The Palm Court

4.6

5106 Reviews

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 52 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

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Afternoon Tea
Hours of operation
Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm
Phone number
(312) 932-4619
Website
https://www.thedrakehotel.com/dining/palm-court?y_source=1_MjY1ODkzNDAtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Mark Lagges

Location
140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
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.
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.

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
Thé 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

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

Melange du Cap
A delicious pairing of cocoa nibs and vanilla pods against a delicate rooibos backdrop for a warm and sophisticated blend
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

Nutcracker
Full-bodied Ceylon black tea infused with rich flavors of hazelnut and aromatic vanilla.
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
Sugar Plum Fairy
Whirls of creamy vanilla, ripe strawberry, and a hint of plum are 'en pointe' in this herbal treat.

Alcoholic Beverages

Add a Glass of Sparkling Wine$9.00
Add a Glass Off la Marca Prosecco$14.00
Add a Glass of Piper Sonoma Brut$17.00
Add a Bellini$14.00
Add a Mimosa$14.00
Add Mumm Rose$18.00

White Wine

Chardonnay

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

Sauvignon Blanc

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

Pinot Grigio

Terlato Family, Friuli, Italy
- Glass$14.00
- 1.5 Glass$18.00
- Bottle$59.00
Santa Margherita, Italy
- Glass$18.00
- 1.5 Glass$22.00
- Bottle$72.00

Other Whites

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

Red Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Merlot

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

Pinot Noir

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

Other Reds

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

What 5,106 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

4.3Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Palm Court delivers a "magnificent experience" with its enchanting ambiance, delightful teas, and live harp music. Guests rave about their annual traditions here, praising "wonderful service" and "beautiful decorations." While some found the food average, the festive atmosphere, "attentive staff," and "captivating entertainment" make it a memorable destination for holiday afternoon tea.

5,106 Reviews

R
Rebecca
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a nice experience! Saed was so great and welcoming, our family had a lovely afternoon. Love that they are generous with the amazing food, it’s impossible to leave hungry.
Is this helpful?
a
amy
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambience and harpist was wonderful too. Our server Marej was excellent.
Is this helpful?
A
Aaron
Cincinnati
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Server was very cold, food was very dry. Tea was good, harpist was amazing.
Is this helpful?
A
Arshad
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed the afternoon tea. I had the Imperial Chai tea which was basically Indian Masala chai. Loved the biscuits and finger sandwiches
Is this helpful?
t
t
VIP
Chicago
118 reviews
3.0
118 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
I've been to tea here numerous times and always enjoy myself. I think my most recent visit was just an off day. My friend and I went for tea at 1230pm on a Saturday. The hat vendor was set up in the lobby, which was a nice touch, and it was a cold day so coat check was available. The host seemed stressed and greated us seriously. This was my friend's first tea experience and we were sat at one of the tables next to the fountain. It took maybe 10-15 minutes before we got water and another 5-10 before our server came to take our order. The harpist was out performing, but my friend couldn't see her because the centerpiece in the fountain blocked the view. Our table was shorter than the standard ones around the fountain and did not fit the chairs comfortably so we both felt a bit squeezed. I'm very petite, so for me to say that, is saying something. The standouts of the food was the butterscotch tea cake and chocolate cake. We had sparkling wine with our tea and would have ordered a second drink, but because of our late start, the 1.5 hour limit was over and we opted to go to another location for a drink instead. Additionally, it was difficult to get the attention of our server and when she came, she was clearly not engaged and would turn away to leave when I was still trying to communicate with her. All of these small things made our experience subpar, but that doesn't mean I won't be back. I suspect something was up that morning that affected everybody working that day.
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R
Rosalie
VIP
Chicago
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We do tea all over town. You are buying the “ambiance.” The food is mediocre, but the service was nice…they asked if we wanted any more food and it was offered at no charge.
Is this helpful?
R
Randy
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful tea and food! Exceptional musical enhancement with the harp soloist!!
Is this helpful?
K
Kelly
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It was a special opportunity for me and my friend. We enjoyed our tea visit and will return.
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Elegant and sophisticated tea and dining experience!
Is this helpful?
F
Farozan
VIP
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Food quality poor Become more expensive Used to be better food, their were no scones
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FAQs

The Palm Court is rated 4.6 stars by 5106 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 52 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
https://www.thedrakehotel.com/dining/palm-court?y_source=1_MjY1ODkzNDAtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Phone number
(312) 932-4619

The Palm Court

Make a reservation

Additional information

Palm Court Holiday Tea

Afternoon Tea

Club International Holiday Tea

Little Prince & Princess

Biscoff Cookie Butter and Jelly

Turkey and Cheese Rollups

Cucumber Sandwich

Egg Salad Buns

Tea Selection/Hot Chocolate/Kiddie Cocktail

Tea Sandwiches

English cucumber

Dill Smoked Salmon

Maple roasted turkey

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Warm Plate

Traditional Scones

Butterscotch Tea Cake

Pastry Plate

Drake chocolate crunch cake

Coconut Tembleque, Candied Cranberry

Maple Pecan Pie

Seasonal Macaron Flavors

Black Teas

Big Ben

Thé des Lords

Darjeeling Margaret's Hope

Montagne Bleue

Thé des Vahinés

Chai Imperial

Oolong Teas

7 Citrus

Rooibos & Herbal Teas

Melange du Cap

Garden of Dreams

Tropical Garden

Fruit Garden

Green Teas

Jasmine Chun Feng

Vive Le Thé!

Seasonal Special Teas

Nutcracker

The Drake Blend

Sugar Plum Fairy

Alcoholic Beverages

Add a Glass of Sparkling Wine$9.00

Add a Glass Off la Marca Prosecco$14.00

Add a Glass of Piper Sonoma Brut$17.00

Add a Bellini$14.00

Add a Mimosa$14.00

Add Mumm Rose$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