The Beehive - not impressed and check your bill!

[maschkemd]

I went to The Beehive for brunch on Sunday and while the music was good but BOTH the food and the service were mediocre at best. We also found an error on our bill being overcharged a dinner/lunch menu price not the cheaper brunch price - and they weren't very nice about it. This is my second time at the Beehive and still I am not impressed. I would eat somewhere else and just go for the cocktails and the music.

[Bob Dobalina]

First time at Beehive - sat at the upstairs bar - was after work so reasonably quiet -
Bartender Sara was a pleasure.
Had the bourbon punch, Mount Gay and tonic, Rusty Nail and a goodly pour on an Oban - all very nicely done.
Split a half dozen oysters - very fresh, good flavor, properly shucked, not sure of the type - $15? Pricey, but when in Rome...
Also had the eggplant french bread pizza - really liked this - eggplant thin sliced, breaded and fried - think a jazzed up Stouffer's - two pieces for $11? Again, pricey, but good bar chow.
I enjoyed the place - it is a charming setting - but I can see how it could get out of hand by the end of the evening...

[penblow]

I would also like to add that the service is hands down the worst bar service I have ever encountered. It's as if I have to beg someone to get a beer. Upstairs bar wasn't even busy. Had to ask for a beer when the bartender was doing NOTHING. She put one finger in my face as a hold on. Walked away did NOTHING for 3 minutes then came back and asked me what I wanted. I only stuck around to acctually see what and how much worse she would be.. It got alot worse....... Been there 3 maybe 4 times.... Keeps getting worst... Bar service that is ... No thanks never again.. Keep my money.... Those bartenders are soo ooo ungrateful.

[vballgal]

Just to offer another perspective - I went in with three friends a few saturdays ago for a drink before then heading to another place (the new stephi's on tremont) for dinner and we had fabulous bar service at beehive. Very crowded (8pm on a Saturday) but one of the bartenders offered us drink menus right away and then returned in another minute or so to take our drink order and then immediately returned with our drinks - which were fabulous. I've never had dinner there but would definitely return for drinks at the bar!

[kristinayee]

A recent trip to Beehive for brunch was definitely disappointing. I've been for dinner before and had a good meal, but I'd never been for brunch. We'd looked at the menu online ahead of time and it looked promising. The food when delivered looked good as well, but when tasted, the dishes seemed to be lacking flavor.

The Poutine with Sunnyside Eggs sounded devilish. What could be better than gravy smothered cheese frites, topped with runny eggs? I normally am a big fan of Beehive's frites alone, so the dressed up version sounded amazing. But I should have known better - there really is nothing compared to the original Quebecois version; the Poutine was disappointing at best. The meat omelet of the day likewise sounded appealing - steak with horseradish ricotta, yum! Nope, no dice - the eggs needed salting. Never a good sign for a chef.

The saving graces of the day? The bloody mary. The rim of the glass was dusted with what tasted like Old Bay seasoning, which added a great amount of spiciness. It was topped with an olive and peperoncini, which were crunchy and fresh. The other saving grace was the Tomato and Farmhouse Cheddar Grilled Cheese. That was definitely yummy. Though a bloody mary with dinner isn't quite the same as a bloody mary with brunch, I'd skip brunch at Beehive next time and just order the bloody mary and grilled cheese for dinner, as both items are available off the evening menu.

www.thevitullos.blogspot.com

[Lizziefreshh]

Yep, the Beehive is a waste of time for brunch when there are so many other fabulous options nearby. We only went by default because we had foolishly neglected to make a reservation at Masa. It wasn't bad, it was just meh. It was also quite expensive in the grand scheme of things.

I do still get a kick out of the bar scene there - but brunch is just not their strength.

[MC Slim JB]

It is a funny bar scene. I was in a few nights ago: the guy to my right had his head down on the bar, sleeping; the guy to my left was stretched out across three chairs like he was sitting in a chaise longue. Talented bartenders as always, though.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Canadian Tuxedo]

I was hesitant to add on to this posting, but I just got back from drinks at the Beehive tonight. And I was reminded of this post because of my bill for two cocktails was also a separate check for 5 Jameson shots that someone next to me ordered well over 30 minutes before I cashed out. I of course pointed this out and they didn't charge me, but as busy as the Beehive was I find it hard to believe that earlier check just happened alongside mine. With more than 30 minutes difference I can only think they thought I wouldn't notice and pay for both my own check and the neighbor's.

[marilees]

I know my post is a bit late, but the same thing happened to me in the Fall where I was charged dinner prices during brunch...

[nightsky]

I've brought two visitors there and both times we loved the space and the music but the food and service were lacking. Now I'll know to scrutinize the bill, if I ever go back.

[leahmonique]

Next time try the pulled short rib grilled cheese at Beehive. Unlike the rest of the entire menu this is a definite must have! HUGE amounts of beef shortrib braised for hours topped with farmhouse chedder and fontina between 2 thick slices of grilled sour dough bread. It's honestly perfection at the downstairs bar on a cold winter night. Pair it up with a side of those frites (not really chips/not really fries) with sage. Big enough to share but you wont want to :)

[MC Slim JB]

That sandwich sounds great, but those so-called frites don't deserve the name. They're like thick-cut kettle-cooked potato chips. Not bad, but not frites.

[AnyaEssen]

I have only sat at the bar there and had Belgian beer and their very good frites (served w/sage). Never any issues with attitude or inaccuracy; perhaps the bar vibe is different from the restaurant service itself. Will make sure to check my frites-and-beer bill next time though!

[BostonCharles]

I've had good luck with the food there, but haven't been in a while. Thanks for the bill warnings

[MC Slim JB]

I encountered these same sort of shenanigans with the bill when they first opened 18 months ago: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/407345

Doesn't make you want to rush back, does it?