Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Beehive
San Francisco, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A 1960s-themed cocktail bar in the Mission, The Beehive pours a tightly curated list of creative cocktails at $18, plus a highball program with premium spirits. The signature Beehive cocktail—Barr Hill gin, sarsaparilla honey ginger, lemon, soda—anchors a menu that balances nostalgia with modern technique. Wine and beer lists are modest but well-priced, and a 5% service fee supports employee benefits.
- What should I order?
- Start with the signature Beehive cocktail or the Blossom Dearie, a gin-based mix with sakura vermouth and Calvados. For something lighter, try a highball like the Hibiki Harmony or Westward Single Malt, served tall with a spear of ice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate era-themed menus and creative gin or tequila drinks will find plenty to like. Whiskey drinkers will appreciate the highball list, and those seeking a cozy, lively atmosphere with attentive service will feel at home.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are lively, making it a good spot for after-work drinks or a night out. The private lounge can host events for up to 50 guests, so it's also suitable for gatherings.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are uniformly $18, with one exception at $17. Highballs range from $12 to $20, and a 5% service fee is added to all checks. Wine by the glass runs $14-$17, and draught beer is $9.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The 1960s theme extends beyond décor to the cocktail menu, with drinks like the Thunderbird and Green Emanuelle evoking the era's spirit. The highball program, featuring premium spirits like Hibiki Harmony and Westward Single Malt, is a standout, and the bar has earned recognition from Imbibe Magazine.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Era-appropriate craft cocktails with creative ingredients and a signature 'The Beehive' drink. Highball list adds premium spirit options.
Menu strengths
- — Creative, era-themed cocktail menu with unique ingredients like sarsaparilla honey ginger and sakura vermouth.
- — Highballs served tall with a spear of ice, featuring premium spirits like Hibiki Harmony.
Standout selections
- — The Beehive: Barr Hill Gin, sarsaparilla honey ginger, lemon, soda – a signature with a balanced sweet-tart profile.
- — Blossom Dearie: Barr Hill Gin, Sakura Vermouth, Calvados, Maraschino, Peychauds – a complex, aromatic mix.
- — Thunderbird: Tequila, passionfruit, thyme, grapefruit, Italian bitter, lime, tonic – a refreshing, herbaceous option.
Pricing: Cocktails are $18 each, with one exception at $17; highballs range from $12 to $20.
Wine
A compact but diverse wine list covering sparkling, white, rosé, and red, with offerings from France, Italy, and New Zealand. Reasonably priced for a cocktail bar.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection covering multiple varietals and regions, including Crémant de Limoux and Aglianico.
- — Offers both by-the-glass and bottle options, with prices that are approachable.
Standout selections
- — J. Laurens Crémant de Limoux N/V – a sparkling option at $14/glass.
- — Mastroberardino Irpinia Aglianico 2019 – an Italian red that adds depth to the list.
Pricing: Wine by the glass $14-$17; bottles $56-$77.
Beer
A modest beer and cider selection with a mix of draught and packaged options. Includes local favorites like Ghost Town and Henhouse, with styles ranging from pilsner to hazy IPA.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles and formats, including draught, bottle, and can.
- — Features local breweries such as North Coast, Ghost Town, and Henhouse.
Standout selections
- — Ghost Town Brewing Hazy IPA – a local craft option on draught.
- — Fort Point Super Dry Cider – a crisp 16oz can at $10.
Pricing: Draught beers $9 each; bottles and cans $5-$10.
Spirits
The spirits program is showcased through a curated highball list featuring premium Japanese and American whiskies, plus vodka. Community notes a decent whiskey selection.
Standout selections
- — Hibiki Harmony Highball – a premium Japanese whisky highball at $20.
- — Westward Single Malt Highball – an American single malt at $19.
Pricing: Highballs range from $12 to $20; cocktail spirits vary.
How it sits with the food
The food menu includes snacks and sliders, which pair naturally with the cocktail list. The Beehive's sarsaparilla honey ginger notes would complement savory bites, while the Thunderbird's passionfruit and thyme could brighten richer dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.