The Palm Court

4.6

5138 Reviews

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 41 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Fancy

For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.
Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.
And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.
Reservations are heavily encouraged.
Tea service seating duration is 90min
Adults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)

Additional information

Location
140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone number
(312) 932-4619
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Afternoon Tea
Hours of Operation
Fri–Sun 12:00–16:30
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Discounted valet parking is available when you dine in at the Palm Court. Valet parking is available for a discount of $24.00 for the 90 min tea experience. After Palm Court hours, normal rates apply. Thank you
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mark Lagges

Experiences

Afternoon Tea
Multiple dates available
For those who love their afternoon teas fresh and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for nearly a century is the quintessential Magnificent Mile afternoon tea experience. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with a peruse of the Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends. Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches; delicious breads and scones; and dainty petit fours with accoutrement. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age. Reservations are heavily encouraged. Full tea service seating duration is 90 minutes max.

Big Ben
English Breakfast a wonderful blend of black teas, including Yunna from China and Assam from India
Thé des Lords
Earl Grey sprinkled with safflower petals, this tea boasts the most intense bergamot flavor of all the Earl Grey teas
Darjeeling Margaret's Hope
A dark, fruity Darjeeling tea and full of character
Montagne Bleue
A delicious blend of black tea, honey, lavender, berries and rhubarb. Relaxing and indulging
RoobiosThé des Vahinés
A wonderful pairing of vanilla and almond against a delicate rooibos backdrop for a warm and sophisticated blend
Chai Imperial
Inspired by the Indian tradition of spiced tea. A delicate black tea pepped up with green cardamom, pink peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, clove and orange zest
Melange du cap
A delicious pairing of cocoa nibs and vanilla pods against a delicate rooibos backdrop for a warm and sophisticated blend

Oolong Teas

7 Citrus
A delicious combination of oolong tea with a woody character and zesty notes of 7 citrus fruits: lemon, lime, orange, Seville orange, grapefruit, bergamot & mandarin

Rooibos & Herbal Teas

Garden of Dreams
A sweet combination of citrus peel, lemon balm, chamomile and lemon verbena. A relaxing and soothing recipe
Tropical Garden
A blend of mango, pineapple, papaya and peach with zesty notes. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
Fruit Garden
A summery blend of goji and berries, dates and kiwi. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins

Green Teas

Jasmine Chun Feng
One of the best jasmine green teas with a high proportion of tips. A remarkable tea that allows the jasmine bouquet to fully develop
Vive Le Thé!
The perfect balance between spicy notes of ginger and zesty notes of lemon. It has a surprising sweet finish reminiscent of orange flavors

Seasonal Special Teas

The Drake Blend
This black tea is like a bowl of succulent berries: strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, and redcurrant. Sweet and fruity, this bouquet of red berries is delicious throughout the day
Shamrock Serenity
An indulgent and voluptuous blend of black tea, apple almond, cinnamon and vanilla, spiced with a hint of ginger.

Alcoholic Beverages

Add a Glass of Sparkling WineUS$9.00
Add a Glass Off la Marca ProseccoUS$14.00
Add a Glass of Piper Sonoma BrutUS$17.00
Add a BelliniUS$14.00
Add a MimosaUS$14.00
Add Mumm RoseUS$18.00

White Wine

Chardonnay

Decoy, CA
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$48.00
Sonoma Cutrer, Russian River, CA
- GlassUS$15.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Iconoclast, CA
Napa
- BottleUS$120.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Decoy, CA
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$48.00
Cloudy Bay, New Zealand
- GlassUS$18.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$22.00
- BottleUS$72.00
Cakebread Cellars, Napa
- BottleUS$112.00

Pinot Grigio

Terlato Family, Friuli, Italy
- GlassUS$14.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$59.00
Santa Margherita, Italy
- GlassUS$18.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$22.00
- BottleUS$72.00

Other Whites

Chateau St. Michelle, Riesling, WA
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$48.00
Caposaldo Moscato, Italy
- GlassUS$14.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$58.00
Mensch Roussane, Lodi
- GlassUS$17.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$21.00
- BottleUS$68.00
Whispering Angel, Rose, Italy
- GlassUS$18.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$22.00
- BottleUS$72.00

Red Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest H3, WA
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$54.00
Daou, Paso Robles, CA
- GlassUS$15.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Iconoclast, Napa Valley, CA
- GlassUS$18.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$22.00
- BottleUS$72.00

Merlot

Wente, WA
- GlassUS$13.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$52.00
Tangley Oaks, Napa Valley, CA
- GlassUS$18.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$22.00
- BottleUS$72.00

Pinot Noir

Davis Bynum, Russian River, CA
- GlassUS$15.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Meiomi, CA
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$54.00

Other Reds

Murrietta's Well Red Blend, CA
- GlassUS$15.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Norton Malbec, Argentina
- GlassUS$12.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$48.00
Mensch Red Zinfandel, Lodi
- GlassUS$13.00
- 1.5 GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$52.00
The Prisoner
- BottleUS$120.00

What 5,138 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Palm Court at The Drake offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience characterized by "beautiful ambiance," "phenomenal service," and "delicious food." Guests enjoy the "elegant harpist" and a "variety of teas." While some mention noise and seating concerns, the overall consensus is a "memorable" and "special" occasion. Highly recommended for celebrations.

5,138 Reviews

J
Jennifer VIP
Cleveland6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A wonderful and special experience with 10 other ladies ending a fun weekend in Chicago. A beautiful historic hotel and lovely service from our waiter.
Is this helpful?
L
Levi
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Experience! The Drake is a wonderful hotel. We just love going there.
Is this helpful?
S
Sonya
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about the experience was top notch, the harp player was excellent, she was able to play a wide range of genres. I loved it all and will be returning.
Is this helpful?
J
Jordan
Chicago1 review
4.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This was my second time having afternoon tea at the Palm Court. We enjoyed the music the harpist played. The setting is beautiful. I look forward to trying a different menu in the future as the Celtic themed food was not a favorite of mine. The waiters are great at taking photos of the group. We do plan on returning in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
There were 3 of us at the 4:30 seating. We had a great time. Tea was on point,and all the servers we had any contact with were so pleasant ! Harpist created nice ambiance. Would definately return!!
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was extremely please with the quality and quantity of the food and of the service and kindness of the staff
Is this helpful?
S
SALLY
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palm Court. Valentine tea. Simply gorgeous, Harpist was great,
Is this helpful?
T
Teresa
Chicago5 reviews
2.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
I’ve had regular afternoon tea at the Palm Court before and have loved it. Unfortunately , the Valentine’s Day afternoon tea felt cramped, noisy, and crowded. The table was too small and there was not enough space between other people’s tables. I couldn’t hear my own conversation very well because there were so many people stuffed into one room.
Is this helpful?
V
Victoria
Charleston1 review
1.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
I'm truly shocked by how bad this experience was. I came here because I heard they had Gluten Free afternoon tea, but unfortunately both the GF and the regular tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries were terrible. The bread and the scones were very stale, the banana bread so hard it was inedible. When dining as a party of two, you are crammed into a tiny table inches away from the other guests. It is clear that this restaurant prioritizes cramming the place full with as many customers as possible over providing a genuinely enjoyable experience. For $80 per person, you expect a certain level of quality, and this did not even come close to meeting expectations. Don't waste your money or your afternoon!
Is this helpful?
V
Veronica
Chicago3 reviews
2.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Ambience amazing, service and food for what you pay not so much. Been here twice before had been about 10 years since my last visit and the ambience is just as amazing even the bathrooms are beautiful. The high tea fee at $75 per person is pretty pricey for for so-so food. The kaiser roll mini sandwiches and the finger ssndwiches including the cucumber were just fair. I find the pastry tarts at Whole Foods are less artsy but more flavorful. I will say I did enjoy the tea experience part of it and the macrons were also good. As a side note the lady that sells hats and fascinarors outside the restaurant is amazing. All her merchandise looked great and she was very cheery and personable. Overall not sure I would come again.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Palm Court is rated 4.6 stars by 5138 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 41 times today

Experiences are available.

140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

Phone number
(312) 932-4619
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Afternoon Tea
Hours of Operation
Fri–Sun 12:00–16:30
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Discounted valet parking is available when you dine in at the Palm Court. Valet parking is available for a discount of $24.00 for the 90 min tea experience. After Palm Court hours, normal rates apply. Thank you
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mark Lagges

The Palm Court

Make a booking

Additional information

Afternoon Tea

Little Prince & Princess

Biscoff Cookie Butter and Jelly

Turkey and Cheese Rollups

Egg Salad rounds

Tea Selection/Hot Chocolate/Kiddie Cocktail

Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber

Rachel Sandwich

Irish whiskey smoked salmon

Beef salami

Warm Plate

Traditional Scones

Apple crumble

Pastry Plate

Drake chocolate crunch cake

Pistachio shortbread cookie

Key lime cake

Bannofee pie

Black Teas

Big Ben

Thé des Lords

Darjeeling Margaret's Hope

Montagne Bleue

RoobiosThé des Vahinés

Chai Imperial

Melange du cap

Oolong Teas

7 Citrus

Rooibos & Herbal Teas

Garden of Dreams

Tropical Garden

Fruit Garden

Green Teas

Jasmine Chun Feng

Vive Le Thé!

Seasonal Special Teas

The Drake Blend

Shamrock Serenity

Alcoholic Beverages

Add a Glass of Sparkling WineUS$9.00

Add a Glass Off la Marca ProseccoUS$14.00

Add a Glass of Piper Sonoma BrutUS$17.00

Add a BelliniUS$14.00

Add a MimosaUS$14.00

Add Mumm RoseUS$18.00

White Wine

Chardonnay

Decoy, CA

Sonoma Cutrer, Russian River, CA

Iconoclast, CA

Sauvignon Blanc

Decoy, CA

Cloudy Bay, New Zealand

Cakebread Cellars, Napa

Pinot Grigio

Terlato Family, Friuli, Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy

Other Whites

Chateau St. Michelle, Riesling, WA

Caposaldo Moscato, Italy

Mensch Roussane, Lodi

Whispering Angel, Rose, Italy

Red Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest H3, WA

Daou, Paso Robles, CA

Iconoclast, Napa Valley, CA

Merlot

Wente, WA

Tangley Oaks, Napa Valley, CA

Pinot Noir

Davis Bynum, Russian River, CA

Meiomi, CA

Other Reds

Murrietta's Well Red Blend, CA

Norton Malbec, Argentina