Drake's Dealership — Restaurant in Oakland

Update 7/3: Since my original review, I received a follow-up email from the general manager apologizing and offering a gift card. While I appreciate the gesture, the email even misspelled my name, which felt careless and disrespectful.

Honestly, his apology missed the mark. It focused only on the missed water and warm welcome, completely ignoring his rude and dismissive behavior during our interaction. There was no real accountability or acknowledgment of how poorly I was treated by him nor his staff, which left me feeling undervalued as a customer.

I hope Drake’s Dealership seriously reevaluates how they handle customer concerns and communication going forward.

6/30 Update on Drake’s Dealership: I followed up with Drake’s dealership as they requested, but I still haven’t heard back. It’s disappointing to see such poor communication from a business, especially when they asked me to reach out. Just wanted to share this experience.

6/27: Extremely Disappointing — Dismissive, Disrespectful, and Poorly Handled by Management

The food was okay. I had the half sandwich and salad, and my friend had the personal pizza — both tasted fine. She enjoyed her Amber beer. I did not enjoy my $14 glass of Cabernet, and they had no other wine options. Prices were fair for the area. That’s where the positives end.

Now for what really matters: the experience.

We arrived around 12 PM for a lunch date we’d been looking forward to. There were only a few tables seated. Our waitress, Kay (name may be misspelled), greeted us with:

“Would you like to order from me or are you going to order from the QR code?” “I’m the only one working in the garden today.”

When I asked for water, she said:

“Well it’s self-serve, but since you asked me, I’ll get it.”

The tone was irritated — like we were bothering her. When I asked for lemon:

“You’ll have to give me a minute!”

Again, dismissive and rude. We were confused and uncomfortable — and I started to wonder if something was wrong with us.

Shortly after, the manager, Canyon (white), came to our table and said:

“I know your waitress told you service might be slow. I just wanted to check in.”

I told him calmly and directly:

“Her tableside manner was disrespectful from the moment we walked in.”

His response?

“Well, sometimes every person’s personality doesn’t work for everyone.”

Then he turned entirely to my friend (who is white-presenting), gave her his full attention, listened to everything she said, nodded, agreed, and apologized — twice. He completely ignored me, the one who spoke first. No apology. Not even eye contact. I felt dismissed, unheard, and invisible — by the manager.

He personally brought our food and drinks. My friend’s pizza still came with jalapeños (she asked for none). Kay never returned to check on us. We never saw her again. The only person who treated us with basic decency was Frank — another server who showed warmth, apologized sincerely, and actually cared.

When the manager returned later, he cleared my friend’s plate, asked if she needed anything — and once again said nothing to me.

This wasn’t just poor service. It was a clear pattern of selective attentiveness and lack of professionalism — especially from Canyon. His treatment made me feel overlooked and unimportant. I did nothing to deserve that.

Frank was the only bright spot. Kay was unprofessional. Canyon failed to lead with integrity.

Do not go here if you expect to be treated with respect, especially when the manager himself sets the tone...

Drake's Dealership in Oakland is a culinary haven that seamlessly blends exceptional food, delightful drinks, and a captivating ambiance. From the moment I arrived, I was enthralled by the restaurant's unique setting—a former auto dealership transformed into a hip and trendy dining destination.

The first thing that caught my eye was the inviting outdoor beer garden. The sprawling space, adorned with twinkling lights and communal picnic tables, exuded a warm and convivial vibe, perfect for gathering with friends or family. The live music added a touch of vibrancy to the atmosphere, elevating the dining experience to a whole new level.

As I perused the menu, I was thrilled to discover an enticing array of culinary delights that catered to a variety of palates. The chef's expertise was evident in the thoughtful selection of locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes that were not only delicious but also showcased the essence of the Bay Area's culinary scene.

The wood-fired pizzas were an absolute revelation. The crust, perfectly crisp and charred, served as the canvas for an array of inventive toppings that tantalized the taste buds. Each bite was a harmonious fusion of flavors, leaving me craving for more. Their attention to detail extended to every dish, including their vibrant salads and delectable small plates, all of which were a testament to the kitchen's commitment to culinary excellence.

Complementing the delightful cuisine, Drake's Dealership boasted an impressive selection of craft beers. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers, their beer offerings catered to both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. The staff was knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations, ensuring that each pairing enhanced the overall dining experience.

The service was impeccable, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and giving diners space to savor their meals. The staff's passion for the restaurant's offerings and dedication to providing exceptional service was evident, adding a personal touch to the entire visit.

The attention to aesthetics and design throughout the restaurant was commendable. The exposed brick walls, rustic wood accents, and industrial-chic decor created an inviting and laid-back ambiance that encouraged relaxation and enjoyment.

Whether you're seeking a cozy date night spot or a lively gathering with friends, Drake's Dealership in Oakland is a culinary gem that should be on every food lover's radar. With its delectable fare, impressive beer selection, and charming setting, it offers a dining experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. From start to finish, my time at Drake's Dealership was a delightful journey of flavors and good times, leaving me eager to return for another...

Strolling through what felt like a small-town square in the middle of Uptown Oakland (who knew?), I stumbled upon Drake’s Dealership. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a dealership—unless you’re in the market for craft beer and carbs instead of the latest Dodge Charger.

The name may harken back to its Dodge roots, but this place is a hidden gem disguised as a sudsy varietal urban oasis. I wandered into the outdoor beer garden—a wide-open space with fire pits, string lights, and the kind of gravel floor that screams “this is going to get stuck in your shoes, but who cares.” Seating was self-serve, which I appreciated. I don’t always want to be guided—I just want a chair, some shade, and something to tickle my palette.

And that’s when I met my waiter: a QR code.

Yes, Drake’s has joined the digital age in style. Tap, scan, scroll—it was honestly one of the more intuitive and pain-free ordering systems I’ve encountered. The menu was interactive, highly customizable (shout out to the “no onions, add avocado, extra cheese” crew), and even better, it didn’t judge me when I ordered a salad and a burger - sans bun. QR quietly let the carb cutting move in this high carb zone slide.

Let’s talk about that burger. Juicy, flavorful, and stacked, just the way I wanted. The side salad? Crisp, fresh, lightly dressed—like it knew it wasn’t the star but still showed up looking good.

Beer lovers, rejoice: the tap list here is a borderline novella. From hazy IPAs to malty lagers, there’s a pour for every palate and then some. While I didn't partake in the brew fest offerings, I know where I'm bringing friends and family that crave well crafted suds.

They also offer cocktails, which is always a fun bonus at a beer-first joint. I gave the margarita a go—decent, lacking the bold personality I’d hoped for. Kind of like hanging out with Jose Cuervo's younger cousin - right family, needs to learn a few more family secrets before bursting onto the prime time bar scene.

In all, Drake’s Dealership is a vibe—part industrial nostalgia, part modern beer garden, with food that surprises in the best way. Come for the beer, stay for the burger, and soak up the friendly, easy...