The Optimist

When someone talks about a frontier-style restaurant that has sophistication and class, it is hard not to laugh. From creaky floors to musty air, comes a perception of where "country cooking" should take place.  Who hasn't seen the restaurant with walls completely covered with random items ranging anywhere from crocodile heads with cowboy hats to sleds with no blades. 

However, the Abilene Beehive Restaurant and Saloon which opened nearly three weeks ago in downtown Abilene, breaks through that misconception.

From the outside, Beehives looks ordinary. Yet inside lies a classy, modern interior that still maintains an old-time feel from an Abilene long ago.  Instead of creaky floors and dusty walkways, elegant furniture and unique paintings can be found. The restaurant is separated into three dining sections, all dimly lit with comfortable dark-colored walls and ceilings.

Helping provide the unique country-theme were the menus. Designed to look like old Abilene Reporter-News, the menu is covered with articles covering the history of Abilene.  One article told a story of a young man being horsewhipped by his girlfriend on the sidewalk.  Another article explained how an ice warehouse was converted into a school, starting the Abilene school system. However, time spent reading the articles is time taken away from browsing the food on the menu (It took the waitress about three trips to finally get my order).

The owners of the downtown restaurant also own a similar restaurant in Albany.  That particular restaurant was named, at one time, Texas Monthly's "Best small-town steakhouse in Texas."  Needless to say, there steaks are pretty good. 
I must admit I didn't have a steak (I know, I'm sorry).  The burgers, however, are fantastic.  For most people, burgers are always a safe bet and are often relied on as a safety item.  If the first choice doesn't work out, here is always the burger.  In Beehive's case, the burger should be one of the first choices. The bacon cheeseburger has the perfect blend of seasoning and spice.  Instead of slapping meat on the bun, the burger is presented in a creative way.  The freshly cut fries were also delicious (each burger and sandwich comes with fresh cut fries).

Aside from burgers and sandwiches, Beehive offers seafood, chicken, steaks and a variety of vegetables.  Also, the second weekend of every month Beehive offers rack of lamb. 

While the burgers are moderately priced, the seafood, chicken and steaks can get pretty expensive, though steak restaurants are known to be pricey.  Steaks are all in the mid $20 range but the burgers are only about $7 (similar to Chili's).  The chicken and seafood options range anywhere from $11-18.  For the quality of Beehive, the prices are reasonable. 

Adding to the over-all enjoyment of the restaurant was the owner's interaction with the guests.  As he brought out food he warmly made his way to different tables, shaking hands and even hugging the guests.  After one guest received their beverage in a unique looking glass, the owner walked over and said the glass was a mason jar.  (Who wouldn't want to drink out of a mason jar?)

Also, the service was first-rate and the food didn't take long to prepare.  Though, the menu does point out the filet mignon needs 35 to 45 minutes to cook (Hey, look on the bright-side, the menu is great reading material). 

Overall, Beehive Restaurant is a friendly place to have a nice dinner with a date or with friends and family.

Abilene Beehive Restaurant and Saloon is open Tuesday through Friday.  Lunch hours are from 11a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  It is located downtown on 442 Cedar St.

E-mail Piersall at: tdp04a@acu.edu

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