The Drawing Board Cafe in York

Lovely breakfast, nice clean & comfy cafe bar. Staff smiley & friendly.

A great glimpse of the future for my wife and I, joining my daughter and her partner for a drink in one of her Uni go - to bars, which she frequented while studying and always visits on her returns to York. Felt like we'd been wheeled out of our old people's home! Only kidding! A spot the young people enjoyed, felt comfortable with everyone good natured and happy. Made for an interesting birthday evening out for me.

the bar is lovely, beautiful hand drawn artwork on the walls and the cocktails are divine. especially the mint choc chip, inventive and delicious. however, the server my partner and myself encountered (heavily tattooed woman with piercings, glasses and pink/purple hair) was incredibly rude. i told her my order and she audibly sighed, then proceeded to ignore me while making the drinks to ensure she could joke on, laugh, and complain to her colleague. she did this both times we ordered. there was only myself and my partner in the bar, as well as some fellow staff members they were chatting to within the bar, if it was busy i would understand frustration however we were the only customers for around an hour. deeply upsetting as the drinks were impeccable but the server ruined our atmosphere.

Josh the doorman is amazing, great atmosphere love it

Went in for a few drinks and Cass was amazing, so lovely to talk to - and such amazing cocktails!! The lovely staff like Cass and the atmosphere makes the drawing board a place that I’d return to again and again!! <3

Amazing place. Saph was amazing! Cam and Joe were also stellar, everything you'd want from a bartender. Brilliant service and will absolutely recommend to anyone and everyone looking for a safe space to hang out with a couple of mates.

Popped in with our dog; gorgeous hand made burger and craft beer 🍻

Imagine not letting people with sports tops on the night of THE EUROS FINAL. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS

A proper late dive bar with options depending on vibe. Sitting outside is super chill, downstairs is good energy, 1st is loud music good vibes and then 2nd floor (bluebox) is a nightclub. The beer is decent, fairly cheap and plentiful, cocktails likewise, and the end of the evening fills the place with hospitality staff who are the best crowd you'll find.

1st time in, late night, was OK 👌

A member of staff obviously lied to us, then moaned about us to his colleague. Will not return.

Drew is the most amazing member of staff!!! Always on point and always so friendly. I’ve been left on my one and he has always made sure I get home safe. Cam is equally as lovely and any of the two I would recommend being served by 🫶🏻

It's a pub. A pub that sells cakes.

I went with a load of mates and we were having a great time, I went and ordered a drink for a friend and I and when the drinks were made the Barmaid did not serve use the drinks when I asked her for the drinks as I could not reach them she shouted "that's what you have friends for" shockley rude and put a horrible twist on the night! Really ruined our night and made us feeling very unwelcome. Won't be returning!! Drinks were made on the ground floor on the bar by the toilets

Horrible security bouncer. I entered the wrong way and he decided to scream in my face and called me stupid. When I complained via email I was not given an apology and implied I was lying.

Disappointed. Security man threatened to break a lady’s arm for pointing at him (at 6pm) and the interior is cold and soulless. Clientele best described as shouty and drunk. To clarify - this review is for the drawing board as I’ve seen a few comments where a business reply suggests a bad review was meant for another premises.

Great place however service ruins it. Everytime I come in here which is multiple times a month the pale girl with the black bob, piercings and glasses acts like her job is the biggest chore in the world. She openly complained about us to her coworker while I was standing right there and proceeded to sigh at my friends when they ordered anything. Please sort your staff they're atrocious

I've been here quite a lot to the cafe for lunch and no issues. This time it was friends for drinks. Classic cocktails are only £6. But they didn't taste very nice. We each left most of ours. I won't be buying cocktails from there again. I'll stick to lunch with coffee or a milkshake.

Lovely place. The decor is eclectic. Hidden away but close to main high street. The girls were friendly on arrival. You can get coffee and breakfast for under £15 and considering the food is very good, this is great value for money! I would definitely recommend.

Usually I love to come here as I’m a uni student at York St John and tend to come here a lot with friends, but I am really not happy with how I was treated last night. I came here for a night out with friends and like most girls do, me and my friend went to the toilet together. Then I heard a woman banging on the door when I was at the toilet. I was in there 2 minutes and there was no queue what so ever. I just told her “I’m just on the toilet 2 minutes” and not even 5 seconds later she started banging again then proceeded to threaten to come in. It wasn’t like we were doing anything we weren’t supposed to as I was in there for 2 minutes. I then walked out and asked her what her problem was as I really mad and felt I was being harassed while I was at the toilet. I would understand if there was a queue but there was no one there and I was genuinely at the toilet. I am not a disrespectful or argumentative person but when I am being treated like that I will always stick up for myself. Obviously mad, I asked what her problem was and she was shouting at me which obviously I did back. She then proceeded to tell me that I was not allowed in any club/bar in York and she kicked me out. I didn’t have any problem with leaving which you can see on the cameras and I didn’t try to stay but as I left she took a photo of me and told me I was barred from everywhere and she also swore at me and my friends. I was just minding my business and after being treated like that I reacted like any other person would when sticking up for themselves. When I tried to speak to another bouncer outside to explain myself he just basically ignored me and didn’t show a care in the world. After reading other reviews from here I now understand why I was treated like that.

Plenty to choose from from meals to cakes great selection of ales good atmosphere and very comfortable

Coxy, great guy - saved my children from a burning building.

My family and I were looking for a place to go for a spot of lunch we came across this restaurant/cafe we liked the look of it and walked in. My friend wanted a breakfast even though the breakfast menu had finished at this time. We took this kind action made us love the place and people even more! The food was AMAZING the staff were very friendly. We would definitely go there again it made our day out a lot better. Would definitely recommend.

Very friendly owner invited me in from the outside seating with my little dog !

Good place to go on a night out. Can be a little pricey

Stopped in after noticing chalk board outside offering a festive Bailey's hot chocolate. The staff were very warm, welcoming and accommodating making "mocktails" for the kids to enjoy too. We will definitely be returning for lunch when we come to York again.

Awesome venue for late night drinks. Great music. Great people. Amazing team of bar tenders. Open until the early hours. A hidden gem.

It seems the owner of this business needs to attend a course in hospitality, rude arrogant, aggressive and from what I'm reading this seems to be a regular occurrence . I work for a very large company and visit York a lot and have told colleagues and family of my recent bad experience, please avoid. It is a shame as the lady at the bar who greeted us first was lovely, how do you work with him ?

We tried to get in on Saturday for a coffee and to have a place to feed our 10 week old baby. Everywhere was incredibly busy however this place had a few empty tables. When we tried to come in a waitress rudely came to the door to tell us ‘you can’t come in with that pram, we don’t allow prams inside’. We were desperate for somewhere to grab a coffee and to feed our baby, in the freezing cold. Appalling service, clearly not baby/new parent friendly.

Rude arrogant owner who just seemed to want an argument with anyone wishing to purchase drinks only from the bar. We were in the process of ordering drinks stood at the bar to be told you can't stand there, the drinks hadn't even been poured, then we were told that you must sit on the two chairs round the corner when there were already belongings on from another client. Then when we suggested we would stand near our family already seated he became very rude and obnoxious to my wife, before finally backing down before he realised we were actually customers. There was a two seater table he was stood next to, most owners or managers would offer this to guests, but oh no that was his table to stand next to..In the end we all walked out and went to a local bar that actually wanted to accommodate us. Stay well clear.

amazing service from hannah, they were so lovely!

Just finished a 15 day week working at the UK snooker championship and went here for the wrap party with a team of five. We were refused entry without reason and security were both rude and completely disrespectful. If traveling to York I can only recommend giving this one a miss

Walked in to be met by the owner who I thought was extremely abrupt and rude. The only word's out of his mouth was "we're full". He had his arms out to prevent us going in any further and when I pointed out that there was a little two seat table behind him, he just said "no we're full" and ushered back out of the door. Me and my wife have been going to this cafe for years and seen it change names several times. After today we were both in agreement that we will never set foot in the place again.

Walked through the door only to be met by a guy with his arms open wide walking towards us saying and I quote ‘out guys we are full come on out now’ really unfriendly atmosphere ! Left feeling like a piece of dirt on his shoe surely there are better ways of communicating !

Bar staff spent more time on there phones not even a bye when we left we were the only 2 in they

Was in York for an annual group conference and came here Thursday and Friday nights. Josh and the other bouncer (I forgot his name but he wore some unique gloves and is a martial arts instructor), were very friendly and welcoming. We didn’t eat here so can’t rate the food but the cocktails were good and we made use of the 2 for £5 baby Guinness quite a few times too! Will be back next year!

Had the Brie and Bacon in ciabata with side portion of chips and alioli as always its just so good, my go to place when in town,great value for money, staff really friendly especially Molly and Holly, totally recommend

Great late night stop for cocktails and other drinks

I used to love this place with old staff and management, but at the moment I'm not a fan. The door staff are incredibly unprofessional and violent, the bar staff are very rude to paying customers on a night without any reason other than they don't seem to want to be there. Unfortunately i wouldn't recommend this place to anyone!! Without some major changes to door staff and certain bar members you've lost a longtime customer.

Arguably a police matter? A member of our group was outright assaulted by one of the door ‘staff’, totally unprovoked. It was actually quite a shock to see him rip him off his chair whilst we were sat minding our own business. This seriously needs addressing with your employee. Their reason? We had been abusive to other customers! Not only has this never, ever happened to us before but I was on soft drinks and this whole thing was absurd - clear as day I remember everything. Force was used to ‘eject’ our seemingly tame group when we questioned where this accusation had come from and why we’d been singled out. I’ve checked my bank statement and bar transactions are with ‘The Drawing Board’ so I don’t believe any response here saying otherwise. I have left a review as I am in awe of how we were treated, and it still amazes me as I write it all down.

It’s been a while since we last visited York, but here we are again and The Drawing Board is providing lunch. Great welcome and good food in the heart of the city. We both had the bacon and Brie ciabatta with a cold soft drink. Prompt service and good atmosphere. We’d recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice lunch in York.

We went in later on, on a Friday night highly recommended if you like a bit of Metal and rock music. Brill staff. Recommend a shot of the absinthe. Beautiful..

There is a nightlife venue above called 'Bluebox' which is great for electronic music. There is also a lovely bar downstairs. Very popular with those working in the nightlife industry.

Great hidden gem in the heart of York! Great food, great prices and great service! Definitely recommend!

Saff and Joel and the best, they take care of me every time I'm in and make sure that I'm having a great time. The rest of the staff and all amazing too!!!

Bouncers need licenses taken off them!!!!!!!!!! Me and my friend were here for two hours and all of a sudden a bouncer told us we had to leave because we had “snuck in” which didn’t really make any sense…. We asked the bouncers why we had to leave we had been sat outside in the same seats the whole time… we both got pushed to the floor and kicked by the bouncers! All of them were absolutely awful. My friend had bruises all on his back, a black eye, bleeding from under his eye, I was left with bruises and scuffed knees and hands…. never experienced anything like this in my life, usually I put my trust in bouncers to keep me safe but I’ll never feel this way again now lmao worst night ever

Visited a few times for lunch. Food is really nice. It was a bit busy so we had a bit of a wait but it didn’t bother us. Had 3 teenage daughters with me all enjoyed their food. Atmosphere was a bit off so only given 3 stars. I think tensions between staff because it was busy. Didn’t put us off and we would go again.

It’s crazy how can two gentleman’s and a lady sobers and well mannered are refused the entrance by the security because we were wearing a suit, blazer and shirt without tie. It was such a discriminatory behaviour from the security who did not want even to discuss why we could not go in, considering it was also it was a pride night, said by the security that this was the reason why we could not go in!! It was the most senseless situation that I haver had, being refused entras because we are wearing a suit. Please check up in your security staff racial profiling.

Hollie gave amazing service and went above and beyond - thanks Hollie!!! Food and drinks both really good, will come back

We had such good service from Hollie when we came this weekend and couldn’t recommend enough. She went above and beyond for us and we massively appreciate it

We came in the other night and we were amazed at the support from the Door Staff. The young lad with the scar on his face was very helpful and filled with humour kept the group laughing at our table and the Scottish bloke was a laugh to be around. But when they had anything happen they were quick to be serious and dealt with what was happening quickly. The bar staff are amazing big props to the one with the Mohawk for putting up with some rowdy customers and the girl with the pink Curley hair they both are amazing staff. The environment portrayed by the door staff and the bar staff mentioned was relaxing and I didn’t feel pressured or like the door staff were going to scream at me for no reason!

Food OK but staff service and bathroom below expectation. When the group of five arrived one was overtly greeted with “You can’t bring that here”. Staff member was referring to empty coffee cup I was carrying with me. A simple friendly smile and hello or welcome before asking about the empty would have been fine. Not the rules correction on entering the business premises. Secondly the toilet out back was grubby with urine over toilet seats. Food was of good selection and quality but won’t save overall star rating.

Bartenders are friendly and bouncers are good - Blue left me feeling anything but ! xx

Drew provided my friend with a custom cocktail which was perfect. I LOVE DRAWING BOARD AND ALL THEIR STAFF.

wonderful service from drew, made a cocktail for me that would be to my taste and was perfect, would definitely return

I used to visit here a lot with my friends and I would have a good time. Last night however the bouncers were very rude to me for no reason. It must be an authority thing. I refuse to go back here now.

Lloyd and blue are lovely and accommodating. Made us feel very at home. Good music and a great environment for a night out!!

Blue was amazing there service is always lovely and kind!

My favourite place to hang out for a drink, the bar staff are AMAZING and the manager Blue is always such a star. Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else for good music and vibes.

Was served by a great bartender called Blu, had a great laugh about music and 10/10 for the drinks

Unreal service from jake best service I’ve had in a while

really impressed very friendly amazing service from jake will be back

Best service ive ever had from jake

amazing service from jake , lovely and friendly towards, would definitely recommend and come back, especially jake working :)

Drew is the best bartender that has ever served me in my whole life. If I was in charge I’d give him a massive raise. I love him <3

Drew was a lovely bartender and made my night spectacular x

Cozy & Lloyd were the best staff ever mad the best night ever!!!!

Had an excellent time, came in early on to relax after my shift and Hake was great! Always been friendly and enjoy seeing him each time I come 👍🏻

The most welcoming bar in York - Jake was exceptionally excellent. Xxx

First time here after being recommended by a friend - lovely food, friendly and chatty staff, would definitely return!!

Excellent service from Blue, sorted me and my friends out 100%

Blue the barman was a brilliant host. Entertaining and very hospitable. Friendly vibe in the bar and ace music.

Went to the Drawing Room for lunch today. They are serving a new menu and I have to say what a lovely lunch we had. The ham in my ciabatta was from the local butcher's and really tasty. The brie in the bacon and brie was flavoursome and beautifully runny and the vegeburger was well cooked and again delicious, served with proper chips. Good, friendly service. We will be back.

Went to the Drawing Room for lunch today. They are serving a new menu and I have to say what a lovely lunch we had. The ham in my ciabatta was from the local butcher's and really tasty. The brie in the bacon and brie was flavoursome and beautifully runny and the vegeburger was well cooked and again delicious, served with proper chips. Good, friendly service. We will be back.

Connor was an absolute legend. Really made mine and my wife's anniversary. Highly recommended and a highlight of our trip

Such a nice lad, Conner I think his name was, made my night, can pour a good pint aswell

connor was theeee best gave us free drinkies

Drew & Conner are fab!! Great drinks, fab energy thanks guys xx

Great bar, good vibes cozy and Corinna are the gs. If your in york you better stop off here. It’s the place to be

Made me my own cocktail based on my favourites! Absolutely great chat too! Connor is great!

Connor and grace are amazing, thank you so much for incredible service. 10/10

Connor and Grace are the the best bartenders in York, excellent customer service, the most friendly xxx

Connor and Grace were fab! Couldn’t recommend enough!!

Reliably informed by a local that this was a good place to get a drink after most pubs shut. He was not wrong - very lively atmosphere until the early hours. That's about all I remember.

Awful door staff. Came to the bar the other week with a group of friends completely sober and dressed appropriately. We were told by the bouncers that we were not allowed in but two minutes later they let three of our friends in? They were also very rude to us when we asked why we were not allowed in. Would not recommend coming here.

Really great place! Cocktails slightly expensive, but they were tasty! The vibes were good, music was good and the staff were polite! I also very much enjoyed the Tom Nook tip jar

connor was the best bartender there has ever been!!! such great service from connor. connor is amazing

Connor is the best bartender I’ve ever met, he Made me the most tasty drink ever!! Highly recoomend

Popped in for a coffee, the staff were lovely and couldn’t fault anything! Had a lovely toastie and passed away a few hours. Will certainly be coming back again

Been too a fue place in york all amazing but this one beats all as it got stella unfiltered its the only place i know in york that does this on tap and its a great pint

Drawing board is quite honestly the best bar in york, blue the bartender was amazing and went above and beyond for me and my friends :)

Connor was amazing, makes me custom cocktails and is always a pleasure to talk to! Not to mention his amazing bow ties xx

Banana split is the one and so is conner

Incredible service and cocktails all evening from staff. Felt especially safe from Grace, amazing bartender

Drew and connor have been incredible all night! came out on a graduation party and have been amazing!

Visited the Drawing Board Cafe with my oldest school friend for a reuinion. At the establishment, we caught up on old times - like That One time we skinny dipped in the river ouse. Grace was very kind and provided excellent service, just what we...

Fab venue, lovely staff (although trying to contact at the moment and finding it very difficult)

The best place ever. We love chloe she is the best. And we love tom too❤️❤️

This place is amazing, helped us no end when we were dealing with one of our drunk friends, Blue, the manager working at the time, treated us and our friend with the highest respect, helping us get our friend home safely and made us feel safe and welcome, treated us to the very best of their ability, couldnt have been a more perfect visit.

I attempted to stop in here for a drink one evening with a friend. It was around 9pm; I wasn't drunk, acting poorly or inappropriately dressed. On arrival, a bouncer told me and my friend we weren't coming in. When I asked him why, he said "global warming", and then laughed about it with his bouncer mates. The whole incident just seemed childish and completely destroyed my impression of a bar I've visited dozens of times in the past. Despite what they respond to other reviews, this was absolutely not an incident that occurred at BlueBox, it was The Drawing Board.