Drake’s Weho is coming the city of West Hollywood. California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has the business address listed at 8747 Melrose Avenue, west of San Vicente Boulevard in the Design District. The address is the former home of Nancy Corzine, a fine furniture store that closed during the pandemic.
Drake’s WeHo is not to be confused with the popular gay adult retail store by the same name that was located on Santa Monica Boulevard (where Bottega Louie WEHO now stands) or its sister location further east on Melrose Avenue by the Fairlfax District, specializing in adult sex toys, gay erotic videos, and VCR cleaners (sorry, if we got your hopes up).
The dots connect Drake’s WeHo to its sister location Drake’s Hollywood, a restaurant and bar at 5007 W Lovers Lane, Dallas, Texas. The original Drake’s fancies itself as a swanky old Hollywood-inspired restaurant with sophisticated cocktails, known for its large circular bar. It offers steak and pizza with a long list of specialty drinks.
Drake’s WeHo restaurant was conceptualized by Hunter Pond, founder and CEO of Vandelay Hospitality Group. Pond has a roster of restaurants that include the East Hampton Sandwich Co. and the Hudson House, an East Coast-style restaurant also on Lovers Lane, Dallas. According to a press release, Drake’s is inspired by restaurants from the West Coast, namely, “old-school, classic hangouts” like Delilah’s and Craig’s, which are both West Hollywood locations.
Since 2012, Vandelay has developed restaurant brands and services that “evoke a combination of rich American heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and an eye for detail. Our dedication to honest food and credible service is predicated upon our commitment and respect to our partners and guests.”
In addition to Drake’s WeHo, ABC reveals that Hunter Pond is also opening the Hudson House Sunset at 9255 SUNSET Blvd., Suite 100, in West Hollywood.
Drake’s WeHo has been added to Vandely’s list of brands confirming a location is coming to West Hollywood. An opening date is not yet known.
I see I’m not the only one hoping they were bringing back the old favorite porn shop Drake’s. I sure do miss that place
Damn….. I got all nostalgic for the other Drakes.