It's still a very cool restaurant though. And way above the bar for OKC. I had lunch at the oysterette last week and had a really good time, ate way too many oysters as the counter server gave me an edjucation on the sublties.

If I could change anything about this place it would be the environment. It's simply too noisy for what is supposed to be a fine dining experience....

Interestingly, we had no noise issues on NYE - got there at 6:00, left about 7:40, were at a round table next to the front windows, 2 of us, I've got some measure of tinnitus (from concerts, standing next to the stacks for decades without earplugs (young and stupid)), and I can't hear conversations very well when there's lots of background noise, but had no problem hearing my wife, the server, the mgr, and even the folks at the next table.

They are working on a plan to reduce the noise.

I'll just say that when I went I didn't notice the noise issue, but I'm rather oblivious to things like that. Our group loved everything.

They are working on a plan to reduce the noise.

Good deal. Like several others have said, I went with a group of four about a month ago and a few of us were literally hoarse when we left from trying to talk over the noise. Again that's not to take away from the quality of the food or the restaurant. We all loved it and won't hesitate to go back.

Going to be in OKC in April for my 30th birthday....I am just thinking ahead to places that I might want to go. Would this be a good place for a group of, say, 15-20 people??

Going to be in OKC in April for my 30th birthday....I am just thinking ahead to places that I might want to go. Would this be a good place for a group of, say, 15-20 people??


I have no idea on what they are capable of but 15-20 people at the Drake seems like it would be a nightmare to me.

With 15-20 people I would probably lean more towards somewhere like Fassler Hall.

Blue garten would be fun as well if the weather is nice

Going to be in OKC in April for my 30th birthday....I am just thinking ahead to places that I might want to go. Would this be a good place for a group of, say, 15-20 people??

Pizzeria Gusto could easily accommodate your group and it's has one of the best settings and atmosphere in all of OKC.

Pizzeria Gusto could easily accommodate your group and it's has one of the best settings and atmosphere in all of OKC.

Yes, this, totally! While we were walking to The Drake from our car, wife said "we could just go to Gusto instead", lol...

Back to DC sooner, I do have a comment. I don't think Drake should waste time or paper explaining what the fish is (as you recommended). OKC may be landlocked but that doesn't mean the residents are, im pretty sure most clients of Drake have traveled and have had seafood in a non-landlocked city. Perhaps your point was to educate the citizenry on fish, but I think that training should go to the waitstaff as it should be part of the experience having waiters explain in detail the food being served. ...

Maybe I could agree with you if you're thinking of a menu ala Bonefish that sort of educates on the different types of fish and associated experiences, but I recall that was a very small section or sentence for each item - again, something the wait staff should be able to pimp which adds to the experience (and their earnings).

Just like here in Seattle, we don't go into detail on beef or staples of Oklahoma even though we don't specialize in it like they do in Oklahoma. We have waitstaff who knows their stuff (and that restaurant survives as long as the food is also palatable) or dont (and that restaurant fails).

I could agree with your other suggestion, I think it would be weird to have the side served separate from the entree so if that really was the case then it needs to be corrected - serve the darn side items with the entree. .. But, could it be that the waiter made a mistake and assumed you wanted your asparagus as a starter? However illogical that may be, I think it has to be the only explanation of your receiving a side item before the entree. ...

...
I could agree with your other suggestion, I think it would be weird to have the side served separate from the entree so if that really was the case then it needs to be corrected - serve the darn side items with the entree. .. But, could it be that the waiter made a mistake and assumed you wanted your asparagus as a starter? However illogical that may be, I think it has to be the only explanation of your receiving a side item before the entree. ...

No mistake by the waiter, that's the way The Drake does things, it's explained on the menu and by the server - things come out when they're ready.

No mistake by the waiter, that's the way The Drake does things, it's explained on the menu and by the server - things come out when they're ready.

So is it possible to ask that the items be started in the kitchen so that they are ready at approximately the same time?

not doubting you lj, but can someone else confirm this was also their experience?

^^^^^^
It is absolutely The Drake's practice to serve sides and various entrees as they are completed by the kitchen rather than to hold an item or to time everything together. It's purposeful; not an accident. They are very up-front about this.

Can anybody who has dined there either confirm or dispel that Drake does not customarily serve bread or rolls with entrees?

"Does not customarily serve bread" is accurate. I have seen someone request and receive bread, however. I think the bread may have been the brioche that they use for their chicken sandwich. It's just not a bread sort of place. Nothing wrong with that.

^^^^^^
It is absolutely The Drake's practice to serve sides and various entrees as they are completed by the kitchen rather than to hold an item or to time everything together. It's purposeful; not an accident. They are very up-front about this.

My biggest issue with this is that I've never known it to be a problem at any other restaurant I eat at.... Everywhere else I get the sides and entree together and all seem to be cooked well and the temps are fine. I've eaten at the Drake now several times and often I find people I'm with letting their sides sit on the table (getting cold) as they wait for their entree - because, they enjoy the paring of the sides to entree and want to enjoy them together.

Good Morning everyone...just wanted to chime in here regarding The Drake. Hopefully I can help answer some of these unknowns.
1. We encourage sharing, however, if you don't feel like sharing, please let your server know. We will accommodate!
2. The ordering process is one that items arrive at your table as they are ready. We do serve oysters and raw items first, then cold, then hot. This is a new change and has had an overwhelmingly positive response.
3. We DO serve bread on request. This does not mean you can order a basket of rolls/bread, but you can get bread with your linguini/clams or Lobster bisque. Just ask!
4. The restaurant is loud and we are fixing that...I promise! Work is scheduled to start early February.
5. Bottom line...if you are unhappy or uncomfortable with something we are doing, please let us know. We WILL accommodate, You have my word! We want to make it easy for you to dine with us, but we also think it's fun to try different things such as cuisine, service styles.

Who wants Brunch?? Seriously considering adding to Saturday and Sundays at The Drake!

Thanks for helping us have a fantastic opening!

Good Morning everyone...just wanted to chime in here regarding The Drake. Hopefully I can help answer some of these unknowns.
1. We encourage sharing, however, if you don't feel like sharing, please let your server know. We will accommodate!
2. The ordering process is one that items arrive at your table as they are ready. We do serve oysters and raw items first, then cold, then hot. This is a new change and has had an overwhelmingly positive response.
3. We DO serve bread on request. This does not mean you can order a basket of rolls/bread, but you can get bread with your linguini/clams or Lobster bisque. Just ask!
4. The restaurant is loud and we are fixing that...I promise! Work is scheduled to start early February.
5. Bottom line...if you are unhappy or uncomfortable with something we are doing, please let us know. We WILL accommodate, You have my word! We want to make it easy for you to dine with us, but we also think it's fun to try different things such as cuisine, service styles.

Who wants Brunch?? Seriously considering adding to Saturday and Sundays at The Drake!

Thanks for helping us have a fantastic opening!

This is one reason the Good Egg Group is so successful. We don't all have to love their restaurants, but they are willing to listen and take criticisms to heart. So many other restaurant owners/managers get so offended by criticism they literally never have a clue as to why they failed.

Tuck,

Please bring back the clam chowder! TIA. Also, if we are so lucky as to have it back on the menu, please serve it in an actual bowl, as opposed to the strange, shallow bowl-like dish it was formerly served in; it makes it difficult to eat, and it gets cold very quickly.

Thanks!

^^^ Yes, this would be good, along with the huckleberry cocktail - we were disappointed neither of those were on the menu.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12661839_10209001409859572_8320704551745716268_n.j pg?oh=11e75a98c4baf819237ae1d3301b86b7&oe=573CEEE4

I got an email today that, after much feedback, the Drake will be switching from the family-style, served as ready approach, to a more traditional coursed service as of today. The menu online looks to reflect the change. I think this update will be great, as their first approach was the main complaint I heard.

http://thedrakeokc.com/menus/

Nice! I like to see a place listen to customers. I avoided it because of all the complaints but am willing to make the drive to try it out now!

This is real bummer IMO as I don't believe it was the actual concept but rather the drakes execution of the sharing concept that turned people off. 1st off if you want guests to share, better either serve shareable portions or lower your price point per item. But it wasn't until my wife and I had a chance to experience the restaurant Wonderland on a cruise few months back that I realized just how critically important the server is to the experience, and how much damn fun it can be when you get a good one. If you're gonna introduce something new, you gotta have a good teacher to explain it and unfortunately that never seemed to be the case at the Drake. *cue Pete on OKCs lack of quality servers available

Confirmed in a video interview with Keith Paul done by the Oklahoman.
http://newsok.com/article/5526921

The "serve it as it becomes available" is much more suitable to a place that is focused less on a meal and more on interaction and drinking...Tapas, really. And I didn't even mind the approach, indeed some people specifically liked that approach because it was more about sharing a variety of things (which you can do either way). However, when a plate of asparagus arrives at the table with nothing else, it feels a bit awkward.

I liked their family-style approach a lot. It was nice to share and try different meals. I guess you can still do that with individual plates as well of course, but it seemed so much more inviting to share with their old approach.

Going tonight for dinner here. Anyone been since the change of service style? Hoping for a good time.

Going tonight for dinner here. Anyone been since the change of service style? Hoping for a good time.

See you there. We have reservations at 7. Our first time so hopefully it will be excellent.

See you there. We have reservations at 7. Our first time so hopefully it will be excellent.

Ours were at 7 too! I was the guy holding my nephew all night! Great food. We will be back ASAP. Loved the place.

Ours were at 7 too! I was the guy holding my nephew all night! Great food. We will be back ASAP. Loved the place.

I think I saw you. Service was decent. My meal was ok but the oysters were great. I didn't care for the spice they add to the lobster roll. My three companions enjoyed theirs though. Will go back again and try something different.

We had the special that night. It was a pan seared red snapper with a curry sauce. Very good!

A car ran into The Drake last night. (Sorry the pictures keep uploading sideways. I'm happy to fix it with a little assistance.)

140431404414045

Maybe they hate the Drake.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTkkklmeFOU

A car ran into The Drake last night. (Sorry the pictures keep uploading sideways. I'm happy to fix it with a little assistance.)

140431404414045

OK that's crazy, because last night a pickup ran into Broadway 10. I drove by shortly after, and from what I could tell there must've been a collision with another car that spun the truck tailgate-first into a window.

I'll bet in both instances it was speed-related. There are going to HAVE to be design improvements on 23rd and also along Broadway and on 10th. The current designs encourage fast speeds, and as both vehicular traffic AND pedestrian traffic increases exponentially in both places we are going to see more dangerous situations like this. It is a miracle that a group of people weren't standing in that location when that car came though.

Bollards should be installed at the very least.

Starting Nov. 14th, they will be open for lunch Mon - Fri.

They plan to reopen on Nov. 16th with a slightly revised menu and for dinner only, Tuesday - Saturday.

A reminder that The Drake reopens today at 4:30.

Walked by on my way to Tower just now and it looked pretty busy.

new menu .. is out .. and they are pretty proud of their food ..

https://media-cdn.getbento.com/accounts/7afb5f24d73a3724a6b5a64d6e2b9445/media/RXoTV3b5RWOLFn1bPpmK_Dinner_Menu_OCT2021_1_.pdf

I don't think they'll be in business that long with those prices. While the food was really good early on, I thought the prices were a little high before they closed for the pandemic. $38 for blackened redfish and rice. . . .

I don't think they'll be in business that long with those prices. While the food was really good early on, I thought the prices were a little high before they closed for the pandemic. $38 for blackened redfish and rice. . . .

48 for a whole fried chicken .. stuck out to me as well .. .

48 for a whole fried chicken .. stuck out to me as well .. .

It did say to feed 4...

Prices are a little higher, but it seems inline with a fancy restaurant. I don't understand why a cauliflower steak is that high though...

48 for a whole fried chicken .. stuck out to me as well .. .

For perspective, a grilled half chicken at Papadeux goes for 23.

Monday night I paid $78 at Manhattan for my gf and I to have dinner (two meals, 1 alcoholic bev, 1 shared dessert). Eating out can be expensive.

In the case of the Drake, _most_ of the expensive stuff (excluding the chicken and steak) is sea food that is probably very fresh/overnighted in and shipping prices are up.

48 for a whole fried chicken .. stuck out to me as well .. .

Well if you compare it to the same meal at KFC for $24 that might seem high.... But $12 per person at the Drake.... Sounds like a steal to me.

And now that I know they have fried chicken, not a big seafood fan, I'm more likely to go give them a try.

Well if you compare it to the same meal at KFC for $24 that might seem high.... But $12 per person at the Drake.... Sounds like a steal to me.

And now that I know they have fried chicken, not a big seafood fan, I'm more likely to go give them a try.

how about the same meal at chicken foot ? 21 bucks for a whole fried chicken ..

i have no issue paying for eating out .. but some of these prices are crazy ..

how about the same meal at chicken foot ? 21 bucks for a whole fried chicken ..

i have no issue paying for eating out .. but some of these prices are crazy ..

i will also ask .. is this place now "fine dining" it certainly was not that level of service before ... if that is now what they are planning to be it would change my perspective ..

how about the same meal at chicken foot ? 21 bucks for a whole fried chicken ..
.

Not been to Chicken Foot... Is that just for the chicken or chicken and sides because if it's a meal then Chicken Foot is definitely a steal compared to KFC's meal.

Not been to Chicken Foot... Is that just for the chicken or chicken and sides because if it's a meal then Chicken Foot is definitely a steal compared to KFC's meal.

Last time I was there the whole fried chicken was an 8piece. Sides were extra. Good chicken though.

If it's the same recipe as the leg they stick off into the pot pie at Kitchen 324 I'd probably pay even more for it. That leg is my favorite piece of fried chicken in Oklahoma.

Drake's does include sides, so makes up some of that cost.

I think they should have advertised the half-chicken price with a footnote for the full-bird. Less shocking.

Anyone been here that can provide feedback? I am curious how they compare now to real seafood restaurants like you'd expect on the coasts.

Anyone been here that can provide feedback? I am curious how they compare now to real seafood restaurants like you'd expect on the coasts.

I haven't been there since the pandemic, but it is very much not like coastal seafood restaurants. It is / was quite good, but not really in the vein of a seafood restaurant. OKC doesn't really have a true seafood restaurant (unless you want to talk about Red Lobster). It has restaurants that serve good seafood as a part of the menu but not really a seafood-focused restaurant. The lack of a high quality seafood restaurant is an absolute weakness in our culinary offerings.

I really wish we get a nice seafood restaurant. I mean there’s a couple middle tier ones that are pretty decent and our Cajun game has really gone up lately. Hell even a McCormick and Schmicks or Pappadeaux would really be an incredible option at least for me.

I am not a huge seafood person yet one of the best meals I've ever had was just a hole in the wall shack with a boardwalk and a pier off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Wild what a difference fresh fish and shrimp can make to a meal.