Planning an evening at Drury Inn is more relaxing when you can preview their Drury Inn dinner menu with prices ahead of time. Knowing what to expect helps you budget your meal and decide if you want to eat in or explore local options. The dinner offering is part of the hotel’s popular “5:30 Kickback” program, which includes complimentary hot food and drinks for guests.
Many travelers are surprised to learn that Drury Hotels provide a free dinner buffet every evening. This isn’t just a snack—it’s a full meal with rotating options. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the menu, pricing, and how to make the most of it.
Drury Inn Dinner Menu With Prices
The Drury Inn dinner menu with prices is actually free for registered guests. Yes, you read that right—the hot dinner buffet is included in your stay. There are no additional charges for the food itself. However, alcoholic beverages at the bar do have set prices, which we will cover later.
Each evening from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of hot entrees, sides, salads, and desserts. The menu changes daily, so you won’t get bored on a longer trip. Here is a typical lineup you might encounter.
Rotating Hot Entrees
- Beef lasagna with garlic bread
- Grilled chicken breast with marinara sauce
- Baked salmon with lemon butter
- Pulled pork with barbecue sauce
- Chicken tenders with dipping sauces
- Vegetarian pasta primavera
- Meatballs in marinara or Swedish style
Side Dishes
- Seasoned mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
- White or brown rice
- Buttered corn or green beans
- Baked potatoes with toppings
- Garden salad with dressings
Soups And Breads
- Tomato basil soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Clam chowder (select locations)
- Fresh dinner rolls with butter
- Garlic breadsticks
Desserts
- Warm chocolate chip cookies
- Brownies
- Fruit cobbler (seasonal)
- Ice cream cups
- Pudding cups
The menu is not fixed—each location may have slight variations based on regional preferences. But the core items remain consistent across most Drury properties. The best part? All of this is complimentary for guests staying at the hotel.
Alcoholic Beverage Pricing
While the dinner buffet is free, the “Kickback” also includes three free alcoholic drinks per adult guest per evening. This is a huge value. You can choose from beer, wine, or mixed drinks. After the three complimentary drinks, additional beverages are available for purchase at the bar.
Here are typical prices for extra drinks:
- Domestic beer (bottle or can): $4.00 – $5.50
- Premium beer: $5.50 – $7.00
- House wine (glass): $5.00 – $7.00
- Well cocktails: $6.00 – $8.00
- Soft drinks (soda, juice): $2.00 – $3.00
- Bottled water: $1.50 – $2.00
These prices are reasonable compared to typical hotel bars. But remember, the first three drinks are on the house. That alone can save you $15 to $20 per person per night.
How The Dinner Program Works
Understanding the logistics helps you plan your evening. Here is a step-by-step guide to accessing the Drury Inn dinner buffet.
- Check in at the front desk and receive your room keys.
- Ask about the dinner hours—most locations start at 5:30 PM sharp.
- Proceed to the lobby or designated dining area near the bar.
- Present your room key to the staff member at the entrance.
- Grab a plate and serve yourself from the buffet line.
- Enjoy your meal at a table or take it back to your room.
- For alcoholic drinks, show your ID and room key at the bar.
- You can get up to three free drinks per adult per evening.
There is no reservation needed. It is first-come, first-served, but the buffet is usually well-stocked throughout the two-hour window. If you arrive late, there may be fewer options, but the staff typically replenishes until 6:45 PM.
What Is Included For Free
Many guests wonder exactly what is free and what costs extra. Here is a clear breakdown.
Completely Free Items
- Hot dinner buffet (entree, sides, soup, salad, bread)
- Desserts (cookies, brownies, ice cream)
- Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, lemonade, iced tea, coffee)
- First three alcoholic drinks per adult per night
- Children’s meals (kids under 12 eat free with paying adult)
Items With Additional Cost
- Extra alcoholic drinks beyond the three free ones
- Bottled premium water (some locations charge)
- Specialty cocktails not on the standard list
- Room service (if available at your location)
This program is a major reason why Drury Hotels are so popular with families and business travelers. You can save $30 to $50 per person per night on dinner and drinks alone.
Sample Weekly Menu Rotation
While menus vary, many Drury locations follow a weekly pattern. Here is a sample rotation you might see.
Monday
Beef lasagna, garlic bread, garden salad, chocolate pudding.
Tuesday
Grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, brownies.
Wednesday
Pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit cobbler.
Thursday
Baked salmon, rice pilaf, green beans, chocolate chip cookies.
Friday
Chicken tenders, french fries, corn on the cob, ice cream sundaes.
Saturday
Meatballs with marinara, pasta, Caesar salad, tiramisu (select locations).
Sunday
Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, apple crisp.
Again, this is not set in stone. Some locations offer regional dishes like jambalaya in the South or clam chowder in New England. Always check with the front desk for the specific menu during your stay.
Tips For Maximizing Your Dinner Experience
Getting the most out of the Drury Inn dinner program is easy with a few simple strategies.
- Arrive right at 5:30 PM for the freshest food and shortest lines.
- Bring your room key and ID every time you go to the bar.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask the staff about ingredients.
- Take advantage of the free drinks—try a local beer or wine.
- If the buffet is crowded, consider taking your meal to your room.
- Check if your location offers to-go boxes for leftovers.
- Plan your evening around the dinner hours to avoid missing it.
- If you have kids, they eat free, so no need to order separate meals.
These small steps can make your evening smoother and more enjoyable. The dinner program is designed to be convenient, so use it to relax after a long day of travel.
Comparing Drury Inn Dinner To Other Hotel Options
How does the Drury Inn dinner stack up against other hotel dining programs? Let’s look at a few comparisons.
Vs. Free Breakfast Programs
Many hotels offer free breakfast, but few include dinner. Drury is one of the only chains that provides a full hot dinner buffet at no extra cost. This is a significant advantage for budget-conscious travelers.
Vs. Hotel Restaurants
Most hotels have on-site restaurants that charge $15 to $30 per entree. Drury’s dinner is free, so you save that money entirely. The quality is comparable to casual dining chains like Applebee’s or Chili’s.
Vs. Nearby Fast Food
Eating at a fast-food restaurant might cost $8 to $12 per person. Drury’s dinner is free and offers healthier options like grilled proteins and vegetables. Plus, you get free drinks, which fast food doesn’t include.
Overall, the Drury Inn dinner program offers exceptional value. It is one of the best free perks in the hotel industry.
Dietary Considerations And Special Requests
If you have specific dietary needs, you can still enjoy the dinner buffet. Here is what to expect.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options
Most locations offer at least one vegetarian entree, such as pasta primavera or vegetable stir-fry. Vegan options may be limited, but the salad bar and steamed vegetables are safe choices. Ask the chef if they can prepare a simple dish without dairy or meat.
Gluten-Free Choices
Gluten-free guests can enjoy grilled meats, steamed vegetables, and salads. Some locations offer gluten-free bread or pasta upon request. Always confirm with the staff to avoid cross-contamination.
Allergies
If you have severe allergies, speak to the manager before serving yourself. They can show you ingredient lists or prepare a separate plate. Drury Hotels are generally accommodating, but it is best to communicate your needs early.
Kids’ Meals
Children under 12 eat free with a paying adult. The buffet usually includes kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and pizza. There is no separate kids’ menu—they can choose from the same buffet.
Overall, the dinner program is inclusive, but planning ahead helps avoid issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drury Inn dinner really free for all guests?
Yes, the hot dinner buffet is complimentary for all registered guests. There is no extra charge for the food. Alcoholic drinks beyond the first three per adult per night do cost extra.
What time is dinner served at Drury Inn?
Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM daily. Some locations may adjust hours slightly, so confirm at check-in. The buffet is typically restocked until about 6:45 PM.
Can non-guests eat at the Drury Inn dinner buffet?
No, the dinner program is exclusively for hotel guests. You must show your room key to enter the dining area. Non-guests cannot purchase the buffet separately.
Does the Drury Inn dinner menu change every night?
Yes, the menu rotates daily to provide variety. You will find different entrees, sides, and desserts each evening. Some locations repeat items on certain days of the week.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options at the Drury Inn dinner?
Yes, most locations offer vegetarian entrees like pasta or vegetable dishes. Vegan options may be limited, but salads and steamed vegetables are always available. Ask staff for assistance if needed.
Final Thoughts On The Drury Inn Dinner Program
The Drury Inn dinner menu with prices is one of the best kept secrets in budget travel. For the cost of your hotel room, you get a full hot dinner with sides, desserts, and drinks. This can save a family of four $60 to $100 per night compared to eating out.
Whether you are on a business trip or a family vacation, taking advantage of this perk makes your stay more enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant, paying for meals, or dealing with tips. Just show up, eat, and relax.
Next time you book a Drury Inn, remember to plan your evening around the 5:30 PM dinner. It is a simple way to stretch your travel budget and enjoy a satisfying meal without leaving the hotel.
We hope this guide helps you make the most of your stay. If you have any questions, the front desk staff are always happy to help with menu details or special requests.