Stax's Drake House Restaurant
About This Spot
Stepping into Stax's Drake House Restaurant feels like entering a warm gathering place where time slows just enough for you to settle in comfortably. Housed in a lovingly transformed old home, the restaurant exudes a gentle, welcoming charm that invites both familiarity and quiet moments of discovery. The soft murmur of conversation blends with the clink of plates, creating a cozy rhythm that sets the tone for a relaxed meal among friends or family.
The pace here is unhurried but lively, encouraging guests to linger over hearty, thoughtfully prepared dishes that carry the soul of Southern American comfort. The buffet approach doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal; instead, it offers an intimate feel where each plate tells a story of home-cooked flavors passed down through generations. There’s a genuine sense of care in how each serving is presented—whether it’s a tender spoonful of creamed corn or a perfectly baked slice of lemon blueberry cake—that invites a small celebration of everyday moments.
Guests often find themselves drawn by more than just the food. The atmosphere carries a subtle nostalgia, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings with familiar faces and warm hospitality. The service supports this feeling without fanfare—a thoughtful smile, prompt seating, and attentive care that makes you feel truly looked after rather than rushed through a meal.
What stands out is the balance Stax's Drake House strikes between feeling like a beloved neighborhood spot and a destination for those seeking genuine Southern fare in a setting steeped in character. It’s the kind of place where quiet corners of the original house offer space for conversation, and the welcoming dining rooms hum with shared enjoyment of comforting classics reimagined with thoughtful touches.
Here, the joy lies not in grandiosity but in the simple pleasure of warmth—found in the food, the space, and the connection between people who value good company as much as good cooking.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great coffee
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Great tea selection
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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All you can eat
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Private dining room
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Quick bite
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Salad bar
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Historic
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Quiet
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Groups
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 02:15 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 02:15 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 02:15 PM , 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 02:15 PM , 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM |
Carla Wist 28 Dec 2025
My husband and I eat here probably 1-2 times per month. I have previously left a survey regarding this establishment. What I want to address is the rudeness and ignorance of several patrons reviews indicating 1 or 2 star, especially the one patron who didn’t think they needed to leave a tip because it is a buffet. They seat you at your table, they take your order for a beverage, staff are preparing the food, they ask for your selection for dessert and serve you, someone clears your table and they send you off with a smile and thank you and you don’t understand the appropriateness of a tip? Who raised you?
Mel W 18 Dec 2025
This is a buffet style restaurant in an old converted house. The atmosphere was so welcoming and friendly. The staff was very accommodating. The Mac and cheese is absolutely delicious. Each person gets their own individual dessert which was also delicious. I highly recommend.
Tina Plants 27 Nov 2025
We have lived in Tryon for over 4 years but our 1st time at Drake's House and it certainly won't be our last! Everyone we encountered was friendly and nice and we were seated shortly after entering into the house foyer and taken to the front left room. I love the old time charm of the home and the atmosphere, something that took me back to my gram's home from decades ago. The food was that of my childhood I loved the buffet options and enjoyed the juicy fried chicken seasoned with the chef's own all-purpose seasoning blend, Mac & cheese which tasted just like my grams which she always made with extra sharp white cheddar cheese which I haven't had in decades, best creamed spinach around, smokey green beans, creamed corn, mashed potatoes with spinach, tender fish, perfect fluffy biscuits that I dunked into the roasted garlic tomato soup, sweet tea, and bourbon biscuit bread pudding. Everything was amazing and we will be back!!!
Nicole Neubauer 10 Oct 2025
Wonderful experience. Second time eating here and first for hubs. Late Lunch (1pm). I forgot to take pictures too busy eating. Buffet had Fried Chicken, Fried Livers, Mac & Cheese, Lima Beans, Green Beans, Carrots, Biscuits & much more. Hubs really enjoyed the Fried Fish and Tarter Sauce. All was delicious, we enjoyed it all. Dessert was Apple Biscuit Pudding (Yummy) and Hubs had the Drunken Chocolate Cake (Excellent). Service was amazing. Highly recommend.
NationsGiles88 07 Oct 2025
I do not like buffets they are gross with all the kids. Maybe it's mostly golden corral that I go to with the kids maybe 1 time out of every 5 years or so. Let me tell you we love this buffet!! Everything here is clean and the buffet might be small but everything on it is perfectly cooked. I have never understood the one little dessert but its been like that for ever. Boo and I get something different and just share. The waitress staff is on point. I tried the shrimp and tomato sauce i think it was. It was extremely delicious I was thinking in my head that it wouldn't go together. We dont go a lot but if he says buffet this is where I would pick every time.
Chris T 01 Oct 2025
This is a buffet, I'm not always a fan of buffets, but this was the best frieD chicken EVER!! The rest of the food in the buffet was just as good. It's one of those foods you will crave long after you are no longer visiting. I was probably most impressed that we got there at the end of the buffet time and they still brought out more fresh cooked food. Highly recommend. Great prices (like $16 for lunch if I remember correctly. And 23 for dinner) it's all you can eat and simply fantastic!
T. F. F. 25 Sep 2025
Warm, welcoming atmosphere and a truly enjoyable meal! The buffet was outstanding: the fried chicken and fried fish were perfectly cooked, and the mac and cheese was rich and creamy. Every dish tasted homemade. The desserts were amazing too! Service was friendly and attentive, and the owner was exceptionally kind and hospitable, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this spot for a great Southern meal in a pleasant setting.