When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Drive Shack
Why Drive Shack is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Drive Shack is a premier golf-related leisure and entertainment venue that combines competitive socializing with innovative golf technology, inviting food and craft cocktails, and unforgettable experiences. Designed to bring people together, Drive Shack offers large-format golf bays equipped with premier technology, perfect for both casual players and golf enthusiasts to enjoy friendly competition. The venue features a chef-inspired menu and a vibrant selection of craft cocktails, making it an ideal spot to meet up with friends for an entertaining outing. Throughout the year, Drive Shack hosts engaging social events, ensuring there is always something exciting to experience beyond the golf bays. With a focus on delivering a fun and safe environment, they maintain high standards of cleanliness and customer care. Beyond Drive Shack's flagship venues, the company also operates American Golf, managing traditional golf courses and country clubs, as well as Puttery, an innovative indoor golf entertainment brand. This diversified portfolio ensures a wide variety of golf-related leisure activities under one umbrella. Whether celebrating a birthday, organizing group events, or simply looking for a lively place to gather, Drive Shack blends sport, socializing, and entertainment to create a memorable outing for groups of all sizes.
Here's what people think of Drive Shack
As of recent, Drive Shack holds a 4.6-star rating based on 7487 reviews.
Customer reviews of Drive Shack highlight a generally positive and engaging experience, emphasizing the fun and social nature of the venue. Many guests appreciate the competitive golf bays combined with a quality food and beverage menu, noting that the environment is well suited for birthday celebrations, group outings, and social events. Reviewers have praised the venue's efforts to maintain hygiene standards, particularly during the pandemic, with thorough sanitization of the golf bays. Positive feedback also points to the friendly atmosphere and the variety of drinks offered at the bar, contributing to a lively, enjoyable setting. On the other hand, some negative reviews have mentioned occasional issues with service, particularly difficulties in obtaining timely assistance from wait staff during busy times, with recommendations to introduce call buttons for easier communication. There have also been concerns about cleanliness in some restroom facilities during visits. Despite these criticisms, most users agree that Drive Shack provides a fun and memorable experience, with many indicating a willingness to return. In summary, customer sentiment leans strongly positive with minor operational improvements suggested, primarily focused on enhancing service responsiveness and facility cleanliness to further elevate the overall experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dave Diamond
Overall great experience. Our server's name was Jay and she made it really exceptional. She was fast accurate and friendly. The technology worked really well even though the ball dispenser was a little slow. The games were enjoyable and the venue overall was really nice. I hope to get to do this many more times.
Greta E Mac
We celebrated my sons 25th bday. With family and friends, we gathered to eat, drink, and have fun. We also have celebrated other events there before and are never disappointed.
My Unoriginal Channel
Went to Drive Shack with a group of friends and Preston was amazing server. Our group was ordering large amounts of drinks and food he was super attentive and very friendly and sweet guy. can’t wait to go back to drive shack and get him again cause he made our experience 1,000 times better.
Mr. O
Was amazing. My family and I were greeted with a warm smile from our server Ahnesti. She made sure we had everything we needed was very polite and kid friendly, which is also a plus. It was our first time so she explained everything in detail and even offered suggestions of things to get from the menu. Can’t wait to come back!
Christopher Smith
My son and I had a great experience at Drive Shack today! The bays, food, and service were excellent! Pros - Plenty of bays and not a ton of people so we were able to reserve a bay an hour before showing up and the reservation was free. - Food was delicious! Had the mojo tacos and bananas foster empanadas. - Sarah, our server, kept our drinks filled and made sure we were taken care of! - They have kids clubs both handed for anybody’s needs. Cons - The tracking technology occasionally follows someone else’s ball - The targets are just surface level and rely only on the tracking technology to determine scoring. Overall, we had a great experience!
How to reach Drive Shack
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Website: None
Why Drive Shack may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Drive Shack with your friends? Drive Shack offers an unbeatable blend of fun, socializing, and active entertainment that makes it the ideal destination for groups seeking a memorable meetup. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying casual weekend plans, or just looking for a unique outing, Drive Shack brings everyone together with its high-energy atmosphere and accessible activities. The venue’s welcoming environment encourages friendly competition and laughter, making it easy to connect and share great moments with friends or family. The combination of interactive golf games, delicious food, and vibrant social spaces ensures that whether you’re an experienced golfer or a complete beginner, everyone can join in on the fun. Additionally, Drive Shack caters to a wide range of groups, from kids' parties to corporate team-building events, making it versatile for any meetup purpose. Equipped with modern technology, spacious facilities, and excellent service, Drive Shack transforms the traditional golf experience into an engaging social event that keeps the energy high and spirits lifted throughout your visit.
What activities can you enjoy at Drive Shack, and why is it perfect for group meetups? At Drive Shack, the main highlight is the technology-enhanced driving range that provides interactive and competitive golf games designed to entertain all skill levels. Players can participate in various game modes that track scores and add challenges, bringing both casual fun and serious competition to your friendly meetups. The facility usually features three stories of golf bays, allowing large groups to play simultaneously in a comfortable and spacious environment. Beyond golf, there’s a free-play arcade and lounge area where guests can relax or engage in other games, offering additional entertainment options if some group members prefer non-golf activities. Drive Shack also offers an upscale restaurant and bars—both central and outdoor—which provide extensive menus featuring great food and crafted drinks, perfect for socializing and refueling between rounds. This wide array of activities ensures that everyone in your group, regardless of age or interest, finds something enjoyable to participate in, making the place a hub of fun and interaction.
How does Drive Shack accommodate different group types and events? Drive Shack is designed to be an inclusive venue suitable for diverse gatherings, from casual meetups to larger celebrations. Whether you’re organizing a birthday party, a bachelorette event, a corporate team-building day, or simply a get-together with social groups, Drive Shack provides tailored packages and spaces that suit your needs. The venue has private event spaces, including rentable upper-level areas with outdoor terraces, perfect for hosting parties in a more intimate setting while still enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the whole facility. Their team is experienced in planning and managing events, ensuring smooth coordination and unforgettable experiences. Additionally, Drive Shack extends exclusive deals for groups such as veterans, educators, healthcare workers, and first responders, demonstrating a community-oriented spirit that enhances the welcoming feeling. This adaptability to various group sizes and purposes, combined with professional event support, makes Drive Shack an outstanding choice for any celebration or team gathering.
What makes the food and drink experience at Drive Shack special for meetups? The culinary and beverage offerings at Drive Shack complement its entertainment perfectly, making your group’s time there even more enjoyable and satisfying. With a full-service restaurant and bars on-site, guests can indulge in a diverse menu that appeals to a variety of tastes, from appetizers and shareable snacks to hearty meals. The presence of both a central bar and an outdoor bar means that socializing can continue seamlessly in multiple settings, whether indoors or under the open sky. The drink options are carefully curated to include cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, catering to all preferences and age ranges within your group. This thoughtful approach to dining ensures that during breaks from the games, your party can relax and catch up over delicious food and drinks, further enhancing the social aspect of your meetup. Drive Shack’s focus on quality and atmosphere in its food and drink services supports the overall mission of creating a fun and lively environment for groups to connect.
Why is Drive Shack’s location and facility design ideal for social gatherings? Drive Shack’s locations—such as the flagship facility in Lake Nona on a spacious 15-acre site combined with multiple other venues across the country—offer ample room and a well-thought-out layout that perfectly suits group activities. The flagship center in Lake Nona features a large three-story building with 57,000 square feet dedicated to golf bays, event spaces, lounges, and a restaurant. This design allows groups to spread out comfortably while still feeling connected to one another, whether competing on the bays or mingling in lounges. The outdoor terraces and bar areas give a vibrant, fresh-air option for gatherings, enhancing the ambiance with the natural environment. Additionally, the convenient locations with ample parking and easy access make arriving and departing with a group hassle-free. The facility’s modern, high-end design also provides an impressive backdrop for photos and memories, reinforcing Drive Shack’s role as the perfect venue for hosting social meetups that people will want to revisit again and again.
How does Drive Shack’s technology enhance the group experience? One of Drive Shack’s standout features is its use of innovative technology to turn traditional golf into a high-tech, interactive social experience. Each hitting bay uses sophisticated tracking and scoring systems that allow players to compete in real-time in various game modes tailored for fun, skill challenges, and team play. This technology adds a dynamic element of excitement, enabling groups to engage in friendly competition with immediate feedback and visually engaging displays. It helps beginners get involved without pressure, as the games can adapt to different skill levels. The technology also allows groups to track progress throughout an event, making the experience more immersive and memorable. This fusion of sport and technology encourages group interaction and bonding, transforming what could be a standard outing into a unique, shared adventure that merges entertainment with skill-building.
What customer services and amenities make Drive Shack exceptional for group meetups? Drive Shack prides itself on excellent customer service and a variety of amenities designed to support memorable group gatherings. Staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help with everything from game instructions to event planning, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. The venue offers easy booking systems for reserving bays or event spaces, providing convenience for group organizers and helping groups arrive with plans in place. Accessibility features and family-friendly policies make it easy to include all age groups, broadening the appeal for family reunions or mixed-age friend groups. Moreover, Drive Shack’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, and comfort ensures that guests can focus on fun without distractions. These service elements build confidence in hosting events at Drive Shack, reinforcing its reputation as a top choice for social meetups of all kinds.
How can you plan a successful group event at Drive Shack? Organizing a group meetup at Drive Shack is straightforward and enjoyable due to the venue’s dedicated support for events. Interested parties can access detailed event fact sheets and menu options online or by contacting the nearest location directly. This allows group leaders to customize the experience, choose game packages, arrange catering services, and select private or semi-private spaces depending on group size and preference. The venue’s staff collaborates closely with hosts to accommodate specific needs, whether that includes themed decorations, music, or unique challenges for team-building. Early planning is encouraged to ensure availability, especially on weekends or holiday seasons when demand is high. With professional event coordination combined with Drive Shack’s diverse attractions, hosts can confidently deliver an event that balances structured activities with free social time, guaranteeing that guests leave with lasting positive memories.
Where are Drive Shack locations and what are their operating hours? Drive Shack currently operates four main venues across the United States in Orlando, Richmond, Raleigh, and West Palm Beach. Each location offers slightly different hours but generally remains open from mid-morning or early afternoon until late at night, with extended weekend hours that open the door for both daytime and nighttime meetups. For example, the Richmond location is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to midnight, and Sunday 10 AM to 10 PM. Orlando’s venue opens later in the afternoon on weekdays but starts earlier on weekends. Seasonal adjustments occur around holidays, with some locations closing for Thanksgiving and Christmas or limiting hours on Christmas Eve. Knowing this schedule allows groups to plan visits that fit their preferences, whether for an afternoon outing, an evening celebration, or a late-night social gathering.
What makes Drive Shack stand out in the competitive golf entertainment industry? Drive Shack differentiates itself by merging high-quality golf technology with an all-encompassing entertainment experience, going beyond just hitting golf balls to offer a full social venue. Unlike traditional driving ranges, Drive Shack provides interactive gameplay through sophisticated scoring and game design, making golf accessible and engaging for everyone. Beyond the sport, its well-rounded amenities—including a restaurant, bars, lounges, arcade games, and event spaces—create a comprehensive entertainment package where fun extends off the bays and into social areas. While competitors shift toward indoor mini-golf concepts such as Puttery, Drive Shack maintains a unique focus on outdoor and semi-outdoor golfing within an experiential environment. This balance of sport, technology, and hospitality crafts an inviting space that appeals to groups wanting both competition and connection, confirming Drive Shack as a leader in modern golf entertainment.
Why is Drive Shack rated highly by its customers? With a strong rating of 4.6 based on nearly 7,500 reviews, Drive Shack’s high customer satisfaction reflects its successful combination of engaging activities, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers frequently praise the fun and inclusive environment, which caters to both novices and seasoned golfers, allowing groups to bond through gameplay. The quality of food and drinks, attentive staff, and clean, well-designed facilities also contribute heavily to positive experiences. The venue’s flexibility in hosting diverse events ensures that groups of all kinds feel welcomed and well served. This consistent excellence in guest experience explains why Drive Shack remains a popular destination for meetups, earning glowing testimonials that highlight memorable moments shared with friends and family. This strong endorsement from its visitors makes Drive Shack a reliably good choice for any group outing.