the powder room please? When there is wainscotting in the bathroom, you know they mean serious business! Even the restroom felt like an extension of the experience: clean, chic, and clearly cared for. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit.

    One half of the place, beautiful
    Emmett F.

    Damn, I can't believe I have lived in this area for all these years and never been to this place. It is super cool to say the least. There are two sides to it, almost like individual restaurants. Absolutely beautiful inside and the night we went had live jazz. The staff is most professional, well attired and the food is excellent.

    Rib eye and fries
    Mira S.

    Great food, vibes and drinks! The only reason it is not a 5-star is that the waitress took forever to service us. We had already picked everything before she first even introduced herself. We ordered drinks and she didnt take our food or appetizer order until the drinks came out. Otherwise awesome place to be on a weekend night.

    Ashif D.

    This is a stylish restaurant located in South Laguna Beach, often featuring great live music. The place is not very large but is exquisitely designed, making last-minute reservations difficult, especially on weekends. The hostess was very attentive and suggested we take seats at the counter table, where we could enjoy the same menu and music as the main dining area. My friend, who loves cooking, was delighted with the opportunity to observe the chefs at work up close. We thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes we ordered, and surprisingly, the hamachi of the day was even fresher and tastier than the highly praised tuna tartare. We've decided to visit once a month to explore more of their menu!

    Mainly came here for the jazz music & vibe of this place! Food is amazing, service was pretty good but could be better- bit judgmental but overall very nice experience ! The live music was the best

    peppercorn steak
    Brian K.

    Nice atmosphere, great service, good food, great entertainment. We ordered the seasonal fish poke and it was pretty good flavor wise, but the fish was a little more firm than I usually like. The sea bass was really good. It had a nice crust and a great sauce to accompany it. My wife got the steak and thought it had a good peppercorn sauce, but it was a little tough. Our friends order the bbq shrimp and were raving about it. The entertainer was really fun. I'm not sure if he's there every night, but it wouldn't have been the same without him. Great songs and he had a few people dancing with him, not sure if they were with him or out of the crowd, but just a really good time.

    Brenda R.

    Such a perfect experience at The Drake! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the kindest (and absolutely gorgeous) hostesses. We were seated at the Chef's Table, and it was such a treat to watch the kitchen in action! Chef Nick was creating the most beautiful dishes -- true masterpieces -- and every plate that went out looked incredible. This restaurant truly deserves Michelin recognition; it's exceptional in every way. Our food and drinks were delicious, and our server was fabulous -- I even snapped her photo, though I can't recall her name! The live music added the perfect touch; the group was smooth and soulful, and the lead singer's voice was just like Sade. It made the whole evening feel magical. I absolutely love The Drake! We'll definitely be regulars -- it's just that good. I can't recommend it highly enough!

    venison loin
    Julie R.

    Absolutely loved our time at The Drake! The food, service & ambiance is just absolutely perfect. If you're looking to celebrate a birthday/anniversary or even going out with your beau for date night, this is the spot for you! We had a late reservation so I had an espresso martini, which was exactly what i needed. For starters, we ordered the tuna tartare and lamb lollipops - both were delicious! Tuna was super fresh & the lamb was so tender & cooked to perfection. Husband ordered the venison loin for his main & he was so happy with his choice - the poached pear & lindonberry was so good & gave it the perfect amount of sweet that the meal needed. I ordered the filet mignon with potatoes 3 ways. If you know me, I'm a sucker for potatoes thought that it was such a fun take for a side! Flavor was delicious and the filet was cooked a perfect medium rare. The star of the show is definitely their salted caramel budino - I told my husband that I would drive back to Laguna Beach just for that dessert. If you like salty, creamy, custard & caramel, THIS. IS. IT. Can't wait to come back for another meal at the Drake, we will definitely be back soon!

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    Amazing Birthday Dinner! Food was excellent as well as service. Loved the live music!

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    Page 1 of 16

    The Drake Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Drake

    Is there a live music schedule?

    https://www.thedrakelaguna.com/events

    How loud is the Drake? Are some areas of the restaurant louder than others?

    Patio is quiet. Sat inside close to the band last visit and it was loud but not intolerable. Could still talk.

    What time does music start daily? Do they have live music every night or only weekend?

    Music is every night usually beginning at 6:30 p.m.

    How do they do with food, allergies, such as gluten or dairy?

    Is this 21+?

    Nope. Kids can dine as well

    Music calendar for January?

    I feel like you should definitely call the Drake. Because of Covid so many things are changing minute by minute

    Will they be open New Year's Day? Looking for something new and exciting when we are out there this weekend :)

    Yes they are but currently have no available reservations until Sunday. I would call though and see if they have had any cancellations. The Drake is amazing! Good luck!

    Is there a specific dress code?

    No, but many there are nicely dressed (business casual +)...

    Are children permitted?

    Yes

    Are you able to see/hear the live music when seated outside?

    yes

    Are they able to accommodate to vegans?

    yes

    Do you have to have reservations?

    yes, usually, but the bar is first come, first serve

    No Happy Hour?

    no happy hour

    Do you need reservations to sit on the bar side?

    sometimes

    View All 22 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Drake

    The seasonal pasta is always on my order, and so is the venison, which I never thought I would love so much.

    Mentioned in 40 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    4.0(2.3k reviews)
    1.7 mi
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    Took my mother-in-law here for her birthday and we all had such a great experience!…read more We got there around 4-4:15pm and had about a 20 minute wait, but we were able to find a high top table that we got to sit at and were able to order drinks from the bar, so that helped to pass our time. We got seated at our table at our table around 4:30p and had the most perfect view of the ocean! *we went on a Friday night and noticed the patio cleared out about 4:45-5pm and I didn't appear to have a lot of people waiting during that time. The main patio was covered with umbrellas, so once you are seated for dinner, there was plenty of umbrellas for shade and heaters for when it got a little cooler. For our food orders, and as recommended by our server, we went with their seafood options and ordered their Pacific Ceviche for an appetizer and for Entrees my husband got the Roasted Halibut and me and my mother-in-law both got the Scallop and Shrimp pasta. We all loved our dishes and were very satisfied with our choices. Their menu does have non-seafood options, but why not to try what they're most prominent for? They don't have a dessert menu, but they heard that we were celebrating mom's birthday so they brought us a little Toffee Cake to share and enjoy...and for a place that doesn't have dessert, the cake was pretty delicious. Such a cute place all around. My husband and I can't wait to go back! Parking - they have valet parking available right in front of the restaurant or theres street metered parking in the surrounding area.

    a bit difficult to find and is really small. i didn't eat here because of how busy it was. it was…read moreso busy there was someone in the way at the end of the stairs. wasn't a big fan of the environment. probably not a place for younger people or something because older people that were there were staring, of course i know it's not the restaurants fault just saying. got there around 5pm put name on wait for 2 people and was told about an hour. i was told to not order from the bar while i waited, never heard of that before as i also work at a restaurant. not sure what the policy is here for that. i was ok with waiting, but i went back to ask for a table by the rail since i was waiting a bit already anyway. the lady in front of me put her name down and was told her wait time would be 30-40 mins, so i was confused why hers was shorter than mine maybe the wait time changed and i'd wait less? anyway i told the host my request to sit by the rail and she said it would be a little longer, but that's ok that's what i expected. i actually never received a text that my table was ready and i thought maybe it was the wrong number put down, but who knows. kind of disappointed because i saw this place online a year ago and was excited to finally try it. i didnt get to and just went to eat somewhere else

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    Splashes Restaurant

    Splashes Restaurant

    4.1(1.7k reviews)
    1.0 mi
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    10/10 stars. Such a special birthday brunch I had here, we ran 15 minutes late to our reservation…read moreand they accommodated us so kindly. Everyone that works here is so lovely and they even hand wrote me a card?! Breathtaking views even from someone who lives here. Will definitely be coming back for future lunches

    I booked this restaurant for an early Mother's Day celebration, and my mother was very pleased…read more First, the views this restaurant sits right by the coast beachfront and has amazing views. Secondly, the service and wait staff is impeccable. We received great recommendations, attentiveness, professionalism, and hospitality. We never had to ask for anything because our needs were anticipated. Lastly, the food, we ordered several different things. The lobster bisque, Parkhouse rolls, octopus, the special of the day, which was tuna Hamachi. We also ordered the scallops, mushrooms, green beans, mashed potatoes and sea bass. The items that stood out the most were the lobster bisque. the Parkhouse rolls, the Seabass, the scallops and the Hamachi tuna. I was taken back that the octopus was fried and it was tough and had an interesting flavor. I'm used to octopus legs being grilled and tender, so I was quite disappointed with that. We also ordered a couple of cocktails that we weren't thrilled about. The flavors didn't work well together in the drink, but I did like how the glasses were ice cold I just wish the cocktails were more impressive. I feel like that's the gift and the curse. When you have a restaurant that is oceanfront. Typically oceanfront restaurants their food isn't that great because it doesn't have to be because of the ambience. The only place I've ever been where they had the oceanfront location and the food was amazing was Nobu Malibu specifically. I wouldn't mind coming back here for some light bites like I mentioned the lobster bisque and the rolls were tasty. Everything else was good, but not great for the price point.

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    237 Ocean Avenue - My favorite patio!!!Patio+Palomas+Empanadas=Heaven!

    237 Ocean Avenue

    4.5(75 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    We came on NYE. There was music happening at 9pm, but we…read morecame early and missed it. That was our fault. We were the only ones there. The experience was all over the map. The owner served us initially, and he was really friendly and funny. We ordered a bottle of wine, and some cocktails. We put in some salads and an appetizer, they were really really good. But after that, our server (the owner we were told) left, and another server introduced himself. The new server was inattentive. He sat chatting with the other servers at the bar, leaving empty glasses and empty plates on the table. We had to flag him to come back to fill water. Having been myself in the service industry for years, my biggest pet peeve is when servers sit and chat where you can see them, and when they do come, they don't do a sweep and take care of things on the table. We had to put our empty glasses and trash on a side table. It was weird. The bolognese had hardly any meat in it. It was mostly tomato and onion. I've been to Argentina. Meat is a staple. Also weird. We ordered dessert and after waiting for 5-10 minutes, the server came back and told us they were missing crucial ingredients to make it. The owner came back at the end and was really gracious, but all in all, I think the execution was lacking. The service was not great. The food was 3.5/5 I love to support small business, perhaps we will try again another night.

    Karaoke Tuesday was a disaster! It's all about money…read more We spent $120 on drinks for 3 people. Plus Tips. We were on the Q. Until we're NOT. Because (they actually announced) someone paid more. Go ponder.

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    The Drake - bars - Updated June 2026

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