In a blithely bohemian fashion, the Beehive is comfortable being many things to many people. The restaurant/live music club/art gallery is a staple of the social scene in Boston.
Over the past eight years, the venue has catered to a trendy, upscale clientele, with its Best of Boston-winning jazz scene getting particular attention. It's also received accolades for Best of Boston pick-up bar and kid-friendly brunch - how's that for broad appeal?
The Beehive is on Tremont Street in the South End, tucked inside the Boston Center for the Arts complex. One of its most popular offerings is the weekend jazz brunch, a perfect setup to get the family out of the house—and yourself out of the kitchen—during the holidays.
The food blends traditional American comfort food with Middle Eastern and Eastern Europe influences. For instance, the popular “eggs shakshuka” stars two poached eggs over North African tomato stew and polenta, with Moroccan sausage available as an add-on.
Traditional brunch items are available — avocado toast, eggs Benedict, blueberry & ricotta pancakes — and lunch items include crispy calamari, “fall-off-the-bone” baby back ribs, the lamb burger, and a quinoa and baby beet salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts
The hive makes the holiday party a daytime affair with a creative cocktail menu, including the “Rise N’ Shine” with Milagro silver tequila, triple sec, lime, blood orange and basil; the “Milk Money” with Skyy vanilla, Kahlua, espresso, Nutella milk and cocoa; and Cocoa Pebbles, the “Queen Bee,” with Skyy Vodka, fresh grapefruit, elderflower and champagne. Or you can always go with the Bellini Bar, with your choice of blood orange, passion fruit or apricot “beeline” mixings. (Liquor is the difference between brunch and breakfast, right?)
The jazz music features a rotating lineup of musicians each week so take the opportunity to eat good food with family and friends, followed by a stroll through the South End.
Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069,
beehiveboston.com