Drake Diner
| Address: | 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA |
| Phone: | +1 515-277-1111 |
| Site: | drakediner.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
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Jennifer Burton
I visited with my 14 month old daughter on a Saturday evening. And while the following may sound simple, these are rare qualities for restaurants to possess: - The host asked if I wanted a high chair and then retrieved it before showing us to our table, so I didnt have to stand at my table waiting for the high chair to arrive (yes, this happens at many, many restaurants). - The waiter set all of the plates out of reach of my little one, which is preferrable since they are warm and breakable. - The other patrons were so kind, making conversation with my toddler, and one even helping me get my little one out of the high chair (her chubby thighs got a little stuck). - The food appeals to my little ones love for breakfast food, even at night. She is old enough / big enough to eat off of the Kids menu and finish the whole thing, and the variety on the kids menu is one of the best Ive seen. I suppose it helps that they serve breakfast all day. This is a great diner that should be visited at least once, and maybe every weekend if you were so inclined. And if you have little ones, they are sure to be taken care of and love the food as well.
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Gabby Smithman
We will be returning! We decided to make a trip to the Drake Diner before heading over to Pinots Palette, because its close by. I ordered the California burger (strange name as its just a burger with lettuce, tomato, mayo and onion) sans bun with a side salad. The salad was good and the burger was decent. It was overcooked, and came with no mayo. The burger was a nice size, but didnt really have any flavor. Overall, a 3/5 for the burger. My fiance ordered the chicken and waffles and a half order of biscuits and gravy. It was a LOT of food. The waffle was high quality, as was the chicken. He loved it! The biscuits and gravy were nothing special and were actually kind of bland. Our service was very good and it looked like they had a lot of great items on the menu. The decor was adorable and it was very clean and well lit. We will be returning to try more of their food.
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A Private User
Went there and ordered ice tea with NO lemon for my drink. The waiter brought us our drinks as our meal wascbeing prepared. My tea came with lemon sticking out of it. I asked forvtea with no lemon and the waiter pulled the lemon out and threw it on the table. I politely said sir may I have a fresh tea with no lemon because I would still teaste it in my drink. He grabbed my tea and threw it in the bus container, brought another one to the table and slammed it down, splashing my slackes with tea. I then spoke to the manager and promise never to return. She offered my party anything we would like on the menu and a new server. I thanked her and our party left.
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Zach M
18 on Googles point scale is a huge misrepresentation of the Drake diner. Yes you may have to wait a little but if a place is always busy there is a reason and its not because this is a small place. I prefer this as my breakfast location they have a huge selection from your basics to southern favorites. Chicken and waffles is where it is a5 for me, also Belgium waffles are delicious. I would give them a 25 to 28 on Googles point scale. If you have kids this is also a great place since they still give free toys and make the kids menu food selection is the perfect for kids u will see when your kid orders the pancakes.
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David Blattman
I went with a large party and I know that can stress out a waiter, but the service was done well enough. Some in my party enjoyed their meal, I ordered a fried chicken dinner, the corn on the cob was cold, the mashed potatoes luke warm and the chicken was in the frier too long, so it was crunchy but dark and very dry. In all the plate should not have been sent out from the kitchen. Quite frankly my meal was a complete wreck. I mentioned this to our waitress, she apologized and then charged me for the meal. I wont be back nor would I recommend this diner to anyone.
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Zachary Smith
LOVE their breakfast---when they have them, the pumpkin pancakes are the absolute best I have ever had. This place is exactly what youd expect----a fun diner, good service and decent food. They do the staple diner fare very well---burgers, blue plate specials, malts, etc. I wish the bar would have a bit more choice, but oh well. It is a staple of the Drake University community and neighborhood, so if there is a sporting event, relays, homecoming, etc. do expect a bit of a wait. Worth checking out--very good!
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A Private User
I considered not going to Drake Diner for lunch today after reading other recent reviews, however I am happy to report a much more positive experience than some of the other reviewers. Although the diner was busy, we were greeted promptly and seated almost immediately. Our server (Amber) was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was good (typical diner fare) and the kids loved the chocolate malt they shared. Good food, great service and an overall excellent experience.
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Miranda Knerr
Tried the blue plate dinner with roast beef...they say it is fresh carved. My question is when, at 5am? It tasted like what my dogs food smells like. Mostly flavorless but overcooked, dry and the meat was off like it sat in a warming tray all day though Ive had better roast off a buffet. I couldnt fathom more than 1 bite so I sent it back. Replaced it with eggs Benedict and after 18 minutes of waiting we left some cash on the table for my friends dinner and left. Never again
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Ralph Chiodo
Enjoyable atmosphere, but service is slow. My daughters food came to us ice cold in the center and their solution was to microwave it. My eggs were overcooked (yolks were hard, I ordered them medium poached) and they told me that was how I ordered them. Food quality was moderate, preparation and presentation was very poor. Customer service was very poor as well. I feel like the food is over priced for the quality and preparation. Wont be returning here again.
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Claire Christerson
We went with a large party and they were able to quickly accommodate us with a smile during a hectic lunch. Food hit the spot-- especially the awesome thin onion rings. Favorites from this meal were the veggie cheese soup, BBQ chicken/bacon sandwich, onion rings, and bacon cheeseburger. Our server (cant remember name, but the bald fella) was great-- very personable, helpful, energetic, and worked his tail off. A fun experience!
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Lilith Wilmot
The husband and I stopped by today, our waitress was nice and tried to be sure to get everything (even though our section was full). I had a taco salad(made up for a vegan) , black bean hummus and grilled pita bread(cinnamon doesnt belong in hummus and the pita was practically burnt), and lastly he(my husband) had the waffle dog(he didnt like it) overall: the service was excellent but the cook didnt seem to know what to do D:.
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Kurt Greenbaum
There is almost always a wait at this place, which suggests that its good. And guess what? It is good. The food is always solid and I appreciate the specials. Typical blue plate stuff (I love the meatloaf) and some extra special things on the menu as well (I also love the Santa Fe grits). Friendly wait staff (typically drawn from the Drake student body) helps give it a friendly and busy vibe.
