The Drake

[Urbanized]

...I can say the kids were full and my wife and I found ourselves finishing off their plates. The portions on the entrees left more to be desired as I found myself wanting more. Now we probably should have ordered another entree...

I'd recommend ordering the paella pan with other entrees of your choice, especially with a larger group. It's a massive portion and filling. More importantly...it's delicious!

...one of the new hires wasn't sure if we would get bowls for our clam chowder (really).
...

When The Drake first opened bowls weren't even an option with the chowder. Everyone at the table was given a spoon and expected to eat out of the common bowl it was served in. It was the only aspect of the family style service that we found odd.

Our group was fine with sharing without another, but agreed that it might be awkward on a business dinner, first date, or in general for many casual acquaintances and all germophobes. Not sure if they've changed that default service, but if not that probably was the source of the confusion from a new staff member.

[Teo9969]

It seems like you've asked me that before. LOL. I am not and have never been employed by the Oklahoman. I've just been a loyal subscriber for about 50 years. Do you suppose I could find a way to get a little money from them without actually being hired?

At least get a free subscription.

[positano]

Had our first visit last night, and I may have jinxed myself by setting my expectations way too high. I don't want to hack on the place, but thought this might provided some balance. I would still recommend folks try it.

We had a reservation, and were seated precisely on time. I was afraid it was going to be really noisy, but surprisingly, conversation was really manageable in the booth. Whether by design or not, the booths do a great job of containing the general noise of that big, open room.

Service was excellent. Our server knew the menu well and was very helpful. We struggled to figure out how much to order, and were really pleased she didn't push us to make our entire order at once. We added a few things on as we ate. Her advice on how much to order (group of 4) was spot on.

Raw oyster selection was nice - we went straight to a dozen Kumamotos, a favorite of ours. I don't recall the exact name, but the mignonette with yuzu and jalapeño was the table winner. The Four "H" Hushpuppies were outstanding. Almost a fight over the last one.

Food went a little downhill from there. Roasted carrot salad, sea scallop ceviche, and lobster roll were all fine, but not exciting. We thought the ceviche was certainly fresh, but a bit bland. The meat in the lobster roll was very good, but it seemed like a lot of bread compared to the amount of filling. The seared hiramasa was a nice piece of fish (and a nice size for an entree if dining alone), but I didn't leave craving more. We all shared the paella, which I found under-seasoned as well. I prefer my paella with a pretty strong saffron flavor, and we couldn't really decide what the "forward flavor" was, but was not saffron. There also wasn't much in the way of socarrat, which is our favorite part. I scraped up what I could, but I was hoping for more.

The lemon cloud pie was best in show. Our server said it was her favorite on the menu, and it lived up to her recommendation. A bit like Key Lime Pie, and the graham cracker crust was perfect.

Certainly a nice experience, but I much prefer the other restaurants in the group. In fact, ate lunch at RePublic today, and the tuna tartare was (I thought) a better seafood dish than what I had last night. May be just personal preference, and I really wanted to love this place, but it fell a bit short for me.

[Thomas Vu]

Had our first visit last night, and I may have jinxed myself by setting my expectations way too high. I don't want to hack on the place, but thought this might provided some balance. I would still recommend folks try it.

We had a reservation, and were seated precisely on time. I was afraid it was going to be really noisy, but surprisingly, conversation was really manageable in the booth. Whether by design or not, the booths do a great job of containing the general noise of that big, open room.

Service was excellent. Our server knew the menu well and was very helpful. We struggled to figure out how much to order, and were really pleased she didn't push us to make our entire order at once. We added a few things on as we ate. Her advice on how much to order (group of 4) was spot on.

Raw oyster selection was nice - we went straight to a dozen Kumamotos, a favorite of ours. I don't recall the exact name, but the mignonette with yuzu and jalapeño was the table winner. The Four "H" Hushpuppies were outstanding. Almost a fight over the last one.

Food went a little downhill from there. Roasted carrot salad, sea scallop ceviche, and lobster roll were all fine, but not exciting. We thought the ceviche was certainly fresh, but a bit bland. The meat in the lobster roll was very good, but it seemed like a lot of bread compared to the amount of filling. The seared hiramasa was a nice piece of fish (and a nice size for an entree if dining alone), but I didn't leave craving more. We all shared the paella, which I found under-seasoned as well. I prefer my paella with a pretty strong saffron flavor, and we couldn't really decide what the "forward flavor" was, but was not saffron. There also wasn't much in the way of socarrat, which is our favorite part. I scraped up what I could, but I was hoping for more.

The lemon cloud pie was best in show. Our server said it was her favorite on the menu, and it lived up to her recommendation. A bit like Key Lime Pie, and the graham cracker crust was perfect.

Certainly a nice experience, but I much prefer the other restaurants in the group. In fact, ate lunch at RePublic today, and the tuna tartare was (I thought) a better seafood dish than what I had last night. May be just personal preference, and I really wanted to love this place, but it fell a bit short for me.

It fell short for me too. Confirm bread:filling ratio to be high.

I didn't get the sharing aspect either. Between a friend and I ordering, I didn't feel like either of our dishes had the portions to consider sharing.

I like republic for sports.

[bradh]

We went yesterday for the first time after visiting the Uptown 23rd Farmers Market. It was lunch, so not sure if there are difference between lunch and dinner. My wife was surprised and happy there was a kids menu for our 5 year old daughter. The kids fish sticks got a thumbs up. The chorizo on the scallops was interesting and maybe not needed, but didn't kill them (I love scallops so much I would rather just have them alone). The oysters my wife and I got were great, I was pleasantly surprised with how good they were. It's definitely a place where I feel like if it was just my wife and I we could easily "accidentally" spend waaaaaay too much money.

[kevinpate]

Question on the booths. Is the table a fixed location or can one adjust it outward somewhat? Many booths, irrespective of shape, have fixed tables.
Sigh, I miss booths sometimes.

[positano]

Question on the booths. Is the table a fixed location or can one adjust it outward somewhat? Many booths, irrespective of shape, have fixed tables.
Sigh, I miss booths sometimes.

I'm honestly not sure. I know the feeling - I have to adjust tables most of the time. The table at this booth was just fine. I'm not small, and I didn't feel crammed in at all. Perfectly comfortable seating.

[okatty]

Had our first visit last night, and I may have jinxed myself by setting my expectations way too high. I don't want to hack on the place, but thought this might provided some balance. I would still recommend folks try it.

We had a reservation, and were seated precisely on time. I was afraid it was going to be really noisy, but surprisingly, conversation was really manageable in the booth. Whether by design or not, the booths do a great job of containing the general noise of that big, open room.

Service was excellent. Our server knew the menu well and was very helpful. We struggled to figure out how much to order, and were really pleased she didn't push us to make our entire order at once. We added a few things on as we ate. Her advice on how much to order (group of 4) was spot on.

Raw oyster selection was nice - we went straight to a dozen Kumamotos, a favorite of ours. I don't recall the exact name, but the mignonette with yuzu and jalapeño was the table winner. The Four "H" Hushpuppies were outstanding. Almost a fight over the last one.

Food went a little downhill from there. Roasted carrot salad, sea scallop ceviche, and lobster roll were all fine, but not exciting. We thought the ceviche was certainly fresh, but a bit bland. The meat in the lobster roll was very good, but it seemed like a lot of bread compared to the amount of filling. The seared hiramasa was a nice piece of fish (and a nice size for an entree if dining alone), but I didn't leave craving more. We all shared the paella, which I found under-seasoned as well. I prefer my paella with a pretty strong saffron flavor, and we couldn't really decide what the "forward flavor" was, but was not saffron. There also wasn't much in the way of socarrat, which is our favorite part. I scraped up what I could, but I was hoping for more.

The lemon cloud pie was best in show. Our server said it was her favorite on the menu, and it lived up to her recommendation. A bit like Key Lime Pie, and the graham cracker crust was perfect.

Certainly a nice experience, but I much prefer the other restaurants in the group. In fact, ate lunch at RePublic today, and the tuna tartare was (I thought) a better seafood dish than what I had last night. May be just personal preference, and I really wanted to love this place, but it fell a bit short for me.

I thought their lobster roll was tremendous and I have heard several others say the same. Curious what you didn't like about it?

[positano]

I thought their lobster roll was tremendous and I have heard several others say the same. Curious what you didn't like about it?

Specific to the lobster roll, loved the filling. I just thought there was far too much bread. My group had the same thought.

[Andon]

I thought their lobster roll was tremendous and I have heard several others say the same. Curious what you didn't like about it?

From the quoted post:

The meat in the lobster roll was very good, but it seemed like a lot of bread compared to the amount of filling.

[okatty]

I thought their lobster roll was tremendous and I have heard several others say the same. Curious what you didn't like about it?

Sorry i missed your comment on the lobster roll. I agree with you on the paella. Thought this would be highlight of night but for us the lobster roll won out. Along with clam chowder. Looking forward to going back to try out some other options.

[positano]

Sorry i missed your comment on the lobster roll. I agree with you on the paella. Thought this would be highlight of night but for us the lobster roll won out. Along with clam chowder. Looking forward to going back to try out some other options.

No worries. It was a ridiculously long post - easy to miss.

[soonerguru]

The clam chowder and fish tacos remain our two favorite dishes. One thing i really like is the diversity of options. If you have the bucks and the will to do so, you could dine there very frequently and have very different experiences.

[bchris02]

I ate here for the first time tonight. I have to say, this is the first time in a long time I have had a meal that I was really blown away by. Excellent, excellent restaurant.

[Uptowner]

Have they put up some acoustic panels yet? We've really enjoyed the food, and I appreciate the energy. But every group I take from early 20's to mid 60's all complain about the sound level. And I'll concur it's very harsh and everyone in the joint is forced to speak louder...and louder...and LOUDER, all of a sudden everyone in the room is shouting, the service does a good job of yelling their faces off without breaking character. Then sometime around 9:30(depending on the night) the crowd dwindles and it seems fine. At some point we all wondered about the occupational safety of the staff. Hearing damage occurs at something like 85 decibels over 8 hours, high 80's in 6, 90 in 2 hours, and 95 in 1. I always leave with a ring in my ears. I'll have to try it on a weeknight.

[catch22]

Have they put up some acoustic panels yet? We've really enjoyed the food, and I appreciate the energy. But every group I take from early 20's to mid 60's all complain about the sound level. And I'll concur it's very harsh and everyone in the joint is forced to speak louder...and louder...and LOUDER, all of a sudden everyone in the room is shouting, the service does a good job of yelling their faces off without breaking character. Then sometime around 9:30(depending on the night) the crowd dwindles and it seems fine. At some point we all wondered about the occupational safety of the staff. Hearing damage occurs at something like 85 decibels over 8 hours, high 80's in 6, 90 in 2 hours, and 95 in 1. I always leave with a ring in my ears. I'll have to try it on a weeknight.

I can't take this last point seriously. LOL.

[Uptowner]

I think osha takes it seriously. People who work in factories must wear earplugs. They legitimately go deaf over time.

[BBatesokc]

Have they put up some acoustic panels yet? We've really enjoyed the food, and I appreciate the energy. But every group I take from early 20's to mid 60's all complain about the sound level. And I'll concur it's very harsh and everyone in the joint is forced to speak louder...and louder...and LOUDER, all of a sudden everyone in the room is shouting, the service does a good job of yelling their faces off without breaking character. Then sometime around 9:30(depending on the night) the crowd dwindles and it seems fine. At some point we all wondered about the occupational safety of the staff. Hearing damage occurs at something like 85 decibels over 8 hours, high 80's in 6, 90 in 2 hours, and 95 in 1. I always leave with a ring in my ears. I'll have to try it on a weeknight.

I've been there with groups ranging from 4-12 on 6 occasions now (and 2x with just my wife). Not once has anyone mentioned the ambient noise level being too high. I've had people comment (and I concur) that The Drake is not a 'quiet' restaurant, but never that it's even approaching being 'too loud.'

That said, I know people that literally take ear plugs to every movie they ever go to and even outdoor sporting events.

[PhiAlpha]

I've been there with groups ranging from 4-12 on 6 occasions now (and 2x with just my wife). Not once has anyone mentioned the ambient noise level being too high. I've had people comment (and I concur) that The Drake is not a 'quiet' restaurant, but never that it's even approaching being 'too loud.'

That said, I know people that literally take ear plugs to every movie they ever go to and even outdoor sporting events.

It was somewhat loud in the restaurant when I went Friday, but I'm sure my group was contributing to it

[catch22]

I think osha takes it seriously. People who work in factories must wear earplugs. They legitimately go deaf over time.

I work in high noise areas every day. (Airport).

I just don't think it's ever been loud enough in any restaurant I have ever been in to warrant hearing protection.

A temporary ring in your ears does not equal hearing loss. Unless it's like my hearing loss and is a continuous ring every moment.

[shawnw]

They put some sound absorbing panels on some walls in Guernsey Park after complaints. Not sure how much it helped, but they did something at least.

[ljbab728]

It doesn't seem to be an unusual problem. I had dinner at Mickey Mantle's last week and commented to the people I was with that I wondered how the waiters kept from losing their voices because they had to talk so loud when serving us.

[Pete]

Virtually every newer restaurant now has concrete or hard wood floors, hard ceilings and very little upholstered furniture and almost zero floor coverings.

And many also have open kitchens which brings a whole new level of noise.

I was in Pei Wei for the first time and with the entire open kitchen and constant activity of the woks and other kitchen equipment it was an absolute cacophony; the food was decent but the dining experience was unpleasant.

[Uptowner]

lol, I'm not saying I damaged my ears from eating there. We were all just speculating if working there on the weekends could lead to hearing loss. I've lost plenty myself from playing drums for 20 years. Several years ago I started cutting foam plugs in half when I perform or go to music festivals. Just a little bit helps, and actually cuts some of high frequencies for a better sound.

Like Pete said, the times I've been to drake have been slammed packed and just a little uncomfortably loud for a dining experience, ambient gets louder, we get louder, wine is flowing, it turns into a shout-versation, and after yelling for 2 hours it rings my bell a bit. God I'm sounding like a cantankerous old man.

I helped a friend put up some 4x8 fiberglass acoustic panels in his event space that had a tin ceiling and terrazzo floors, it was miraculous, but the panels were pricey.

[Jeepnokc]

lol, I'm not saying I damaged my ears from eating there. We were all just speculating if working there on the weekends could lead to hearing loss. I've lost plenty myself from playing drums for 20 years. Several years ago I started cutting foam plugs in half when I perform or go to music festivals. Just a little bit helps, and actually cuts some of high frequencies for a better sound.

Like Pete said, the times I've been to drake have been slammed packed and just a little uncomfortably loud for a dining experience, ambient gets louder, we get louder, wine is flowing, it turns into a shout-versation, and after yelling for 2 hours it rings my bell a bit. God I'm sounding like a cantankerous old man.

I helped a friend put up some 4x8 fiberglass acoustic panels in his event space that had a tin ceiling and terrazzo floors, it was miraculous, but the panels were pricey.

I was in Atlanta last week and ate at a place called LocalThree. (Very good if you get to ATL). Small packed room with hard finishes. We notice though there were large acoustical panels suspended from the ceilings. I am sure it helped because there were a lot of people but we were still able to carry conversations