The Beehive's signature cocktails have a bit of throwback flair. (Photography by Sarah Chorey)
First Taste: The Beehive serves up happy hour with ritzy, throwback vibes
14 May 2018
If you like your happy hour spots to have a certain flair and funk, add The Beehive to your list of must-sip neighborhood watering holes.
From partners Phil West, Arnold Eric Wong, and Steve Werney—the team behind the sophisticated FiDi cocktail bar The Treasury—The Beehive is about all things fun and retro-glamorous.
Mad Men feels abound in the Floriana-designed interiors that exude mid-century modern style and over-the-top kitschy vibes. You could getting lost in the mirrored walls with glass overlay prints that glow from the sparkling Jonathan Adler Sputnik chandeliers; the quartz bar, with its red leather bumper, sets a throwback scene for ordering from 12 signature, innovative cocktails—concocted by lead bartender Emilio Salehi and Carlos Yturria—with ingredients that might puzzle even the most discerning of San Francisco drinkers. (Look for peanut-washed Bulleit bourbon and caramelized bananas in the Hound Dog; makrut leaf and yogurt in the Ipanema Gold; and a fruity orange "Beehive Tang" in a spiked slushy.)
There are also eight beers and 11 wines by the glass. The bottom line: You won't be going home thirsty.
Once you've worked your way through the liquid delights, the menu of playful small bites, devised by chef Byron Gee (formerly of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus) includes pigs-in-a-blanket, Swedish meatballs, a trio of deviled eggs, and savory cheese fondues.
(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
A new blue and gold honeycomb sign signals the entrance to the Mission's most whimsical new bar, in the space that was once home to Range.
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(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
The low-key lounge has ritzy vibes with moody blue seating and patterned mirrored walls. Seating 50 people, this space has its own bar and can be reserved for parties. Keep an eye out for a secret booth behind a velvet curtain—the Honeycomb Hideout seats four and can be reserved in advance.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
From left: the Bikini Drifter, and Ipanema Gold.
The real stars of The Beehive: the drinks! Get started with trademark bevvies like the purple-y Bikini Drifter (Havana Club Blanco rum, Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, coconut, pineapple, and a splash of Anchan Chamomile Falernum) or the Ipanema Gold (Avuá Amburana Cachaça rum, yogurt, lime, a hint of mango, and citrusy makrut leaves).
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Not your average pigs-in-a-blanket, these sausages are locally sourced and wrapped in a flaky, buttery croissant-like pastry and perfectly paired with tart Mendocino mustard.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Crispy fish slider, anyone? This deep-fried morsel in a buttery roll with slaw and tartar sauce hits the palate just right.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Why have one type of deviled egg when you can have three? Get some protein with the tempura, classic, and pickled deviled eggs. You also can't go wrong with a Thunderbird (far right) with passionfruit, tequila, lime, tonic, and Campari; or the namesake Beehive (center) with Botanist Gin, honey, ginger, lemon, and salt.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Fondue, please! These cheesy pots of goodness are unassumingly delicious. Opt for one of two variations: aged cheddar, piquillo pepper and mezcal, or Kaltbach cave aged cheese and saison. Each fondue is accompanied by potatoes, broccoli, and bread with optional add-ons of crudité, beef filet, or sausage. And, yes, there is chocolate fondue available if the mood should strike.
▲// The Beehive, 842 Valencia St. (MIssion), thebeehivesf.com
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