Tons of lights offer a warm feeling while you wait for your delicious food. The chatter from tables surrounds you.

Drake’s Yoke is a brand new restaurant in Willow Park that opened Jan. 2. They offer southern food like barbeque, sandwiches and salads and a variety of other American favorites.

This restaurant has great food unlike any other place we have in Aledo. The main entrees have an uncommon style. I had the crispy yard bird, which is a bone-in chicken dish with a delicious crust. It was delicious with a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The cornbread donut that came with it had powdered sugar on top and had a mix of spices inside to give it a powerful flavor. The smashed fried okra was a great compliment to entrée as well. The portions for this dish are huge and are enough for some people to have two meals or to share.

The restaurant has a cozy, rustic feel with many well-placed lights and industrial metal chairs. The drinks even have a special touch because they are all served in mason jars. The only downside is the wait time right now because everyone around Aledo and Willow Park is lining up to try the new place in town. It does take quite a while to get seated so be prepared for that.

The prices range from $8 to $25 depending on if you order a sandwich or a steak. Drake’s yoke would be a place where you don’t have to get too dressed up, but I also wouldn’t recommend showing up in gym clothes. The restaurant is open from Tueday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. -11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Drake’s Yoke is located in the new shopping center located near the medical district on Interstate 20. They are currently hiring for all positions. “I like working at Drake’s Yoke; it’s a super fun environment and a great place to be,” sophomore Emma Mach said.