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| - I can't speak to the quality of food or as a venue space. This is because on Halloween 2014, me and a small group of friends went to the Drake planning on seeing a show and getting dinner and drinks. I googled "Drake Hotel accessible" and found something saying the gallery and eating areas were accessible. My friends and I knew there was a chance the show would be down a flight of stairs, but at least we could get dinner and drinks. So we traveled the loooong way there since the Queen streetcar isn't accessible, and we arrived fairly early. Not early enough. It was pouring down rain, and there was a big step up with no ramp, and we found a side entrance without steps. The staff just gave us looks and pointed to the front, so we pointed to our friend using a chair. The sort of sighed and begrudgingly let us in. Then, once we're in, the inform us the kitchen is closing RIGHT NOW, and no the venue area isn't accessible, and probably the electric chair won't fit in the bathroom, but I guess we could stay for drinks. Since none of us are young and stupid enough to have liquid dinner after working all day, that wasn't an option. None of this would have been so bad if the staff didn't keep staring and generally acting like we were in the wa as we sorted out what to do in the lobby. We were told repeatedly that the building was an historical building so *shrug*, and asked roughly ever minute if we were staying or leaving. If you were in Toronto Oct. 31 2014, you probably remember how gawdawful the weather was. West Queen West lacks accessible options, and we just wanted a few minutes to figure out what to do and be able to text to the other person joining us where to go. The staff was pushy and unsympathetic, and from the first to last interaction acted like we were being unreasonable and difficult customers. Because our friend can't walk. Thanks for that.
I'm sure if I had gone by myself for drinks and a show, I would have had a great time. It's a popular spot, has great shows, and is conveniently close to Poutini's for late night drunken noms. But it turns out the think wheelchairs are a big fat nuisance, so I won't be back.
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