The Best Southern Food in Willow Park, Texas: Drakes Yoke

Texas favorites with a Southern sense of taste and culture are exactly what you’d expect at this busy, casual eatery and watering hole. The decor showcases a theme of country backroads and oil fields, featuring a distressed truck tailgate behind the bar equipped with hammers and wrenches as beer taps. Welder’s masks serve as wall sconces, enhancing the industrial vibe. Vintage "Eat Here" signage and old photos add to the nostalgic atmosphere, while stacks of wood used in the smokers provide warmth.

Clever shareable menu items include grilled pork belly with a maple glaze infused with brisket drippings atop sautéed spinach with blue cheese crumbles, and crunchy flash-fried shrimp with brisket burnt ends, fried green tomato, and creamy goat cheese, all beautifully presented. Paired with cocktails brightened with fresh fruit and herbs, these dishes make you want to linger and graze all day.

The interior blends classic, industrial, and cozy elements, creating a welcoming ambiance. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable; we sat at the bar and were attended to by Caden, who was attentive and personable. The manager also made a point to check in, showing genuine care for both customers and staff. This level of attention makes it a perfect spot for a date night, a patio experience, or even just catching a beer and a game. The chicken fried steak is particularly amazing, the baked potatoes are massive, and the pork rinds are a delightful treat. We highly recommend trying it out!

Service at this eatery is consistently fantastic. My husband and I went out for a quick lunch and our server's upbeat energy brightened a dreary day. She had us laughing and made us feel very welcome, turning our quick lunch into a leisurely, enjoyable experience. The food was delicious and arrived promptly, with perfect portion sizes. The exceptional service made our visit memorable and is one of the reasons we keep coming back.

Since our first visit, we have frequented Drake’s Yoke several times after moving to the area a year ago. The food is consistently good, with the brisket and comfort foods like the chicken fried steak being particular favorites. On one visit, I opted for a Blue Cheese Side salad while watching my carbs and found it so delicious that I ordered a second one. The mix was excellent and the blue cheese dressing was outstanding.

One suggestion for the owner would be to offer a full half-wedge salad as an entrée. The side salad is excellent and deserves a spot on the main menu. When it comes to brunch, the atmosphere is fantastic and the staff is incredibly friendly. If you haven't tried "The Colonel," it's worth making the trip for brunch. At $15, it's a great value with innovative food options that all taste great. We definitely plan to return for more brunches.

A recent Friday night visit reaffirmed our love for this place. The atmosphere was relaxing and rustic, and the service was excellent. Due to a shift change, we had two different waiters. Our first waiter, Ty, provided great recommendations, and the staff worked well together, ensuring timely service. The food was delicious, and if you try a cocktail, go for the Bearcat. For dessert, the Death by Chocolate Brownie Sundae is highly recommended. Despite the traffic, stopping here was a great decision. Eric, our second server, made the latter half of our dinner experience enjoyable with his excellent food suggestions and friendly demeanor, making us feel right at home. Drake’s Yoke continues to be a favorite spot for its consistent service and delicious food.

When you're in the Willow Park area, you can't go wrong with Drake's Yoke!

225 Shops Blvd #101, Willow Park, TX 76008

(817) 598-0844

www.drakesyoke.com