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The Palm Court, Chicago, IL

The Palm Court

4.6
4.6
5035 Reviews
$50 and over
Afternoon Tea

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 95 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 $79/ $82 with Carolers / Kids $35 (3-12)

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Cross street
    Michigan Avenue & Lakeshore Drive
  • 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
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Palm Court Holiday Tea

    Multiple dates available
    Holiday tea in Palm Court is a Real Chicago tradition for generations of families during the holiday season. A seating in Palm Court places you near the iconic fountain adorned with holiday flora and overlooking the lobby Christmas tree and gingerbread display, guests will sip quintessential tea while reveling in the spirit of the season. A live harpist will play for all seating times, with holiday carolers performing on select dates through Christmas. Reservations are heavily encouraged. Full tea service seating duration is 90 minutes max.
    Palm Court Holiday Tea Photo
  • 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.
  • Club International Holiday Tea

    Multiple dates available
    Sip quintessential tea experiencing Real Chicago tradition at The Drake Hotel this Holiday Season. Adjacent to Palm Court, CLUB INTERNATIONAL evokes Real Chicago holiday tradition with a backdrop of rich color and copper hues, to ignite the spirit of the season overlooking the hustle & bustle of Michigan Avenue. A live harpist will play for all seating times, with holiday carolers performing on select dates through Christmas.

What 5,035 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
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Most Booked

  • Chicago

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Palm Court at The Drake offers a "magical experience" with its elegant afternoon tea service. Guests rave about the "great service" and "lovely atmosphere," with highlights like attentive staff, live harp music, and beautiful decor. While some find the food underwhelming, the overall ambiance and experience make it "worth a visit."

5,035 Reviews
  1. Shawn

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Overall, the holiday tea experience was lovely. Gaby took care of us, and she was great. Attentive and fun! It was loud. Lots of kids running around. I guess this is the Drake during the holidays.

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  2. Jordan

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    It truly was a very good experience! I took my sister as part of her Christmas present. Our server was very friendly. I absolutely adore that they have a fully vegan spread for the tea and it was truly delicious. It would have been great if they would have had a sample vegan menu somewhere online, because I really had no idea what to expect. The scone and sandwiches were scrumptious. My none vegan sister liked my food as well! I wasn't a big fan of the desserts since they were so sweet but over the food was great. I appreciated it not being Christmas themed. That would have been too much. It was very special to sit right by the harpest and be there with the carolers. I thought it would be cheesy but being serenaded was so heart warming. It was quiet crowded but that didn't really take away from the experience. Even though we were close to many others it still felt like our own little experience. I only gave it a 4 vs. 5 because very good feels more accurate than outstanding considering not enjoying all of the food and having to wait longer than desired for service at times. But truly it was a great experience. If you go during the holidays be sure to think in advance of your favorite Christmas song, because my sister and I were scrambling! Also don't be afraid to ask for more food! It's essential all you can eat (slash take home!) but only if you ask! So be sure to ask. It makes the high price at the end less painful to leave with goodies :) Would definitely go back.

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  3. Maria

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    There were 8 of us for high tea, food was great, tea was great and a good selection to choose from. Carolers and all!!!

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  4. Ann Marie

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My mother and I had an amazing time at the Palm Court. Service was excellent and the staff did a great job making our experience memorable. Can’t wait to come back again soon!

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  5. sabrina

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The holiday tea food is average - sweets are good but the sandwiches are bad. The harpist is nice and the ambiance is very festive. Overall our experience would’ve been fine, except it was extremely hot in the palm Court room. Our whole party was sweating and couldn’t wait to leave. Worth doing once but I don’t think I’ll be back again. For the prices they charge you can have a very nice dinner somewhere else in the city with amazing food.

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  6. Maureen

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Typically love this experience but today it was very warm and uncomfortable. We were a group of 10. Everyone was too warm.some were fanning themselves

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  7. Anne

    VIP

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff took exceptional care or our party, including our toddlers!

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  8. Andrea

    VIP

    Denver

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We’ve done afternoon tea here over many years but never during the holiday season. Never again. Michelin star prices for food and service you would expect at a diner. No sparkle. No panache. No magic. dessert and teas were great. Probably our last afternoon tea at the drake. Time to look around at other options.

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  9. KIMBERLY

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I’ve been going to tea for many years. This year the room was crowded, hot and rushed. I think the price has gotten out of hand. On the other hand, the service was great.

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  10. Harriett

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have high tea at the Palm Court every year between Christmas and New Year’s. It is our way of setting aside a special treat time for our family once the Christmas buying rush is over and The Palm Court does not disappoint. The choice of teas is broad and the scones warm. Each edible was well presented, fresh and tasty. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Loved the harpist and singers in old world garb. And don’t miss the 50% off Christmas baubles in the downstairs gift shop. Our only quibbles were with the closeness of the tables and noise level. The room was packed, a tribute to its popularity. Best high tea in Chicago.

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FAQs

The Palm Court is rated 4.6 stars by 5035 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 95 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Palm Court

140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Michigan Avenue & Lakeshore Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of operation
    Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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