Drakes Steak & Ale — Restaurant in Hannibal

We visited Drakes on Friday evening, arriving around 5:00 p.m. The restaurant was not busy at all, and we were seated quickly. By the time we left around 6:00, it had started to fill up. Unfortunately, what should have been a pleasant dinner turned into one of the worst service experiences I’ve ever had.

I started by ordering my favorite wine (listed on the menu), only to be told they had “run out.” I then ordered an iced tea. My husband’s beer arrived right away, but the server said she’d be right back with my tea. Ten minutes later, after watching her serve other tables, she finally seemed to notice she had forgotten it. When it did arrive, it was undrinkable — the worst tea I’ve ever tasted.

We placed our food orders promptly, and I requested that my side salad be brought out ahead of my meal. By 5:35, still no salad. When the server came by to say our entrées were nearly ready, I asked about it. She acted surprised and went to check. I watched her fuss with the order screen, clearly realizing it had been forgotten. A few minutes later she returned with an excuse about the dressing not being on the side, but it was obvious the salad had simply been overlooked. Once it arrived, it was fresh and tasty — but of course, our entrées followed almost immediately after.

The food itself was the highlight of the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed their BBQ pulled pork, and everything tasted delicious. However, the service continued to disappoint. Not once during the meal did our server check in to ask how everything was. As the restaurant grew busier, I began to worry about how long it would take to get the bill. I tried repeatedly to get her attention — she passed our booth five times without a glance. Twice she stopped at the table right beside us, and even when I called out to her, she ignored me. Eventually I had to sit at the edge of the booth and literally step into her path before she acknowledged me.

I’ve always loved Drakes for the food, but this experience makes me...

Me andy husband both ordered the Trifecta. It has 3 meat brisket, pulled pork, ribs, 2 sides, choice of soup or salad. It took for ever to get just our soup and salads. ( People that came in after us was already eating their main meal.) When our meal came out we only had 2eats on our plate. (Brisket and pulled pork ) They was at the most maybe a serving spoon size not much at all. I asked about the ribs she said they was out but they substituted it with extra pulled pork. I showed her our plates ( realizing she is just the waitress not the cook or manager ) explained to her that it didn't look any difference in the 2. If they was going to do that I would have rather it be brisket. Well that would be an extra 2.00 she said. Now remind you they was out of the ribs we was supposed to be getting already also no extra pulled pork. So she goes and talks to another waitress. Instead of the other waitress coming to talk to us they go to the computer and talk. I walk over there and try to talk to her and explain to her also. She starts off with well my manager is not going to give you a refund. That's not what we asked for we want to know 1 why are going to be still charged for 3 meats when only getting 2. If so why did we not get the extra pulled pork or Evan get an option to choose. She states yes you will still be charged the same price. Your server should have told you. Well she didn't and we didn't get the extra. This we back and forth for a bit finally I told to go get the manager. Later she came back and said well we can take 2.00 off your bill is this ok. By this time we had been there over 3 hours both bathrooms were out of service I was frustrated and ready to go. I said...

We usually dine at Fiddlesticks but they were too busy. So, we decided to go to drakes. I knew something was off when there was plenty of parking available and no wait to be seated at 6 on a Friday night. The food was just horrid and I felt ripped off. Our food took a long time but considering all the open tables, I had a hard time thinking it was due to being slammed in the kitchen. My wife's steak was charred when it was to be medium. My brisket dinner consisted of 3 thin pieces of meat (microwaved) and a small bowl of beans (no better that store brand from a can) and soggy fries. I get the brisket sandwich from Riverside Smokehouse for lunch and their sandwich easily has 4 times the meat and more fresh too. My daughter's applesauce had a drop of cottage cheese and shredded cheese in it. I waited to complain but the server was hiding or on break. Absolutely terrible. We used to go often a year ago and had a great experience; I don't know if they have a new manager or new cooks or maybe they are just cutting back on quality to save money. We overheard the server telling a table that they were out of burgers, chicken and tenders. I asked to speak to manager but after waiting 10minutes, we paid and left. The server knew I was upset but she acted like she heard it all before and said she'll find the manager again. We left. You'll get better steak at Taco Bell and you'll get better brisket from the freezer section at Walmart. Don't waste...