Had a great time here on First Friday--$2 select draft was Foothills Pilsner and when that kicked, they switched it to something with "red" in the name. Both were good, and great deals considering what craft beers usually sells for. Their beer list is extensive and has plenty of unique offerings. I especially enjoyed how each beer was grouped by it's flavor profile (Malt, Hop, Session, Belgian Style, Vintage, etc) to help you along. Prices range from $4-$20+ (for some of their specialty beers that come in large bottles). The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a huge bar and a small seating/eating area. The walls are a pale yellow brick and with the crowds, buzz like a hive. Best part, the bar stools are pretty comfortable too. The only reason why I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is because I didn't get to try the food. I'll have to update again once I get a chance to sit down for dinner.
(4)
Anna S.
My husband is very hard to impress and he loved the busy bee. The orange buzz beverage at saturday brunch was perfect. he had the french toast and could not have been happier. we were also very satisfied with the price. we met another couple there and they were just as happy. The service was superb, young guy, 20's dark hair witha short beard. very friedly, knowledgable and never tried to rush us. A ten! We are plannng to go back next Saturday again.
(5)
Shannon P.
You should definitely buzz on over!! (pun intended) LOVE this place! Tonight was my first time here, and so sad that I haven't been here before now especially after catching a peek of their awesome outdoor patio upstairs...that would've been nice this summer..oh well, good thing the inside is just as awesome. It's an old building - not sure how old, but it has that row house appeal - long and narrow. Their menu is simple - a one pager with drinks on the back. We started out with the hummus appetizer which was very good. It even had a few crispy chick peas and sesame seeds on top for a little texture. I had the nightly special which was NC seared tuna on top of sauteed brussel sprouts, leeks, and squash with a balsalmic reduction...oh my is all I can say. This was like tuna 'comfort food' which sounds odd...but it was so tasty. I'm not sure I ever would've thought of pairing tuna with those fall veggies, but it was a hit. My husband, Rich had the fish tacos with a side of fried green tomatoes which were also very good. They have about 4-5 red and 4-5 white wines by the glass - which were good choices, nothing to 'run of the mill'. Their beer list is incredible. Rich had the pumKing draft which is the best pumpkin flavored beer I've EVER had...not too sweet and didn't have that fake taste that some flavored beverages tend to have. It was like a spicy winter pumpkin drink in a glass. The server was great - very chill and laid back. I love how non-pretentious this place is...it's just chill and no one's trying too hard here. Check it out!
(4)
Izabela B.
This was the last stop on our bar hop. Nice spot. Seems pretty average. Two of my friends had just broken up and were doing that unfortunate avoiding each other dance. My other friend wanted to sober up so she ordered a coffee. It was basically brown water. But that goes back to my new adage which states: order what the house does best, not what you want most. ("An adage ( /ædd/; Latin: adagium) is a short but memorable saying which holds some important fact of experience that is considered true by many people, or that has gained some credibility through its long use.") My new adage probably needs to be worded a little better, but it all boils down to the fact that you shouldn't order coffee at a beer bar in downtown Raleigh at 12:30am on a Sunday morning. Aside, Busy Bee seemed nice. My only real disappointment was that we didn't get to try the rooftop patio.
(3)
Marlene M.
The bacon jam burger is amazing. We ate in the main bar - loved the exposed brick walls. The service was great. There were a couple of minor problems that were immediately corrected. Will definitely come back here the next time I'm in Raleigh!
(4)
Amy B.
Stopped in here for a weekday lunch. I was most impressed by their 1) beer selection which I couldn't partake in because I had to return to work after lunch and 2) the kind and gracious service I got from the bartender. I ordered the burger with the jack cheese and fried green tomato, and it upset me greatly. Here's how it all shook out: Tots? swoon. jack cheese on a burger? nice fried green tomato on my burger? oh boy When it arrived, that burger looked like it had a little glowing aura around it, it was that lovely. The fried green tomato, so hard to execute, was perfectly coated in a thick, uniform layer of crunchy breading. Imagine my disappointment when I bit into it, and it was not a green tomato, but a half ripe, kinda pinkish-red tomato. Um, listen busybee. We need to talk. I know we just started seeing each other, but this isn't working for me. Just so you know, it's you, not me. Fried pink tomato. Let me say that again so it really sinks in--fried pink tomato. ARE YOU F'ING kidding me? Since many of you are probably not in the habit of eating half-ripe tomatoes, much less one that is cooked, let me tell you what it tasted like---it was mushy, and kinda tasted rotten. in fact, when I sent it back, I told the server that I think I might have actually gotten a tomato slice that was bad. He apologized and told me that they could make another one really fast. which they did. So my second one comes out, and it is another half-ripe slice that also tasted rotten. did i already say "ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME?" in this review, because I hate to repeat myself. I"m pretty sure the server told them what was up with the first one, so you'd think they'd go out of their way not to do it again. guess not. And another thing, why bother having the server ask me how I want my burger cooked if the kitchen clearly does not have skill or control when it comes to meat temperatures. "Medium" does not mean cooked to death, and dried into a little hockey puck. Anyway, as I mentioned, the server was really cool, and knocked some dough off my bill because of the debacle, but needless to say, i won't be back.
(1)
Adam A.
Food lacks in every dimension -- (maybe will be better if very drunk). Beer selection is good. Service was/is/will surely be glacially slow. That's right, slow even in a geologic time scale. I do like the walls and the floors, though. Very pretty bar.
(2)
Annie Z.
We worked with Rebecca for our wedding rehearsal dinner on October 19th at The Hive. From the very beginning to the end of the event, we were stress-free. We contacted her and received a response very quickly, as with all the correspondence. She set us up with a tasting since a lot of the main courses for catering are not on their regular menu. It was fantastic! The chef came out and spoke with us, told us to suggest anything we'd like or comment on what we might want to see done differently. We didn't change a thing about the menu they provided and were incredibly impressed on the night of. Decor, menu, beer, and staff were beyond fantastic. This was by far the best part of our wedding weekend and we couldn't be more happy!
(5)
Kevin J.
Busy Bee is a charming and uplifting venue with great specials like the butternut squash risotto. Had this with a side of tater tots. Food was brought out so quickly. We easily had been able to secure street parking nearby, and there is also a paid garage up the street that allows free parking on weekends to encourage a visit to this and other downtown Raleigh establishments. Found ourselves welcome and comfortable here, since seating does not seem to get at all cramped, even when the place is dubbed "busy."
(4)
Elisa P.
My daughter was recently married in the "Hive" upstairs at the Busy Bee and it was an amazing, perfect evening! I was so impressed with the service and the attention to detail they provided. The entire staff was just awesome and of course their food is wonderful! I would HIGHLY recommend this venue for any special occasion! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my daughters special day so perfect!
(5)
Tara H.
Actually at upStairs at the hive on the roof top. I have a thing for rooftop eating and drinking so it put me in a happy place right away! Drinks= good Food excellent! Fish taco's -second time good as the first-fried green tomatoes oh my how I love thee!!! Service- relaxed. Not super attentive but not in my way either (which i hate). I've always had good no make that great food here. Will for sure be headed back...and oh that rooftop. :)
(4)
M. K.
I've been wanting to dine here for awhile now and finally had the chance this past weekend. It wasn't as good as I anticipated, but it was good nonetheless. I have to say, I think I enjoyed the atmosphere of place more than I enjoyed the food. The ambiance and decor is really nice. I love exposed brick and I liked all the local art they had hanging on the wall. My bf ordered the chickpea and quinoa burger - which sounds much more exciting than it actually was. It was really dry, but it's cool they had a veggie burger option on the menu. I ordered the spinach salad that came with green beans, chick peas, roasted peppers and celery. I topped it with tofu - which comes fried btw (boo) - and a currant vinaigrette. While the food didn't wow my bf and I, my uncle ordered some fish tacos that he couldn't stop talking about for the remainder of the day. He said it was something that, if he lived in Raleigh, he might just have to eat everyday. And he definitely knows good food. So, while I didn't try them myself, I'd have to recommend the fish tacos - seemed to be the highlight of our visit!
(3)
Christie M.
We went here on Saturday for a late brunch - to sit outside on a lovely afternoon. I promptly went in and let someone know we were sitting outside. After sitting outside for at least 10 minutes, the table next to us, who were already there when we arrived - decided they would go back in to let someone know we were still waiting for menus. (they had also let them know they were there when they arrived - so the Waitstaff inside has now been told 3 times there are tables outside) After sitting there, ungreeted, for 20+ minutes, we went somewhere else. The table next to us, also left. I've worked in the food industry - and this boils down to poor management and really poor waitstaff. If you can't accommodate the tables outside, you shouldn't have them.
(1)
Laura S.
This is one of my favorite places to go downtown at night for a meal or just a drink. It manages to be somewhat upscale, but also very approachable. The atmosphere is warm. I love the exposed brick walls and hardwood floors and the loft seating area can be a great retreat when you just feel like people watching. The first time I went and saw tater tots on the menu, I was a little surprised to see such a homey item. You can get them either as a side to a sandwich, or as a larger portion side and they are great. The black and bleu burger is delicious and the fish tacos are always satisfying. Also yummy are the mac and cheese and the fried green tomatoes; both available as sides. Everything tastes fresh and portions are manageable. Hands down one of my favorite things about Busy Bee is their unique cocktail the Sting. Passionfruit vodka, lime, soda, cilantro and jalapeno combine to become a refreshing and spicy drink. Sipping that on their rooftop patio extension, The Hive, on a summer day is one of the better things in life.
(5)
Patricia P.
went for brunch, they had a brunch menu which consisted of : Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, A Tomato jam grilled cheese and Crab fritata. They were out of the grilled cheese. Wanted to order the Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, but did not for the fear that I would get tired of the flavor. I should have, I ordered the crab fritata and was dissapointed: it was luke warm and lacked in flavor. Should have ordered from the regular menu.
(3)
Jeff R.
I generally like more divey places. But since I was just passing through town, and with my family, ... we chose this place kind of randomly... It's nice, has exposed brick, lots of wood, and a vast array of amazing beers.... I found my new favorite beer here and I am from the Bay Area( arguably the capital of micro brews). The beer is Terrapin and I believe the brew was the Rye Pale Ale. I hear that their other brews are really good as well. They are out of Athens GA. It rivaled Pliny the Elder, and my other favorite, Lagunitas, IPA. On other observations...the artwork at Busy Bee on the wall was awesome. The food was okay, and the service was great.
(5)
Natalie J.
Great Beer Selection! Food can be inconsistent but the incredible bar staff tends to make up for it.
(4)
Garrison W.
Good food. Reasonable prices. Wonderful beer selection (at lunch so didn't try any unfortunately). Our server, Tony, was great and really nice to a family with small kids.
(5)
Don H.
The atmosphere is great - really good looking place. I had dinner there for the first time this weekend and the food was tasty and not overpriced. I got the Organic Chicken and was completely satisfied with it. Wide selection of drinks. Looking forward to getting back there.
(4)
Lara T.
We ate here back in March with a group of eleven, mostly out-of-towners (guests from D.C., New York, Ohio, Louisiana, and even London, England), and had the Busy Bee recommended to us for lunch by some locals. I checked the website before booking a reservation. The lunch menu on the site looked fantastic. Unfortunately, once we arrived (at 1pm) the menu we were given was a tiny "brunch" menu. Although the website says they serve "breakfast, lunch and dinner", they apparently serve no lunch. Only "brunch" until 4pm (website now says 12-3 for brunch and 12-5 for lunch). I suppose someone missed that brunch is a meal between breakfast and lunch. Anyway, we all ordered and found that the meals were as tiny as the menu. For example, four silver dollar pancakes (literally the equivalent of about one regular sized pancake) with three strips of bacon was $10, and a cheap flank steak with two eggs and nothing else was $12. The prices were just absurd, and the food was hit and miss. My fried green tomatoes were greasy and the Eggs Benedict upset my boyfriend's stomach. Others in our group enjoyed their meals, though most agreed that the prices were too high. The atmosphere was great (nice seating, a huge coffee bar, and fantastic art on the walls), but the service was not up to par at all. Despite it being very slow, drinks went empty and stayed empty more than once. In the end, no one in the group was pleased. Overall, it was a complete disappointment and I was ashamed to have taken friends to eat there. Be guaranteed none of us will ever be back, at least not for food. The only reason I gave it two stars, instead of one, is because those who got coffee were very impressed. If you're in it for the liquid, it seems to be a great spot. Anything solid, you're wasting your money.
(2)
C M.
I've have eaten here a few times because my wife is a big fan. The Busy Bee Cafe is a stretch at three stars. Let's just say I won't dissuade anyone from eating here. I think the menu had quality options beyond the usual pub grub. The food also tasted pretty good. One of the draws of the BBC is that it has an open-air back deck where you can sit outside and see...well...the Raleigh skyline? If I remember correctly, the prices are slightly above average. I think they tend toward not-worth-the-price because you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)
Jessie R.
why are there not half stars? yelp, please! Because, 3.5 is really more where this was at. Awesome bartender - I love when a bartender offers to mix you something up to suit you. It was like a mojito pimms cup and I was way into it. Atmosphere is awesome, really cool, I loved the huge honeycomb pattern on the wall and the bar was so long and never-ending. But the food was so over salted I could barely eat my salad. And I LOVE salt. My boyfriend thinks my love of salt is going to kill me. And the fried green tomatoes were over salted as well. But I'd totally go back for the bar, just not for the bar food.
(4)
Aggie D.
Mac and cheese so good I ate there twice in 24 hours during Hopscotch, and an incredible beer menu.
(5)
Kelly H.
First, the good: The Busy Bee has an excellent drink menu. I'm a wine snob, and I've been quite happy with their smaller yet delicious selection. They have an extensive selection of beers, and their mixed drinks are delicious and creative. The Tia Maria dessert is AMAZING, and has brought me back there many times after dinner someplace else downtown. The bad: With the exception of the tots, the food is overpriced for average or disappointing fare. I was a fan of the mac and cheese, but the quality seems to have gone downhill, and the last two times I've ordered it it has been cold when served. It's too bad, because it did have a nice flavor, but I would prefer the dish to be served hot. The fish tacos were lacking in flavor, and the portabella sandwich wasn't anything special. Last night I ordered the tofu dish, which wasn't quite what I was expecting. While cooked well, the cubes of tofu were breaded and fried, and it was more what I would expect to eat at the state fair than in a downtown restaurant. I was told they were out of tuna, which knocked two dishes off of an already short menu (for pescatarians). The ugly: Last night when I got my second glass of wine, there was lipstick all over the glass. Yuck! It took awhile to flag down the waitress, but I will say that when I got her attention, she was very nice and prompt about bringing me a new glass. I'll keep going back there and hoping to get a hit with their regularly disappointing menu dishes so I can keep drinking their wine and eating their tots and cake. If the kitchen/menu improves, the Busy Bee has the potential to be one of my favorite places in Raleigh.
(3)
Jon B.
This is one of my favorite places to get a burger. Having tater tots as a side definitely gives them an edge. While I don't usually stray from the tots, the mac and cheese is also really tasty. The beer selection tends to lean towards the eclectic side, but is always good. The atmosphere is great, and on nice days the patio aka The Hive is terrific.
(5)
Ryan R.
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!! That's how I felt when I last left the Busy Bee in downtown Raleigh. 'twas not a beer buzz, just the natural high of a satisfying meal with good company in a fun atmosphere. If you are a fan of downtown Raleigh (raises hand) and you like great beer and interesting food (raises other hand), then here ya go. The place doubles as an espresso bar/coffee shop in the mornings, but I have yet to experience that aspect of the place. On to the fun stuff...We had the calamari and hummus for appetizers. Very fresh! For dinner I had the chicken sandwich with pear, honey and some other delicious toppings I don't recall at the moment. Needless to say, it was actually an interesting chicken sandwich. The beer selection is what it's all about here and they usually have something very unique available. We had barrel-aged Hoppyum IPA, which blew us away. The vibe here is also worthy of mention: City cedar is what I refer to it as....lots of wood, cozy lighting and brick/mortar. Haven't been upstairs yet. Hell, I haven't made it past the first 5 barstools in my 2 visits. What a phenomenal place to drink beer and, I assume, to get your morning caffeine kick! Oh and they sell growlers of beer to take home: How sweeeeeet it is...
(4)
Kelly G.
I've been a fan of the Busy Bee pretty much since it opened - consistently excellent food, great atmosphere, and an extensive beer menu. What more? Well, last month the Busy Bee Cafe was the venue for our wedding and reception. I can't say enough about what a positive, easy experience it was working with Rebecca and the staff at the Bee. If you have ever planned a wedding, you know there are headaches and snags along the way - no matter what, it just happens. We ran into that with pretty much each vendor we used except for the Bee. Each and every contact with Rebecca put us completely at ease. And she/they delivered! Our special day was everything we had imagined, even better, and was beautiful. Our guests gushed over the food, what a lovely venue, and how comfortable it was. We served a southern style brunch which included scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast, shrimp & grits, collards, tater tots and biscuits & jam. It was superb. The servers were fabulous. Rebecca was fabulous. The Busy Bee was fabulous. And guess what, because of that our wedding was fabulous! A huge thank you to Rebecca and everyone at the Busy Bee Cafe!
(5)
Amanda D.
I've now spent time on every level of Busy Bee and have nary a bad word to say about it. Their beer selection is also one of the best in the city. Be sure to check their events calendar because your favorite craft brewer might be having an event there soon! The bar downstairs is monstrous and the bartenders are nice and attentive, even on nights that patrons are 3 deep. The mezzanine is GREAT for parties and the waitstaff has no qualms about going up and down the stairs a bajillion times. The Hive is okay, but you have to want to get sweaty and close to strangers. (Don't bother trying to engage the DJ, though - he's a dick.) And last, but certainly not least, the roof top. Service out here can get slow on a busy night, but don't let it keep you from coming back on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to drink the day away in the sunshine, sipping Queen Bees and vodka tonics until dark.
(5)
Erin W.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Busy Bee yet! Man, I love this place. The space has three levels. The ground floor has a nook of sorts in front - which is a great area to grab a cocktail with a group or chill with a book solo. The rest of the ground floor contains the main dining area which runs along the loooong bar. Above that is a little loft dining area and even beyond that, on the other side of the wardrobe, through the looking glass, and up some stairs is the rooftop patio and the Hive - which are by far my favorite areas. The Hive itself is more of an intimate club setting. They have DJs throughout the week and the bartenders and the cocktail magic they work are among some of the best I've run into in Raleigh. I mean...The Sting, people...if you've had one you know what I mean... This is one of those places where you can tell it really means a lot to the owners and servers just to be open and serving downtown Raleigh. And that's a place I can stand behind.
(4)
Karen H.
This is a great place to have a party or event. The upper level bar and outside patio is really wonderful and they do a great job with appetizers!
(5)
Francine W.
I like the vibe of this place but I went here for the first time today and the service was terrible and the food was ok but nothing special at all. It took us a LONG time to get waters and we had to ask several times for simple things. Some of the food arrived quite cold. However, they seemed to be short staffed. Our waitress had to man many tables so I'm sure it was difficult. To their defense, the owner did listen to our complaints and apologized and he seemed willing to take suggestions. I really want to see this place be successful and I think with some more experiences waiters/waitresses and some more staff, it could be great. Nice vibe though!
(2)
Chuck W.
Came here and took over the upstairs as part of a late-night after wedding party, and they couldn't have been more gracious. Especially since we were playing some sort of loud game that involved banging quarters on tables. In any case, they had some really great drinks, and I enjoyed their snacks as well - hello, tater tots. I'll have fond memories of this place!
Love this hip little spot! The food is tasty, the vibe is great, and I love "The Sting" (one of the signature drinks served at Busy Bee.) I've been twice now, and enjoyed myself both times. The first time I went earlier in the evening with some girlfriends on a weeknight. We sat downstairs, it wasn't loud but was still upbeat. I had The Sting, and an awesome salad (with Goat Cheese!) The second time I went for a friend's birthday and we sat upstairs, at 8:00 on a Friday night. Totally different feel! The place was hoppin'! A little loud, but still really fun. Great beer, and I tried the hummus. Tasty. Highly recommend for a lunch with the girls, or a great place to start your night out on the town!
(4)
Lee B.
I stopped in here with some friends on Friday night and we were seated promptly. The staff is nice but seemed overwhelmed. The three of us ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer which were ok. I ordered the Tom and Jack burger (cheeseburger with pepperjack and fried green tomato on top). The burger was burned on the edges (charcoal) and not particularly tasty. The side of macaroni and cheese was the best part of the meal. One of my friends also ordered the Tom and Jack and was unable to finish the burger because it was burned on the outside and rare on the inside. The staff and manager were very apologetic but my friend was pretty much over it. The interior of the restaurant was very nice and clean. The staff was friendly and accommodating but the food was not good. I'm not certain I'll try this place again.
(2)
Kyu J.
This place has a very inviting and hip feel to it. The brick wall on one side, the upstairs seating that leads out to balcony seating, which then leads to the upstairs bar called "The Hive". The colors and art on the walls are fantastic, too! The food is creative and spec-tac-ular! SO good. So so good. My favorite is the innovative bruschetta made from large croutons, a dollop of goat cheese, beets, and a few orange slices. I've gone several times with my beloved boyfriend. We've chosen this as our future spot to have a drink, snack, and good productive discussions (the atmosphere is great!!). I also took my sister and her 3 year old here for a few healthy and delicious meals (when they visited) . My sister is a fantastic cook in creating healthy meals with tofu, fruits, veggies... and her 3 year old now craves these things. :D So Busy Bee fit perfectly into their regimen. The drinks are very deliciously creative too - the Sting is definitely one to try! The beer selection is divine, as well... They really choose great tastes in everything. I would also like to applaud the staff. They are very friendly, very informative and helpful, and the bartenders really know how to make your drinks taste just right. OH! Love it!
(5)
Arch S.
What a fun place! We went there on a Friday night and, while they were packed, the service was prompt and efficient, spot on! We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Robert B.
Mac and cheese is excellent. We also have had burgers, soft shelled crab, and shrimp po boy here. All of them were great served hot and fresh. The best part about Busy Bee is the roof top outdoor seating for when it is nice out. The beer selection is pretty good and they also have an excellent sangria.
(4)
Edward A.
The Hummus was the worst I've ever had... was it hummus, or just unseasoned ground chickpeas? Super bland, and certainly not fresh. That's all we had though, so I can't say much more about the place.
(2)
Shannon D.
We stopped in for a mid-afternoon late lunch and it wasn't packed. The staff was wonderful and the food was delicious. I had the bleu cheese burger with a side of mac and cheese. Yummy! I could tell it was good mac and cheese (made from a mixture of actual cheeses). My husband had the veggie burger with a side of fried green tomatoes. I have had fried green tomatoes before and didn't like them but these were great. We got the Tia Maria cake to go and it was amazing. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Dan R.
Great beer, great service, great atmosphere, good food... I've made it out to Busy Bee several times now and have to say that I'm really beginning to like the place. The service has always been top notch and the atmosphere is quite cozy. It's great for hanging out with a small group of friends while enjoying a beer or two, more on the beer in a minute! I've only been in for a proper dinner once and did so with a couple of friends. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits and my friends ordered the Fish Tacos and the Organic Chicken. My initial impression... the portion size was a bit small... but I found that I was full after I finished it. So it could be that I'm just accustom so seeing the super-sized portions that are served at most restaurants... The dish was pretty good and while i can honestly say I have had a tastier version of this southern dish elsewhere, I can definitely say that it holds its own. My friends were both pleased with both the Fish Tacos and Organic Chicken. If you are looking for an appetizer try the loaded tots! I've stopped by for drinks several time and while Busy Bee may not have a long list of the "usuals" on tap, what they do offer on tap is craft brew goodness! Their on-tap selection rotates and usually include a beer or two that was specially made for them. So if you enjoy the different "tastes" of beer and want to try something new and different then definitely swing in and see what's on tap!
(4)
Crystal L.
Busy Bee is usually always weekend stop whether for food, drinks, or both. The fish tacos are great as are most of the appetizers. The staff and service are always wonderful no matter how busy.
(5)
Tom S.
The Busy Bee has become one of my favorite spots to head out to in downtown Raleigh. The chef they have is consistent with the quality of food he sends out from the kitchen. The burgers (the shepherds pie burger that's on special from time to time is a game changer), a salads and large plate entrees are all well crafted and cooked to perfection. They also have some great side options. The beer selection is top notch, from local brews to micro brews around the country, and very reasonably priced. The bar staff is very knowledgeable, just give them the flavors you like, and you're guaranteed to get a great pint. Atmosphere is great as well. While I'm not a huge fan of The Hive late night crowd, it's easily avoidable during the summer time by sneaking out to the deck and grabbing a table. If you haven't been, you're missing out.
(5)
Becca M.
Okay. Just okay. I ordered a Carmeletto which was delicious. But the problem was I wanted a beer. But I'm not a beer snob, and I don't like paying $5 plus to try a beer that I probably won't like. My boyfriend, however, loved it. I just want a plain old miller lite. Now if they only had these specialty beers it wouldn't be a big deal. But somewhere on the bottom of the list I come across Miller High Life. REALLY?! That just made me angry, you have this impressive list of snobby beers, and then one of (if not THE) worst beer ever. So I drank coffee, while everyone else enjoyed a brew. My friend did order loaded tots, which were awesome. but i'm sticking with three stars for the miller high life joke they played on me.
(3)
Erica P.
I must say this is one of my favorite places in Raleigh at the moment. It's nice that someone has brought a Raleigh mainstay back to the forefront. There's a lot of history with this place (which you can see in the pictures hanging on the walls). I love everything about it. The decor is nice, the people are great, and the food & drinks are delicious. YOU MUST HAVE THE TATOR TOTS...that's all I'll say!!! It's nice to have more choices in Raleigh these days. The Bee has a great selection of beers and cocktails for those looking to step out the box and try something new. The upstairs (The Hive) is my usual spot on a Saturday night. The music is always good whether it's live or by a DJ. You can't say no to a $2 Miller High Life! Way to stay classy :-)
(4)
Melodie S.
A solid 4. Great location, the service was attentive and professional. Fried Green Tomatoes: Average. Shrimp & Grits: Average. Thai Curry: Average. Nothing we ordered blew us away, but everything was good, fresh and hot. They should probably lose the tiny little bowls they serve everything (even the tomatoes) in. Makes for a complicated, painstaking process getting food from plate to mouth and doesn't present well. We'll be back for another try, though. The upstairs (The Hive) plays live tunes most nights. Extremely cool setup for a mellow night out.
(4)
Susan W.
One of my favorite places downtown since it opened. The downstairs has a barista bar when you walk in, beautiful rich wood flooring, nice bar to hang out and sample the great selection of beers. Upstairs has a rooftop bar that is always full in the summer and another bar to get the nightlife going. You have to have the mac and cheese and the tater tots. They are fantastic! My favorite burger so far has been the one with fried green tomato - delish!
(4)
Stephen H.
Awesome selection of beer. I'd recommend the fish tacos. If you get the fried green tomatoes side be sure to ask for a side of roasted red tomato sauce for dipping. Our waitress Rachel was very nice too and was very helpful!
(4)
Keri G.
We did Busy Bee for our after work Ladies Night. I love the rooftop. Its small and quant. The food is always great. I'm not crazy about the after hours seen but it is somewhere that I love to go for a quick bite and drinks after work.
(4)
Anne-Marie B.
It's a shame I had to travel all the way to North Carolina to finally try fried chicken and waffles for the first time in my life. Actually, not really. This was an altogether wonderful experience. We stopped by The Fox for a cocktail or 3 and couldn't figure out what all the noise was above us...and then we discovered Busy Bee (after a quick dance party at The Hive, of course). I loved the massive windows, great for people-watching, and just the overall ambiance of this place. Then there was the mac n cheese. Holy cow. It's like a square of heaven on a plate, baked with all things right in this world...cheese...spicy things...probably some love... I expected the fried chicken and waffles to come with syrup (cause that's how we do it back where I come from), but I was pleasantly surprised with a side of honey instead. YUM! This'll easily be on my list of places to frequent if I find myself back up around Raleigh.
(5)
Parrish R.
Food is ok at best but the burger didn't have the texture of real meat and had absolutely no flavor.
(2)
Gene S.
Good food. Bad service. Apparently cutting fruit is more important than checking on your customers.
(2)
Marielle T.
Finally got to check out busy bee! My decision on where to go downtown was DONE as soon as I saw they had one of my favorite brews on tap from wicked weed brewing in Asheville! The layout is really cool and kind of maze-like, the service was awesome, & the menu looked like it had a good number of options. Ended up only getting the calamari with seasoned tomatoes & banana peppers- but this surprisingly added a nice spice and some unique flavors! Service was awesome from the minute I walked in to waiting for an outside table to open up to the server being attentive and going out of her way to allow me to sample a couple of beers that I was torn between- which I'm glad I did because one of the beers was not my forte! A couple of the other stuff (checking on us or bussing a table for us were all so sweet with a very positive attitude!) Atmosphere was relaxed, inviting, & casual. Definitely going back as soon as the weather calms down.
(4)
Lydia A.
This review is for the bar/drinks. It'd be silly to mark down a place I know isn't veg for not catering to my dietary choices (that said: I eat here frequently! Just salads with mods and/or naked tater tots). Come here for BEER. Their menu is ever-changing and seasonal and it is fantastic. Great mix of IPAs, DIPAs, witbiers, kolschs, sour beer, etc...and always some hard-to-find unique or seasonal favors! Busy Bee features lots of NC breweries, but they aren't afraid to cast the net wide to bring the best to Raleigh. I find a lot of new favorites here, and they are always willing to give you a couple oz to taste before you buy (you know how some places are like, "here! Try this, it dripped off the tap. It's there in the bottom of the glass...if you squint." Not here. You get a nice-sized portion so you can actually taste the beer). Plenty of bar seating, plenty of seat-yourself tables downstairs and upstairs, and a rooftop patio. So much less crowded than Raleigh Times, and better beer selection, too. The patio has heaters in the winter and big umbrellas for the summer sun. So, again. BEER. Cocktails and wine? Not so much. If you're with a group and some of them are staunchly anti-beer but pro fancy cocktail? You won't get that here. They have cocktails, but unless it's something simple like a jack and coke or vodka soda (and be sure to specify soda, not tonic---for some reason that mixup seems to be a common one here), you will be disappointed,
(4)
Kurt H.
I have revisited the Bee for the much-vaunted brunch option, twice. I had heard that it was something to be experienced, and it very much was. Took my brother and sister-in-law, and one of my oldest friends. They all had a blast. The specialty drinks were spot on, and the brunch options were filling and tasty. Great, unobtrusive service was a good part of each meal. Beautiful, fresh produce and perfect portions were the hallmark of our visits. The only down spot was the continual slide (or incline) toward 12oz. pours at $6.50 and up. The selections those days were definitely above average, and unique. I understand we aren't drinking Bud Lite here, but even I can cost out a keg. At those pours and those prices, they're making my visits more rare, as opposed to a casual drop in. Again, I dropped north of $125, and I am a customer that can afford to, regularly. For the love of beer, cut your prices a bit or give me a pint for that $7, and watch the revenues increase.
(4)
Robert B.
I really like this place they have very good food and an excellent beer selection. I think they are one of the better bar establishments in downtown Raleigh. Always sit at the bar and service is very good and barkeeps know their beer. So why only the 3 stars you wonder. Well in addition to the good food they have a very nice brunch. However they screw it up by having this crazy ass blaring DJ so you cannot even hear the person next to you yell in your ear. This is what I want on a Sunday sipping on a brewski or Mimosa after a night out so NOT! Other than that love the place.
(3)
Jane S.
If your going to go, plan on a LONG lunch and plenty of patience. I really love their food but absolutely HATE their service. From the moment I was introduced to this restaurant, I've been in love. I love the decor, the atmosphere, the drinks, the food. However, unfortunately, not their service. I continually keep trying to visit thinking maybe last time was a fluke, but they continually disappoint and aggravate. My boyfriend and I visited today for lunch. Initially I had hopes, I walked in and there were only 4 small tables of people and 3 people at the bar, most already had their meals. I sat down at a table and after 15 minutes of being countlessly looked at but never even once approached, we relocated to the bar, in hopes we would have better luck. Once at the bar, the server who had been watching us at the table, assisted us immediately taking our drink orders and food since we already knew what we wanted. We ordered 2 wraps with tots. Awesome. At this point, I have to admit, I was surprised he didn't ask if everything was ok or acknowledge their neglect to serve us which caused our relocation. However, more excited that things were looking up and we were finally able to order. We waited for almost 45 minutes before I finally had to ask the server if our order was almost ready since it was almost time to return to work. Unfortunately, I had to rudely interrupt his conversation since the entire wait staff was directing their attention to a friend at the end of the bar the whole time we sat, waiting. By the time we left, there was only 1 table left, I'm not sure if the lack of service was due to the wait staff not being able to handle the massive amount of 3 tables. Or perhaps, it was the excitement of having a friend in the building since they were all huddled at the end of the bar chatting with them. I'm not sure. What I am sure of, is the absolute disappointment. I love this place, I would love nothing more than to make this my usually spot. However, when an hour lunch isn't enough time to even be served a sandwich, I'm not sure my time budget will allow for their food prep/conversation/distracted time requirements to warm chicken, wrap it in a tortilla with some lettuce and fry a few tots. Additionally, the growing amount of aggravation watching my lunch hour slipping away, while they chit chat and walk around aimlessly was not worth the food that was spoiled by the ill feelings. By the time my food actually appeared, I was forced to request a box knowing there just wasn't' any time left to eat and not be late. My boyfriend was so hungry he attempted to scarf down his sandwich that fell all over and was already feeling indigestion on the way back. I love this place but the lack of customer service and care leaves me wanting to give a place that should receive 5 stars, only 2. Lunch is supposed to be a time to break away from the stress. When I come back to the office worse off, that equals complete and utter disappointment, what a shame for a place with so much potential.
(2)
Calvin Y.
Here are the things I like about Busy Bee: + Lots of beer on tap -- prices depend on what you order. + When you try to get something funky, the bar tender lets you try it first. Actually, he insists on you trying it first before he gives you a whole pint. This is for good reason -- I tried ordering a sour beer with cherry flavor and luckily he made me try it first! It tasted like cough syrup. + They are close to the IMAX at Marbles -- so a nice place to hang out before a movie. They change out their taps weekly, we happened to come in on a Wednesday night where a few of their taps were empty or near-empty.
(5)
Lori R.
Had my first Busy Bee experience this past Saturday for lunch, and even if there wasn't food, this place would rate 4-stars just for the beer selection! YUM, and they brought a couple samples for each of us to help us narrow our choices (which only made it harder cause we liked ALL of them). Food-wise, I will say that I wasn't thrilled with the small menu. However, if you go knowing that your choices are pretty much burgers, a few other sandwiches or a couple salads, then you'll be okay if one of them sounds good. I wasn't in a burger mood, so I went with their fish tacos, with a side salad. Husband went with a burger and tater tots, and Dad went with a burger and cous cous. Love that they have some great "side" options. My fish tacos were certainly filling and tasty. Only complaint was that the delicate and perfectly-cooked fish when topped with the cold toppings, was therefore cold to eat. My suggestion would be to serve it with the toppings on the side, perhaps? Tasted good, but would have been so much better if the fish was hot. Husband was very happy with his burger and tater tots. He disagreed with a previous poster that they were Oreida. (and he's had enough experience to know)...he was happy with his tots. Dad liked the cous cous but his burger that he ordered "pink" was way overcooked. When our server checked on us, he expressed his concern, and immediately his plate was whisked away, only to be completely replaced by a fresh one that included a pink, juicy burger that he was happy with. Am looking forward to going back and trying their burgers with another great beer!
(4)
Faith M.
Went there for lunch on a Saturday. Sat at a table that had not been cleared to snag a table since it is seat yourself. They cleared the table but did not clean it. Finally used a napkin to clean it. I ordered the crab hash. If I had not know it had crab, I would not have even tasted it. I found maybe a tablespoon of crab in the entire dish. The dish was also swimming in oil and there was probably a 1/4 cup of oil in the bottom of the bowl.
(1)
Annmarie M.
Great beer selection at reasonable prices. Often really crowded and a bit hard to get a seat though. Food is pretty good, too. Rooftop patio is great if you can get a seat.
(4)
Stan T.
Mixed reviews. The first time I ate lunch we had a really good experience. I can attest the food is fresh and delicious. Salads and mac and cheese are wonderful. The second time we "ate" at Busy bee we had a horrible experience. We were seated up on the loft. Our waiter took our drinks order and never returned. We walked out. He was too concerned about another table with 12 people. I guess that tip would have been larger. Sad thing is the place was not busy at all, all he needed to do was ask another waiter to take over. We went down the street to the Burger joint. I won't be back. I did speak to the waiter on the way out and he said sorry I had a large table. Nice excuse!
(2)
Christina G.
3.5 stars. I recommend the beer and maybe a light bite. But not a full dinner. We've been sitting on a $50 gift card to Busy Bee that we won in an auction, and were excited to finally have a food-and-drink fest between the two of us to spend it all. Hard to believe I've only ever enjoyed craft beer, and the occasional cocktail or tater tot from Busy Bee, in the past. We started with hummus... the worst item of the evening. It was a TON of hummus, served with plenty of pita points. But it was grainy mashed bean with no flavor. No kiss of garlic, or herby goodness. And not whipped and creamy and spreadable. I got the empanadas and mac n' cheese together as my entree. The empanadas... uggh. They had a dry, odd over-processed pork(?) filling. The best part was the grated cheese on top; but there wasn't enough of it to complement (mask?) the rest. The mac n cheese, thankfully, was good. A hearty portion, and very creamy. But I asked to add the bacon topping, and it instead came with grilled chicken. The server didn't notice. When I pointed it out, he did ask if I wanted a side of bacon. Phil got the shrimp and grits, which he enjoys at a few other area establishments, and thought the version here was comparable. I don't know.... for dinner, it was crowded, loud, and not incredibly tasty. I'd have to recommend elsewhere in Raleigh. For beer, there's always something unique on tap, and they have some of the coolest events in town -- it'll be one of your bets for beer.
(3)
Jaimey H.
***My 100th Review!!!*** A friend and I came here for lunch, and I absolutely fell in love with this place! I've never been to this part of downtown Raleigh and I can't wait to go back and explore the surrounding bars and restaurants. Busy Bee is a well known watering whole and late-night spot in Raleigh, so when we came just shortly after the typical lunch hour I knew it was going to be dead. But we had a really great waitress who was extra helpful in helping my friend select his beer. I choose not to drink (shocker I know), but I did indulge in their tater tots; and I'm so glad that I did. Those tots were amazing and of course I got them loaded with cheese and sour cream. I also ordered the bleu cheese burger which was done to perfection. We were so stuffed, my friend and I had to walk around downtown just so we could erase the guilt of pigging out. I will definitely be coming back to the Bee (as the cool kids call it) and hopefully it will be late at night so I can really get the true feel of the place.
(4)
stacy W.
When I moved to North Carolina I wanted to leave behind two things: DC Traffic and DC Dbags. They've both relocated to this bar. The gin and tonic i ordered was worth of being smashed on the floor - A Beefeater and Tonic means a BEEFEATER and tonic - not bottom shelf gin! Needless to say, after waiting for many minutes behind a mass of relocated DC idiots (granted there may have been a few locals - but i doubt it, this place reminded me of adams morgan) to get a bad drink - i left.
(1)
Melissa D.
Okay so I'll give busy bee props for the slammin tater tot contoction they serve and the fact that their food is reasonably priced. However.... The majority of the staff needs to check their attitudes. Yes busy bee is a bar but it does have families with children in tow who frequent the establishment often. My husband and I were here for a mid-day snack and our infant son needed a diaper change. Granted all places do not have changing tables in their restrooms, I get it. When I had asked where I can change my son and if I can go upstairs where NoONE was sitting to change him quickly because there was no changing table in the bathroom, the staff acted as if I was asking them them to walk on water and that "people usually change their children on a chair in the bathroom and its never been an issue before" (insert rolling eyes). My question is.. Have you ever changed an kid on a restaurant chair in a two stall bathroom with a door slamming you in your back everytime someone came in while trying to keep the kid from rolling off the chair and having the adjacent sink water spray in his face when someone would wash their hands... NOT FUN! I'm done with you busy bee. Didn't appreciate the attitudes and although most of your food is decent its not worth the aggravation.
(1)
Santana D.
I love the Spirit of this place its cute, and trendy, and hip and who doesnt love bees....everytime I come here (with the expeptions of holidays when its terribly crowded). I have always had a wonderful time, the waitstaff as well as the people The Busy Bee attracts is right up my alley their social, charming, charismatic, and bubbly...which is very important in a place who is always a headliner for changing the face of downtown into the lively location that I know deep inside it is. Now down to business..... The Sting is hands down my favorite drinks possible in all of raleigh its spicy, and sweet and cool and tropical all in one nice little package. I honestly cant say I have ever had anything that even remotely comes close to it so it is truely an original. xoxo
(5)
Onii W.
I love Busy Bee/The Hive! I always end up going on a Saturday night and I love it. The drinks are great (I'm a cocktail girl) and there are always people! The music on Saturday night is a mixture of throwback pop and hip hop hits and its so much fun because the floor is always filled with people dancing and having a great time! It's always free to get in, which I love too. This is definitely a place that everyone should check out!
(4)
Gina B.
Oh Bee. How your menu disappoints. I think it needs a complete overhaul. $9 for tator tots with cheese and sour cream? Crap, I'm in the wrong business. What is the mark-up on that? Lots of folks come in on dates just looking to share a few appetizers and/or have dessert and a cocktail and you guys don't cater to that crowd and you are missing out on a huge market. Your dessert selection is less than to be desired. Step it up. Otherwise, lovely atmosphere.
(3)
Ethan K.
Tator tots and more tator tots. Mac and cheese is delicious. Fish tacos are good. A great place to talk with someone over a meal.
(4)
Susan P.
Went for the primal pop up dinner so I can't speak to their normal menu. I'd go to another pop up dinner if the menu looked good. Service: The wait staff were pretty good. The meal was served in courses, everyone got their food about the same time. Water always stayed full. The best part was the chef explaining each dish and answering questions about the food and why they couldn't normally serve primal food. Many thanks to the fantastic chefs for taking on such a challenge for the primal/paleo community. Food: Every course was fantastic! My husband and I agreed the portions were a bit small for us, but we can eat a lot. The pickled grapes on the salad were amazing, but there were only a few. The duck with bone broth was great. I'd never had beef tartar before, but I really liked it. I had a bite of swiss chard on the venison dish and thought I should try the next bite with a little of the sweet potato puree, but their wasn't a second bite. The sauerkraut on the same dish was awesome, I could eat a whole plate of it by itself. To top it the amazing meal there was a delicious coconut flour chocolate cake. Atmosphere: The upper loft is really loud and we had to shout to each other across the table. The downstairs bar looks great and there is a comfy looking couch area by the door.
(4)
RJ L.
Staff/Service - 5 stars Food/Drinks - 4 stars Seriously the staff here are the nicest people in Raleigh which keeps us coming back. The food is pretty good, not to die for. I highly recommend the loaded tots as an app. We always seem to go during the day on weekends and the dining room is usually pretty full so we always sit at the bar. The upstairs is always fun when the sun goes down and they have a pretty good DJ.
(4)
Tim J.
Just had brunch with the team and Busy Bees knocked it out of the park. Kelly was our server and she killed it. We all had Breakfast Burgers and I've never been so happy with a meal. Good job all around we will be back. Thank you Kelly!
(5)
Michael B.
Great little place in downtown Raleigh. The menu is small but tasty. Good selection of beers and liquor. Good clientele. Very comfortable ambiance. One of my favorites whenever I visit Raleigh.
(4)
Lesley L.
I did a search for paleo food as I'm trying to make better food choices. Busy Bee came up in the search so I thought it would have some options. Unfortunately, there was very little option for me and although the server was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and the chef was willing to modify my order (very cool), I was left wanting. The beef tenderloin was absolutely incredible but with only two entrees and one glass of wine costing us over $50, we think there are better values elsewhere in Raleigh. Atmosphere is definitely great though for a night out which is rare for us.
(3)
Joan D.
Went in for brunch and loved it! We had the famous crack tots and will definitely have them again as well as many other items that we shared that were all fabulous. I can not wait to go back! Our server was also really fantastic and the atmosphere is cute & casual, as a side I think this would be a great spot for a first date, it's not at all stuffy or too formal plus there's plenty of action so if conversation lulls you won't feel so awkward. I'd venture to say it's one of my favorite brunch spots in town.
(4)
B M.
We have tried to go to the Busy Bee in the past on a weekend and there was always some party reserving either the top floor or bottom floor. Once again we tried to go last weekend and the main floor was reserved for a wedding but we were able to find a table upstairs. I think the food is way over priced for what you get. We ordered the hummus to start and it comes with a few slices of cucumber, squash and 6 tiny pita wedges. Since there was ample hummus but nothing to eat with it, we asked if we could get more pita bread. We were told that we would be charged for this. The hummus plate is not cheap to begin with ($8) and then they skimp on inexpensive pita bread and then charge a dollar more for 6 more tiny wedges of bread. I ordered the shrimp and grits and for $16 you get a small square bowl with 3-4 shrimp in it and a few pieces of shredded sausage, 2 spoonfuls of grits and lots of celery filler. Again, way overpriced for the amount you get. We had a very nice waitress that actually kept apologizing about the extra charge for the bread and a few other things. Next time we will just drink beer and go elsewhere to eat.
(2)
Cait H.
I got to try Busy Bee for the second time last night for pre-show appetizers and drinks. My first trip there was for drinks only, and while we had a good time, I wanted to come back and sample the food before reviewing. I went with a drink fittingly called The Queen Bee, made with gin, champagne and pineapple juice. I love when you can tell that the bartender has a clue about mixing a drink. The Queen Bee was delicious and I probably could have easily had a few more (if time and loss of judgment had allowed). Perhaps my judgment was SLIGHTLY impaired, because I decided to order the Loaded Tots to nosh on. They were absolutely covered in sour cream, cheese, bacon and scallions (all things I like) but it was kind of too much. I agree that these would be a good late night (translation: drunk) snack. The ambiance in Busy Bee is pretty cool, and I like that you can seat yourself. The service at the bar and at our table were both very good.
(4)
Alysia A.
Busy Bee is cool and inviting, good low lighting, and bursting with a friendly staff. The roof top seating is cool but not as chilly as the inside on a limp flower southern day. My lady dates and I all very much enjoyed our meals as we got into some deep ass processing, which only complemented our good food. I had the pimento burger, it was indeed bangin' as was my "baby baby salad" stuffed with walnuts, strawberries, some kind of dried berry, and glazed with a perfect orange vinaigrette. One pretty date had the chicken "Philly" with UHMAZING fried green tomatoes, and the other pretty date had a Tom and Jack burger, which was loaded up with one of their finest green tomatoes. Ducking into the Busy Bee today was a great idea. I will definitely be back. Confidential to the woman in the bathroom who let one rip while I was reapplying my lipstick: You didn't have to lift your shoes up, it was pretty clear to me that it wasn't me who farted!
(3)
Brandi C.
I've been here a couple of times for late night, and once for lunch. The food is not bad. It isn't amazing either. Beer selection is pretty good, but so are many other bars downtown. Surprisingly great cup of coffee! They use a French press and Counter Culture coffee, I believe.
(3)
Tanya R.
My partner and I both had the bacon jam burger which was made even better with the addition of a fried green tomato. The bun was soft, airy, and was the perfect compliment to an already perfect burger! Hands down...the BEST burger we have ever had!!! The beer selection was quite vast but we opted for a golden ale which went quite well with our burger and side of tots that of course transported us back to childhood. Who doesn't love tots??? In town for a "getaway" anniversary stay-cation, but we will certainly make the drive from Greensboro very soon! Kudos...We are all abuzz about Busy Bee Cafe!!
(5)
Chuck N.
Our waiter suggested plenty of choice beers for me and my party. I was able to sample the spinach burger, loaded tots burger and grilled chicken sandwich. The chicken sandwich was full of surprises with the supple moist breast accompanied by a sweet complement of pear. By the time I had the spinach I was pretty buzzed so my judgment isn't accurate, but it tasted like good spinach and I did end up finishing it, so I suppose it was pretty good! We finished off our meal with the apple cobbler. I was not impressed, especially for a $7 dessert. Aside from that, the ambiance was great, the drinks were plentiful and the bar was bustling! Their tots are fucking amazing.
(4)
Kuanyu C.
So it took someone's moving away brunch to get me to come back to Busy Bee, but I am back now, and I've decided we should never be apart ever again! [Location] Sitting on busy part of the Wilmington St, finding street side parking might be a bit hard to do. There is a parking deck right beside the cafe, should you so incline. [Interior] I gotta say, from the outside, this place does not look impressive at all. It sorta look like a hole in the wall pub you will frequent on a Thursday afternoon for Happy Hour. Inside, it is ridiculously simple: brick walls, tables and chairs, bar and taps, shelves on the wall with liquors, and a sorta loft style upstairs seating. No need for beer label signs, nor pretentious artworks on the wall. [Menu] Anyplace that put their Draft selection in the middle of the menu is gotta be proud of their stock; and if you had seen their selection, you would tend to agree. Their menu is really simple. It let you know how much food you are getting, and whether it is available or not. They also offered a brunch menu. I have my eye set on the Crab Benny from the picture that I seen, but fate had intervened. I did, however, spotted something that I did not see previously. [Taste] Tongue burger is what I ordered. It's a standard burger, topped with marinated and simmered beef tongue meat, with added sweetish salsa. It's a bit messy. The tongue meat is leaner than a steak, and more tender. It create a contrast with the burger. The fact she asked me how I want my burger cooked (medium rare as my steak) just make it a bit better. [After-Thought] One day, I will come back here and get a proper taste of the Crab Benny, then I think my zen will be right as rain (hmm... where have I heard this before? Is that one of Adele's song?)
(4)
Bryce J.
Unless you're having a midlife crisis, this "bar" still sucks. The ratio is bad, the DJ is only as good as his customer service skills, and it's extremely overpriced. But they sell beer, so it's not terrible I guess
(2)
Jennifer C.
I really enjoyed the Busy Bee. Even on a Friday night it was a chill, laid back atmosphere. The waitstaff is seriously knowledgeable about everything on the menu. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have a cider on the menu but it gave me the opportunity to try "The Sting" which was amazing. Sour mix, passion fruit vodka, tonic, lime, cilantro and jalapeno. Yum! Must try it. Had the famous loaded tater tots which I highly recommend and pork with this incredible glaze and a sweet potato, asparagus and caramelized onion hash which was really tasty. Definitely left lighter in the pocket, but it was a nice meal - and maybe next time I won't order so many drinks.
(4)
Alexis G.
Love Love Love Busy Bee! Honestly, whenever I go out to eat with this one friend of mine we always end up at Busy Bee. I think it's cause of the great vibes and the delicious mac and cheese! Also, they have really amazing brunch Sat-Mon! No one has brunch on a Monday in Raleigh that I know of. Also, their mimosas are amazing but $7 is a little much for me. The Sting is also an awesome drink! Jalapenossss
(4)
Renee D.
Maybe this place isn't here to compete in the Raleigh food arena; that's really the only thing I could think after my initial disappointment with whomever was in the kitchen this past Saturday morning. I'm pretty adventurous; I love to try new food and they had a Duck Hash on menu that sounded really fantastic. Crazy enough, I've never eaten duck before and was hesitant due to time and pricing. If it sucked and I didn't like it; that's $15 down the drain and I wouldn't have time to re-order and wait as I was meeting up with some folks. I had asked one of the girls behind the bar doing prep work if the duck was good but she wasn't keen on it then told me to ask for a small nibble to see if I would like it. Sounded like a good plan to me. However, the "chef" informed the waitress that he had ONLY ENOUGH for the dishes themselves and couldn't spare a small piece of duck. Well. Okay. Fine. I "settled" for just a burger with pimento cheese. The burger was okay, the pimento cheese was really great. It came with a side of fried green tomatoes. The breading wasn't very tasty although the tomatoes were nice and thickly sliced. I also ordered a Bloody Mary. Cowfish Bloody Mary was far superior in both presentation and taste. Oh well. Downtown can't win them all! I might go back to try some of the craft drinks but after the "eh" eating experience and the waitress that was really too busy to deal with a lone diner: the experience did not leave me with a good taste in my mouth. The one person who was helpful and pleasant wasn't even waiting on me. That's a little disappointing.
(2)
Kyle S.
Food is great service is slower than molasses. Sat at table during lunch and wasn't served after 15 min went to the bar was served drinks then food took 30 min, to make 2 chicken wraps. Really?
(3)
Ryan H.
Best tater tots I've ever had. If you've had better please let me know where. Until then try them at Busy Bee. There's a cheap beer of the day, but the quality of the beer isn't cheap. Make sure to ask which draft is value that day.
(4)
Kelli s.
I really want to like Busy Bee, because it is a great location, neat looking inside, and they support local artists, but the food just isn't that great. I've been here many times, hoping to get something really awesome, and honestly, the only thing I'd get there again, besides drinks, is their hummus. The hummus is made with fried chickpeas and is amazing. Anything else there is mediocre and lacks seasoning.
(3)
Julia W.
Went there last night with a group of friends and had one of the worst experiences ever. I waited patiently to order a drink and the female bartender ignored us the whole time. Ten minutes went by and nothing she did manage to give us a few smirks. I will not be back to this establishment ever.
(1)
Paige H.
Busy Bee cafe is the best! Returning soon, can't wait to explore the brunch menu. Perfect atmosphere and awesome service!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Amanda S.
Busy Busy and Tots! They've got some of the most amazing tater tots around. They serve it with cheese sauce (I ordered it on the side) and chopped green onions. They've got an upstairs area and many tables and bar area downstairs. It can become quite congested at night and you typically see the same type of people/crowd. I don't want to sound like I'm judging people but there are often just "inside the beltline" sort of crowd. Polo shirts and khaki shorts for guys and girls wearing a lot of Charlotte's jewelry and Jack Rogers sandals. With all that being said, it doesn't detract me from wanting to continue visiting Busy Bee. The food is incredible and they've got a full bar.
(4)
Courtney N.
I really like this place. They have a pretty good selection of beer and I love how the menu changes seasonally. The only thing that makes me sad is if you get there too late the fish tacos will more than likely be sold out (they were this past Friday night I went). I got a Bell's Java Stout, Water with Lemon and their seasonal Peach Sangria. I've had the Java Stout before and I like it. Water is always healthy. Now I don't know if I messed myself up by having the sangria after the stout but I did not like the sangria at all. It was supposed to have some ginger ale in it, I did not taste any. I tasted a hint of peaches but not a whole lot either. There was an interesting after taste I think was just the white wine, but unfortunately since I am not a big fan of wine I could not just sip on it. There was a peach section in the glass at least, however, that is where it stayed. For dinner I go the fabulous Mac & Cheese, this is probably the best I have had other than homemade, it's so good with the herbs they put in it and the bread crumbs on top. I also order the Baby Green Salad with Strawberries, Walnuts, Golden Rasins, Cranberries, Shrimp, and Orange Balsamic Dressing. The salad was really good. I made sure to get a bit of everything on my fork so it would be the perfect taste everytime. It's a nice place to with friends to hang or go upstairs to the Hive if you want to party after you eat. All in all it's usually a good time when I make my way here.
(4)
Keia W.
OMG. I love this place and the rooftop is beautiful! Great friendly service. My friends and I only had drinks when we went but we are going back to try the menu. Love the atmosphere.
(5)
Denver V.
Awesome bartenders and always kind service. You'll know us by our split order of the delicious fish tacos and side of tots. Definitely enjoy every time we come into this friendly spot!
(5)
Sarah M.
I was feeling spontaneous and came here for brunch. I have never been to busy bee prior to this and was not sure what to expect. Don't let the name of the cafe fool you into thinking this a themed, city's type place. There is very little bee and honey references in the decor and menu options. I like this and appreciate the atmosphere the place did provide. There wasn't a huge Sunday crowd, which surprised me as the menu have a variety of delicious lunch and breakfast type options for brunch. Being a big breakfast fan, I did wish for more bfast offerings and found the menu leaned more toward lunch sandwiches. I had a breakfast sandwich with fried egg, duck, and cranberry compote. It was served a tad too cool but still absolutely scrumptious. I left very full and happy. I do wish they upped their coffee game, esp considering the business is surrounded by great coffee options. It was a bit too diner style and weak for me. On another note, I was excited to hear how fast the menu changes so that every experience at the cafe is new and different. Shaking things up makes it fun!
(4)
Tamara S.
The food is extra tasty! And the mixed drinks are to die for! They have pretty good rooftop seating but not okay during the day because the sun just beats on you! The tots are definitely worth a try...they could be world famous! Everything is also really reasonably priced.
(4)
Lolo D.
Had dinner on 1/4. First time eating there and we will definitely be going back. I had a delicious scallop dinner salad which was one of the specials. My husband had the tater tot burger and kept begging me to take a taste. Drinks were reasonably priced. ($2 beer special) They don't take reservations unless you are a party of 10 or more. We had no problem getting a table arriving by 6:30pm but by 730pm there was a wait for tables. When we finished dinner we had a few people ask for our table.
(5)
Melissa H.
Wow! What a great find!! Jacob from foundation sent us over to busy bee so we could get a bite and a cocktail.... We are huge foodies and love well made cocktails. Busy Bee covered all bases and Frank the bartender made the evening even more memorable. We even has the pleasure of meeting the owners who were delightful as well We don't live in town but will definitely be visiting more after enjoying Busy Bee, Foundation and Fox Liquor Bar.... Cheers to you Raleigh for having such great spots in your backyard
(5)
Chrystalle B.
We were taken here by my husbands cousin. This place has a very hipster vibe downstairs and a more laid back, adult vibe upstairs. We sat outside on their roof patio... w/ our cat. Great beer selection, and we came on sour night, yay! They had a specialty menu of sour beers printed along w/ their regular selection and food. We unfortunately didn't eat, something we promise to do the next time were in town. But we drank. Its been my experience w/ these types of places that the bartender knows a lot about the different beers they have but the wait staff, not so much. Color me surprised when our waitress knew all the answers to my questions. She was really really nice too. I think she also saw that we were a bit crispy from driving and kept the water coming. This place is definitely a local favorite, which means if youre traveling to Raleigh you should probably (read: definitely) check it out.
(4)
Laura K.
Went to Sunday brunch and it was delicious. There was so much food and the drinks were on point. The rooftop seating was perfect for relaxing and enjoying a casual meal. Definitely would go again.
(4)
Janet N.
Today was my first time going to the busy bee during the daytime and it did not disappoint! We don't eat pork so we got the loaded tots without it and they were DELICIOUS! I also got the spinach burger with a side salad. The spinach burger was so flavorful and savory that I thought it was a beef patty at one point! I didn't even need ketchup. The bun was sweet with a nice crisp and the salad was light and refreshing. It had crispy greens, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts and topped with apple slices. I got too full off of the tots and salad so I only got 3 bites into my burger and took it to go. Ate it later and it was just as good as the first bite!
(5)
Carolina R.
I really like eating here. This place has a fantastic beer selection on draft and bottles, many of which are locally brewed. The food is well presented, flavorful and filling. We went there for brunch once and sat on the rooftop at the Hive. It was a great little spot--we enjoyed the sun and the great service. Try their burgers with tomato confit. Their fries green tomatoes are off the hook, too.
(4)
Marci S.
Lame! We were here previously and came in, they allowed our dog on the patio, everyone loved on him and we had a couple of beers and some snacks. This time around we were told he couldn't come through to the patio as they are a restaurant and serve food and he can't walk through the area to the patio. Thought we had stumbled onto a great thing before. Lost our business.
(1)
Megan S.
Went there for lunch with my 2 young kids, risking it being listed as not kid-friendly because we heard the food was so good. And I'm glad we did. I can see why it might not be advertised for kids, but ours are generally well-behaved, the atmosphere is relaxed enough at lunch that it was perfectly fine. They do not have a kids menu, but we ordered them the loaded tots and Mac and cheese apps, and both were very well received by our 2 and 4 year old. The Mac has herbs and breadcrumbs in it, and is quite possibly the best I've ever had, and I think our youngest would agree. I ordered a daily special, a roasted pork sandwich, I think, and it was lovely. I had the fried green tomatoes as a side, and though I'm a Yankee, these are the best I've had since moving south 3 years ago. My hubby ordered a burger and seemed very pleased with himself. We sat up above in the back, and my older son loved people watching and checking out the cool exposed rafters and pipes that add to the ambiance. If you're going for dinner and drinks, get a babysitter. If desperate, bring the kids because the food would make potential meltdowns worth it .
(4)
Mark S.
Just saw a cockroach crawling out of a hole in the wall. Not very pleased to see that. Can't believe I just ate here :(
(1)
Felecia L.
This place is loud-the background music is at such a decibel that until you get used to it it feels greatly overwhelming. My bf and I were there between lunch and dinner so we had a pretty small menu to chose from. I had mainly picked this place out because I thought their veggie burger and fried green tomatoes would hit the spot both of which were available. The veggie patty itself was good with spinach, red peppers and onions mixed in. Much better than the standard bean burger a lot of places serve. I wasn't crazy about the pimento cheese on top so I would probably ask for it to be left off next time. The fried green tomatoes were pretty funky. They were full of oil which filled my mouth as I took a bite. Pretty bland and flavorless. The waitress was nice and attentive which was a relief since I wasn't sure how service would be with it being a seat yourself kind of establishment. This place just didn't grab me-it wasn't terrible but not enough high points that would make me want to go back.
(2)
Naomi K.
Well, we had a huge party upstairs, so they had a hard time handling the crowd. Food orders were not taken in the first hour as they scrambled with drinks. To be fair, there was another crowd on the next table over and it took them a lot of man power to clear off the tables when they left. Drinks were decent. How can you beat a $2 pint of Foothills brown ale?!? The blackberry salad was surprisingly full of fresh berries- impressive. The fried calamari had a different mayo sauce- not a marinara or aioli. Pimento cheese burger was decent- at least the cheese was good Not a huge selection on the menu but good cafe choices and plenty of drinks. The full bar was massive.
(3)
Lauren H.
After going to both Busy Bee and the Hive multiple times, I definitely prefer the vibe and crowd at the Busy Bee portion to the Hive. However, Busy Bee is just "a-ok" with me. They have an awesome beer selection; most of the beers are on the pricier side, although this is probably to be expected in downtown Raleigh. I really liked when they had Blanche de Brussels available on draft (not sure if they've brought it back?), and it was a great idea to offer it in two sizes in case you didn't want a big beer. The mixed drinks are unique and rotate seasonally, and there is a strawberry and rum drink that they make in the summer that is one of my favorite drinks I've had. I only wish they had it on the menu year-round! As for the food, I have found it to be pretty average. I usually stick with the pepper jack burger which is good, but not the best burger I've ever had. I do recommend their mac and cheese for a side, it is really tasty and also good enough that I have seen people order it is a snack with their beers. It can get crowded (sometimes too crowded for my tastes), but it's worth stopping in if you are in the area if you like unique and rare beers!
(3)
Magnus H.
How to describe the Busy Bee? It's a long narrow restaurant with outdoor seating on the sidewalk and also roof seating, plus an almost absurdly long bar. Lowest common denominator: this is an artisan beer & burger joint. Check the blackboard for what's on draught. I promise, you'll find something good and a number of great seasonals. Fair warning: the burgers are insanely tall. You won't get this in your mouth without making a mess unless you're double-jointed. I'm a big fan of the bacon jam burger myself. This is also expensive. My lunch today totaled $19 and change for what amounted to a burger, fries, and one pint of beer. Service is friendly but slow. I don't recommend the sidewalk dining because of the street urchin problem on this street. Indoors is fine but noisy. Maybe next time I'll check out the roof.
(4)
John H.
Nice alternative to Raleigh Times. Raleigh Times is my preferred choice for a bar, but Busy Bee Cafe is a great back-up since it's less than a block away. It's generally less crowded and less noisy, so depending on your mood, a lot hinges on atmosphere. Excellent beer selection. As a whole, it's just a great place to kick back with some friends and chat. Good for a post-dinner date too. Service is okay, nothing spectacular.
(4)
Lindy P.
I've been to the Bee twice now, and last week was better than when I went over the summer. They grind their meat in-house so I got a Diablo burger, which was really spicy & SO juicy & yummy! Their loaded tots are to die for. The hummus was weird/bland but they have sriracha so that always makes things better :) The service was excellent. I love their $2 ESB (extra-special beer), why, because it's $2!! Last weekend it was Green Man, a delightful dark brew. I'll definitely be back for their tasty burgers & ESBs!!
(4)
Mark M.
I love this place. Such a great relaxed vibe. The staff is awesome! So many great beer options. I love finding new beers. I have never had a bad dish. The Tom & Jack is my old standby, but I always try to try something new. Brunch is a must! Bloody Mary's are great if you like spicy. Doug is great help if you sit at the bar.
(5)
Franklin M.
Busy Bee should be honored to become one of my three go-tos for quick, cheap dinners before going out on weekends. Your options really come down to Raleigh Times (everyone is so tired of it, though), Remedy (too small for big groups) or Busy Bee if you refuse to support the overpriced, over-hyped mediocrity that you find in the Ashley Christenson restaurants like I do. Now, let's discuss the food. The grilled chicken sandwich was clearly created by a like-minded individual who wanted to offer a delectable meal that is ideal to eat before being over-served at your favorite downtown establishments. The grilled chicken sandwich is topped with pear and pesto and offers this incredibly light, fresh flavor yet fills you up just enough to provide the energy you need to hobble to the closest R-Line stop at 2:15AM. My favorite aspect though? You get to choose any side for no extra charge including uber crunchy tots, crispy fried green tomatoes, and about anything else you can think of. The couscous was a tad boring and under-seasoned but all of the other sides are spot on. Busy Bee has a decent beer menu with about the same prices you will see anywhere else. They always keep one light cheap draft on hand for around $2 which isn't bad for a microbrew and is a nice change from PBR when you are trying to drink cheap towards the end of the month. I still haven't quite figured out if you can get reservations, I think only if you have a big group, but I've always just walked in and hovered around people uncomfortably that seem about ready for their check. It's a classic technique that I've practiced for years trying to get a table at The PR. All-in-all the food is really solid and they have a wide selection so you can get about anything you are in the mood for without the menu becoming too crowded. It's definitely loud on weekends and can get packed but it does exactly what I need it to on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)
Karmilla C.
Pretty impress by their spinach burger!!! Very good choice , delicious and healthy , way better than what I expected!!
(4)
Perry H.
Hard to believe they could top the calamari from my last visit but they did. There were warm, juicy cherry tomatoes mixed in with a ton of orange zest which just made the flavors explode in your mouth. Super remoulade as well... The tater tots were perfectly cooked, crispy but not overcooked inside and the fried green tomatoes were excellent with a creme fraiche-style sauce. Fish tacos were good, the fish was a bit dry but the flavors were good.
(4)
Laura F.
We really enjoyed our Saturday brunch - why have we waited so long to try this place? Great beer list! Our server was very helpful and described the beers and menu items to help us decide (which was difficult!) They are known for their burgers so we ordered with the tater tots. Yum! We started with the mac-n-cheese which was so creamy. tasty and delicious! Can't wait to go back again soon!
(5)
Steve M.
Most places can either serve good beer or serve good food. Busy Bee breaks that mold by doing both. Food: Organic chicken, fish tacos, fried green tomatoes and tater tots you though only existed in dreams. It's really good! I have not tried the desserts yet but they do look very tasty. Beer: An important note is that if you usually like beers such as Bud Light or Corona this isn't your place -- unless you have not tried good beer yet. They usually have about 10-12 on tap, one cask and a good selection of in bottle beers. I've not been on a night where at least one on tap beer didn't interest me. From time to time they have an event or follow a beer theme where the on tap beers are all of the same class. For instance, one night I went in and all on tap beers were barley wine's. Liquor: They have a good selection ... but then again many places do. Beer is really where they shine when it comes to alcohol Staff: Friendly, helpful and easy to converse with. Really! If you like to hit up downtown from time to time you have to try out Busy Bee at least once. I've yet to have someone who came with me dislike the place.
(4)
George M.
The food menu is very small. I ordered the chicken Philly and it was solidly average. This is not the kind of place you go to for dinner. You come here for drinks. They have a huge selection of cocktails from Beers to mixed drinks.
(3)
Julia H.
Busy Bee is okay by me! I'm not terribly wowed by their few meatless meal options, but what they lack in food is more than made up for in drink! I hadn't been in months until a recent rumor of a rare beer sighting led me there in recent days (a rumor partly true; said beer was available, but only in bottles), and I realized I'd yet to write a review. It's a gorgeous building with high ceilings and a long bar with plenty of seating surrounded by table seating, but the space can fill up quickly and it can get quite loud. Beers aplenty are there on tap and in the bottle, from stouts to sours and lagers to lambics.There are full meals and gussied-up bar snacks (some of which will run you the same price as a sandwich) available to accompany your beverage of choice; my bacon-loving friends are fans of the loaded tater tots. Service has honestly never stood out one way or the other. It's not my first-choice destination for a night out, but the Bee isn't a bad choice if you're in the mood for some great beer!
(4)
Kelly P.
Tator-Tots= delicious!!! Upstairs patio for the summer time! great beer selections and chillaxating ambiance!
(4)
Byron S.
I'm shocked this is a 3.5 star average. Service was fast and cordial. Food arrived quickly and exactly as ordered. We had the loaded tots and calamari as appetizers, both were great. My four friends and I all had burgers. They were cooked to the doneness we requested with the condiments added or removed that we wanted. The beers on tap were a great selection of local micro brews. Overall a great spot for lunch or dinner. I wish I was local so I could try more of the menu.
(5)
Michelle W.
I hate to give a 2 star review, but "Meh, I've experienced better" really sums it up, with the exception of our waiter who was the saving grace of this evening. We arrived at 6:50ish on Saturday night to a very crowed dining area, with a party of 6. There is no real hostess stand, so we just stood around the front door waiting for someone to greet us. A very flustered guy came over and asked if we had a reservation, and how many we had, I told him no reservation, and he said he would check out what was available and be right back. I immediately noticed that all the tables in the dining area were filled with parties of 8 or more or set up for parties of 8 or more. Not a good sign that we'd be getting a table any time soon. He came back and said the table in the front window would be opening up in about 30 minutes, and there was another table that looked liked they would be done in about 20 minutes. Then he walked away. So, we all went to the bar and everyone ordered some drinks, and they all asked me what the table situation was. I said, I guess the guy will find me when one of the tables opens up. But, just to make sure, when he walked by, I asked him if he needed my name for the table, and he told me, no, everything is first come first serve, so I should just keep my eye out. UGG. I hate being that person that stalks a table. I don't mind doing this at a bar, but this is also a restaurant, and I found that very off putting. Anyway, I stalked the table like a hawk, and we had to put a 2 top and 4 top together. If anyone had to use the bathroom, you were screwed because you were so close to the table behind you. By the end of our dinner, I was so claustrophobic I wanted to scream. Once we finally flagged a waiter down, he was great. We ordered the loaded tots for the table, and they came out in about 1 minute, which meant they weren't fresh. They were luke warm, and just not very good because of that. At this point it was probably 7:30, and all of the sudden the music loudness went from loud to the loudest possible setting and I could not hear the person across the table from me when she talked to me. Um...is this necessary at 7:30? There were a ton of people eating dinner, and the bar was full, but it wasn't like it was party time. Very annoying. We all ordered our dinner, and again, the server was great keeping beers and waters flowing. Our food came out in good time, with mixed reviews from everyone. Jeff loved his fish tacos, and friend loved her spinach burger, but I was not impressed with the Chicken entree (roasted chicken, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and farro). The chicken was good, but the rest was below average. The brussel sprouts were way under cooked, and the butternut squash was pretty non-existent. Other friend ordered the special which was a braised short rib with kale and parsnip puree. Sounds amazing, right? It looked amazing too, but he said the meat was way overcooked and the parsnip was not flavorful. The other 2 friends were at the other end of the table and it was too loud for me to ask about their food. I have been here before for just drinks and had a fine time. I think I will stick to that method from now on. I really like the ambiance, and the service is good. I just don't think the set up works for a nice meal. Way too crowded in the dining area and way too loud. Also, the food was just not that good.
(2)
Steve T.
Consistently great food and service. Busy bee is what other downtown restaurants should aspire to be.
(5)
Nickie D.
I was feeling fancy and this looked like a fancy place to have a fancy lunch. The look is tres cool. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the long bar front, the multiple levels and especially the roof top deck on which I dined. It was a warm and sunny day and a lovely place to read my book. The wine: I asked for a Riesling and was told there was none, however the waiter recommended an alternate white that was pretty delicious (wish I could remember what kind it was...). I ordered the arugula salad with steak, medium well. The size of the salad was perfect. The meat portion seemed a little small for the price and it was definitely well done. However, the flavor was spectacular. Just the right amount of cheese, dressing and raisins: excellent balance. Downfalls? Waiter, although friendly and spot on with the wine recommendation, had to be flagged down for my order and my check. It seemed to take a really long time to get my drink and my food. I was on an hour time limit and I ended up being late to my 1 o'clock obligation due to the delays. Also, the stairs were a bit difficult to navigate due to a recent knee injury (obvious due to limp and knee brace) and there was no alternative mentioned to me as I hobbled one leg at a time up three levels to the sunny deck. Better service would have earned 4 stars. Add on a perfectly cooked medium well and it would have been bumped up to a 5.
(3)
Knute H.
So we sat at the Hive, but since it's owned by the same people as the Bee and this review focuses on the food rather than the space, I'm sticking it here. I'm giving two stars to a place that should know better. Okay, you have an excellent beer selection, great. You have lots of fonts at your disposal for your menu, wonderful. You have waitstaff that know mixed drinks and beers like the backs of their tattoo'd hands, even better. But for the love of god, learn to cook your food correctly and consistently. My wife got a burger, asking for it medium, which came out looking like it'd been run through a burning building and left there. That sucker was blackened, charred, crispy. And, as you probably have guessed, terrible. I, in my attempt to watch my girlish figure, got a salad with some steak (I am still a guy, after all). The salad was the wedge, with more bleu cheese than a typical Frenchman sees in a year (not good) and a piece of meat no bigger than my thumb, bloody and close to raw. Too bad I asked for medium as well. The tots were frozen (or tasted like it) and had obviously been refried to heat them up again. The banana pudding dessert, which sounded great on the menu, was small, bland, and covered in too sweet candy bits. Disappointing. I'm really tired of restaurants that have great ambiance, style out the wazoo, good-looking and trained waitstaff that serve shockingly mediocre food at hipster-high prices. I'm looking at you, too, David's Dumpling and Bull City Brew Pub. Stop it, and focus on the damn thing you're supposed to be doing: feeding people good food.
(2)
Marin J.
I would like 2.5 stars please. Well really it shakes down like this. Waiter 5 Beer Ingenuity 6 Ambiance 5 Food errrrr. 2.5 Love love love the freaky beer selection. This is obviously what they care about. The getting you buzzed part---bee....get it? Pun intended. Cause the effort seems to be foremost in the buzzing. You gotta know this when the menu is two times as dense on the beer and spirits side as on the food side. I went with 4 people which gave me the opportunity to poke around some on their plates as well. So I feel pretty well qualified to give an opinion on this one. Come for the beer, the waiter was waaaay into describing the beer. Eagerly brought as many samples as we wanted of what was on tap. Tip: please avail yourself of this service as the beer is pretty well out there as far as diversity goes. I think they manage something for every taste. But due to the uniqueness of the types on tap, you may not know the microbrewer. They even have a 10% beer that would be sure to knock you on your azz in a hurry. So don't skim the descriptions especially if you are driving. You wouldn't want to be talking to the tree you just wrapped your car around would you? So on to the food. Chicken Sandwich with Pear.... wanted to have something I wouldn't make at home. When I am staring at a pear, I don't really think "hey, let me introduce you to a chicken breast, you two settle down into this nice kaiser roll and let me do a number on you" I so liked the idea of that, so I had to order. Well, sticky fingers and crumbled kaiser roll all over my plate later and I just had to fight the urge to fling the sandwich all over the lovely brick wall I was sitting in front of....gaaaahhhh. Control the damn juices drain those ingredients if you are going to have the moxie to put the sandwich in a dry crumbly bun ok? Tater Tots topped with sour cream and cheese. Really? frozen tater tots? I give the waiter 10 points to Griffyndor for telling the honest gods truth. That they were probably Oreida (he didn't say that, but he did say they were not of busy bee origin). Would I go back. Yeah, the atmosphere was fun. You could dress up or dress down. Would I eat a real meal? Well, dunno, maybe if I knocked back more of their awesome beer, I wouldn't give a damn. And perhaps you won't either if you start with what they seem to care most about.
(3)
Brittany F.
Busy Bee Cafe is always one of those places I peg away as a bar that just happens to serve food. And every time I go, I always take one look at their menu and think "pickled blueberry bruschetta? where did this come from?!" I've had blah experiences here for dinner and brunch before (had the grilled chicken sandwich with pears which I didn't love and then the short rib hash browns which were fairly delish), but it was my most recent visit with Kelly M. and Caroline S. that really wowed me. If this Yelp review means anything to you, order the Spinach "Burger." Holy effing hell, this unique veggie burger was absolutely incredible. A house-made blend of spinach, artichoke hearts, feta and essence of deliciousness, I savored every bite of this sandwich and almost shed a tear when it was all gone. Paired with crunchy tots and two well-made house gin & tonics, I was an incredible happy camper. Our meal was also really cheap-- two dinners and four drinks came out to below $40. Follow Busy Bee on Facebook for notices on special beers on draft--they have an incredible list available, and are totally worth visiting for the beer and tots alone. Okay, the beer, tots AND the veggie burger ;)
(4)
Kelly M.
Yay for review 100!! I've been holding off writing this review for a few days because I wanted to make sure I picked a good place. Well I had a great dinner and some amazing beers at the Busy Bee the other night, so I figured they deserve the 100th review! Busy Bee is one of those places I have constantly passed and heard about, but never went into. Well we went there for dinner before a concert at the Raleigh Amphitheater recently, and I was pleasantly surprised to see such a unique menu at a place I consider a bar, therefore thinking there would be the typical bar food. That is certainly not the case here, the menu is diverse and uses the most interesting ingredients in their plates. I didn't go too crazy, for dinner I got a baby green salad- orange balsamic, walnut, cranberry, golden raisins, and strawberry and it was delicious, perfect for summertime. The boy got a chicken caesar salad (boring) and we split an order of loaded tots. OMG those were amazing! I LOVE tator tots, but something about covering them in gooey cheese, bacon and scallions makes them so much more enjoyable. (Just try not to over think the calorie intake) Totally recommend getting them loaded when you go! I was also very impressed with the beer selection. They have a wide variety of beer on draft and a cask beer. The beer is not expensive, but not cheap either. I'd say its average, and you can expect to pay a little more in that area of downtown anyways. Compared to the Hive, I like the vibes and the crowd much better at the Busy Bee. It is much more relaxed and I enjoyed myself much more here. Looking forward to coming back and trying more menu items (heard good things about the mac and cheese!), and having some more delicious beer!
(4)
Lauren R.
Busy bee was alright until I noticed the bartender charged me twice. Now I have to call my bank to file a dispute. I won't be back because of this incident.
(2)
Caryn C.
This review is solely based on last night's service. I have been to Busy Bee twice prior for drinks, and it was pleasant enough. Last night, however, I went there with 4 girlfriends, and we were blatantly ignored by the wait staff. We seated ourselves at a bar table (as is posted), and after about 15 minutes of not receiving any acknowledgment, we got our own drinks from the bar. On the way back to our seats, we noticed the table of 6 behind us (who just walked in mind you) were promptly handed menus, and the server was getting drink orders. My girlfriend said something to one of the servers on the way to the bathroom, and she came over to our table, clearly annoyed, and handed us 2 menus in response. She never returned to take our food or additional drink orders. So..we spent our money elsewhere. Big mistake. Huge.
(1)
Roman V.
Great place to go and have some beer and listen to local bands. Like almost every popular bars even this one is packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
(4)
Melissa P.
I've only been during bar hours. Dancing and a DJ upstairs, and a cool outside area if you're lucky to get a table before it fills up. It was VERY crowded the Saturday I was there, but once we made our area on the dance floor, we were able to enjoy our group together without being pressed up against strangers as was the case around the bar area.
I did a drive-by on Busy Bee before I came in to eat and it lives up to the hype! Inside you'll find a bee-autiful brick space with a small landing in back. The bar is long and elegant with a back-lit row of liquor bottles waiting to make you happy! Wind your way up the landing and up another flight of stairs and voila, you're on the smallish, sunny rooftop with a handful of chrome tables. A second door at the front will also lead you to the Hive (if it's unlocked), which is ANOTHER bar on the roof. Tons of space here at Busy Bee, curious to see what events they come up with! Menu is basic: burgers, sandwiches, some Mediterranean type appetizers and salads, make sure you try the NC cheese plate appetizer. Mostly healthy and clean save the burgers, mac n cheese and tater tots! Portions are just about right, you won't feel overloaded. Great way to spend a civilized hour during the workweek, have lunch on Busy Bee's rooftop! Service was very good, especially since they had to haul our food up two flights of stairs. The fit waitstaff here really earns their tips. Busy Bee is open from 6am to 2am so it's potentially a great spot for you nightbirds. Overall it's a cute place that delivers on food, atmosphere, service and price. I have to think the Raleigh Times now has a bit of competition for a hip, cool local watering hole to grab some cocktails and snacks!
(3)
Andrea P.
The bartender here really set the tone for the place; he was knowledgeable and friendly without even toeing the line of being obnoxious. The ambience is warm and inviting, and the place managed to be full of people while still allowing you to hear your company. The beer selection here is good, and the bartender will even patiently allow you to sample a variety--curating your beer ventures--without necessarily obliging you to order anything. The appetizers are honestly big enough to be entrees; I had the baked macaroni & cheese and could barely finish it, while also sampling the most divine fried green tomatoes. A few people I know swear by the fried green tomato burger here, though I haven't had it yet. This menu does lean toward heavy, though, so bring your appetite. I would definitely recommend this place; bars are not my favorite place to be, but this one is high up there.
(4)
Ashleigh V.
Let me start by saying, this is one of my absolute favorite bars in Raleigh. I would prefer to go here over most any other late night spot. I will admit I have my favorite bartenders and servers here but overall the staff is very friendly, fairly attentive, and mostly knowledgeable about the beer selection. Some of them are still learning about beer and so sometimes you get a suggestion that seems a little off. Justin is a fantastic server and always knows exactly what I would like to drink, and has gone to the trouble of securing us a table on nights when the place is packed and you really couldn't get a table otherwise. The food is generally pretty good, and when you compare it against other bars, the food is by far better than some places downtown. The mac and cheese is super creamy and the bread crumbs offer just the right amount of texture. I've had a few of their specials and they seem to be more flavorful and creative than some of the dinner menu items. I like that the bruschetta changes daily, it is a snack I get pretty regularly there. The beer selection is one of the best in town. They get some bottles that you can't find anywhere else. They often have a sour of some kind on draft as well, which I appreciate since that is really my favorite style right now. I also like that the selection downstairs is different from The Hive upstairs. Oh, and Monday is bluegrass night at The Hive which is really fun to listen to! The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. They always have good music on the stereo. I wish the tv's weren't always playing sports though since I have no interest in watching that while I sit at the bar. On a Friday or Saturday night this place can get pretty packed too which can be frustrating. Oh, and one last thing. I've been dying to go to one of their Sunday Beer Brunches where they pair a menu with several beers from a particular brewery. I'll update if I ever make it to one.
(5)
Ashley G.
Great little accidental find. Hummus, mac and cheese, and fish tacos all delicious. Exceptional beer selection. Laid back atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Tommy A.
I am not sure how or even when it happened but Busy Bee has become the "Old Faithful" place in our group. I include both the upstairs, also known as The Hive in this review, because they are pretty much the same place. It seems that whenever we are downtown and looking to go somewhere the Busy Bee always comes up. When we are hungry there really is not better place to go. Everyone that I have ever met loves their Tots. These things are some of the greatest things ever created, especially when you are drunk, and this is coming from someone who hates Tater Tots, or really most kinds of potatoes. The rest of there food is also very good as well. Macaroni and Cheese is cheesy to say the least, and you have to try the Hamburger that comes with a fried green tomato on top. It might not sound good but the mix of the tomato and burger is a perfect blend. The drink prices can get a little high (main reason for only 4 stars) but they do have some good drink specials. If you can handle the taste go with the $2 High Life, which is going to probably be the cheapest drink you find downtown on a Saturday night.
(4)
Shannon B.
Had a very poor experience. Food was fine (not amazing) but service was horrible. They seemed to have lost our order, and then implied that drinks would be comped but weren't. Took over an hour to get order during lunch.
(1)
Jessica B.
This is a really cool place with a great vibe, service is amazing and the food is pretty good. Came here and had the mac and cheese for appetizer (exequisite), then i ordered the butternut squash riosotto which was lil bland and changed it for the pesto/honey chicken sandwich which was delicious and my friend had the same thing, she actually ordered a drink which she loved.
(3)
Cole W.
I'm leaving a two because of the wait staff. My recent experience was terrible. It was last Friday night and I was with a party of around 10. The waitress simply threw the check down and said you guys can divide it. She then walked away. This was after we had ordered food and drinks that never showed up. I understand that people have bad days, but to take it off on your staff is ridiculous. i'm giving them a two simply because again, I know one person doesn't make a restaurant but the service their left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)
Melissa E.
I am basing this review on my limited experience at Busy Bee, but still think it is quite deserved. My husband and I grabbed a drink here before we headed elsewhere for dinner on a Saturday night. We sat at the bar and were greeted instantly and given menus. My husband is a major beer geek (and proud of it), so he was stoked to find such an impressive selection. I decided to go with one of their signature cocktails, the "Queen Bee" and it was awesome! Like I said, we didn't stay long, but the bartender was attentive and friendly and also seemed knowledgeable about the beers. We saw some of the food being delivered to nearby tables and it all looked delicious. I think we will stay for dinner next time!
(5)
Kelly D.
So this is actually one of my local favorites because of atmosphere and drinks, and music. It IS a little pricey foodwise, and I've had things from the menu I'm not a huge fan of, but there's always been something stellar about each meal too (ie. the salmon I had had incredible flavor, but capers and whatever rice medley with it was not an ideal compliment.) BUT! with great bar staff (up and downstairs), nice beer-nerd draft selection, an ideal busy but casual and classy atmosphere (ya know... exposed brick, and nice lighting) it's well worth it's 4 stars. (Great first date spot too btw) Late night menu favorite: 2 am, loaded tater tots is pretty much the perfect end to any night out dancing. Other noteworthy Perks: Excellent mac and cheese! (I may have been known to sit alone eating it on more than one occasion coupled with a bourbon on the worst of weeks as my last resort comfort food meal... They had Bulleit Rye on the shelf, why withhold happiness, right?) And, just to add excitement to my local hangout, Florence and the Machine was there enjoying a little upstairs meal before her last show in town. ANNNNND last but certainly not least, they have an open Bluegrass jam on 2nd and 4th Mondays.... I'm well on my way to being a regular!
(4)
Nancy Y.
I loved my hot ham sandwich for lunch here. Fresh deli ham with arugula, pickled red onions, fresh jalapenos, and a sweet, light sauce in toasted french bread. The combination was so amazing that I'm still relishing it hours after my meal. I ordered a side of the fried green tomatoes after reading other Yelpers' reviews, and was not disappointed. Hot out of the fryer and the green tomato was the perfect thickness. The price is a little steep, but it's what you would expect in the downtown area. I hear they brew their own spices for the chai tea. Will definitely be back!
This place gets four stars mainly for the drinks and the atmosphere. The food here kind of is eh but I've only had it once. And we'd all probably agree that the best part of this place is the bar anyway. I visited this place last weekend after a few month hiatus and was reminded that it's still cool. I had a Queen Bee (because it had pineapple juice and elderflower liquor and champagne, among other things) and a Kasteel Rouge beer and both were so fricking delicious. Great drink selection, so it was tough to narrow it down to those two. I ate there too, but as a picky eater who hates eating out, I wasn't impressed. French fries were delicious though. However, I was hungry like an hour later. OH WELL. Not this places fault. I had a guy sniffling and snorting sitting next to me at the bar and that almost sent me into a rage but thankfully he left before he felt my wrath.
(4)
Stuart F.
I like this place in part because of the free wifi and since they are often the site of Obama For America events. The Aziz Ansari event, which was slammed with people, featured music at ear-splitting decibels which I thought the cafe could have resolved. I'd also hope they'd have more vegan options and label what's vegan (or could be made vegan) and what's not. But overall it's an interesting space, and I've always had great customer service.
(4)
Astrid R.
Love the atmosphere here, and they've got a good selections at the bar. But the food, while very good, is a bit pricey... especially for the amount you get. As long as you're just there for some drinks with friends, this is a great place!
(3)
Chantelle A.
Came to Raleigh to spend some time away from Northern VA.....and ended up at Busy Bee. Yay....lucky me. Ordered some drinks from the bartender (without the personality).....damn where is the Southern Hospitality that Ludacris rapped about....and tasted 2 of the most horrible cocktails I ever had. Ordered The Sting (do yourself a favor and don't...) and some other specialty cocktail that consisted of Jack Daniels infused with cherries and topped with soda water (it was pretty weak). Just order yourself a beer!
(2)
Justin O.
Let's be honest: I eat at Busy Bee Cafe as often as I eat at home. Rotating drafts and beer selection are incredible, and while the food stuffs stay within the realm of "bar foods," they are executed well with an emphasis local and fresh produce. Do yourself a favor and get the fish tacos and split some loaded tater tots and fried green tomatoes. Weekend brunch (served late until 3:00 pm) is also outstanding. Hard to find a better spot downtown for a low-key and causal lunch or dinner.
(5)
Wilson H.
Let me be clear: I came for the espresso; but I left with my belly full! This place is off the hook, the chain, et al. First off, I came in for a two fold reason: I have heard of Busy Bee for a couple years, but I thought it was way North on Capital Blvd for some reason so I never bothered with what I thought was an out of the way shop. IT IS RIGHT DOWN TOWN. The second reason, a friend @WayneSutton ( waynesutton.yelp.com ) gave me a gift card, that's when I found out how close it was. So, thanks to Wayne! When I walked in, I knew I was going to be served well. Anyone that is a lover of culinary coffee knows almost instantly when they walk in the door and the signs of "off the hook" were right here. The La Marzocco GB/5 was sitting there and Miss Madison was ready and waiting for a guest who could do some serious damage to the quantity of espresso in the hopper of the Super Jolly grinder. After a shot of Counter Cultures great Robusto single origin espresso, she surprised me and said, "We have some new Apollo if you want to try?" Look, Apollo isn't even "for sale" officially from CCC yet and I only knew about this a week ago! YES, I am at the bar and please serve me like a two year old with a bib! Let's get started! The Robusto was fantastic, she took the time to makes sure the grind was properly adjusted - and hardly no one does that in this business, so she was really taking the time to make sure the espresso was properly presented. The Apollo was a real treat. Not only because it was a new espresso, but past the neato factor of newness was the incredible citrus, chocolate, melon (strong), dark fruit and blackberry. It was all there and there in force. Counter Culture really has something special on their hands. The staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. I can't brag on Madison enough. The most important thing to me is her attentiveness to the espresso. It really is about the coffee to her and that is what I like in a barista. Food wise, I had enough espresso to sink a sub! I had to eat something. As you can see in the pics, I had a burger. I never order burgers. I think, usually, a burger is a lame meal - meant for McDonalds or something of that sort. Look, I'm wrong. I had the "Tom & Jack Burger" with pepper jack and fried green tomatoes on the side. I have NEVER had fried green tomatoes that hit me in the mouth that way. I could have made a complete meal out of those tomatoes. The burger was just desert! Kind of backwards isn't it. Honestly, the burger was fantastic too, but my mouth and mind keep going back to the tomatoes :) . When it comes to rating the cafe, it deserves a Five Star rating for yelp and in coffee, while I rate via a 10 point scale, understand my reasoning which I will put before you in a moment. I Busy Bee Cafe a 8.5 on the coffee scale and the reason for the lower rating than you expected is simple: the brewed coffee selection. Once you leave the espresso machine, the coffee gets, well, "regular." Counter Culture Coffee makes a blend called the "Busy Bee Blend" and while it is great coffee, it is made in an inferior manor: Fetco. I would absolutely give an resounding 9 if they had a french press, pour over, or Chemex option, but alas those options aren't present. The other coffee rating point is lost at the brew choices. While the coffee brewed in the Fetco is freshly roasted, within a couple days, and is freshly served (no older than 30 minutes), there is only two choices: regular or decaf of the BB Blend. If they had more choices, such as some Single Origin choices, we'd be talking a solid extra point. After writing these two paragraphs, the co-owners, Chris and Woody, came by and I honestly shared the approval and my small amount of concern. They both were on the same page when they were telling me they not only heard me loud and clear, but were already working on the fix - even getting measurements this very morning to have a single origin display installed AND multiple brew options are on the way! Guys! You have my support and once this is done, you will have my coffee love!
(5)
Becky L.
Every time I have been able to be seated at Busy Bee I have enjoyed a yummy meal. However, as time has passed and with each visit to the Busy Bee for dinner the service has become increasingly worse, and the food has become increasingly mediocre. Last night is the last time I will go to Busy Bee for dinner. It was my friend's birthday and we made a reservation for 8:30PM a week in advance. We arrived 5 minutes early and saw there were no tables available. After trying to find an employee (all of whom were extraordinarily rude), we eventually got to speak to the manager who said she would set us a table once a party left. We understood that it was Saturday night, so we agreed to wait patiently. Not only did a table open up and another party sat there, but the employees continued to ignore us. Finally, 25 minutes later, they ushered us up to the Hive where a table was available for us. This was aggravating because we specifically made a reservation at the Busy Bee, but we were happy to get a table. Once upstairs, the waitress that ushered us up there legitimately ran away from us and out the back door and back downstairs to Busy Bee without seating us. We stood around upstairs for another 10 minutes trying to figure out what the deal was. Then the manager came up and tried to seat us at a table right next to the DJ. This wasn't okay with us because we came out to eat dinner, drink, and chat. After we said we don't want to sit next to the DJ the manager left and didn't come back for another 15 minutes. After waiting around for 50 minutes we still did not have a table, and we left hungry and frustrated. Long story short: the food does not outweigh the awful service.
(2)
gary m.
I don't think the Bee cares anymore. Service was slow and food was so-so. Except for the fish tacos that were served uncooked. At least they comped that. Beer is 12.5 oz and expensive. Beer is becoming the new wine. The service was slow because of the kitchen, not our server. She tried hard and we did not take our disappointment out on her. So I posted this review.
Who knew something as simple as tater tots and sour cream would be so good?
(4)
TIffany M.
I really enjoyed the Busy Bee Cafe. For an appetizer, I ordered the bruschetta and thought it was great! It was sweet potatoes and squash instead of the usual tomato medley, which I really enjoyed combined with the molasses cream cheese spread underneath. I saved the bed of arugula it came on and added it to my bowl of Shrimp & Grits which were AMAZING! I give that meal 5 stars! It was beautiful and tasty and the added arugula was a great color enhancement on my part!
(4)
Adam W.
Mini review of bar only. I stopped in for a cocktail on a hot Saturday afternoon. Decent pour for a decent price. Bartender was friendly but only minimally attentive. Nice selection of beers on tap. The space is attractive. A totally solid place to grab a drink.
(3)
Sean W.
Head up to "The Hive" after dinner and sample one of their creative drinks and alternate beer selection. Their 2nd story patio might be the best place in Raleigh to enjoy a beverage. Very nice ambiance in a historic building in downtown Raleigh. Our server was attentive, prompt, and polite. The food was very good and reasonable. The beer selection, while not extensive, was very impressive. Nearly every beer was not your run-of-the-mill selection. Some were even darn near impossible to find most places. They had just tapped Sexual Chocolate Stout the night before so I was pleased. I didn't grab a growler to go of anything but they were available for some beers. Overall, this a very good restaurant with an impressive beer selection. A must visit if you are in Raleigh.
(4)
Carly G.
My boyfriend had the chicken sandwich which he LOVED, came with pesto, pear, chicken, and lettuce. The flavors worked really well! He also got the loaded tots which were crisp and delicious. I had the arugula salad that was loaded with goat cheese and golden raisins, pretty good! Overall, it was a nice little find on our stop in Raleigh. We would love to come back earlier next time and try brunch.
(4)
Kevin N.
I very much enjoyed the Busy Bee: so much so, in fact, that after stopping by for a pint the first night I was in Raleigh, I went back for dinner the next evening. The beer selection is top shelf if you're a beer nerd (I am), and my pork tenderloin arrived alongside some terrific whipped sweet potatoes and a dab or two of some sort of apple puree. Yum. I coupled that dish with a maple-tinged Lagunitas Brown Shugga brew (they give you the alcohol content of each, natch), and a follow-up Blanche De Bruxelles provided a crisp finish on a cool night outside. It's a well appointed spot, and though I never did make it upstairs here, that's one goal for my next trip in. 'Cause something tells me that a quirky craft brew under the night sky might be an adventure worth exploring.
(4)
Phil G.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet... somehow it got lost in the shuffle. I've visited Busy Bee a few times lately and it usually starts with cheerful beer bliss and ends with a healthy portion of tater tots. They have some LoneRider beers on tap which I have come to enjoy. They also make a cocktail called "The Stinger" that has a mix of cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and liquor that is surprisingly awesome (very creative mix of ingredients and it works well together). The bartenders are very friendly and attentive. Collin has usually been behind the bar when I'm there and he has made me quickly feel like a regular. I need to try more of the food and beers on tap, but from what I have seen so far, this place is a winner. Nice crowd and nice staff. I like the laid back atmosphere, but if you're seeking something a little more lively then you should also try The Hive which is the upstairs portion of the place. I think The Hive and Busy Bee Cafe each have their own outdoor patio but I've only been to the outdoor patio of The Hive.
(5)
Yasmin A.
I've never been to the Busy Bee and had a bad experience. That's a lot to say about a restaurant. On Saturday, as we wandered through DTR, we couldn't decide on a place to eat. Finally, my fiance suggested Busy Bee. I was disappointed that I hadn't thought of it myself and we ventured in with our visiting guests. They loved it just as much as we did! The relaxed vibe, the wide beer selection, and the cherry bounce had placed a smile on each of our faces within minutes and our visiting friends got to experience a little taste of Raleigh. The food was scrumptious and hit the spot. We shared the calamari appetizer. The blue cheese burger was juicy and bursting with so much flavor. It had all the qualities you wanted in a burger. The bun wasn't too dense, the burger was cooked perfectly (medium-rare since the grind their own beef) and the blue cheese complemented the meat. With the fried green tomatoes as a side, we left with full bellies and enough energy to continue on through our busy, weekend day!
(4)
Martha U.
I've gotten excellent service both times i've been here. The atmosphere is cool. They play Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys and an assortment of good music. The place is furnished nicely and for a bar it's pretty clean. Even the restroom is neat and sanitary. The first time I came I was with my husband and our kids. The kids appreciated to excellent tater tots - they were crispy and not soggy. I had the bacon jam burger - heaven! The fried green tomatoes are beautiful. The brownie is not your typical brownie. It has a nice carmel sauce and creme anglaise. It wasn't gooey but jt was more cakey and kind of crumbly. The flavor was good and chocolatey though. Yesterday I had the short rib tacos. They were good and filling but the meat lacked seasoning. A little disappointing. I will be back to try some of the other things on the menu. :)
(4)
Kathryn D.
My fiance and I both work downtown, and this has become one of our go-to spots for dinner and drinks. It's conveniently located right next to the Moore Square parking deck. I've actually ordered the same thing every time I've been here - the grilled chicken sandwich with a baby greens salad on the side. The pear and honey on the sandwich are so unique and delicious. It's really the perfect amount of food. I've had a few issues with inattentive servers, but overall, Busy Bee is great for dinner and drinks. I did come here once on a Saturday evening hoping to grab dinner and hated that there wasn't a hostess, as it was extremely crowded. I'll be back soon!
(4)
Drew L.
Busy bee cafe is the bees knees. They have a very large selection of beers, both bottled and draft. The bartenders always seem to make good drinks. Good thing to know, it's an extra .50¢ or so for top shelf rather than house liquors. I've attended many company held events here, which says it in itself that this place is well rounded and is very accommodating. I recommend the pimento burger with a side of the baby green salad. Very friendly service and fun ambiance.
(5)
Stefanie M.
Tater tots are off the chain delicious! Egg BLT was fantastic too! Both boys loved their salad and Bacon burger. Husband loves the fish tacos. Would come back if around again.
(4)
Tom B.
Had a nice dinner on the outdoor back deck. I'd been before but another friend with me hadn't been and had only heard "mediocre" comments from his co-workers. After our dinner, I think my friend is now a fan. Great beer selection and pretty decent food choices, although they were out of two of my selections on this visit (humus, fish tacos). I had the tofu tacos instead and they were good, but not great. My friends enjoyed their burgers. I think that's the best bet. If you want a relaxed, casual dinner served with a nice outdoor, summer breeze, give this joint a shot.
(4)
Michael B.
This place was pretty good .i had been hearing a lot about this and decided to stop by and give them a try. you walk in and seat yourself,not long after we sat down our waitress greeted us and took our orders. my girlfriend went with the loaded tots which came with bacon, sour cream and scallions. I ordered the mac n cheese to which you could add chicken, steak or bacon. i got chicken which was pretty good. the staff was very friendly and the service was fast. now i will say the food was on the lukewarm side when it arrived at the table but other then that i was really good. Busy bee is one of those places that everyone should give a try. I plan on coming back in the future and hopefully having a five star experience. But all in all busy bee is a pretty good spot that has some good things happening. I will definitely be coming back.
(3)
John S.
Private group events, including political receptions and fundraisers, are held in an upstairs area that is not handicap accessible. It may be a great place for individuals and groups of people who know each other, but it is not an appropriate place for candidates to hold fundraisers and other events. To be clear, this is a nice place for individuals and small groups of friends. They can probably ignore the accessibility issue. The downstairs area is accessible to all. However, private functions are held upstairs, which isn't accessible. People holding functions and those planning to go should consider this.
(3)
Chelsea M.
Alert the tator tot loves everywhere, because these are so delicious.The load ones come with sour cream, scallions, and bacon. The fish tacos were okay, I could the tator tots as a meal though. The cocktails were also good. I recommend the queen bee or the bee keeper. Service was good.
(4)
Matthew K.
Okay, it breaks down like this. There are a handful of places in Raleigh for really great beers with a really knowledgeable staff. There are a handful of places in Raleigh for really great burgers. But, when you put them in a Venn Diagram, Busy Bee Cafe is the only one in the overlap. The opportunity to order a bacon jam burger with sauteed spinach and fried onion straws on one night and say, "and give me a suitable beer" and trust that something amazing will be in your glass is priceless. Oh, and bluegrass jams two Mondays a month upstairs.
(5)
Sara F.
Just went to check this place out last weekend and really enjoyed it! They didn't have Blue Moon but server suggested something else similar that was really good. I had the loaded tater tots; they were totally incredible! My husband had the loaded tot burger and he said that it was also really awesome. Service was on point, food was great! We will definitely be back soon.
(4)
Kelly M.
I can't believe I've never written a Busy Bee review, for how often I visit! Busy Bee is one of my default stops for a night or day downtown. Busy Bee treats me right with their ever rotating selection of craft beer - I love pulling up a bar stool and being pleasantly surprised with what's on the menu - something I can count on at Busy Bee. They have a large bar, and two seating areas (not including the Hive). I've brought family here for dinner and unless it's Friday or Saturday it's not too hard to get a table. Food has been consistently good as well as unexpectedly creative - I love following the daily menus on social media. I'm happy to come here for an appetizer and drinks or to bring my in-laws for the one night they are in Raleigh. Service is always adequate, if nothing to write home about, and the atmosphere is casual, hip and warm - a place where everyone feels comfortable. We got our marriage license at 3pm on a Thursday. Where did we head for a celebratory drink? Busy Bee came through with some local beers and a laid back afternoon drinking spot. Busy Bee will always be on my "Raleigh List" for visiting friends!
(4)
Kenny M.
Stopped in for a night cap and dessert tonight. Let me say that I have been here before and the dinner is usually pretty good. Especially as others have mentioned, the tots! This review is focused on the desserts and the waitress we had. First of all, when we asked are the desserts were good, she replied well they're home made. I joked and was like that didn't answer the question. She didn't even crack a smile and rudely said back well isn't that what homemade means? I said well not necessarily. And she was like oh...well I thought so. To me homemade does not equal good. But anyways....So we ordered the s'mores and a friend got the bread pudding. 1. S'mores - IMO this should be served hot, but it wa served cold. So that takes away right off the bat. The marshmallows tasted awful and had a very doughy consistency, especially since it was cold. Finally just the whole dish didn't work well. It didn't have a good taste. 2. Bread pudding. Another strike out. It was just a gelatinous chunk of blah. It was also cold and just didn't have a good consistency. To me bread pudding should be like chunks of bread. This was more of a cooked custard. The stuff on top looked like cat food. Overall the taste was ok but would never get it again and wouldn't recommend it. This was just a bad visit with bad food and a bad waitress. With so many choices in raleigh, I don't know that we'll be back any time soon.
(1)
Kristine E.
Tots! Tots! TotsTotsTotsTots! EVERYBODY! In case you don't get my reference just know that Busy Bee serves Grade A tater-tots. You can and will pick these as your side. I'm a fan of the short rib tacos (ask for some Cholula to spice things up) while my boyfriend enjoys their burgers. Good beer selection and friendly, laid back staff. The inside is clean and open plus they have a fabulous rooftop patio to enjoy on a nice day!
(4)
Lauren M.
Great food, beer selection and service. Sat on the rooftop for brunch, great experience!
(5)
art c.
Sat at the bar and asked for a Bud Light. Hipster bartender lady looked at me like I had 17 heads and said "uh no, we don't serve Bud Light". Looks like they had enough business without needing mine, so I'll go hang out with the Bud Light drinking peasants somewhere else.
(1)
Maya G.
Really, I give this place a 3.5 but I rounded up for the tots. Oh yeah, not the last time you're gonna read about tots when it comes to the Busy Bee Cafe. We got the loaded ones and holy habanero, Batman! (It doesn't actually have habanero, but that's not a half-bad idea.) Gotta love some cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top of perfectly-baked potato-y goodness. I've only had the spinach burger, but I thought it was the bomb.com . And it comes with tots if you make the correct choice of side dish--what's not to love! The beer selection is also some of the best that I've seen in Raleigh thus far. Unfortunately, they seem to know this as well, because it's a little overpriced. Some of other food is silly expensive as well ($13 for couscous? $7 for a brownie?!), hence my disgruntled 3.5 in the beginning. But, what can I say. It has a great vibe, pillows on the windowseats, and I can get good food and beer at the same place. Ultimately, that's worth a couple extra dollars every now and then, though I don't think I'll be a frequent flyer.
(4)
Alyssa B.
I've experienced highs and lows with Busy Bee, leaving me with a solid 3 star review. The location - downtown, easy to get to, parking (street or lot) nearby The ambiance - a hip bar that bustles around dinner time, high ceilings and an eclectic vibe The food - Loaded tots are the go-to option here, I ordered them for my colleagues upon their first visit and they all raved about them, they know what they're doing! In the past I've had the pork chop, the spinach 'burger', and the tenderloin. The pork chop was quite a small portion (as I find many of their entrees are), but cooked nicely. The spinach burger was really tasty, but the mushrooms on top lacked any seasoning or flavor at all. I also had the couscous on the side, and it tasted like someone boiled the couscous and mixed it with mayo and served it. It severely lacked salt and didn't taste like anything. The tenderloin, again small portion, was delicious. Cooked perfect medium-rare and served with fresh asparagus and savory bread pudding. This was definitely my favorite dish here, but since the menu rotates, I haven't had it again. The service - woof. Why is it that the servers here have to act like they are doing me a favor by serving my food? Previous visits, service has been ok - not memorable, but got the job done. Last time, we walked in and after a few minutes of waiting, no one approached us, so we just sat at a table. About 5 minutes later, after milling around for a bit our server came to take our drink orders. I was trying to figure out which beer to get and asked about a certain pumpkin beer. The informative response after asking what it was like was "it's a pumpkin spiced beer". Like really? Maybe this type of beer wasn't his cup of tea, that's fine, but to just read back the menu description told me that he didn't give a crap. He had a laissez-faire (not in a good way) attitude about our table the whole night, and this disinterest definitely negatively impacted how I view Busy Bee. Overall, I would have given BB 4 stars if it wasn't for the service on my last trip. If a friend wanted to come here again I would join, but would not choose Busy Bee if the option was left up to me.
(3)
Olivia K.
Great food and atmosphere! We went on a Saturday night and were lucky enough to get a table right away. Only negative was that the tables are very close together and we had a very rowdy table next to us. Service was good and timely!
(4)
Payton A.
I struggle with Busy Bee. I've been here often by request of others but I'm not one to suggest it. The food has been hit or miss -- the tots, as others have mentioned, are rockin', and the drinks are well made. I've had boring, bland dishes before, so I generally try to avoid ordering food. The service has also been hit or miss. I find that the bartenders are prompt, kind, and enthusiastic about the drinks. The waitstaff has occasionally been sullen and disinterested. The biggest reason I don't visit -- and I didn't take this into account with my rating, because it isn't the establishment's fault, but I do think it's worth noting -- is because of the other clientele. Once, a frat boy threatened my group of girlfriends with a gun because we told him to leave us alone. During another visit, I saw a fight break out near the door. Other times, my friends and I have been outright harrassed by guys and no one bats an eye. I understand it's a bar, but only at Busy Bee have I felt unsafe downtown. Again, I recognize this isn't the restaurant's fault, but I thought it worth noting so anyone who hasn't been here before can be prepared.
(3)
Rachel D.
Very good Burgers, cheesy and meaty yummm
(4)
Stephanie B.
Love love love Busy Bee! It's definitely our go-to bar in Raleigh. The beer selection is always stellar, and the food is delicious. You can't pass up the tots, loaded or not. Whether you're in the mood for a burger or pork shank, you'll find something to make you happy.
(5)
Laura A.
The mac n cheese is my absolute favorite; I love the breadcrumb and herb garnish! The cheese and noodles are simple, smooth, and done right. The bruschetta is also excellent. Consistently good and friendly service. The atmosphere is fun; large bar space with exposed brick.
(4)
Bryan L.
I had a burger with bacon jam tonight. Absolutely incredible. This place is always solid. Always. Can be casual or great for date night. One of the musts to visit in downtown Raleigh.
(5)
Grant W.
I found this place to be hit or miss. My friend and I stopped by here for a late lunch on a Saturday. It was quiet, the service was great, and I do love the decor. It is very chill and laid back. And their beer selection is fantastic. But the food is hit or miss. I got the arugula salad. It was rather bland and I ended up adding some salt and pepper to liven it up. But my friend's chicken sandwich was great and their tots were amazing. I'll have to give it another try, but it definitely seems like a hit-or-miss kind of place. Unfortunately for me, they missed the target by a few feet.
(3)
Amanda A.
I went there today with my husband and some friends. We ordered a lot of things and shared a lot of it. I am just going to go by item: Loaded tater tots: Way too much sour cream, soggy and cold. Bruschetta: once I scraped the flavorless squash off of the top the goat cheese was OK. Came with some useless lettuce. I wish I had a little dressing so I could have eaten the lettuce. Mac & Cheese: Dry. Very dry. Caesar salad: My friend got this and I did not try it but he said it was just OK. Pimento burger: RAW. I mean no heat go to much of it. My husband scraped the raw insides out and he still did not really eat it. Couscous: Cold. Like it came straight from the fridge cold. No flavor. We had 1 bite and that was more than enough. Crab Omelette: My friend took one bite and said the crab tasted old and bad. Fried Green Tomatoes: The only flavor was lemon. All acidic. No seasoning and the one piece I ate included the core to the tomatoes. Chocolate Pot dessert: This had an OK flavor other than the overcooked peanuts. It was very small and overpriced. So here is the deal: We sent back the omelette and tomatoes and were not charged for them, but it was clear that most of the other food was close to being eaten and we complained that the burger was raw. We were charged for all of that and the worse part was the waitress did not apologize, ask if she could make the wrong things right or replace any of the items. No one came over to our table to talk to us as clearly we had many major issues with the food. Nothing. The waitress acted bothered a couple of the times I went to her (yea, I have to physically get up and go to her) and was not friendly at all. This was one of the worse meals I have had in rent memory and the bad thing is all of us had issues with our items. And, no one there seemed to care.
(1)
Virginia H.
I know most people come here to have a drink but I love their food as well. They have a great beer selection. Their loaded tater tots are amazing and you have to get them when you go. We also get the chicken sandwich and the arugula salad. They also have bruschetta that changes daily and we haven't had one we didn't like. We also held a private party once in the loft upstairs and they did a phenomenal job of getting everyone served with drinks and food quickly. We could not have asked for a better party.
(5)
Ryan W.
Let me start off by saying I go this place a lot. Or at least I used to. Usually great service and good food a rarity these days to have both it seems. It took me a while of thinking about this incident before writing anything, but, today as I pondered it over and talked it over with some friends they advised me to write about and and couldn't believe I hadn't previously. Three or four months ago I went to the Hive (Busy Bee's upstairs rooftop and lounge), with a friend for some drinks before meeting some other friends out downtown. We both had a beer, I used my debit card to open a tab on both drinks and we drank them. We got a text from some friends to meet us elsewhere. We left. My fault not to close out the tab of course. But when I checked my account the next day I was charged $30 and some change. I think one of the bartenders ordered drinks on the tab. I called then next day to inquire but didn't get a call back as to the itemized copy of receipt. I take friends here all the time. But, sadly haven't since this incident. I know I should have remembered to close out the tab, and should have been charged a %20 gratuity automatically. But, the $30 was un called for, and unacceptable.
(2)
Joshua A.
Started out as what seemed what would be an amazing brunch, menu items were very attractive we couldn't wait to dig in. The drinks were amazing, food was very mehh. (I had the crab Benedict and it was bland). The service was awful! Not friendly and not attentive at ALL. I would go back for the drinks, but there are much more options in Raleigh food wise.
(3)
Chris T.
We were here today on an work related gathering and enjoyed the pork, chicken, beef & veggie sliders. All were great. They also served shrimp which were excellent and other delicious sides. Glad we picked this spot and looks like a great place to spend the evening with friends.
(5)
Justin J.
Busy bee gets two stars for being downtown and for having tater tots, beyond that, not much to write about. Went with group of 14 for work on a weeknight. They were not busy at all! Out server was great and very kind. But the food was not good at all. Now I see why this place is known for their drinks. 3 people got ribs, all said way over cooked. I got a medium burger, it was so pink and throughout I could only eat the edges. Inside looked like it had only started cooking. Not the best experience, would only recommend if your looking to hang out over drinks.
(2)
Amelia R.
Excellent food. Loaded tater tots were amazing -- hot and crispy. The Mac and Cheese was especially good with the bread crumbs on top. However -- the prices are way too high for the product.
(4)
Ravonda W.
Having $17 burgers on your lunch menu should be illegal..especially when they're just mediocre burgers. The food was just ok and the service was ok. Our food took awhile so it's not somewhere you want to try and go on your lunch break. With all the places to eat in downtown Raleigh, I'll pass on paying this much for lunch. They need to have a separate, cheaper menu for lunch that is reasonably priced.
(2)
Amanda H.
I struggled with my stars on this one. While it has some minor issues to deal with, Busy Bee is still relatively young and may just be experiencing growing pains. I hope. But with its spectacular non-upity staff giving such attentive service and an atmosphere that I can't get enough of, I refuse to let a few glitches get this one down to three stars. Busy Bee fares best in the realm of comfort foods. I mean, the fish and chip sandwich (breaded filets topped with fat fries and malt vinegar) is a heart attack on a bun, but undeniably tasty. And I don't eat read meat, but the burgers smell and look phenomenal. The housemade veggie burger on the hand was a little dry for my taste, and might have benefited from a sauce (besides the tons of ketchup I loaded onto that big boy). Ditto for the turkey and avocado. Can't speak for the small plates yet, although they have a small but fierce selection. One exception: the baby greens salad. BB's orange basil balsamic dressing rocks my socks. If they bottled the stuff, I'd be in heaven. The greens themselves tasted extremely fresh as well. No iceburg (or romaine even) in this puppy. I'd also like to add that there is not enough roof-top dining in the world, and I was giddy like a schoolkid when we were seated on Busy Bee's upstairs patio on a recent glorious afternoon. I've only visited at lunchtime so far, but every time I pass the bar, the taps get my full attention. Soon I'll be forced to go back to try some of the more exotic offerings.
(4)
Justin W.
When it's busy, the service obviously will slow. We had a server which a few of my friends ordered from. I arrived to the table a little late, just in time to miss her, so I headed to the bar. The bar is quite large, and while it's busy, it can be hard to get a drink, but if you ease on in and put a hand on the bar, you'll get noticed...or so I thought. It took me about 10 minutes to get a drink made for me and a friend. I come back to the table thinking everyone would have their drinks but they're all still empty handed. I was faster than the server! It was about 15 minutes for the drinks for them. My advice: when it's busy, get the drinks yourself and save some time. If you're not in a rush, then it's a moot point. As far as the drink selection, it's great. The food is decent as well. The table/chairs are nice and the seating on the second floor is more cozy/quiet than downstairs.
(3)
Engel B.
I've been to the Busy Bee a few times with a friend and have to admit it is a great place. The staff is friendly and the food is never disappointing, Great open Loft feel and tasteful decorations make the busy bee a must visit.
(4)
Eric B.
The menu - food/beer/coffee - is pretty good. It's a little pricey for what it is. The portions are very small, and the taste won't knock you for a loop, but it's good. Those are the reasons I only gave this place 3 stars. What makes this place standout from other places is the fact that they have open rooftop seating. I love sitting on the roof drinking a beer with friends on a pleasant weather day....it's truly relaxing. I frequent this place quite often and will continue to do so, but mainly for the rooftop seating. Take away the roof, and I'd probably never go here.
(3)
Laurie V.
This place makes me wish I had chosen to live in Raleigh instead of Durham when I relocated here. I love the urban feel to this place. The building is very old and it has a very antique feel to it. Exposed brick walls and comfortable bar atmosphere. There are black and white photographs on the back wall of the original "Busy Bee". The cocktails looked creative and unique, but I just had beer- they have a decent beer menu with a lot of unique choices. I also had fried green tomatoes which were the perfect mix of tangy, tart juicy tomatoes and melt-in-your-mouth fried, buttery, delicious, crispy outer shell. Oh my lord. Yum. And hush puppies drenched in sour cream. And creamy yummy macaroni & cheese. The ambiance is very warm and inviting, as well. I was there on the first warm day we've had and it was absolutely perfect- there is outdoor space upstairs on the roof deck and even though no one was out there, this looks like a fun spot for summer. I pretended that I was back home in New York for a minute and then I remembered....we don't have fried green tomatoes there.....
(5)
Caroline S.
The Busy Bee might be my favorite bar with food establishment in downtown Raleigh.... and that's high praise considering how many establishments there are like that in this area! The past two times I've been I've ordered the same thing, simply because I know it was oh-so-good and couldn't possibly not order it! Their grilled chicken sandwich (the one with the pear and drizzled with the honey) has haunted my dreams ever since going with Brittany F. and Kelly M. last month (and gauging from Brittany F.'s review of their spinach burger, it might have dream-haunting capabilities too!) It's definitely the juiciest and best grilled chicken sandwich I've ever had. I can't recommend it enough. As for beer selection, I tend to stick with a nice wheaty brew and usually they have something on tap to satisfy this request... if not, their servers are great with letting me taste test until I find something to wet my whistle. I've hosted an event at the hive before, and will definitely vouch for that as a great place for big groups. Like Kelly M., I kind of dig the vibe downstairs at the Busy Bee a little bit more, but love love love the rooftop at the Hive when the weather's good. If I can ever get past their dream-haunting chicken sandwich, I definitely want to go back and give the spinach burger a try. My last visit, I got a side of the mac and cheese and yes. it was delicious as expected.
(4)
Karin C.
Ordered a mozzarella and tomato burger and Queen Bee. Both were delicious! I'm not much of a cocktail person and I was highly impressed by the smooth richness of the Queen Bee (fresh slice of pineapple was a nice touch). I sat at the bar. Service was slow initially but after I was served the staff was attentive. The folks sitting next to me were happy with their Belgian beer. Atmosphere was alive and laid back. Definitely plan on venturing back.
(4)
Ryan R.
Busy Bee! Part of Downtown Raleigh's hipster renaissance. Their menu, occasionally brilliant, somewhat hit or miss. Lots of beers, lots of special beers, and a decent small assortment of artisanal-style mixed drinks. Nice space, both downstairs, mid-level, and "The Hive", the semi-separate upstairs & outdoor area. They also probably have the best late-night coffee selection outside of Raleigh Times/Morning Times. Their art selection is usually interesting, too.
(4)
Tammy A.
Great place! Open and spacious but cozy and comfortable. Love the original details left in the place - brick walls, high ceilings, etc. Food was good. The loaded tater tots - are you kidding? My sandwich was different but good. The macaroni and cheese wasn't the best I have ever had but very good anyhow. I would certainly go back and recommend a trip there.
(4)
L B.
Have been to Busy Bee many times over the past few years. I just don't think the food is THAT good and it is certainly a little overpriced. Beers are good not great and their draft selection, while it rotates, is not always great. The rooftop is cool, outside of that its usually too crowded. I will always pick Raleigh Times over Busy Bee - better prices and quality.
(3)
J G.
I wish Yelp has a 3.5 star option. The beer selection here is good (a little expensive, but extensive), and the food is Ok (having tater tots is a bonus). The inside of the restaurant is kind of typical for a "cool" downtown area, but certainly not bad. The rooftop is what makes this place awesome. A lot of people don't even know there is a roof, but if it's nice enough outside, go sit on the roof.
(3)
J B.
Heavenly, organic, and heavenly!! The small plate was unique, a fried chicken leg, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and gravy ( it was JUST enough to satisfy your craving). A keeper.
(5)
Amy H.
I love the Bee! They have an expansive and unusual beer menu and the food is delicious. Portions are a little on the small side though, not that I mind. I prefer quality over quantity any day!
(5)
Nene K.
The Busy Bee rivals the best bistro in San Francisco. It is fantastic from the merlot to the salad that I had. Ingredients are fresh and local and service was on point. I've also been to the outdoor space on busy Sat. nights and have always had fun, even with the bustling crowd. This place is New Raleigh at its best.
Fried Green Tomatoes are good-thats about all I can say. The food wasnt that great. I had 3 courses, total with tip was 28 bucks and I wasnt even full. If it was good it would have been worth it.
(2)
Jamie M.
Only been there once while in town for a wedding. Was looking for a beer and some food after a long day traveling from the west coast. Comfortable and fun atmosphere, friendly, helpful staff, a great selection of beer and, by a long, long shot, the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Only ruined by the fact that I kept interrupting my eating to tell my girlfriend it was the best pulled pork sandwich I'd ever eaten (she was very exited for me, needless to say. Her food was also good. Apparently).
(5)
Alexis M.
I was pleasently surprised by this place. What drew me here in the first place is the seating on the 3rd story roof that let's you take in a bit of a view in downtown. Unfortunately the tables and chairs were wet from the nights rain before so i miised out on that. The food was ok. I ordered a burger and will be sure to order something else.
(3)
Andrew S.
Ended up at the Busy Bee Cafe on Friday after seeing a movie with the kids at the Marbles Imax. Unlikely Rudino's rooftop in N Raleigh, they allowed the kids on the roof. The kids really enjoyed being outside and the view. Quite a different experience between coming here with colleagues and the family (one kid 2 1/2 and the other 6). The waitress was quite friendly to the kids (sometimes you don't get that at bar oriented places) which was great. The food was awesome. Fish Tacos, BLTA Salad, Shrimp dip for the adults. Tater Tots and Mac and Cheese for the kids. Food enjoyed by all. I have to say the Tater Tots were amazing. Maybe its just that I never have Tater Tots, but they are just perfectly fried and salted. Like elementary school mixed with bar mixed with fine dining. Truly unique. Will continue to go back with family and work functions.
(4)
Chris K.
Our waitress has gone above and beyond. Numerous samples of beers, many trips up and down the stairs. Awesome tater tots. They were out of the shaved steak sandwich, so the waitress danced to placate me. A fine experience.
(5)
Jennifer C.
I went back to Busy Bee this weekend and ordered the veggie burger, which I mentioned in my initial review was not so exciting. I think they have updated their veggie burger by adding a portobello mushroom and smoky ketchup. It was messy, but MUCH tastier. Will have this again!
(4)
Jeannette A.
i love the busy bee! the chef they've got in the kitchen is doing a mean number on the tofu on the appetizer menu. the staff is also super friendly here, too. you can't go in here without seeing someone you know, it seems like, especially if you went to enloe. the salads are huge, too, which is always a plus for me. will be eating here every time i come home to visit! also love the atmosphere and the look of the place. feels like an updated raleighwood.
(5)
David S.
It's a fun place to go and the atmosphere is fun and easy going, but the food is hit or miss. I've had a few good things, but I mostly go there for the beer. The changing tap seems to always have something damn good that I've never had before. My friends and I like to go here to experiment with their draft beer selection because it changes so frequently. The next time we go, there's new stuff to try, and it makes it into an experience. Go for some drinks after eating dinner somewhere else. Also, I have to note that you can get a good hot chocolate there as well. As far as the atmosphere goes, it generally seems to be a busy, but never impossible to find a table. I mostly spend my time on the ground level section since the third floor outdoor area generally does seem packed. Summing up, it's not my favorite bar in Raleigh, but it's a good one, and if you're in the mood to try new and interesting beers that you will likely never see again, then give it a go.
(3)
qlint c.
so...busy bee cafe....most likley the most interesting and enjoyable restaurant/bar in the whole galaxy. no I haven't been to every restaurant/bar in the galaxy BUT im assuming that this is just better because the food and drinks are just THAT good. if you're looking for something a lil more modern and food that looks upscale but at a typical dinner price and that tastes amazing in a non packed full of butter and cheese sort of food....come to busy bee. and just going out for a night of drinks with your buddies its a great experience, 'less you're going to just get smashed on cheep beer. busy bee is the type of bar where you can go and have a great time while having a few or more drinks with friends. what im trying to say is GO HERE. try it. maybe it's not for everyone but its for me and for my girlfriend and for a lot of others so just try it already. GO.... now ... are you there yet? ok good
(5)
Daniel M.
Great beer selection
(5)
Fred D.
They have a great beer selection, delicious drinks and a cool atmosphere. I've been a few times and I will go back.
(3)
Chris K.
I have one word for you: tots. As in, tater. As in freshly made, golden-fried, delicious nuggets of joy that, late at night while you sip a cold draft Blanche de Bruxelles or Lonerider Porter, will seem as though an angel had descended from on high and deposited bite-size portions of manna straight into your mouth.
(4)
Tejas K.
I went in on 4th of July with drink in hand as there were vendors outside selling drinks. After a few minutes of looking for an empty table, one of the bartenders (or bar back) just grabs my drink and dumps it without any warning and says with a disgruntled look "no outside drinks!". A warning would have been nice so I could at least have taken my drink outside to finish or dump it myself. I thought this was very rude and un-called for.
(2)
susan t.
Really wanted this to be good. Our waitress was really nice... (Everyone is friendly!) but food was ok.. This place has so much potential. I had BLTA salad.. Looked pretty but really warm.. Odd it was ok but I don't want to have again. Beer was delicious and cold...
(3)
Katy W.
This place has something for everyone. For beer lovers, they have a GREAT selection of bottles and draft. They will let you sample draft beers if you can't make up your mind. They also have a few good cocktails. The Sting is a classic and involves jalepenos, giving a regular sweet cocktail some extra punch. Last summer they had a ginger beer cocktail thing which was amazing, but I haven't seen it on the menu lately (hope they bring it back!) I've also ordered a Hendrick's martini there which turned out to be very good. (It seems like more of a beer bar but I was really in the mood for a martini that day.) The food is also quite satisfying. They have real entrees for dinner (which i've never tried) and burgers and sandwiches, as well as sides like salads, tater tots, and hummus - all of which are good. The mac and cheese was just okay though, which is the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars. The burger list includes interesting combinations, including a tator tot burger which has loaded tots on top of the meat - ridiculous, but also awesome. Perfect for some satisfying food and drink. The Hive is also fun on late nights, especially the roof part during nice weather.
(4)
Rachel M.
I ventured to Busy Bee the night of winder wonderland '10, parking in the Moore Square garage so no one would slip and slide into the car. Once I walked in, i really liked the feel, similar to Raleigh Times Bar, but a bit more open, and a really long bar - very cool. I came for dinner and drinks, started with a kamikaze to counter act the cold outside then on to food. The menu looked very good but i ended up ordering a burger with mac and cheese, and my friend ordered shrimp and grits, and loaded tots as a starter. I ordered my burger medium-well, but it came out well and a bit dried out, yet other wise very tasty. The mac and cheese was good but nothing extraordinary. My friend said the shrimp and grits were good and the loaded tots were very tasty. The liquor selection was almost overwhelming but fun (for someone who really doesn't drink beer ;-)). Two things surprised me 1) one of my favorite Cup of Joe's baristas randomly taking the seat next to mine while I had stepped out - I rarely run into people I know when down town and 2) the people who work there also play there - it says a lot if you want to hang out at your work place on your own time. All in all, I really enjoyed the place and the food, but I haven't seen what its like on a real Friday night, you know, one without snow sending everyone off the roads. I will definitely return.
(4)
Tara M.
The best part about this restaurant is the upstairs (the hive). One of the only rooftop bars in the triangle. The food is good, sacre bleu burger and the fish tacos are delish! And you can't go wrong with tater tots. Their beer selection varies and is sometimes good and sometimes not so great. Service is normally decent.
(4)
Dina D.
We need more places like Busy Bee in the Triangle. It's one of those one-stop shops--cafe, coffee house, bar, club. I like the outdoor patio upstairs. I like lunch and brunch here. There is something for everyone--whether you feel like eating or just getting drinks. I'm not a huge fan of the club scene here, though, as it does get the college frat crowd. But the cafe is definitely a staple when I'm downtown.
(3)
Meredith L.
I love this little place! My friends and I like to go here to start off our night with a few really good (and unique) beers. The variety is nice and the space is perfect, especially for groups. They have large tables and tons of chairs. The staff is great and helpful. I've never had the food here, but if it compares to their beer, I'm sure its delicious!
(4)
Travis L.
Where else can you get Fullsteam beer, fried green tomatoes as a side, and sweet potato puree on hot ham and cheese?
(5)
Charlene R.
on a spring friday nite(normal crowds), we were happy to see that a sidewalk table was about to be available; the girls sitting there tried to get their waitress' attention for their bill and then waited another 10 min. for her to return to pick it up. they warned us the service was RIDICUOSLY SLOW and to order everything at one time. FINALLY, @ 8:40 we were seated ; i ordered a STING ( YUM!) and 2 easy sandwiches w/ a side salad. my drink came 10 minutes later ( after another waitress had been given our table), followed by a bus and a garbage truck 3 ft away from us. oh, and a giant puddle was between us an the bus. at this point, i started to think....are we being punked? by 9:05, i managed to find the waitress and tell her that we hadn't gotten ANY food yet, and she replied, "there are other ppl here in front of you", to which i replied, "we go out every fri & sat, there are ALWAYS other ppl in front of us, and we've never had this problem anywhere...EVER!, but the ppl before us had warned us!" FINALLY, @ 9:15( 35 min AFTER we ordered) our food arrived...WITHOUT ANY UTENSILS! my hubby took one bite of his burger and his fries, and they were....COLD! of course they were...they had probly been cooked 10 minutes ago and just sat there, even though our waitress knew were gettting aggitated! then, the mgr came out, and my husband told him about his cold food, and offered, "try a fry for yourself to see how cold they are'; the mgr declined, to which my hubby said, "good call. please take this meal away, and TAKE IT OFF MY BILL" STILL...no utensils. we proceeded to eat our salads w/ our fingers. he went inside, and found 2 napkin/ fork combos. by then, we'd had it w/ the bus fumes, and moved close to the bldg. our adjusted bill came, we left exact change, no tip--@ no time during this horrible experience did we receive a single SORRY! we will never be back, even though the food we did have was tasty and the STINGS were great!
(1)
Kate M.
I came for lunch with my sister who had been there before and enjoyed it. The restaurant was cute and the menu promising. Her meal was excellent, she said. My lunch was pretty much inedible. One of my pet peeves is listing on a menu a type of preparation and then substituting something similar but less appetizing. A common example being so-called caramelized onions that turn out to be raw onions in some kind of vinegar marinade. In the case of the BB, the portobello sandwich was supposed to have roasted red peppers which are NOT THE SAME as soggy formerly grilled green peppers. The side of roasted beets with arugula pesto sounded awesome, but turned out to be boiled, unflavored beets. Again, roasted, boiled, totally different. The sandwich tasted like fish so much that I could not take another bite, and my sister agreed. Her side of macaroni and cheese was very good though, and the wait staff were nice when I returned the meal.
(2)
heather l.
I spent a beautiful evening dining on the roof deck at Busy Bee. The menu is a bit brief but everything we ordered was great- possibly the best tater tots in the world. The drinks are awesome- a lot of eclectic mixes that were so much fun to try.
(4)
Steven B.
Very Underwhelming.... This was my second visit to Busy Bee and a polar opposite experience from the first. Last night, I visited Busy Bee for dinner w/ a couple of friends. I first asked if they were participating in a specific dine and donate event, and the server and trainee both acted as if my question was delivered in a foreign language, then responded they didn't know. Neither offered to verify w/ management. Next, on to the food. I ordered the Hummus starter for our table... First off... Hummus is so simple to prepare (chick peas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tahini , salt and pepper (if desired))... well this stuff was SO bland... there was no garlic, no lemon juice and no salt... did the restaurant run out? Was this their first attempt at making Hummus? When the trainee server came back to the table solo, and asked if everything was ok, she apologized, as a good server should, then said, "your salad looks like it will taste good". She never offered to take the hummus back for replacement, or check to see if it was prepared wrong... She didn't offer to take it away... I had to make her take the barely touched hummus from the table. So, my salad arrives, the Baby Greens Salad w/ Orange Balsamic... which apparently they ran out of, tasted no dressing on my salad. By this point, I was so disgusted with things, but hungry enough, I didn't want to send that back b/c I wanted to eat. After we had finished our meal, our checks were brought out... hummus charged on my ticket.... really? One spoon of it tasted, horrible, and sent back. I informed the trainee that I didn't feel comfortable paying for something that I didn't eat b/c it was prepared WRONG. It was finally taken off my bill.... Highly doubt I will return to this cafe... They really need to get it together... and also find a new recipe for hummus, or someone that can ready the ingredients and incorporate them into the actual prepared product.
(1)
Tracy G.
I've been there a couple of times and the atmosphere is GREAT! Very cool and urban. Love the exposed brick. Great cupcakes and nice selection of loose teas with some organic ones. Haven't tried too much of the food yet, there are some vegetarian options which is nice... the hummus was pretty bland (add garlic, ya'll!) and the veggie sandwich is WEIRD (i don't know if i can go into it here because it's so hard to describe) but i would go again for the deliciously concocted drinks, the beer selection, the late-night affordable menu options, and the hours (a place in raleigh open on sunday, monday, and late night? what?) and it's non-smoking, which is great. thumbs up!!!
(4)
Jenna V.
The Loaded Tots were too salty. I had the waiter take them back only to bring me more tots that were even saltier. Not to mention the price I had to pay for them was outrageous!!!!!
(1)
C H.
Fun hangout spot though service was touch-and-go. Queen Bee cocktail wasn't bad but The Sting is definitely the way to go. Pretty good beer selection. Confusing layout with three floors but the rooftop patio is where it's at.
(3)
Jason F.
I have only been here once and it was for lunch but really enjoyed the food as well as the atmosphere and layout. The lunch menu is fairly diverse and reasonably priced. The place has three levels which is cool because if you don't want to be surrounded by all of the rush you can sit upstairs at the second level which is somewhat more melow. The top floor is an outdoor roof section which seems like a great option for a nice day. On our way out we walked through the bar which they are calling 'The Hive.' I don't think they have opened it up for buisness yet but, although small, it looks great and I'm looking forward to going back to check it out.
(4)
April D.
I ate here for lunch about a week after it opened. Had a cup of coffee and their cheese plate. The coffee was good, came in a big porcelain mug which I enjoyed, and the cheese plate contained 4 varities of cheeses from NC. My boyfriend got the fish and chips sandwich with the macaroni and cheese. The fish (flounder) was well cooked and a nice sauce over top of it. The macaroni was well seasoned and definitely not out of a box. We ate in the main cafe section which is on the street level. It is not the kind of place for a quiet meal necessarily but the open air lofty feeling is very trendy. You can also eat at a raised loft area or even on the roof on a nice day out. But if you just want to stop in for a coffee or pastry to go this is easily accomplished with the walk up counter in the front of the cafe. We returned to check out The Hive, which is the third floor bar (adjacent to the rooftop) which has its own entrance from the street level. The Hive is open from 3p-2a, does not serve food, and has a different tap selection from the main floor bar. The taps in The Hive are all imports and therefore, a bit more expensive. Also, they are setting up The Hive to eventually play live music though there was no live music the night we went. Additionally, there was a $5 cover that started at 10pm. The main floor is opened from 6a-2a and from what I understand does not have a cover. If you are a fan of spicy and like sampling mixed drinks I highly recommend 'The Sting'. It is delicious and very innnovative. The Busy Bee can be a little tricky to see from the road, but it is located across the street from Stitch next to the parking deck in a three story red brick building. Can't wait to try more of their menu items and creative cocktails!
(4)
Tripp W.
Went to Busy Bee on a Friday night and was definitely not impressed with parts of our meal. Our waitress was awesome! She let us taste 3 different types of beer before ordering and was really attentive the entire time. That was about the only thing outstanding. We ordered the autumn squash tart ($8) which turned out to be a small pile of barely cooked cubed squash on a super thin piece of tart/phyllo dough with a couple sauces dripped around it. Eh. I then had a chicken sandwich that was topped with pears and honey ($8, moderately good, hard to screw up a chick sandwich) and mac n' cheese (wonderful). My wife had a baby green salad with tuna added ($11). The salad was good and the tuna was cooked perfectly, but the portion size was tiny. Maybe side salad size with 4 small slices of tuna. For the price, this place does not impress. Raleigh Times is a much better choice for the same style of food/drink.
(2)
Emily R.
Excellent, excellent service. The food was pretty great too, but the service was phenomenal. I've never experienced anything like it at a restaurant. It's like they read my mind. I went in for lunch after a break for a conference downtown. The menus seemed to consist of burgers and sandwiches, with a couple unique dishes for those with more time to sit and savor. Good selection of beer, and some cute cocktails I wish I had the time to try. Everyone seems to be noting the tater tots: yeah, they're good, it's potatoes, but...they're just regular tater tots lol. I mean, I'd get them again, but it's not like they're powdered with gold or anything.
I can't figure out why this place isn't rated more highly! We stopped in for a late lunch on a recent Thursday. It was around 3pm, and the restaurant was nearly empty, but our experience was GREAT. The space is wonderfully historic, like much of downtown Raleigh. They have a good selection of local beer on tap, plus a full bar, if that's more your thing. We ordered the beer cheese (fantastic!) and split an enormous turkey club, which was one of the day's specials (all the specials were made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients). It was delicious. The fried green tomatoes we chose as our side were also excellent, but we were, sadly, too full to finish them. Stop by if you're in the area!
(5)
Jennifer B.
A solid 3 starts from me. Service was prompt and friendly. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the mac and cheese. FGT were just ok, they didn't knock my socks off, and the mac and cheese was good, but again, not "curl your toes" good. There was a nice, lively atmosphere. I didn't check out the roof top, but if I were to go again, I will make a point to go up there.
(3)
Angela C.
Stopped in again tonight before the fireworks. Let me just say the food (as usual) was phenomenal. Four in the party and we sat by the front window. Two ordered the red, white, and blue empanadas, one ordered the fish tacos, and one ordered the Left Hand burger. We split the mac&cheese appetizer. And let me be clear, this low of a rating is NOT a reflection of the food. The food was fantastic--definitely 5 stars. Knowing that the dinner selection rotates every night and there's a possibility I may never eat those empanadas again will keep me up at night. Everyone else said great things about their dishes, as well. Maybe not the best mac&cheese I've ever tried, but still pretty classic!! My issue tonight was the service. Maybe it was our fault because we sat at the lone table by the front window. I'm not sure, but we constantly felt forgotten or like an after thought. When we came in, the "please seat yourself" sign was up, making me think they weren't super busy. Upon sitting, the waitress came right over. We started with four waters, and felt like it took a while to get them. Then two of us ordered beers, (definitely regretted asking for a sample of one as that just prolonged the drink period) and finally got them. The food itself seemed to take longer than normal, but seeing how fast the bar tenders were moving getting drinks out to their patrons and how slow ours came to the table, I question how quickly our food was input in the computer for the kitchen to prepare it. Additionally, my mother was VERY clear she could not eat sour cream, but out the dish came with it drizzled on top. Trust me when I say, I know we are all sometimes new at jobs. And I'm more than willing to be patient knowing there is a learning curve. However, I do not think that is the case here. 1. I've eaten at the Busy Bee before when my waitress was new...she had a more senior waitress shadowing her. 2. When I asked about trying the beer, she expertly explained what is required to qualify it as a Gose, meaning she is either a new waitress, but beer expert, or the more likely (as she was alone) veteran waitress. I just don't understand why someone with such experience could overlook a table. At least the open window provided us with entertainment!!! I'll definitely be back, but I do hope this waitress disappointment is a rarity!!
(3)
Helen A.
Sunday brunch and tried the lamb sausage with grits with poached eggs.. A very unique combo, was very tasty and filling.. The wait staff could have been a little more helpful and enthusiastic on offering suggestions. Overall it was a good experience.
(4)
Jess D.
Absolutely love this place for drinks. The decor is great, the bartenders are fantastic, and the prices aren't too bad. I love "The Sting" cocktail. It's made with love and is super unique. Check this place out!!
(5)
Patrick H.
With a great menu of food and craft beer, this place definitely did not disappoint. We walked right in on a Saturday night, and although, busy, not so busy we couldn't walk right in and sit down at the bar. Our barman, Brian, was super friendly and made us feel very welcome. Plus he had an awesome Miami Dolphins tattoo haha. But whether you're hungry for a meal, or just want something to snack on while you drink, they've got you covered. You can't go wrong with Loaded Tots. For this beer nut, there were enough choices to make contemplation a several minute process. The Mikkeller Coffee IPA was definitely the winner of the night (thanks to my girlfriend for trying that one first and letting me have a sip haha). The next time I'm back in Raleigh, the Busy Bee will definitely be on my list of places to go back to.
(5)
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Address :225-100 S Wilmington St
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Erin T.
Had a great time here on First Friday--$2 select draft was Foothills Pilsner and when that kicked, they switched it to something with "red" in the name. Both were good, and great deals considering what craft beers usually sells for. Their beer list is extensive and has plenty of unique offerings. I especially enjoyed how each beer was grouped by it's flavor profile (Malt, Hop, Session, Belgian Style, Vintage, etc) to help you along. Prices range from $4-$20+ (for some of their specialty beers that come in large bottles). The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a huge bar and a small seating/eating area. The walls are a pale yellow brick and with the crowds, buzz like a hive. Best part, the bar stools are pretty comfortable too. The only reason why I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is because I didn't get to try the food. I'll have to update again once I get a chance to sit down for dinner.
(4)Anna S.
My husband is very hard to impress and he loved the busy bee. The orange buzz beverage at saturday brunch was perfect. he had the french toast and could not have been happier. we were also very satisfied with the price. we met another couple there and they were just as happy. The service was superb, young guy, 20's dark hair witha short beard. very friedly, knowledgable and never tried to rush us. A ten! We are plannng to go back next Saturday again.
(5)Shannon P.
You should definitely buzz on over!! (pun intended) LOVE this place! Tonight was my first time here, and so sad that I haven't been here before now especially after catching a peek of their awesome outdoor patio upstairs...that would've been nice this summer..oh well, good thing the inside is just as awesome. It's an old building - not sure how old, but it has that row house appeal - long and narrow. Their menu is simple - a one pager with drinks on the back. We started out with the hummus appetizer which was very good. It even had a few crispy chick peas and sesame seeds on top for a little texture. I had the nightly special which was NC seared tuna on top of sauteed brussel sprouts, leeks, and squash with a balsalmic reduction...oh my is all I can say. This was like tuna 'comfort food' which sounds odd...but it was so tasty. I'm not sure I ever would've thought of pairing tuna with those fall veggies, but it was a hit. My husband, Rich had the fish tacos with a side of fried green tomatoes which were also very good. They have about 4-5 red and 4-5 white wines by the glass - which were good choices, nothing to 'run of the mill'. Their beer list is incredible. Rich had the pumKing draft which is the best pumpkin flavored beer I've EVER had...not too sweet and didn't have that fake taste that some flavored beverages tend to have. It was like a spicy winter pumpkin drink in a glass. The server was great - very chill and laid back. I love how non-pretentious this place is...it's just chill and no one's trying too hard here. Check it out!
(4)Izabela B.
This was the last stop on our bar hop. Nice spot. Seems pretty average. Two of my friends had just broken up and were doing that unfortunate avoiding each other dance. My other friend wanted to sober up so she ordered a coffee. It was basically brown water. But that goes back to my new adage which states: order what the house does best, not what you want most. ("An adage ( /ædd/; Latin: adagium) is a short but memorable saying which holds some important fact of experience that is considered true by many people, or that has gained some credibility through its long use.") My new adage probably needs to be worded a little better, but it all boils down to the fact that you shouldn't order coffee at a beer bar in downtown Raleigh at 12:30am on a Sunday morning. Aside, Busy Bee seemed nice. My only real disappointment was that we didn't get to try the rooftop patio.
(3)Marlene M.
The bacon jam burger is amazing. We ate in the main bar - loved the exposed brick walls. The service was great. There were a couple of minor problems that were immediately corrected. Will definitely come back here the next time I'm in Raleigh!
(4)Amy B.
Stopped in here for a weekday lunch. I was most impressed by their 1) beer selection which I couldn't partake in because I had to return to work after lunch and 2) the kind and gracious service I got from the bartender. I ordered the burger with the jack cheese and fried green tomato, and it upset me greatly. Here's how it all shook out: Tots? swoon. jack cheese on a burger? nice fried green tomato on my burger? oh boy When it arrived, that burger looked like it had a little glowing aura around it, it was that lovely. The fried green tomato, so hard to execute, was perfectly coated in a thick, uniform layer of crunchy breading. Imagine my disappointment when I bit into it, and it was not a green tomato, but a half ripe, kinda pinkish-red tomato. Um, listen busybee. We need to talk. I know we just started seeing each other, but this isn't working for me. Just so you know, it's you, not me. Fried pink tomato. Let me say that again so it really sinks in--fried pink tomato. ARE YOU F'ING kidding me? Since many of you are probably not in the habit of eating half-ripe tomatoes, much less one that is cooked, let me tell you what it tasted like---it was mushy, and kinda tasted rotten. in fact, when I sent it back, I told the server that I think I might have actually gotten a tomato slice that was bad. He apologized and told me that they could make another one really fast. which they did. So my second one comes out, and it is another half-ripe slice that also tasted rotten. did i already say "ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME?" in this review, because I hate to repeat myself. I"m pretty sure the server told them what was up with the first one, so you'd think they'd go out of their way not to do it again. guess not. And another thing, why bother having the server ask me how I want my burger cooked if the kitchen clearly does not have skill or control when it comes to meat temperatures. "Medium" does not mean cooked to death, and dried into a little hockey puck. Anyway, as I mentioned, the server was really cool, and knocked some dough off my bill because of the debacle, but needless to say, i won't be back.
(1)Adam A.
Food lacks in every dimension -- (maybe will be better if very drunk). Beer selection is good. Service was/is/will surely be glacially slow. That's right, slow even in a geologic time scale. I do like the walls and the floors, though. Very pretty bar.
(2)Annie Z.
We worked with Rebecca for our wedding rehearsal dinner on October 19th at The Hive. From the very beginning to the end of the event, we were stress-free. We contacted her and received a response very quickly, as with all the correspondence. She set us up with a tasting since a lot of the main courses for catering are not on their regular menu. It was fantastic! The chef came out and spoke with us, told us to suggest anything we'd like or comment on what we might want to see done differently. We didn't change a thing about the menu they provided and were incredibly impressed on the night of. Decor, menu, beer, and staff were beyond fantastic. This was by far the best part of our wedding weekend and we couldn't be more happy!
(5)Kevin J.
Busy Bee is a charming and uplifting venue with great specials like the butternut squash risotto. Had this with a side of tater tots. Food was brought out so quickly. We easily had been able to secure street parking nearby, and there is also a paid garage up the street that allows free parking on weekends to encourage a visit to this and other downtown Raleigh establishments. Found ourselves welcome and comfortable here, since seating does not seem to get at all cramped, even when the place is dubbed "busy."
(4)Elisa P.
My daughter was recently married in the "Hive" upstairs at the Busy Bee and it was an amazing, perfect evening! I was so impressed with the service and the attention to detail they provided. The entire staff was just awesome and of course their food is wonderful! I would HIGHLY recommend this venue for any special occasion! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my daughters special day so perfect!
(5)Tara H.
Actually at upStairs at the hive on the roof top. I have a thing for rooftop eating and drinking so it put me in a happy place right away! Drinks= good Food excellent! Fish taco's -second time good as the first-fried green tomatoes oh my how I love thee!!! Service- relaxed. Not super attentive but not in my way either (which i hate). I've always had good no make that great food here. Will for sure be headed back...and oh that rooftop. :)
(4)M. K.
I've been wanting to dine here for awhile now and finally had the chance this past weekend. It wasn't as good as I anticipated, but it was good nonetheless. I have to say, I think I enjoyed the atmosphere of place more than I enjoyed the food. The ambiance and decor is really nice. I love exposed brick and I liked all the local art they had hanging on the wall. My bf ordered the chickpea and quinoa burger - which sounds much more exciting than it actually was. It was really dry, but it's cool they had a veggie burger option on the menu. I ordered the spinach salad that came with green beans, chick peas, roasted peppers and celery. I topped it with tofu - which comes fried btw (boo) - and a currant vinaigrette. While the food didn't wow my bf and I, my uncle ordered some fish tacos that he couldn't stop talking about for the remainder of the day. He said it was something that, if he lived in Raleigh, he might just have to eat everyday. And he definitely knows good food. So, while I didn't try them myself, I'd have to recommend the fish tacos - seemed to be the highlight of our visit!
(3)Christie M.
We went here on Saturday for a late brunch - to sit outside on a lovely afternoon. I promptly went in and let someone know we were sitting outside. After sitting outside for at least 10 minutes, the table next to us, who were already there when we arrived - decided they would go back in to let someone know we were still waiting for menus. (they had also let them know they were there when they arrived - so the Waitstaff inside has now been told 3 times there are tables outside) After sitting there, ungreeted, for 20+ minutes, we went somewhere else. The table next to us, also left. I've worked in the food industry - and this boils down to poor management and really poor waitstaff. If you can't accommodate the tables outside, you shouldn't have them.
(1)Laura S.
This is one of my favorite places to go downtown at night for a meal or just a drink. It manages to be somewhat upscale, but also very approachable. The atmosphere is warm. I love the exposed brick walls and hardwood floors and the loft seating area can be a great retreat when you just feel like people watching. The first time I went and saw tater tots on the menu, I was a little surprised to see such a homey item. You can get them either as a side to a sandwich, or as a larger portion side and they are great. The black and bleu burger is delicious and the fish tacos are always satisfying. Also yummy are the mac and cheese and the fried green tomatoes; both available as sides. Everything tastes fresh and portions are manageable. Hands down one of my favorite things about Busy Bee is their unique cocktail the Sting. Passionfruit vodka, lime, soda, cilantro and jalapeno combine to become a refreshing and spicy drink. Sipping that on their rooftop patio extension, The Hive, on a summer day is one of the better things in life.
(5)Patricia P.
went for brunch, they had a brunch menu which consisted of : Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, A Tomato jam grilled cheese and Crab fritata. They were out of the grilled cheese. Wanted to order the Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, but did not for the fear that I would get tired of the flavor. I should have, I ordered the crab fritata and was dissapointed: it was luke warm and lacked in flavor. Should have ordered from the regular menu.
(3)Jeff R.
I generally like more divey places. But since I was just passing through town, and with my family, ... we chose this place kind of randomly... It's nice, has exposed brick, lots of wood, and a vast array of amazing beers.... I found my new favorite beer here and I am from the Bay Area( arguably the capital of micro brews). The beer is Terrapin and I believe the brew was the Rye Pale Ale. I hear that their other brews are really good as well. They are out of Athens GA. It rivaled Pliny the Elder, and my other favorite, Lagunitas, IPA. On other observations...the artwork at Busy Bee on the wall was awesome. The food was okay, and the service was great.
(5)Natalie J.
Great Beer Selection! Food can be inconsistent but the incredible bar staff tends to make up for it.
(4)Garrison W.
Good food. Reasonable prices. Wonderful beer selection (at lunch so didn't try any unfortunately). Our server, Tony, was great and really nice to a family with small kids.
(5)Don H.
The atmosphere is great - really good looking place. I had dinner there for the first time this weekend and the food was tasty and not overpriced. I got the Organic Chicken and was completely satisfied with it. Wide selection of drinks. Looking forward to getting back there.
(4)Lara T.
We ate here back in March with a group of eleven, mostly out-of-towners (guests from D.C., New York, Ohio, Louisiana, and even London, England), and had the Busy Bee recommended to us for lunch by some locals. I checked the website before booking a reservation. The lunch menu on the site looked fantastic. Unfortunately, once we arrived (at 1pm) the menu we were given was a tiny "brunch" menu. Although the website says they serve "breakfast, lunch and dinner", they apparently serve no lunch. Only "brunch" until 4pm (website now says 12-3 for brunch and 12-5 for lunch). I suppose someone missed that brunch is a meal between breakfast and lunch. Anyway, we all ordered and found that the meals were as tiny as the menu. For example, four silver dollar pancakes (literally the equivalent of about one regular sized pancake) with three strips of bacon was $10, and a cheap flank steak with two eggs and nothing else was $12. The prices were just absurd, and the food was hit and miss. My fried green tomatoes were greasy and the Eggs Benedict upset my boyfriend's stomach. Others in our group enjoyed their meals, though most agreed that the prices were too high. The atmosphere was great (nice seating, a huge coffee bar, and fantastic art on the walls), but the service was not up to par at all. Despite it being very slow, drinks went empty and stayed empty more than once. In the end, no one in the group was pleased. Overall, it was a complete disappointment and I was ashamed to have taken friends to eat there. Be guaranteed none of us will ever be back, at least not for food. The only reason I gave it two stars, instead of one, is because those who got coffee were very impressed. If you're in it for the liquid, it seems to be a great spot. Anything solid, you're wasting your money.
(2)C M.
I've have eaten here a few times because my wife is a big fan. The Busy Bee Cafe is a stretch at three stars. Let's just say I won't dissuade anyone from eating here. I think the menu had quality options beyond the usual pub grub. The food also tasted pretty good. One of the draws of the BBC is that it has an open-air back deck where you can sit outside and see...well...the Raleigh skyline? If I remember correctly, the prices are slightly above average. I think they tend toward not-worth-the-price because you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)Jessie R.
why are there not half stars? yelp, please! Because, 3.5 is really more where this was at. Awesome bartender - I love when a bartender offers to mix you something up to suit you. It was like a mojito pimms cup and I was way into it. Atmosphere is awesome, really cool, I loved the huge honeycomb pattern on the wall and the bar was so long and never-ending. But the food was so over salted I could barely eat my salad. And I LOVE salt. My boyfriend thinks my love of salt is going to kill me. And the fried green tomatoes were over salted as well. But I'd totally go back for the bar, just not for the bar food.
(4)Aggie D.
Mac and cheese so good I ate there twice in 24 hours during Hopscotch, and an incredible beer menu.
(5)Kelly H.
First, the good: The Busy Bee has an excellent drink menu. I'm a wine snob, and I've been quite happy with their smaller yet delicious selection. They have an extensive selection of beers, and their mixed drinks are delicious and creative. The Tia Maria dessert is AMAZING, and has brought me back there many times after dinner someplace else downtown. The bad: With the exception of the tots, the food is overpriced for average or disappointing fare. I was a fan of the mac and cheese, but the quality seems to have gone downhill, and the last two times I've ordered it it has been cold when served. It's too bad, because it did have a nice flavor, but I would prefer the dish to be served hot. The fish tacos were lacking in flavor, and the portabella sandwich wasn't anything special. Last night I ordered the tofu dish, which wasn't quite what I was expecting. While cooked well, the cubes of tofu were breaded and fried, and it was more what I would expect to eat at the state fair than in a downtown restaurant. I was told they were out of tuna, which knocked two dishes off of an already short menu (for pescatarians). The ugly: Last night when I got my second glass of wine, there was lipstick all over the glass. Yuck! It took awhile to flag down the waitress, but I will say that when I got her attention, she was very nice and prompt about bringing me a new glass. I'll keep going back there and hoping to get a hit with their regularly disappointing menu dishes so I can keep drinking their wine and eating their tots and cake. If the kitchen/menu improves, the Busy Bee has the potential to be one of my favorite places in Raleigh.
(3)Jon B.
This is one of my favorite places to get a burger. Having tater tots as a side definitely gives them an edge. While I don't usually stray from the tots, the mac and cheese is also really tasty. The beer selection tends to lean towards the eclectic side, but is always good. The atmosphere is great, and on nice days the patio aka The Hive is terrific.
(5)Ryan R.
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!! That's how I felt when I last left the Busy Bee in downtown Raleigh. 'twas not a beer buzz, just the natural high of a satisfying meal with good company in a fun atmosphere. If you are a fan of downtown Raleigh (raises hand) and you like great beer and interesting food (raises other hand), then here ya go. The place doubles as an espresso bar/coffee shop in the mornings, but I have yet to experience that aspect of the place. On to the fun stuff...We had the calamari and hummus for appetizers. Very fresh! For dinner I had the chicken sandwich with pear, honey and some other delicious toppings I don't recall at the moment. Needless to say, it was actually an interesting chicken sandwich. The beer selection is what it's all about here and they usually have something very unique available. We had barrel-aged Hoppyum IPA, which blew us away. The vibe here is also worthy of mention: City cedar is what I refer to it as....lots of wood, cozy lighting and brick/mortar. Haven't been upstairs yet. Hell, I haven't made it past the first 5 barstools in my 2 visits. What a phenomenal place to drink beer and, I assume, to get your morning caffeine kick! Oh and they sell growlers of beer to take home: How sweeeeeet it is...
(4)Kelly G.
I've been a fan of the Busy Bee pretty much since it opened - consistently excellent food, great atmosphere, and an extensive beer menu. What more? Well, last month the Busy Bee Cafe was the venue for our wedding and reception. I can't say enough about what a positive, easy experience it was working with Rebecca and the staff at the Bee. If you have ever planned a wedding, you know there are headaches and snags along the way - no matter what, it just happens. We ran into that with pretty much each vendor we used except for the Bee. Each and every contact with Rebecca put us completely at ease. And she/they delivered! Our special day was everything we had imagined, even better, and was beautiful. Our guests gushed over the food, what a lovely venue, and how comfortable it was. We served a southern style brunch which included scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast, shrimp & grits, collards, tater tots and biscuits & jam. It was superb. The servers were fabulous. Rebecca was fabulous. The Busy Bee was fabulous. And guess what, because of that our wedding was fabulous! A huge thank you to Rebecca and everyone at the Busy Bee Cafe!
(5)Amanda D.
I've now spent time on every level of Busy Bee and have nary a bad word to say about it. Their beer selection is also one of the best in the city. Be sure to check their events calendar because your favorite craft brewer might be having an event there soon! The bar downstairs is monstrous and the bartenders are nice and attentive, even on nights that patrons are 3 deep. The mezzanine is GREAT for parties and the waitstaff has no qualms about going up and down the stairs a bajillion times. The Hive is okay, but you have to want to get sweaty and close to strangers. (Don't bother trying to engage the DJ, though - he's a dick.) And last, but certainly not least, the roof top. Service out here can get slow on a busy night, but don't let it keep you from coming back on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to drink the day away in the sunshine, sipping Queen Bees and vodka tonics until dark.
(5)Erin W.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Busy Bee yet! Man, I love this place. The space has three levels. The ground floor has a nook of sorts in front - which is a great area to grab a cocktail with a group or chill with a book solo. The rest of the ground floor contains the main dining area which runs along the loooong bar. Above that is a little loft dining area and even beyond that, on the other side of the wardrobe, through the looking glass, and up some stairs is the rooftop patio and the Hive - which are by far my favorite areas. The Hive itself is more of an intimate club setting. They have DJs throughout the week and the bartenders and the cocktail magic they work are among some of the best I've run into in Raleigh. I mean...The Sting, people...if you've had one you know what I mean... This is one of those places where you can tell it really means a lot to the owners and servers just to be open and serving downtown Raleigh. And that's a place I can stand behind.
(4)Karen H.
This is a great place to have a party or event. The upper level bar and outside patio is really wonderful and they do a great job with appetizers!
(5)Francine W.
I like the vibe of this place but I went here for the first time today and the service was terrible and the food was ok but nothing special at all. It took us a LONG time to get waters and we had to ask several times for simple things. Some of the food arrived quite cold. However, they seemed to be short staffed. Our waitress had to man many tables so I'm sure it was difficult. To their defense, the owner did listen to our complaints and apologized and he seemed willing to take suggestions. I really want to see this place be successful and I think with some more experiences waiters/waitresses and some more staff, it could be great. Nice vibe though!
(2)Chuck W.
Came here and took over the upstairs as part of a late-night after wedding party, and they couldn't have been more gracious. Especially since we were playing some sort of loud game that involved banging quarters on tables. In any case, they had some really great drinks, and I enjoyed their snacks as well - hello, tater tots. I'll have fond memories of this place!
(4)Relevant E.
First thing's first - Holy Air Conditioning! The management at Busy Bee Café' (BBC) cannot be too concerned about their electricity bill. Two out of two visits, my lunch mate(s) & I were super chilly - Bring a coat/sweater. However, this should not deter you from entering; BBC is certainly admirable. I've only sampled the lunch menu - and it has revealed itself a prime lunch spot. The simplicity of the food delivers a truly "clean" flavor, and the chefs use majority local ingredients in a successful effort to spotlight the talents of the triangle/NC. Specifics: My first visit to this place was for a rest/caffeine fueling during Hopscotch Festival - coffee wasn't too bad. This was followed by a brief sit upstairs on the Hive patio--very cool space, especially at night where you can sit amongst the city skyline. My first food visit occurred during strict vegetarianism - the waitress made no fuss to substitute a burger entrée with an abundance of fried green tomatoes--which where of grade A+ crispy recipe. The sandwich rolls are supplied by a local Raleigh bakery, which I have regretfully forgotten the name - but they were ridiculous...I wanted a stock for home. Added a baby green salad which follows the "clean" flavor I previously mentioned. Second trip required no dietary restrictions--and the table's entrées included: Grilled Chicken Sandwich (medley of pear/honey/basil...godlike?) "Hot" Ham Sandwich (hot = jalapenos), Chicken Philly (visually looked like veg-confetti, fun to look at & eat). All of these plates were tasty and I'd order them again...for lunch. The dinner menu has 'large plates' that have a soulful/southern flare. Also, their noteworthy beer collection is pretty extensive, again spotlighting local brews - you can buy a 'growler' and take a 1/2 gallon home with you (unique!). With the addition of the BBC iphone App, it seems BBC is a Raleigh subculture...everything you need under one roof.
(4)Anna E.
Love this hip little spot! The food is tasty, the vibe is great, and I love "The Sting" (one of the signature drinks served at Busy Bee.) I've been twice now, and enjoyed myself both times. The first time I went earlier in the evening with some girlfriends on a weeknight. We sat downstairs, it wasn't loud but was still upbeat. I had The Sting, and an awesome salad (with Goat Cheese!) The second time I went for a friend's birthday and we sat upstairs, at 8:00 on a Friday night. Totally different feel! The place was hoppin'! A little loud, but still really fun. Great beer, and I tried the hummus. Tasty. Highly recommend for a lunch with the girls, or a great place to start your night out on the town!
(4)Lee B.
I stopped in here with some friends on Friday night and we were seated promptly. The staff is nice but seemed overwhelmed. The three of us ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer which were ok. I ordered the Tom and Jack burger (cheeseburger with pepperjack and fried green tomato on top). The burger was burned on the edges (charcoal) and not particularly tasty. The side of macaroni and cheese was the best part of the meal. One of my friends also ordered the Tom and Jack and was unable to finish the burger because it was burned on the outside and rare on the inside. The staff and manager were very apologetic but my friend was pretty much over it. The interior of the restaurant was very nice and clean. The staff was friendly and accommodating but the food was not good. I'm not certain I'll try this place again.
(2)Kyu J.
This place has a very inviting and hip feel to it. The brick wall on one side, the upstairs seating that leads out to balcony seating, which then leads to the upstairs bar called "The Hive". The colors and art on the walls are fantastic, too! The food is creative and spec-tac-ular! SO good. So so good. My favorite is the innovative bruschetta made from large croutons, a dollop of goat cheese, beets, and a few orange slices. I've gone several times with my beloved boyfriend. We've chosen this as our future spot to have a drink, snack, and good productive discussions (the atmosphere is great!!). I also took my sister and her 3 year old here for a few healthy and delicious meals (when they visited) . My sister is a fantastic cook in creating healthy meals with tofu, fruits, veggies... and her 3 year old now craves these things. :D So Busy Bee fit perfectly into their regimen. The drinks are very deliciously creative too - the Sting is definitely one to try! The beer selection is divine, as well... They really choose great tastes in everything. I would also like to applaud the staff. They are very friendly, very informative and helpful, and the bartenders really know how to make your drinks taste just right. OH! Love it!
(5)Arch S.
What a fun place! We went there on a Friday night and, while they were packed, the service was prompt and efficient, spot on! We'll definitely be back!
(4)Robert B.
Mac and cheese is excellent. We also have had burgers, soft shelled crab, and shrimp po boy here. All of them were great served hot and fresh. The best part about Busy Bee is the roof top outdoor seating for when it is nice out. The beer selection is pretty good and they also have an excellent sangria.
(4)Edward A.
The Hummus was the worst I've ever had... was it hummus, or just unseasoned ground chickpeas? Super bland, and certainly not fresh. That's all we had though, so I can't say much more about the place.
(2)Shannon D.
We stopped in for a mid-afternoon late lunch and it wasn't packed. The staff was wonderful and the food was delicious. I had the bleu cheese burger with a side of mac and cheese. Yummy! I could tell it was good mac and cheese (made from a mixture of actual cheeses). My husband had the veggie burger with a side of fried green tomatoes. I have had fried green tomatoes before and didn't like them but these were great. We got the Tia Maria cake to go and it was amazing. Will definitely be back!
(5)Dan R.
Great beer, great service, great atmosphere, good food... I've made it out to Busy Bee several times now and have to say that I'm really beginning to like the place. The service has always been top notch and the atmosphere is quite cozy. It's great for hanging out with a small group of friends while enjoying a beer or two, more on the beer in a minute! I've only been in for a proper dinner once and did so with a couple of friends. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits and my friends ordered the Fish Tacos and the Organic Chicken. My initial impression... the portion size was a bit small... but I found that I was full after I finished it. So it could be that I'm just accustom so seeing the super-sized portions that are served at most restaurants... The dish was pretty good and while i can honestly say I have had a tastier version of this southern dish elsewhere, I can definitely say that it holds its own. My friends were both pleased with both the Fish Tacos and Organic Chicken. If you are looking for an appetizer try the loaded tots! I've stopped by for drinks several time and while Busy Bee may not have a long list of the "usuals" on tap, what they do offer on tap is craft brew goodness! Their on-tap selection rotates and usually include a beer or two that was specially made for them. So if you enjoy the different "tastes" of beer and want to try something new and different then definitely swing in and see what's on tap!
(4)Crystal L.
Busy Bee is usually always weekend stop whether for food, drinks, or both. The fish tacos are great as are most of the appetizers. The staff and service are always wonderful no matter how busy.
(5)Tom S.
The Busy Bee has become one of my favorite spots to head out to in downtown Raleigh. The chef they have is consistent with the quality of food he sends out from the kitchen. The burgers (the shepherds pie burger that's on special from time to time is a game changer), a salads and large plate entrees are all well crafted and cooked to perfection. They also have some great side options. The beer selection is top notch, from local brews to micro brews around the country, and very reasonably priced. The bar staff is very knowledgeable, just give them the flavors you like, and you're guaranteed to get a great pint. Atmosphere is great as well. While I'm not a huge fan of The Hive late night crowd, it's easily avoidable during the summer time by sneaking out to the deck and grabbing a table. If you haven't been, you're missing out.
(5)Becca M.
Okay. Just okay. I ordered a Carmeletto which was delicious. But the problem was I wanted a beer. But I'm not a beer snob, and I don't like paying $5 plus to try a beer that I probably won't like. My boyfriend, however, loved it. I just want a plain old miller lite. Now if they only had these specialty beers it wouldn't be a big deal. But somewhere on the bottom of the list I come across Miller High Life. REALLY?! That just made me angry, you have this impressive list of snobby beers, and then one of (if not THE) worst beer ever. So I drank coffee, while everyone else enjoyed a brew. My friend did order loaded tots, which were awesome. but i'm sticking with three stars for the miller high life joke they played on me.
(3)Erica P.
I must say this is one of my favorite places in Raleigh at the moment. It's nice that someone has brought a Raleigh mainstay back to the forefront. There's a lot of history with this place (which you can see in the pictures hanging on the walls). I love everything about it. The decor is nice, the people are great, and the food & drinks are delicious. YOU MUST HAVE THE TATOR TOTS...that's all I'll say!!! It's nice to have more choices in Raleigh these days. The Bee has a great selection of beers and cocktails for those looking to step out the box and try something new. The upstairs (The Hive) is my usual spot on a Saturday night. The music is always good whether it's live or by a DJ. You can't say no to a $2 Miller High Life! Way to stay classy :-)
(4)Melodie S.
A solid 4. Great location, the service was attentive and professional. Fried Green Tomatoes: Average. Shrimp & Grits: Average. Thai Curry: Average. Nothing we ordered blew us away, but everything was good, fresh and hot. They should probably lose the tiny little bowls they serve everything (even the tomatoes) in. Makes for a complicated, painstaking process getting food from plate to mouth and doesn't present well. We'll be back for another try, though. The upstairs (The Hive) plays live tunes most nights. Extremely cool setup for a mellow night out.
(4)Susan W.
One of my favorite places downtown since it opened. The downstairs has a barista bar when you walk in, beautiful rich wood flooring, nice bar to hang out and sample the great selection of beers. Upstairs has a rooftop bar that is always full in the summer and another bar to get the nightlife going. You have to have the mac and cheese and the tater tots. They are fantastic! My favorite burger so far has been the one with fried green tomato - delish!
(4)Stephen H.
Awesome selection of beer. I'd recommend the fish tacos. If you get the fried green tomatoes side be sure to ask for a side of roasted red tomato sauce for dipping. Our waitress Rachel was very nice too and was very helpful!
(4)Keri G.
We did Busy Bee for our after work Ladies Night. I love the rooftop. Its small and quant. The food is always great. I'm not crazy about the after hours seen but it is somewhere that I love to go for a quick bite and drinks after work.
(4)Anne-Marie B.
It's a shame I had to travel all the way to North Carolina to finally try fried chicken and waffles for the first time in my life. Actually, not really. This was an altogether wonderful experience. We stopped by The Fox for a cocktail or 3 and couldn't figure out what all the noise was above us...and then we discovered Busy Bee (after a quick dance party at The Hive, of course). I loved the massive windows, great for people-watching, and just the overall ambiance of this place. Then there was the mac n cheese. Holy cow. It's like a square of heaven on a plate, baked with all things right in this world...cheese...spicy things...probably some love... I expected the fried chicken and waffles to come with syrup (cause that's how we do it back where I come from), but I was pleasantly surprised with a side of honey instead. YUM! This'll easily be on my list of places to frequent if I find myself back up around Raleigh.
(5)Parrish R.
Food is ok at best but the burger didn't have the texture of real meat and had absolutely no flavor.
(2)Gene S.
Good food. Bad service. Apparently cutting fruit is more important than checking on your customers.
(2)Marielle T.
Finally got to check out busy bee! My decision on where to go downtown was DONE as soon as I saw they had one of my favorite brews on tap from wicked weed brewing in Asheville! The layout is really cool and kind of maze-like, the service was awesome, & the menu looked like it had a good number of options. Ended up only getting the calamari with seasoned tomatoes & banana peppers- but this surprisingly added a nice spice and some unique flavors! Service was awesome from the minute I walked in to waiting for an outside table to open up to the server being attentive and going out of her way to allow me to sample a couple of beers that I was torn between- which I'm glad I did because one of the beers was not my forte! A couple of the other stuff (checking on us or bussing a table for us were all so sweet with a very positive attitude!) Atmosphere was relaxed, inviting, & casual. Definitely going back as soon as the weather calms down.
(4)Lydia A.
This review is for the bar/drinks. It'd be silly to mark down a place I know isn't veg for not catering to my dietary choices (that said: I eat here frequently! Just salads with mods and/or naked tater tots). Come here for BEER. Their menu is ever-changing and seasonal and it is fantastic. Great mix of IPAs, DIPAs, witbiers, kolschs, sour beer, etc...and always some hard-to-find unique or seasonal favors! Busy Bee features lots of NC breweries, but they aren't afraid to cast the net wide to bring the best to Raleigh. I find a lot of new favorites here, and they are always willing to give you a couple oz to taste before you buy (you know how some places are like, "here! Try this, it dripped off the tap. It's there in the bottom of the glass...if you squint." Not here. You get a nice-sized portion so you can actually taste the beer). Plenty of bar seating, plenty of seat-yourself tables downstairs and upstairs, and a rooftop patio. So much less crowded than Raleigh Times, and better beer selection, too. The patio has heaters in the winter and big umbrellas for the summer sun. So, again. BEER. Cocktails and wine? Not so much. If you're with a group and some of them are staunchly anti-beer but pro fancy cocktail? You won't get that here. They have cocktails, but unless it's something simple like a jack and coke or vodka soda (and be sure to specify soda, not tonic---for some reason that mixup seems to be a common one here), you will be disappointed,
(4)Kurt H.
I have revisited the Bee for the much-vaunted brunch option, twice. I had heard that it was something to be experienced, and it very much was. Took my brother and sister-in-law, and one of my oldest friends. They all had a blast. The specialty drinks were spot on, and the brunch options were filling and tasty. Great, unobtrusive service was a good part of each meal. Beautiful, fresh produce and perfect portions were the hallmark of our visits. The only down spot was the continual slide (or incline) toward 12oz. pours at $6.50 and up. The selections those days were definitely above average, and unique. I understand we aren't drinking Bud Lite here, but even I can cost out a keg. At those pours and those prices, they're making my visits more rare, as opposed to a casual drop in. Again, I dropped north of $125, and I am a customer that can afford to, regularly. For the love of beer, cut your prices a bit or give me a pint for that $7, and watch the revenues increase.
(4)Robert B.
I really like this place they have very good food and an excellent beer selection. I think they are one of the better bar establishments in downtown Raleigh. Always sit at the bar and service is very good and barkeeps know their beer. So why only the 3 stars you wonder. Well in addition to the good food they have a very nice brunch. However they screw it up by having this crazy ass blaring DJ so you cannot even hear the person next to you yell in your ear. This is what I want on a Sunday sipping on a brewski or Mimosa after a night out so NOT! Other than that love the place.
(3)Jane S.
If your going to go, plan on a LONG lunch and plenty of patience. I really love their food but absolutely HATE their service. From the moment I was introduced to this restaurant, I've been in love. I love the decor, the atmosphere, the drinks, the food. However, unfortunately, not their service. I continually keep trying to visit thinking maybe last time was a fluke, but they continually disappoint and aggravate. My boyfriend and I visited today for lunch. Initially I had hopes, I walked in and there were only 4 small tables of people and 3 people at the bar, most already had their meals. I sat down at a table and after 15 minutes of being countlessly looked at but never even once approached, we relocated to the bar, in hopes we would have better luck. Once at the bar, the server who had been watching us at the table, assisted us immediately taking our drink orders and food since we already knew what we wanted. We ordered 2 wraps with tots. Awesome. At this point, I have to admit, I was surprised he didn't ask if everything was ok or acknowledge their neglect to serve us which caused our relocation. However, more excited that things were looking up and we were finally able to order. We waited for almost 45 minutes before I finally had to ask the server if our order was almost ready since it was almost time to return to work. Unfortunately, I had to rudely interrupt his conversation since the entire wait staff was directing their attention to a friend at the end of the bar the whole time we sat, waiting. By the time we left, there was only 1 table left, I'm not sure if the lack of service was due to the wait staff not being able to handle the massive amount of 3 tables. Or perhaps, it was the excitement of having a friend in the building since they were all huddled at the end of the bar chatting with them. I'm not sure. What I am sure of, is the absolute disappointment. I love this place, I would love nothing more than to make this my usually spot. However, when an hour lunch isn't enough time to even be served a sandwich, I'm not sure my time budget will allow for their food prep/conversation/distracted time requirements to warm chicken, wrap it in a tortilla with some lettuce and fry a few tots. Additionally, the growing amount of aggravation watching my lunch hour slipping away, while they chit chat and walk around aimlessly was not worth the food that was spoiled by the ill feelings. By the time my food actually appeared, I was forced to request a box knowing there just wasn't' any time left to eat and not be late. My boyfriend was so hungry he attempted to scarf down his sandwich that fell all over and was already feeling indigestion on the way back. I love this place but the lack of customer service and care leaves me wanting to give a place that should receive 5 stars, only 2. Lunch is supposed to be a time to break away from the stress. When I come back to the office worse off, that equals complete and utter disappointment, what a shame for a place with so much potential.
(2)Calvin Y.
Here are the things I like about Busy Bee: + Lots of beer on tap -- prices depend on what you order. + When you try to get something funky, the bar tender lets you try it first. Actually, he insists on you trying it first before he gives you a whole pint. This is for good reason -- I tried ordering a sour beer with cherry flavor and luckily he made me try it first! It tasted like cough syrup. + They are close to the IMAX at Marbles -- so a nice place to hang out before a movie. They change out their taps weekly, we happened to come in on a Wednesday night where a few of their taps were empty or near-empty.
(5)Lori R.
Had my first Busy Bee experience this past Saturday for lunch, and even if there wasn't food, this place would rate 4-stars just for the beer selection! YUM, and they brought a couple samples for each of us to help us narrow our choices (which only made it harder cause we liked ALL of them). Food-wise, I will say that I wasn't thrilled with the small menu. However, if you go knowing that your choices are pretty much burgers, a few other sandwiches or a couple salads, then you'll be okay if one of them sounds good. I wasn't in a burger mood, so I went with their fish tacos, with a side salad. Husband went with a burger and tater tots, and Dad went with a burger and cous cous. Love that they have some great "side" options. My fish tacos were certainly filling and tasty. Only complaint was that the delicate and perfectly-cooked fish when topped with the cold toppings, was therefore cold to eat. My suggestion would be to serve it with the toppings on the side, perhaps? Tasted good, but would have been so much better if the fish was hot. Husband was very happy with his burger and tater tots. He disagreed with a previous poster that they were Oreida. (and he's had enough experience to know)...he was happy with his tots. Dad liked the cous cous but his burger that he ordered "pink" was way overcooked. When our server checked on us, he expressed his concern, and immediately his plate was whisked away, only to be completely replaced by a fresh one that included a pink, juicy burger that he was happy with. Am looking forward to going back and trying their burgers with another great beer!
(4)Faith M.
Went there for lunch on a Saturday. Sat at a table that had not been cleared to snag a table since it is seat yourself. They cleared the table but did not clean it. Finally used a napkin to clean it. I ordered the crab hash. If I had not know it had crab, I would not have even tasted it. I found maybe a tablespoon of crab in the entire dish. The dish was also swimming in oil and there was probably a 1/4 cup of oil in the bottom of the bowl.
(1)Annmarie M.
Great beer selection at reasonable prices. Often really crowded and a bit hard to get a seat though. Food is pretty good, too. Rooftop patio is great if you can get a seat.
(4)Stan T.
Mixed reviews. The first time I ate lunch we had a really good experience. I can attest the food is fresh and delicious. Salads and mac and cheese are wonderful. The second time we "ate" at Busy bee we had a horrible experience. We were seated up on the loft. Our waiter took our drinks order and never returned. We walked out. He was too concerned about another table with 12 people. I guess that tip would have been larger. Sad thing is the place was not busy at all, all he needed to do was ask another waiter to take over. We went down the street to the Burger joint. I won't be back. I did speak to the waiter on the way out and he said sorry I had a large table. Nice excuse!
(2)Christina G.
3.5 stars. I recommend the beer and maybe a light bite. But not a full dinner. We've been sitting on a $50 gift card to Busy Bee that we won in an auction, and were excited to finally have a food-and-drink fest between the two of us to spend it all. Hard to believe I've only ever enjoyed craft beer, and the occasional cocktail or tater tot from Busy Bee, in the past. We started with hummus... the worst item of the evening. It was a TON of hummus, served with plenty of pita points. But it was grainy mashed bean with no flavor. No kiss of garlic, or herby goodness. And not whipped and creamy and spreadable. I got the empanadas and mac n' cheese together as my entree. The empanadas... uggh. They had a dry, odd over-processed pork(?) filling. The best part was the grated cheese on top; but there wasn't enough of it to complement (mask?) the rest. The mac n cheese, thankfully, was good. A hearty portion, and very creamy. But I asked to add the bacon topping, and it instead came with grilled chicken. The server didn't notice. When I pointed it out, he did ask if I wanted a side of bacon. Phil got the shrimp and grits, which he enjoys at a few other area establishments, and thought the version here was comparable. I don't know.... for dinner, it was crowded, loud, and not incredibly tasty. I'd have to recommend elsewhere in Raleigh. For beer, there's always something unique on tap, and they have some of the coolest events in town -- it'll be one of your bets for beer.
(3)Jaimey H.
***My 100th Review!!!*** A friend and I came here for lunch, and I absolutely fell in love with this place! I've never been to this part of downtown Raleigh and I can't wait to go back and explore the surrounding bars and restaurants. Busy Bee is a well known watering whole and late-night spot in Raleigh, so when we came just shortly after the typical lunch hour I knew it was going to be dead. But we had a really great waitress who was extra helpful in helping my friend select his beer. I choose not to drink (shocker I know), but I did indulge in their tater tots; and I'm so glad that I did. Those tots were amazing and of course I got them loaded with cheese and sour cream. I also ordered the bleu cheese burger which was done to perfection. We were so stuffed, my friend and I had to walk around downtown just so we could erase the guilt of pigging out. I will definitely be coming back to the Bee (as the cool kids call it) and hopefully it will be late at night so I can really get the true feel of the place.
(4)stacy W.
When I moved to North Carolina I wanted to leave behind two things: DC Traffic and DC Dbags. They've both relocated to this bar. The gin and tonic i ordered was worth of being smashed on the floor - A Beefeater and Tonic means a BEEFEATER and tonic - not bottom shelf gin! Needless to say, after waiting for many minutes behind a mass of relocated DC idiots (granted there may have been a few locals - but i doubt it, this place reminded me of adams morgan) to get a bad drink - i left.
(1)Melissa D.
Okay so I'll give busy bee props for the slammin tater tot contoction they serve and the fact that their food is reasonably priced. However.... The majority of the staff needs to check their attitudes. Yes busy bee is a bar but it does have families with children in tow who frequent the establishment often. My husband and I were here for a mid-day snack and our infant son needed a diaper change. Granted all places do not have changing tables in their restrooms, I get it. When I had asked where I can change my son and if I can go upstairs where NoONE was sitting to change him quickly because there was no changing table in the bathroom, the staff acted as if I was asking them them to walk on water and that "people usually change their children on a chair in the bathroom and its never been an issue before" (insert rolling eyes). My question is.. Have you ever changed an kid on a restaurant chair in a two stall bathroom with a door slamming you in your back everytime someone came in while trying to keep the kid from rolling off the chair and having the adjacent sink water spray in his face when someone would wash their hands... NOT FUN! I'm done with you busy bee. Didn't appreciate the attitudes and although most of your food is decent its not worth the aggravation.
(1)Santana D.
I love the Spirit of this place its cute, and trendy, and hip and who doesnt love bees....everytime I come here (with the expeptions of holidays when its terribly crowded). I have always had a wonderful time, the waitstaff as well as the people The Busy Bee attracts is right up my alley their social, charming, charismatic, and bubbly...which is very important in a place who is always a headliner for changing the face of downtown into the lively location that I know deep inside it is. Now down to business..... The Sting is hands down my favorite drinks possible in all of raleigh its spicy, and sweet and cool and tropical all in one nice little package. I honestly cant say I have ever had anything that even remotely comes close to it so it is truely an original. xoxo
(5)Onii W.
I love Busy Bee/The Hive! I always end up going on a Saturday night and I love it. The drinks are great (I'm a cocktail girl) and there are always people! The music on Saturday night is a mixture of throwback pop and hip hop hits and its so much fun because the floor is always filled with people dancing and having a great time! It's always free to get in, which I love too. This is definitely a place that everyone should check out!
(4)Gina B.
Oh Bee. How your menu disappoints. I think it needs a complete overhaul. $9 for tator tots with cheese and sour cream? Crap, I'm in the wrong business. What is the mark-up on that? Lots of folks come in on dates just looking to share a few appetizers and/or have dessert and a cocktail and you guys don't cater to that crowd and you are missing out on a huge market. Your dessert selection is less than to be desired. Step it up. Otherwise, lovely atmosphere.
(3)Ethan K.
Tator tots and more tator tots. Mac and cheese is delicious. Fish tacos are good. A great place to talk with someone over a meal.
(4)Susan P.
Went for the primal pop up dinner so I can't speak to their normal menu. I'd go to another pop up dinner if the menu looked good. Service: The wait staff were pretty good. The meal was served in courses, everyone got their food about the same time. Water always stayed full. The best part was the chef explaining each dish and answering questions about the food and why they couldn't normally serve primal food. Many thanks to the fantastic chefs for taking on such a challenge for the primal/paleo community. Food: Every course was fantastic! My husband and I agreed the portions were a bit small for us, but we can eat a lot. The pickled grapes on the salad were amazing, but there were only a few. The duck with bone broth was great. I'd never had beef tartar before, but I really liked it. I had a bite of swiss chard on the venison dish and thought I should try the next bite with a little of the sweet potato puree, but their wasn't a second bite. The sauerkraut on the same dish was awesome, I could eat a whole plate of it by itself. To top it the amazing meal there was a delicious coconut flour chocolate cake. Atmosphere: The upper loft is really loud and we had to shout to each other across the table. The downstairs bar looks great and there is a comfy looking couch area by the door.
(4)RJ L.
Staff/Service - 5 stars Food/Drinks - 4 stars Seriously the staff here are the nicest people in Raleigh which keeps us coming back. The food is pretty good, not to die for. I highly recommend the loaded tots as an app. We always seem to go during the day on weekends and the dining room is usually pretty full so we always sit at the bar. The upstairs is always fun when the sun goes down and they have a pretty good DJ.
(4)Tim J.
Just had brunch with the team and Busy Bees knocked it out of the park. Kelly was our server and she killed it. We all had Breakfast Burgers and I've never been so happy with a meal. Good job all around we will be back. Thank you Kelly!
(5)Michael B.
Great little place in downtown Raleigh. The menu is small but tasty. Good selection of beers and liquor. Good clientele. Very comfortable ambiance. One of my favorites whenever I visit Raleigh.
(4)Lesley L.
I did a search for paleo food as I'm trying to make better food choices. Busy Bee came up in the search so I thought it would have some options. Unfortunately, there was very little option for me and although the server was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and the chef was willing to modify my order (very cool), I was left wanting. The beef tenderloin was absolutely incredible but with only two entrees and one glass of wine costing us over $50, we think there are better values elsewhere in Raleigh. Atmosphere is definitely great though for a night out which is rare for us.
(3)Joan D.
Went in for brunch and loved it! We had the famous crack tots and will definitely have them again as well as many other items that we shared that were all fabulous. I can not wait to go back! Our server was also really fantastic and the atmosphere is cute & casual, as a side I think this would be a great spot for a first date, it's not at all stuffy or too formal plus there's plenty of action so if conversation lulls you won't feel so awkward. I'd venture to say it's one of my favorite brunch spots in town.
(4)B M.
We have tried to go to the Busy Bee in the past on a weekend and there was always some party reserving either the top floor or bottom floor. Once again we tried to go last weekend and the main floor was reserved for a wedding but we were able to find a table upstairs. I think the food is way over priced for what you get. We ordered the hummus to start and it comes with a few slices of cucumber, squash and 6 tiny pita wedges. Since there was ample hummus but nothing to eat with it, we asked if we could get more pita bread. We were told that we would be charged for this. The hummus plate is not cheap to begin with ($8) and then they skimp on inexpensive pita bread and then charge a dollar more for 6 more tiny wedges of bread. I ordered the shrimp and grits and for $16 you get a small square bowl with 3-4 shrimp in it and a few pieces of shredded sausage, 2 spoonfuls of grits and lots of celery filler. Again, way overpriced for the amount you get. We had a very nice waitress that actually kept apologizing about the extra charge for the bread and a few other things. Next time we will just drink beer and go elsewhere to eat.
(2)Cait H.
I got to try Busy Bee for the second time last night for pre-show appetizers and drinks. My first trip there was for drinks only, and while we had a good time, I wanted to come back and sample the food before reviewing. I went with a drink fittingly called The Queen Bee, made with gin, champagne and pineapple juice. I love when you can tell that the bartender has a clue about mixing a drink. The Queen Bee was delicious and I probably could have easily had a few more (if time and loss of judgment had allowed). Perhaps my judgment was SLIGHTLY impaired, because I decided to order the Loaded Tots to nosh on. They were absolutely covered in sour cream, cheese, bacon and scallions (all things I like) but it was kind of too much. I agree that these would be a good late night (translation: drunk) snack. The ambiance in Busy Bee is pretty cool, and I like that you can seat yourself. The service at the bar and at our table were both very good.
(4)Alysia A.
Busy Bee is cool and inviting, good low lighting, and bursting with a friendly staff. The roof top seating is cool but not as chilly as the inside on a limp flower southern day. My lady dates and I all very much enjoyed our meals as we got into some deep ass processing, which only complemented our good food. I had the pimento burger, it was indeed bangin' as was my "baby baby salad" stuffed with walnuts, strawberries, some kind of dried berry, and glazed with a perfect orange vinaigrette. One pretty date had the chicken "Philly" with UHMAZING fried green tomatoes, and the other pretty date had a Tom and Jack burger, which was loaded up with one of their finest green tomatoes. Ducking into the Busy Bee today was a great idea. I will definitely be back. Confidential to the woman in the bathroom who let one rip while I was reapplying my lipstick: You didn't have to lift your shoes up, it was pretty clear to me that it wasn't me who farted!
(3)Brandi C.
I've been here a couple of times for late night, and once for lunch. The food is not bad. It isn't amazing either. Beer selection is pretty good, but so are many other bars downtown. Surprisingly great cup of coffee! They use a French press and Counter Culture coffee, I believe.
(3)Tanya R.
My partner and I both had the bacon jam burger which was made even better with the addition of a fried green tomato. The bun was soft, airy, and was the perfect compliment to an already perfect burger! Hands down...the BEST burger we have ever had!!! The beer selection was quite vast but we opted for a golden ale which went quite well with our burger and side of tots that of course transported us back to childhood. Who doesn't love tots??? In town for a "getaway" anniversary stay-cation, but we will certainly make the drive from Greensboro very soon! Kudos...We are all abuzz about Busy Bee Cafe!!
(5)Chuck N.
Our waiter suggested plenty of choice beers for me and my party. I was able to sample the spinach burger, loaded tots burger and grilled chicken sandwich. The chicken sandwich was full of surprises with the supple moist breast accompanied by a sweet complement of pear. By the time I had the spinach I was pretty buzzed so my judgment isn't accurate, but it tasted like good spinach and I did end up finishing it, so I suppose it was pretty good! We finished off our meal with the apple cobbler. I was not impressed, especially for a $7 dessert. Aside from that, the ambiance was great, the drinks were plentiful and the bar was bustling! Their tots are fucking amazing.
(4)Kuanyu C.
So it took someone's moving away brunch to get me to come back to Busy Bee, but I am back now, and I've decided we should never be apart ever again! [Location] Sitting on busy part of the Wilmington St, finding street side parking might be a bit hard to do. There is a parking deck right beside the cafe, should you so incline. [Interior] I gotta say, from the outside, this place does not look impressive at all. It sorta look like a hole in the wall pub you will frequent on a Thursday afternoon for Happy Hour. Inside, it is ridiculously simple: brick walls, tables and chairs, bar and taps, shelves on the wall with liquors, and a sorta loft style upstairs seating. No need for beer label signs, nor pretentious artworks on the wall. [Menu] Anyplace that put their Draft selection in the middle of the menu is gotta be proud of their stock; and if you had seen their selection, you would tend to agree. Their menu is really simple. It let you know how much food you are getting, and whether it is available or not. They also offered a brunch menu. I have my eye set on the Crab Benny from the picture that I seen, but fate had intervened. I did, however, spotted something that I did not see previously. [Taste] Tongue burger is what I ordered. It's a standard burger, topped with marinated and simmered beef tongue meat, with added sweetish salsa. It's a bit messy. The tongue meat is leaner than a steak, and more tender. It create a contrast with the burger. The fact she asked me how I want my burger cooked (medium rare as my steak) just make it a bit better. [After-Thought] One day, I will come back here and get a proper taste of the Crab Benny, then I think my zen will be right as rain (hmm... where have I heard this before? Is that one of Adele's song?)
(4)Bryce J.
Unless you're having a midlife crisis, this "bar" still sucks. The ratio is bad, the DJ is only as good as his customer service skills, and it's extremely overpriced. But they sell beer, so it's not terrible I guess
(2)Jennifer C.
I really enjoyed the Busy Bee. Even on a Friday night it was a chill, laid back atmosphere. The waitstaff is seriously knowledgeable about everything on the menu. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have a cider on the menu but it gave me the opportunity to try "The Sting" which was amazing. Sour mix, passion fruit vodka, tonic, lime, cilantro and jalapeno. Yum! Must try it. Had the famous loaded tater tots which I highly recommend and pork with this incredible glaze and a sweet potato, asparagus and caramelized onion hash which was really tasty. Definitely left lighter in the pocket, but it was a nice meal - and maybe next time I won't order so many drinks.
(4)Alexis G.
Love Love Love Busy Bee! Honestly, whenever I go out to eat with this one friend of mine we always end up at Busy Bee. I think it's cause of the great vibes and the delicious mac and cheese! Also, they have really amazing brunch Sat-Mon! No one has brunch on a Monday in Raleigh that I know of. Also, their mimosas are amazing but $7 is a little much for me. The Sting is also an awesome drink! Jalapenossss
(4)Renee D.
Maybe this place isn't here to compete in the Raleigh food arena; that's really the only thing I could think after my initial disappointment with whomever was in the kitchen this past Saturday morning. I'm pretty adventurous; I love to try new food and they had a Duck Hash on menu that sounded really fantastic. Crazy enough, I've never eaten duck before and was hesitant due to time and pricing. If it sucked and I didn't like it; that's $15 down the drain and I wouldn't have time to re-order and wait as I was meeting up with some folks. I had asked one of the girls behind the bar doing prep work if the duck was good but she wasn't keen on it then told me to ask for a small nibble to see if I would like it. Sounded like a good plan to me. However, the "chef" informed the waitress that he had ONLY ENOUGH for the dishes themselves and couldn't spare a small piece of duck. Well. Okay. Fine. I "settled" for just a burger with pimento cheese. The burger was okay, the pimento cheese was really great. It came with a side of fried green tomatoes. The breading wasn't very tasty although the tomatoes were nice and thickly sliced. I also ordered a Bloody Mary. Cowfish Bloody Mary was far superior in both presentation and taste. Oh well. Downtown can't win them all! I might go back to try some of the craft drinks but after the "eh" eating experience and the waitress that was really too busy to deal with a lone diner: the experience did not leave me with a good taste in my mouth. The one person who was helpful and pleasant wasn't even waiting on me. That's a little disappointing.
(2)Kyle S.
Food is great service is slower than molasses. Sat at table during lunch and wasn't served after 15 min went to the bar was served drinks then food took 30 min, to make 2 chicken wraps. Really?
(3)Ryan H.
Best tater tots I've ever had. If you've had better please let me know where. Until then try them at Busy Bee. There's a cheap beer of the day, but the quality of the beer isn't cheap. Make sure to ask which draft is value that day.
(4)Kelli s.
I really want to like Busy Bee, because it is a great location, neat looking inside, and they support local artists, but the food just isn't that great. I've been here many times, hoping to get something really awesome, and honestly, the only thing I'd get there again, besides drinks, is their hummus. The hummus is made with fried chickpeas and is amazing. Anything else there is mediocre and lacks seasoning.
(3)Julia W.
Went there last night with a group of friends and had one of the worst experiences ever. I waited patiently to order a drink and the female bartender ignored us the whole time. Ten minutes went by and nothing she did manage to give us a few smirks. I will not be back to this establishment ever.
(1)Paige H.
Busy Bee cafe is the best! Returning soon, can't wait to explore the brunch menu. Perfect atmosphere and awesome service!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Amanda S.
Busy Busy and Tots! They've got some of the most amazing tater tots around. They serve it with cheese sauce (I ordered it on the side) and chopped green onions. They've got an upstairs area and many tables and bar area downstairs. It can become quite congested at night and you typically see the same type of people/crowd. I don't want to sound like I'm judging people but there are often just "inside the beltline" sort of crowd. Polo shirts and khaki shorts for guys and girls wearing a lot of Charlotte's jewelry and Jack Rogers sandals. With all that being said, it doesn't detract me from wanting to continue visiting Busy Bee. The food is incredible and they've got a full bar.
(4)Courtney N.
I really like this place. They have a pretty good selection of beer and I love how the menu changes seasonally. The only thing that makes me sad is if you get there too late the fish tacos will more than likely be sold out (they were this past Friday night I went). I got a Bell's Java Stout, Water with Lemon and their seasonal Peach Sangria. I've had the Java Stout before and I like it. Water is always healthy. Now I don't know if I messed myself up by having the sangria after the stout but I did not like the sangria at all. It was supposed to have some ginger ale in it, I did not taste any. I tasted a hint of peaches but not a whole lot either. There was an interesting after taste I think was just the white wine, but unfortunately since I am not a big fan of wine I could not just sip on it. There was a peach section in the glass at least, however, that is where it stayed. For dinner I go the fabulous Mac & Cheese, this is probably the best I have had other than homemade, it's so good with the herbs they put in it and the bread crumbs on top. I also order the Baby Green Salad with Strawberries, Walnuts, Golden Rasins, Cranberries, Shrimp, and Orange Balsamic Dressing. The salad was really good. I made sure to get a bit of everything on my fork so it would be the perfect taste everytime. It's a nice place to with friends to hang or go upstairs to the Hive if you want to party after you eat. All in all it's usually a good time when I make my way here.
(4)Keia W.
OMG. I love this place and the rooftop is beautiful! Great friendly service. My friends and I only had drinks when we went but we are going back to try the menu. Love the atmosphere.
(5)Denver V.
Awesome bartenders and always kind service. You'll know us by our split order of the delicious fish tacos and side of tots. Definitely enjoy every time we come into this friendly spot!
(5)Sarah M.
I was feeling spontaneous and came here for brunch. I have never been to busy bee prior to this and was not sure what to expect. Don't let the name of the cafe fool you into thinking this a themed, city's type place. There is very little bee and honey references in the decor and menu options. I like this and appreciate the atmosphere the place did provide. There wasn't a huge Sunday crowd, which surprised me as the menu have a variety of delicious lunch and breakfast type options for brunch. Being a big breakfast fan, I did wish for more bfast offerings and found the menu leaned more toward lunch sandwiches. I had a breakfast sandwich with fried egg, duck, and cranberry compote. It was served a tad too cool but still absolutely scrumptious. I left very full and happy. I do wish they upped their coffee game, esp considering the business is surrounded by great coffee options. It was a bit too diner style and weak for me. On another note, I was excited to hear how fast the menu changes so that every experience at the cafe is new and different. Shaking things up makes it fun!
(4)Tamara S.
The food is extra tasty! And the mixed drinks are to die for! They have pretty good rooftop seating but not okay during the day because the sun just beats on you! The tots are definitely worth a try...they could be world famous! Everything is also really reasonably priced.
(4)Lolo D.
Had dinner on 1/4. First time eating there and we will definitely be going back. I had a delicious scallop dinner salad which was one of the specials. My husband had the tater tot burger and kept begging me to take a taste. Drinks were reasonably priced. ($2 beer special) They don't take reservations unless you are a party of 10 or more. We had no problem getting a table arriving by 6:30pm but by 730pm there was a wait for tables. When we finished dinner we had a few people ask for our table.
(5)Melissa H.
Wow! What a great find!! Jacob from foundation sent us over to busy bee so we could get a bite and a cocktail.... We are huge foodies and love well made cocktails. Busy Bee covered all bases and Frank the bartender made the evening even more memorable. We even has the pleasure of meeting the owners who were delightful as well We don't live in town but will definitely be visiting more after enjoying Busy Bee, Foundation and Fox Liquor Bar.... Cheers to you Raleigh for having such great spots in your backyard
(5)Chrystalle B.
We were taken here by my husbands cousin. This place has a very hipster vibe downstairs and a more laid back, adult vibe upstairs. We sat outside on their roof patio... w/ our cat. Great beer selection, and we came on sour night, yay! They had a specialty menu of sour beers printed along w/ their regular selection and food. We unfortunately didn't eat, something we promise to do the next time were in town. But we drank. Its been my experience w/ these types of places that the bartender knows a lot about the different beers they have but the wait staff, not so much. Color me surprised when our waitress knew all the answers to my questions. She was really really nice too. I think she also saw that we were a bit crispy from driving and kept the water coming. This place is definitely a local favorite, which means if youre traveling to Raleigh you should probably (read: definitely) check it out.
(4)Laura K.
Went to Sunday brunch and it was delicious. There was so much food and the drinks were on point. The rooftop seating was perfect for relaxing and enjoying a casual meal. Definitely would go again.
(4)Janet N.
Today was my first time going to the busy bee during the daytime and it did not disappoint! We don't eat pork so we got the loaded tots without it and they were DELICIOUS! I also got the spinach burger with a side salad. The spinach burger was so flavorful and savory that I thought it was a beef patty at one point! I didn't even need ketchup. The bun was sweet with a nice crisp and the salad was light and refreshing. It had crispy greens, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts and topped with apple slices. I got too full off of the tots and salad so I only got 3 bites into my burger and took it to go. Ate it later and it was just as good as the first bite!
(5)Carolina R.
I really like eating here. This place has a fantastic beer selection on draft and bottles, many of which are locally brewed. The food is well presented, flavorful and filling. We went there for brunch once and sat on the rooftop at the Hive. It was a great little spot--we enjoyed the sun and the great service. Try their burgers with tomato confit. Their fries green tomatoes are off the hook, too.
(4)Marci S.
Lame! We were here previously and came in, they allowed our dog on the patio, everyone loved on him and we had a couple of beers and some snacks. This time around we were told he couldn't come through to the patio as they are a restaurant and serve food and he can't walk through the area to the patio. Thought we had stumbled onto a great thing before. Lost our business.
(1)Megan S.
Went there for lunch with my 2 young kids, risking it being listed as not kid-friendly because we heard the food was so good. And I'm glad we did. I can see why it might not be advertised for kids, but ours are generally well-behaved, the atmosphere is relaxed enough at lunch that it was perfectly fine. They do not have a kids menu, but we ordered them the loaded tots and Mac and cheese apps, and both were very well received by our 2 and 4 year old. The Mac has herbs and breadcrumbs in it, and is quite possibly the best I've ever had, and I think our youngest would agree. I ordered a daily special, a roasted pork sandwich, I think, and it was lovely. I had the fried green tomatoes as a side, and though I'm a Yankee, these are the best I've had since moving south 3 years ago. My hubby ordered a burger and seemed very pleased with himself. We sat up above in the back, and my older son loved people watching and checking out the cool exposed rafters and pipes that add to the ambiance. If you're going for dinner and drinks, get a babysitter. If desperate, bring the kids because the food would make potential meltdowns worth it .
(4)Mark S.
Just saw a cockroach crawling out of a hole in the wall. Not very pleased to see that. Can't believe I just ate here :(
(1)Felecia L.
This place is loud-the background music is at such a decibel that until you get used to it it feels greatly overwhelming. My bf and I were there between lunch and dinner so we had a pretty small menu to chose from. I had mainly picked this place out because I thought their veggie burger and fried green tomatoes would hit the spot both of which were available. The veggie patty itself was good with spinach, red peppers and onions mixed in. Much better than the standard bean burger a lot of places serve. I wasn't crazy about the pimento cheese on top so I would probably ask for it to be left off next time. The fried green tomatoes were pretty funky. They were full of oil which filled my mouth as I took a bite. Pretty bland and flavorless. The waitress was nice and attentive which was a relief since I wasn't sure how service would be with it being a seat yourself kind of establishment. This place just didn't grab me-it wasn't terrible but not enough high points that would make me want to go back.
(2)Naomi K.
Well, we had a huge party upstairs, so they had a hard time handling the crowd. Food orders were not taken in the first hour as they scrambled with drinks. To be fair, there was another crowd on the next table over and it took them a lot of man power to clear off the tables when they left. Drinks were decent. How can you beat a $2 pint of Foothills brown ale?!? The blackberry salad was surprisingly full of fresh berries- impressive. The fried calamari had a different mayo sauce- not a marinara or aioli. Pimento cheese burger was decent- at least the cheese was good Not a huge selection on the menu but good cafe choices and plenty of drinks. The full bar was massive.
(3)Lauren H.
After going to both Busy Bee and the Hive multiple times, I definitely prefer the vibe and crowd at the Busy Bee portion to the Hive. However, Busy Bee is just "a-ok" with me. They have an awesome beer selection; most of the beers are on the pricier side, although this is probably to be expected in downtown Raleigh. I really liked when they had Blanche de Brussels available on draft (not sure if they've brought it back?), and it was a great idea to offer it in two sizes in case you didn't want a big beer. The mixed drinks are unique and rotate seasonally, and there is a strawberry and rum drink that they make in the summer that is one of my favorite drinks I've had. I only wish they had it on the menu year-round! As for the food, I have found it to be pretty average. I usually stick with the pepper jack burger which is good, but not the best burger I've ever had. I do recommend their mac and cheese for a side, it is really tasty and also good enough that I have seen people order it is a snack with their beers. It can get crowded (sometimes too crowded for my tastes), but it's worth stopping in if you are in the area if you like unique and rare beers!
(3)Magnus H.
How to describe the Busy Bee? It's a long narrow restaurant with outdoor seating on the sidewalk and also roof seating, plus an almost absurdly long bar. Lowest common denominator: this is an artisan beer & burger joint. Check the blackboard for what's on draught. I promise, you'll find something good and a number of great seasonals. Fair warning: the burgers are insanely tall. You won't get this in your mouth without making a mess unless you're double-jointed. I'm a big fan of the bacon jam burger myself. This is also expensive. My lunch today totaled $19 and change for what amounted to a burger, fries, and one pint of beer. Service is friendly but slow. I don't recommend the sidewalk dining because of the street urchin problem on this street. Indoors is fine but noisy. Maybe next time I'll check out the roof.
(4)John H.
Nice alternative to Raleigh Times. Raleigh Times is my preferred choice for a bar, but Busy Bee Cafe is a great back-up since it's less than a block away. It's generally less crowded and less noisy, so depending on your mood, a lot hinges on atmosphere. Excellent beer selection. As a whole, it's just a great place to kick back with some friends and chat. Good for a post-dinner date too. Service is okay, nothing spectacular.
(4)Lindy P.
I've been to the Bee twice now, and last week was better than when I went over the summer. They grind their meat in-house so I got a Diablo burger, which was really spicy & SO juicy & yummy! Their loaded tots are to die for. The hummus was weird/bland but they have sriracha so that always makes things better :) The service was excellent. I love their $2 ESB (extra-special beer), why, because it's $2!! Last weekend it was Green Man, a delightful dark brew. I'll definitely be back for their tasty burgers & ESBs!!
(4)Mark M.
I love this place. Such a great relaxed vibe. The staff is awesome! So many great beer options. I love finding new beers. I have never had a bad dish. The Tom & Jack is my old standby, but I always try to try something new. Brunch is a must! Bloody Mary's are great if you like spicy. Doug is great help if you sit at the bar.
(5)Franklin M.
Busy Bee should be honored to become one of my three go-tos for quick, cheap dinners before going out on weekends. Your options really come down to Raleigh Times (everyone is so tired of it, though), Remedy (too small for big groups) or Busy Bee if you refuse to support the overpriced, over-hyped mediocrity that you find in the Ashley Christenson restaurants like I do. Now, let's discuss the food. The grilled chicken sandwich was clearly created by a like-minded individual who wanted to offer a delectable meal that is ideal to eat before being over-served at your favorite downtown establishments. The grilled chicken sandwich is topped with pear and pesto and offers this incredibly light, fresh flavor yet fills you up just enough to provide the energy you need to hobble to the closest R-Line stop at 2:15AM. My favorite aspect though? You get to choose any side for no extra charge including uber crunchy tots, crispy fried green tomatoes, and about anything else you can think of. The couscous was a tad boring and under-seasoned but all of the other sides are spot on. Busy Bee has a decent beer menu with about the same prices you will see anywhere else. They always keep one light cheap draft on hand for around $2 which isn't bad for a microbrew and is a nice change from PBR when you are trying to drink cheap towards the end of the month. I still haven't quite figured out if you can get reservations, I think only if you have a big group, but I've always just walked in and hovered around people uncomfortably that seem about ready for their check. It's a classic technique that I've practiced for years trying to get a table at The PR. All-in-all the food is really solid and they have a wide selection so you can get about anything you are in the mood for without the menu becoming too crowded. It's definitely loud on weekends and can get packed but it does exactly what I need it to on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)Karmilla C.
Pretty impress by their spinach burger!!! Very good choice , delicious and healthy , way better than what I expected!!
(4)Perry H.
Hard to believe they could top the calamari from my last visit but they did. There were warm, juicy cherry tomatoes mixed in with a ton of orange zest which just made the flavors explode in your mouth. Super remoulade as well... The tater tots were perfectly cooked, crispy but not overcooked inside and the fried green tomatoes were excellent with a creme fraiche-style sauce. Fish tacos were good, the fish was a bit dry but the flavors were good.
(4)Laura F.
We really enjoyed our Saturday brunch - why have we waited so long to try this place? Great beer list! Our server was very helpful and described the beers and menu items to help us decide (which was difficult!) They are known for their burgers so we ordered with the tater tots. Yum! We started with the mac-n-cheese which was so creamy. tasty and delicious! Can't wait to go back again soon!
(5)Steve M.
Most places can either serve good beer or serve good food. Busy Bee breaks that mold by doing both. Food: Organic chicken, fish tacos, fried green tomatoes and tater tots you though only existed in dreams. It's really good! I have not tried the desserts yet but they do look very tasty. Beer: An important note is that if you usually like beers such as Bud Light or Corona this isn't your place -- unless you have not tried good beer yet. They usually have about 10-12 on tap, one cask and a good selection of in bottle beers. I've not been on a night where at least one on tap beer didn't interest me. From time to time they have an event or follow a beer theme where the on tap beers are all of the same class. For instance, one night I went in and all on tap beers were barley wine's. Liquor: They have a good selection ... but then again many places do. Beer is really where they shine when it comes to alcohol Staff: Friendly, helpful and easy to converse with. Really! If you like to hit up downtown from time to time you have to try out Busy Bee at least once. I've yet to have someone who came with me dislike the place.
(4)George M.
The food menu is very small. I ordered the chicken Philly and it was solidly average. This is not the kind of place you go to for dinner. You come here for drinks. They have a huge selection of cocktails from Beers to mixed drinks.
(3)Julia H.
Busy Bee is okay by me! I'm not terribly wowed by their few meatless meal options, but what they lack in food is more than made up for in drink! I hadn't been in months until a recent rumor of a rare beer sighting led me there in recent days (a rumor partly true; said beer was available, but only in bottles), and I realized I'd yet to write a review. It's a gorgeous building with high ceilings and a long bar with plenty of seating surrounded by table seating, but the space can fill up quickly and it can get quite loud. Beers aplenty are there on tap and in the bottle, from stouts to sours and lagers to lambics.There are full meals and gussied-up bar snacks (some of which will run you the same price as a sandwich) available to accompany your beverage of choice; my bacon-loving friends are fans of the loaded tater tots. Service has honestly never stood out one way or the other. It's not my first-choice destination for a night out, but the Bee isn't a bad choice if you're in the mood for some great beer!
(4)Kelly P.
Tator-Tots= delicious!!! Upstairs patio for the summer time! great beer selections and chillaxating ambiance!
(4)Byron S.
I'm shocked this is a 3.5 star average. Service was fast and cordial. Food arrived quickly and exactly as ordered. We had the loaded tots and calamari as appetizers, both were great. My four friends and I all had burgers. They were cooked to the doneness we requested with the condiments added or removed that we wanted. The beers on tap were a great selection of local micro brews. Overall a great spot for lunch or dinner. I wish I was local so I could try more of the menu.
(5)Michelle W.
I hate to give a 2 star review, but "Meh, I've experienced better" really sums it up, with the exception of our waiter who was the saving grace of this evening. We arrived at 6:50ish on Saturday night to a very crowed dining area, with a party of 6. There is no real hostess stand, so we just stood around the front door waiting for someone to greet us. A very flustered guy came over and asked if we had a reservation, and how many we had, I told him no reservation, and he said he would check out what was available and be right back. I immediately noticed that all the tables in the dining area were filled with parties of 8 or more or set up for parties of 8 or more. Not a good sign that we'd be getting a table any time soon. He came back and said the table in the front window would be opening up in about 30 minutes, and there was another table that looked liked they would be done in about 20 minutes. Then he walked away. So, we all went to the bar and everyone ordered some drinks, and they all asked me what the table situation was. I said, I guess the guy will find me when one of the tables opens up. But, just to make sure, when he walked by, I asked him if he needed my name for the table, and he told me, no, everything is first come first serve, so I should just keep my eye out. UGG. I hate being that person that stalks a table. I don't mind doing this at a bar, but this is also a restaurant, and I found that very off putting. Anyway, I stalked the table like a hawk, and we had to put a 2 top and 4 top together. If anyone had to use the bathroom, you were screwed because you were so close to the table behind you. By the end of our dinner, I was so claustrophobic I wanted to scream. Once we finally flagged a waiter down, he was great. We ordered the loaded tots for the table, and they came out in about 1 minute, which meant they weren't fresh. They were luke warm, and just not very good because of that. At this point it was probably 7:30, and all of the sudden the music loudness went from loud to the loudest possible setting and I could not hear the person across the table from me when she talked to me. Um...is this necessary at 7:30? There were a ton of people eating dinner, and the bar was full, but it wasn't like it was party time. Very annoying. We all ordered our dinner, and again, the server was great keeping beers and waters flowing. Our food came out in good time, with mixed reviews from everyone. Jeff loved his fish tacos, and friend loved her spinach burger, but I was not impressed with the Chicken entree (roasted chicken, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and farro). The chicken was good, but the rest was below average. The brussel sprouts were way under cooked, and the butternut squash was pretty non-existent. Other friend ordered the special which was a braised short rib with kale and parsnip puree. Sounds amazing, right? It looked amazing too, but he said the meat was way overcooked and the parsnip was not flavorful. The other 2 friends were at the other end of the table and it was too loud for me to ask about their food. I have been here before for just drinks and had a fine time. I think I will stick to that method from now on. I really like the ambiance, and the service is good. I just don't think the set up works for a nice meal. Way too crowded in the dining area and way too loud. Also, the food was just not that good.
(2)Steve T.
Consistently great food and service. Busy bee is what other downtown restaurants should aspire to be.
(5)Nickie D.
I was feeling fancy and this looked like a fancy place to have a fancy lunch. The look is tres cool. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the long bar front, the multiple levels and especially the roof top deck on which I dined. It was a warm and sunny day and a lovely place to read my book. The wine: I asked for a Riesling and was told there was none, however the waiter recommended an alternate white that was pretty delicious (wish I could remember what kind it was...). I ordered the arugula salad with steak, medium well. The size of the salad was perfect. The meat portion seemed a little small for the price and it was definitely well done. However, the flavor was spectacular. Just the right amount of cheese, dressing and raisins: excellent balance. Downfalls? Waiter, although friendly and spot on with the wine recommendation, had to be flagged down for my order and my check. It seemed to take a really long time to get my drink and my food. I was on an hour time limit and I ended up being late to my 1 o'clock obligation due to the delays. Also, the stairs were a bit difficult to navigate due to a recent knee injury (obvious due to limp and knee brace) and there was no alternative mentioned to me as I hobbled one leg at a time up three levels to the sunny deck. Better service would have earned 4 stars. Add on a perfectly cooked medium well and it would have been bumped up to a 5.
(3)Knute H.
So we sat at the Hive, but since it's owned by the same people as the Bee and this review focuses on the food rather than the space, I'm sticking it here. I'm giving two stars to a place that should know better. Okay, you have an excellent beer selection, great. You have lots of fonts at your disposal for your menu, wonderful. You have waitstaff that know mixed drinks and beers like the backs of their tattoo'd hands, even better. But for the love of god, learn to cook your food correctly and consistently. My wife got a burger, asking for it medium, which came out looking like it'd been run through a burning building and left there. That sucker was blackened, charred, crispy. And, as you probably have guessed, terrible. I, in my attempt to watch my girlish figure, got a salad with some steak (I am still a guy, after all). The salad was the wedge, with more bleu cheese than a typical Frenchman sees in a year (not good) and a piece of meat no bigger than my thumb, bloody and close to raw. Too bad I asked for medium as well. The tots were frozen (or tasted like it) and had obviously been refried to heat them up again. The banana pudding dessert, which sounded great on the menu, was small, bland, and covered in too sweet candy bits. Disappointing. I'm really tired of restaurants that have great ambiance, style out the wazoo, good-looking and trained waitstaff that serve shockingly mediocre food at hipster-high prices. I'm looking at you, too, David's Dumpling and Bull City Brew Pub. Stop it, and focus on the damn thing you're supposed to be doing: feeding people good food.
(2)Marin J.
I would like 2.5 stars please. Well really it shakes down like this. Waiter 5 Beer Ingenuity 6 Ambiance 5 Food errrrr. 2.5 Love love love the freaky beer selection. This is obviously what they care about. The getting you buzzed part---bee....get it? Pun intended. Cause the effort seems to be foremost in the buzzing. You gotta know this when the menu is two times as dense on the beer and spirits side as on the food side. I went with 4 people which gave me the opportunity to poke around some on their plates as well. So I feel pretty well qualified to give an opinion on this one. Come for the beer, the waiter was waaaay into describing the beer. Eagerly brought as many samples as we wanted of what was on tap. Tip: please avail yourself of this service as the beer is pretty well out there as far as diversity goes. I think they manage something for every taste. But due to the uniqueness of the types on tap, you may not know the microbrewer. They even have a 10% beer that would be sure to knock you on your azz in a hurry. So don't skim the descriptions especially if you are driving. You wouldn't want to be talking to the tree you just wrapped your car around would you? So on to the food. Chicken Sandwich with Pear.... wanted to have something I wouldn't make at home. When I am staring at a pear, I don't really think "hey, let me introduce you to a chicken breast, you two settle down into this nice kaiser roll and let me do a number on you" I so liked the idea of that, so I had to order. Well, sticky fingers and crumbled kaiser roll all over my plate later and I just had to fight the urge to fling the sandwich all over the lovely brick wall I was sitting in front of....gaaaahhhh. Control the damn juices drain those ingredients if you are going to have the moxie to put the sandwich in a dry crumbly bun ok? Tater Tots topped with sour cream and cheese. Really? frozen tater tots? I give the waiter 10 points to Griffyndor for telling the honest gods truth. That they were probably Oreida (he didn't say that, but he did say they were not of busy bee origin). Would I go back. Yeah, the atmosphere was fun. You could dress up or dress down. Would I eat a real meal? Well, dunno, maybe if I knocked back more of their awesome beer, I wouldn't give a damn. And perhaps you won't either if you start with what they seem to care most about.
(3)Brittany F.
Busy Bee Cafe is always one of those places I peg away as a bar that just happens to serve food. And every time I go, I always take one look at their menu and think "pickled blueberry bruschetta? where did this come from?!" I've had blah experiences here for dinner and brunch before (had the grilled chicken sandwich with pears which I didn't love and then the short rib hash browns which were fairly delish), but it was my most recent visit with Kelly M. and Caroline S. that really wowed me. If this Yelp review means anything to you, order the Spinach "Burger." Holy effing hell, this unique veggie burger was absolutely incredible. A house-made blend of spinach, artichoke hearts, feta and essence of deliciousness, I savored every bite of this sandwich and almost shed a tear when it was all gone. Paired with crunchy tots and two well-made house gin & tonics, I was an incredible happy camper. Our meal was also really cheap-- two dinners and four drinks came out to below $40. Follow Busy Bee on Facebook for notices on special beers on draft--they have an incredible list available, and are totally worth visiting for the beer and tots alone. Okay, the beer, tots AND the veggie burger ;)
(4)Kelly M.
Yay for review 100!! I've been holding off writing this review for a few days because I wanted to make sure I picked a good place. Well I had a great dinner and some amazing beers at the Busy Bee the other night, so I figured they deserve the 100th review! Busy Bee is one of those places I have constantly passed and heard about, but never went into. Well we went there for dinner before a concert at the Raleigh Amphitheater recently, and I was pleasantly surprised to see such a unique menu at a place I consider a bar, therefore thinking there would be the typical bar food. That is certainly not the case here, the menu is diverse and uses the most interesting ingredients in their plates. I didn't go too crazy, for dinner I got a baby green salad- orange balsamic, walnut, cranberry, golden raisins, and strawberry and it was delicious, perfect for summertime. The boy got a chicken caesar salad (boring) and we split an order of loaded tots. OMG those were amazing! I LOVE tator tots, but something about covering them in gooey cheese, bacon and scallions makes them so much more enjoyable. (Just try not to over think the calorie intake) Totally recommend getting them loaded when you go! I was also very impressed with the beer selection. They have a wide variety of beer on draft and a cask beer. The beer is not expensive, but not cheap either. I'd say its average, and you can expect to pay a little more in that area of downtown anyways. Compared to the Hive, I like the vibes and the crowd much better at the Busy Bee. It is much more relaxed and I enjoyed myself much more here. Looking forward to coming back and trying more menu items (heard good things about the mac and cheese!), and having some more delicious beer!
(4)Lauren R.
Busy bee was alright until I noticed the bartender charged me twice. Now I have to call my bank to file a dispute. I won't be back because of this incident.
(2)Caryn C.
This review is solely based on last night's service. I have been to Busy Bee twice prior for drinks, and it was pleasant enough. Last night, however, I went there with 4 girlfriends, and we were blatantly ignored by the wait staff. We seated ourselves at a bar table (as is posted), and after about 15 minutes of not receiving any acknowledgment, we got our own drinks from the bar. On the way back to our seats, we noticed the table of 6 behind us (who just walked in mind you) were promptly handed menus, and the server was getting drink orders. My girlfriend said something to one of the servers on the way to the bathroom, and she came over to our table, clearly annoyed, and handed us 2 menus in response. She never returned to take our food or additional drink orders. So..we spent our money elsewhere. Big mistake. Huge.
(1)Roman V.
Great place to go and have some beer and listen to local bands. Like almost every popular bars even this one is packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
(4)Melissa P.
I've only been during bar hours. Dancing and a DJ upstairs, and a cool outside area if you're lucky to get a table before it fills up. It was VERY crowded the Saturday I was there, but once we made our area on the dance floor, we were able to enjoy our group together without being pressed up against strangers as was the case around the bar area.
(4)Heather B.
I'm a FAN now... Visit: September 10, 2011 R-Line Stop: R15 (before 6:30 pm). R17 or R19 (after 6:30 pm) The third time is a charm! After my third dining experience, I have become a fan of The Busy Bee Cafe. I greatly enjoyed my 3-course meal offered during Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week this past August but I still wasn't convinced. I was cautious in my evaluation thinking that they put their 'best foot forward' for Restaurant Week and the standard menu wouldn't hold up. My husband, Andy, and I decided to test out the regular menu last night during Hopscotch Music Festival...a true test! I absolutely loved the fish tacos. The tortilla wrap tasted freshly made and was toasty warm. The fish was tender and flaky but I would have enjoyed a little spiciness. I did order the tacos without the chipolte cream since I don't care for mayonnaise-based creams. The cream may have lent the spiciness I crave. The pico slaw was fresh and crunchy. Very tasty! The tacos were served with a side of my choice. I went for the baby baby salad, which was a delicious petite mix of greens, sliced strawberries, golden raisins, and walnuts with an orange balsamic dressing. The fresh strawberries really made the salad! Andy ordered the chicken "Philly" which I was obliged to try so I could comment on it. Andy gave it 2 thumbs up and so did I. It took about 35 minutes for our food to arrive but the restaurant was packed due to people grabbing a meal before heading out for the music fest. It gave us time to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the VA Tech and ECU football game. Our waitress checked on us a few times refilling our water glasses and asking if we wished for another glass of wine. So after this second delicious casual meal, I'm now a fan of The Busy Bee Café...
(4)Ron W.
I did a drive-by on Busy Bee before I came in to eat and it lives up to the hype! Inside you'll find a bee-autiful brick space with a small landing in back. The bar is long and elegant with a back-lit row of liquor bottles waiting to make you happy! Wind your way up the landing and up another flight of stairs and voila, you're on the smallish, sunny rooftop with a handful of chrome tables. A second door at the front will also lead you to the Hive (if it's unlocked), which is ANOTHER bar on the roof. Tons of space here at Busy Bee, curious to see what events they come up with! Menu is basic: burgers, sandwiches, some Mediterranean type appetizers and salads, make sure you try the NC cheese plate appetizer. Mostly healthy and clean save the burgers, mac n cheese and tater tots! Portions are just about right, you won't feel overloaded. Great way to spend a civilized hour during the workweek, have lunch on Busy Bee's rooftop! Service was very good, especially since they had to haul our food up two flights of stairs. The fit waitstaff here really earns their tips. Busy Bee is open from 6am to 2am so it's potentially a great spot for you nightbirds. Overall it's a cute place that delivers on food, atmosphere, service and price. I have to think the Raleigh Times now has a bit of competition for a hip, cool local watering hole to grab some cocktails and snacks!
(3)Andrea P.
The bartender here really set the tone for the place; he was knowledgeable and friendly without even toeing the line of being obnoxious. The ambience is warm and inviting, and the place managed to be full of people while still allowing you to hear your company. The beer selection here is good, and the bartender will even patiently allow you to sample a variety--curating your beer ventures--without necessarily obliging you to order anything. The appetizers are honestly big enough to be entrees; I had the baked macaroni & cheese and could barely finish it, while also sampling the most divine fried green tomatoes. A few people I know swear by the fried green tomato burger here, though I haven't had it yet. This menu does lean toward heavy, though, so bring your appetite. I would definitely recommend this place; bars are not my favorite place to be, but this one is high up there.
(4)Ashleigh V.
Let me start by saying, this is one of my absolute favorite bars in Raleigh. I would prefer to go here over most any other late night spot. I will admit I have my favorite bartenders and servers here but overall the staff is very friendly, fairly attentive, and mostly knowledgeable about the beer selection. Some of them are still learning about beer and so sometimes you get a suggestion that seems a little off. Justin is a fantastic server and always knows exactly what I would like to drink, and has gone to the trouble of securing us a table on nights when the place is packed and you really couldn't get a table otherwise. The food is generally pretty good, and when you compare it against other bars, the food is by far better than some places downtown. The mac and cheese is super creamy and the bread crumbs offer just the right amount of texture. I've had a few of their specials and they seem to be more flavorful and creative than some of the dinner menu items. I like that the bruschetta changes daily, it is a snack I get pretty regularly there. The beer selection is one of the best in town. They get some bottles that you can't find anywhere else. They often have a sour of some kind on draft as well, which I appreciate since that is really my favorite style right now. I also like that the selection downstairs is different from The Hive upstairs. Oh, and Monday is bluegrass night at The Hive which is really fun to listen to! The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. They always have good music on the stereo. I wish the tv's weren't always playing sports though since I have no interest in watching that while I sit at the bar. On a Friday or Saturday night this place can get pretty packed too which can be frustrating. Oh, and one last thing. I've been dying to go to one of their Sunday Beer Brunches where they pair a menu with several beers from a particular brewery. I'll update if I ever make it to one.
(5)Ashley G.
Great little accidental find. Hummus, mac and cheese, and fish tacos all delicious. Exceptional beer selection. Laid back atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Tommy A.
I am not sure how or even when it happened but Busy Bee has become the "Old Faithful" place in our group. I include both the upstairs, also known as The Hive in this review, because they are pretty much the same place. It seems that whenever we are downtown and looking to go somewhere the Busy Bee always comes up. When we are hungry there really is not better place to go. Everyone that I have ever met loves their Tots. These things are some of the greatest things ever created, especially when you are drunk, and this is coming from someone who hates Tater Tots, or really most kinds of potatoes. The rest of there food is also very good as well. Macaroni and Cheese is cheesy to say the least, and you have to try the Hamburger that comes with a fried green tomato on top. It might not sound good but the mix of the tomato and burger is a perfect blend. The drink prices can get a little high (main reason for only 4 stars) but they do have some good drink specials. If you can handle the taste go with the $2 High Life, which is going to probably be the cheapest drink you find downtown on a Saturday night.
(4)Shannon B.
Had a very poor experience. Food was fine (not amazing) but service was horrible. They seemed to have lost our order, and then implied that drinks would be comped but weren't. Took over an hour to get order during lunch.
(1)Jessica B.
This is a really cool place with a great vibe, service is amazing and the food is pretty good. Came here and had the mac and cheese for appetizer (exequisite), then i ordered the butternut squash riosotto which was lil bland and changed it for the pesto/honey chicken sandwich which was delicious and my friend had the same thing, she actually ordered a drink which she loved.
(3)Cole W.
I'm leaving a two because of the wait staff. My recent experience was terrible. It was last Friday night and I was with a party of around 10. The waitress simply threw the check down and said you guys can divide it. She then walked away. This was after we had ordered food and drinks that never showed up. I understand that people have bad days, but to take it off on your staff is ridiculous. i'm giving them a two simply because again, I know one person doesn't make a restaurant but the service their left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)Melissa E.
I am basing this review on my limited experience at Busy Bee, but still think it is quite deserved. My husband and I grabbed a drink here before we headed elsewhere for dinner on a Saturday night. We sat at the bar and were greeted instantly and given menus. My husband is a major beer geek (and proud of it), so he was stoked to find such an impressive selection. I decided to go with one of their signature cocktails, the "Queen Bee" and it was awesome! Like I said, we didn't stay long, but the bartender was attentive and friendly and also seemed knowledgeable about the beers. We saw some of the food being delivered to nearby tables and it all looked delicious. I think we will stay for dinner next time!
(5)Kelly D.
So this is actually one of my local favorites because of atmosphere and drinks, and music. It IS a little pricey foodwise, and I've had things from the menu I'm not a huge fan of, but there's always been something stellar about each meal too (ie. the salmon I had had incredible flavor, but capers and whatever rice medley with it was not an ideal compliment.) BUT! with great bar staff (up and downstairs), nice beer-nerd draft selection, an ideal busy but casual and classy atmosphere (ya know... exposed brick, and nice lighting) it's well worth it's 4 stars. (Great first date spot too btw) Late night menu favorite: 2 am, loaded tater tots is pretty much the perfect end to any night out dancing. Other noteworthy Perks: Excellent mac and cheese! (I may have been known to sit alone eating it on more than one occasion coupled with a bourbon on the worst of weeks as my last resort comfort food meal... They had Bulleit Rye on the shelf, why withhold happiness, right?) And, just to add excitement to my local hangout, Florence and the Machine was there enjoying a little upstairs meal before her last show in town. ANNNNND last but certainly not least, they have an open Bluegrass jam on 2nd and 4th Mondays.... I'm well on my way to being a regular!
(4)Nancy Y.
I loved my hot ham sandwich for lunch here. Fresh deli ham with arugula, pickled red onions, fresh jalapenos, and a sweet, light sauce in toasted french bread. The combination was so amazing that I'm still relishing it hours after my meal. I ordered a side of the fried green tomatoes after reading other Yelpers' reviews, and was not disappointed. Hot out of the fryer and the green tomato was the perfect thickness. The price is a little steep, but it's what you would expect in the downtown area. I hear they brew their own spices for the chai tea. Will definitely be back!
(3)Shamondo S.
Great Organic and Locally Grown Cuisine! Busy Bee Cafe looks like a bar. The lights are dim, the full bar spans the full length of the café. This however has nothing to do with the food. The food is great! We went on a Sunday about 4:30pm which is not the best time to go for dinner (the dinner menu starts @5:00) but it still was a fantastic experience. The food is prepared fresh daily using mostly organic and locally grown items. I wanted to try the Organic Chicken but dinner doesn't start till 5:00. We tried the Fried Green Tomatoes, Hummus, calamari, the BABY BABY Salad, the Jack and Tom Burger and the grilled chicken sandwich. All these items were fantastic, and made by hand, the burger was ground in house, the hummus was made in house, and the potato fries were cut in house. All of the produce was locally grown. By 5:00 the café was "buzzing" with families with young kids. I won't say that this is a family friendly atmosphere but I won't say it isn't either. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is that the service is what you would expect in a bar, not the service you would expect from a restaurant. But, rest assured you will not be disappointed with the food or atmosphere. Good for families (5:00pm to 8:00pm), great for friends and dates! Expect to spend, forty to fifty bucks here on a lush date: two drinks, an appetizer, two meals, and a desert. P.S. they have the largest beer selection I have ever seen! P.S.S. they have WiFi but we were not able to connect...
(4)Jenny M.
This place gets four stars mainly for the drinks and the atmosphere. The food here kind of is eh but I've only had it once. And we'd all probably agree that the best part of this place is the bar anyway. I visited this place last weekend after a few month hiatus and was reminded that it's still cool. I had a Queen Bee (because it had pineapple juice and elderflower liquor and champagne, among other things) and a Kasteel Rouge beer and both were so fricking delicious. Great drink selection, so it was tough to narrow it down to those two. I ate there too, but as a picky eater who hates eating out, I wasn't impressed. French fries were delicious though. However, I was hungry like an hour later. OH WELL. Not this places fault. I had a guy sniffling and snorting sitting next to me at the bar and that almost sent me into a rage but thankfully he left before he felt my wrath.
(4)Stuart F.
I like this place in part because of the free wifi and since they are often the site of Obama For America events. The Aziz Ansari event, which was slammed with people, featured music at ear-splitting decibels which I thought the cafe could have resolved. I'd also hope they'd have more vegan options and label what's vegan (or could be made vegan) and what's not. But overall it's an interesting space, and I've always had great customer service.
(4)Astrid R.
Love the atmosphere here, and they've got a good selections at the bar. But the food, while very good, is a bit pricey... especially for the amount you get. As long as you're just there for some drinks with friends, this is a great place!
(3)Chantelle A.
Came to Raleigh to spend some time away from Northern VA.....and ended up at Busy Bee. Yay....lucky me. Ordered some drinks from the bartender (without the personality).....damn where is the Southern Hospitality that Ludacris rapped about....and tasted 2 of the most horrible cocktails I ever had. Ordered The Sting (do yourself a favor and don't...) and some other specialty cocktail that consisted of Jack Daniels infused with cherries and topped with soda water (it was pretty weak). Just order yourself a beer!
(2)Justin O.
Let's be honest: I eat at Busy Bee Cafe as often as I eat at home. Rotating drafts and beer selection are incredible, and while the food stuffs stay within the realm of "bar foods," they are executed well with an emphasis local and fresh produce. Do yourself a favor and get the fish tacos and split some loaded tater tots and fried green tomatoes. Weekend brunch (served late until 3:00 pm) is also outstanding. Hard to find a better spot downtown for a low-key and causal lunch or dinner.
(5)Wilson H.
Let me be clear: I came for the espresso; but I left with my belly full! This place is off the hook, the chain, et al. First off, I came in for a two fold reason: I have heard of Busy Bee for a couple years, but I thought it was way North on Capital Blvd for some reason so I never bothered with what I thought was an out of the way shop. IT IS RIGHT DOWN TOWN. The second reason, a friend @WayneSutton ( waynesutton.yelp.com ) gave me a gift card, that's when I found out how close it was. So, thanks to Wayne! When I walked in, I knew I was going to be served well. Anyone that is a lover of culinary coffee knows almost instantly when they walk in the door and the signs of "off the hook" were right here. The La Marzocco GB/5 was sitting there and Miss Madison was ready and waiting for a guest who could do some serious damage to the quantity of espresso in the hopper of the Super Jolly grinder. After a shot of Counter Cultures great Robusto single origin espresso, she surprised me and said, "We have some new Apollo if you want to try?" Look, Apollo isn't even "for sale" officially from CCC yet and I only knew about this a week ago! YES, I am at the bar and please serve me like a two year old with a bib! Let's get started! The Robusto was fantastic, she took the time to makes sure the grind was properly adjusted - and hardly no one does that in this business, so she was really taking the time to make sure the espresso was properly presented. The Apollo was a real treat. Not only because it was a new espresso, but past the neato factor of newness was the incredible citrus, chocolate, melon (strong), dark fruit and blackberry. It was all there and there in force. Counter Culture really has something special on their hands. The staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. I can't brag on Madison enough. The most important thing to me is her attentiveness to the espresso. It really is about the coffee to her and that is what I like in a barista. Food wise, I had enough espresso to sink a sub! I had to eat something. As you can see in the pics, I had a burger. I never order burgers. I think, usually, a burger is a lame meal - meant for McDonalds or something of that sort. Look, I'm wrong. I had the "Tom & Jack Burger" with pepper jack and fried green tomatoes on the side. I have NEVER had fried green tomatoes that hit me in the mouth that way. I could have made a complete meal out of those tomatoes. The burger was just desert! Kind of backwards isn't it. Honestly, the burger was fantastic too, but my mouth and mind keep going back to the tomatoes :) . When it comes to rating the cafe, it deserves a Five Star rating for yelp and in coffee, while I rate via a 10 point scale, understand my reasoning which I will put before you in a moment. I Busy Bee Cafe a 8.5 on the coffee scale and the reason for the lower rating than you expected is simple: the brewed coffee selection. Once you leave the espresso machine, the coffee gets, well, "regular." Counter Culture Coffee makes a blend called the "Busy Bee Blend" and while it is great coffee, it is made in an inferior manor: Fetco. I would absolutely give an resounding 9 if they had a french press, pour over, or Chemex option, but alas those options aren't present. The other coffee rating point is lost at the brew choices. While the coffee brewed in the Fetco is freshly roasted, within a couple days, and is freshly served (no older than 30 minutes), there is only two choices: regular or decaf of the BB Blend. If they had more choices, such as some Single Origin choices, we'd be talking a solid extra point. After writing these two paragraphs, the co-owners, Chris and Woody, came by and I honestly shared the approval and my small amount of concern. They both were on the same page when they were telling me they not only heard me loud and clear, but were already working on the fix - even getting measurements this very morning to have a single origin display installed AND multiple brew options are on the way! Guys! You have my support and once this is done, you will have my coffee love!
(5)Becky L.
Every time I have been able to be seated at Busy Bee I have enjoyed a yummy meal. However, as time has passed and with each visit to the Busy Bee for dinner the service has become increasingly worse, and the food has become increasingly mediocre. Last night is the last time I will go to Busy Bee for dinner. It was my friend's birthday and we made a reservation for 8:30PM a week in advance. We arrived 5 minutes early and saw there were no tables available. After trying to find an employee (all of whom were extraordinarily rude), we eventually got to speak to the manager who said she would set us a table once a party left. We understood that it was Saturday night, so we agreed to wait patiently. Not only did a table open up and another party sat there, but the employees continued to ignore us. Finally, 25 minutes later, they ushered us up to the Hive where a table was available for us. This was aggravating because we specifically made a reservation at the Busy Bee, but we were happy to get a table. Once upstairs, the waitress that ushered us up there legitimately ran away from us and out the back door and back downstairs to Busy Bee without seating us. We stood around upstairs for another 10 minutes trying to figure out what the deal was. Then the manager came up and tried to seat us at a table right next to the DJ. This wasn't okay with us because we came out to eat dinner, drink, and chat. After we said we don't want to sit next to the DJ the manager left and didn't come back for another 15 minutes. After waiting around for 50 minutes we still did not have a table, and we left hungry and frustrated. Long story short: the food does not outweigh the awful service.
(2)gary m.
I don't think the Bee cares anymore. Service was slow and food was so-so. Except for the fish tacos that were served uncooked. At least they comped that. Beer is 12.5 oz and expensive. Beer is becoming the new wine. The service was slow because of the kitchen, not our server. She tried hard and we did not take our disappointment out on her. So I posted this review.
(2)Mary B.
I'm not a huge beer drinker but I can always find something different and amazing on tap. Everything I've eaten here has been delicious. My Fiancé loves the tots and I must agree they are perfect tots. Nice staff, cool vibes, and great tastes.
(5)Emma A.
Who knew something as simple as tater tots and sour cream would be so good?
(4)TIffany M.
I really enjoyed the Busy Bee Cafe. For an appetizer, I ordered the bruschetta and thought it was great! It was sweet potatoes and squash instead of the usual tomato medley, which I really enjoyed combined with the molasses cream cheese spread underneath. I saved the bed of arugula it came on and added it to my bowl of Shrimp & Grits which were AMAZING! I give that meal 5 stars! It was beautiful and tasty and the added arugula was a great color enhancement on my part!
(4)Adam W.
Mini review of bar only. I stopped in for a cocktail on a hot Saturday afternoon. Decent pour for a decent price. Bartender was friendly but only minimally attentive. Nice selection of beers on tap. The space is attractive. A totally solid place to grab a drink.
(3)Sean W.
Head up to "The Hive" after dinner and sample one of their creative drinks and alternate beer selection. Their 2nd story patio might be the best place in Raleigh to enjoy a beverage. Very nice ambiance in a historic building in downtown Raleigh. Our server was attentive, prompt, and polite. The food was very good and reasonable. The beer selection, while not extensive, was very impressive. Nearly every beer was not your run-of-the-mill selection. Some were even darn near impossible to find most places. They had just tapped Sexual Chocolate Stout the night before so I was pleased. I didn't grab a growler to go of anything but they were available for some beers. Overall, this a very good restaurant with an impressive beer selection. A must visit if you are in Raleigh.
(4)Carly G.
My boyfriend had the chicken sandwich which he LOVED, came with pesto, pear, chicken, and lettuce. The flavors worked really well! He also got the loaded tots which were crisp and delicious. I had the arugula salad that was loaded with goat cheese and golden raisins, pretty good! Overall, it was a nice little find on our stop in Raleigh. We would love to come back earlier next time and try brunch.
(4)Kevin N.
I very much enjoyed the Busy Bee: so much so, in fact, that after stopping by for a pint the first night I was in Raleigh, I went back for dinner the next evening. The beer selection is top shelf if you're a beer nerd (I am), and my pork tenderloin arrived alongside some terrific whipped sweet potatoes and a dab or two of some sort of apple puree. Yum. I coupled that dish with a maple-tinged Lagunitas Brown Shugga brew (they give you the alcohol content of each, natch), and a follow-up Blanche De Bruxelles provided a crisp finish on a cool night outside. It's a well appointed spot, and though I never did make it upstairs here, that's one goal for my next trip in. 'Cause something tells me that a quirky craft brew under the night sky might be an adventure worth exploring.
(4)Phil G.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet... somehow it got lost in the shuffle. I've visited Busy Bee a few times lately and it usually starts with cheerful beer bliss and ends with a healthy portion of tater tots. They have some LoneRider beers on tap which I have come to enjoy. They also make a cocktail called "The Stinger" that has a mix of cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and liquor that is surprisingly awesome (very creative mix of ingredients and it works well together). The bartenders are very friendly and attentive. Collin has usually been behind the bar when I'm there and he has made me quickly feel like a regular. I need to try more of the food and beers on tap, but from what I have seen so far, this place is a winner. Nice crowd and nice staff. I like the laid back atmosphere, but if you're seeking something a little more lively then you should also try The Hive which is the upstairs portion of the place. I think The Hive and Busy Bee Cafe each have their own outdoor patio but I've only been to the outdoor patio of The Hive.
(5)Yasmin A.
I've never been to the Busy Bee and had a bad experience. That's a lot to say about a restaurant. On Saturday, as we wandered through DTR, we couldn't decide on a place to eat. Finally, my fiance suggested Busy Bee. I was disappointed that I hadn't thought of it myself and we ventured in with our visiting guests. They loved it just as much as we did! The relaxed vibe, the wide beer selection, and the cherry bounce had placed a smile on each of our faces within minutes and our visiting friends got to experience a little taste of Raleigh. The food was scrumptious and hit the spot. We shared the calamari appetizer. The blue cheese burger was juicy and bursting with so much flavor. It had all the qualities you wanted in a burger. The bun wasn't too dense, the burger was cooked perfectly (medium-rare since the grind their own beef) and the blue cheese complemented the meat. With the fried green tomatoes as a side, we left with full bellies and enough energy to continue on through our busy, weekend day!
(4)Martha U.
I've gotten excellent service both times i've been here. The atmosphere is cool. They play Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys and an assortment of good music. The place is furnished nicely and for a bar it's pretty clean. Even the restroom is neat and sanitary. The first time I came I was with my husband and our kids. The kids appreciated to excellent tater tots - they were crispy and not soggy. I had the bacon jam burger - heaven! The fried green tomatoes are beautiful. The brownie is not your typical brownie. It has a nice carmel sauce and creme anglaise. It wasn't gooey but jt was more cakey and kind of crumbly. The flavor was good and chocolatey though. Yesterday I had the short rib tacos. They were good and filling but the meat lacked seasoning. A little disappointing. I will be back to try some of the other things on the menu. :)
(4)Kathryn D.
My fiance and I both work downtown, and this has become one of our go-to spots for dinner and drinks. It's conveniently located right next to the Moore Square parking deck. I've actually ordered the same thing every time I've been here - the grilled chicken sandwich with a baby greens salad on the side. The pear and honey on the sandwich are so unique and delicious. It's really the perfect amount of food. I've had a few issues with inattentive servers, but overall, Busy Bee is great for dinner and drinks. I did come here once on a Saturday evening hoping to grab dinner and hated that there wasn't a hostess, as it was extremely crowded. I'll be back soon!
(4)Drew L.
Busy bee cafe is the bees knees. They have a very large selection of beers, both bottled and draft. The bartenders always seem to make good drinks. Good thing to know, it's an extra .50¢ or so for top shelf rather than house liquors. I've attended many company held events here, which says it in itself that this place is well rounded and is very accommodating. I recommend the pimento burger with a side of the baby green salad. Very friendly service and fun ambiance.
(5)Stefanie M.
Tater tots are off the chain delicious! Egg BLT was fantastic too! Both boys loved their salad and Bacon burger. Husband loves the fish tacos. Would come back if around again.
(4)Tom B.
Had a nice dinner on the outdoor back deck. I'd been before but another friend with me hadn't been and had only heard "mediocre" comments from his co-workers. After our dinner, I think my friend is now a fan. Great beer selection and pretty decent food choices, although they were out of two of my selections on this visit (humus, fish tacos). I had the tofu tacos instead and they were good, but not great. My friends enjoyed their burgers. I think that's the best bet. If you want a relaxed, casual dinner served with a nice outdoor, summer breeze, give this joint a shot.
(4)Michael B.
This place was pretty good .i had been hearing a lot about this and decided to stop by and give them a try. you walk in and seat yourself,not long after we sat down our waitress greeted us and took our orders. my girlfriend went with the loaded tots which came with bacon, sour cream and scallions. I ordered the mac n cheese to which you could add chicken, steak or bacon. i got chicken which was pretty good. the staff was very friendly and the service was fast. now i will say the food was on the lukewarm side when it arrived at the table but other then that i was really good. Busy bee is one of those places that everyone should give a try. I plan on coming back in the future and hopefully having a five star experience. But all in all busy bee is a pretty good spot that has some good things happening. I will definitely be coming back.
(3)John S.
Private group events, including political receptions and fundraisers, are held in an upstairs area that is not handicap accessible. It may be a great place for individuals and groups of people who know each other, but it is not an appropriate place for candidates to hold fundraisers and other events. To be clear, this is a nice place for individuals and small groups of friends. They can probably ignore the accessibility issue. The downstairs area is accessible to all. However, private functions are held upstairs, which isn't accessible. People holding functions and those planning to go should consider this.
(3)Chelsea M.
Alert the tator tot loves everywhere, because these are so delicious.The load ones come with sour cream, scallions, and bacon. The fish tacos were okay, I could the tator tots as a meal though. The cocktails were also good. I recommend the queen bee or the bee keeper. Service was good.
(4)Matthew K.
Okay, it breaks down like this. There are a handful of places in Raleigh for really great beers with a really knowledgeable staff. There are a handful of places in Raleigh for really great burgers. But, when you put them in a Venn Diagram, Busy Bee Cafe is the only one in the overlap. The opportunity to order a bacon jam burger with sauteed spinach and fried onion straws on one night and say, "and give me a suitable beer" and trust that something amazing will be in your glass is priceless. Oh, and bluegrass jams two Mondays a month upstairs.
(5)Sara F.
Just went to check this place out last weekend and really enjoyed it! They didn't have Blue Moon but server suggested something else similar that was really good. I had the loaded tater tots; they were totally incredible! My husband had the loaded tot burger and he said that it was also really awesome. Service was on point, food was great! We will definitely be back soon.
(4)Kelly M.
I can't believe I've never written a Busy Bee review, for how often I visit! Busy Bee is one of my default stops for a night or day downtown. Busy Bee treats me right with their ever rotating selection of craft beer - I love pulling up a bar stool and being pleasantly surprised with what's on the menu - something I can count on at Busy Bee. They have a large bar, and two seating areas (not including the Hive). I've brought family here for dinner and unless it's Friday or Saturday it's not too hard to get a table. Food has been consistently good as well as unexpectedly creative - I love following the daily menus on social media. I'm happy to come here for an appetizer and drinks or to bring my in-laws for the one night they are in Raleigh. Service is always adequate, if nothing to write home about, and the atmosphere is casual, hip and warm - a place where everyone feels comfortable. We got our marriage license at 3pm on a Thursday. Where did we head for a celebratory drink? Busy Bee came through with some local beers and a laid back afternoon drinking spot. Busy Bee will always be on my "Raleigh List" for visiting friends!
(4)Kenny M.
Stopped in for a night cap and dessert tonight. Let me say that I have been here before and the dinner is usually pretty good. Especially as others have mentioned, the tots! This review is focused on the desserts and the waitress we had. First of all, when we asked are the desserts were good, she replied well they're home made. I joked and was like that didn't answer the question. She didn't even crack a smile and rudely said back well isn't that what homemade means? I said well not necessarily. And she was like oh...well I thought so. To me homemade does not equal good. But anyways....So we ordered the s'mores and a friend got the bread pudding. 1. S'mores - IMO this should be served hot, but it wa served cold. So that takes away right off the bat. The marshmallows tasted awful and had a very doughy consistency, especially since it was cold. Finally just the whole dish didn't work well. It didn't have a good taste. 2. Bread pudding. Another strike out. It was just a gelatinous chunk of blah. It was also cold and just didn't have a good consistency. To me bread pudding should be like chunks of bread. This was more of a cooked custard. The stuff on top looked like cat food. Overall the taste was ok but would never get it again and wouldn't recommend it. This was just a bad visit with bad food and a bad waitress. With so many choices in raleigh, I don't know that we'll be back any time soon.
(1)Kristine E.
Tots! Tots! TotsTotsTotsTots! EVERYBODY! In case you don't get my reference just know that Busy Bee serves Grade A tater-tots. You can and will pick these as your side. I'm a fan of the short rib tacos (ask for some Cholula to spice things up) while my boyfriend enjoys their burgers. Good beer selection and friendly, laid back staff. The inside is clean and open plus they have a fabulous rooftop patio to enjoy on a nice day!
(4)Lauren M.
Great food, beer selection and service. Sat on the rooftop for brunch, great experience!
(5)art c.
Sat at the bar and asked for a Bud Light. Hipster bartender lady looked at me like I had 17 heads and said "uh no, we don't serve Bud Light". Looks like they had enough business without needing mine, so I'll go hang out with the Bud Light drinking peasants somewhere else.
(1)Maya G.
Really, I give this place a 3.5 but I rounded up for the tots. Oh yeah, not the last time you're gonna read about tots when it comes to the Busy Bee Cafe. We got the loaded ones and holy habanero, Batman! (It doesn't actually have habanero, but that's not a half-bad idea.) Gotta love some cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top of perfectly-baked potato-y goodness. I've only had the spinach burger, but I thought it was the bomb.com . And it comes with tots if you make the correct choice of side dish--what's not to love! The beer selection is also some of the best that I've seen in Raleigh thus far. Unfortunately, they seem to know this as well, because it's a little overpriced. Some of other food is silly expensive as well ($13 for couscous? $7 for a brownie?!), hence my disgruntled 3.5 in the beginning. But, what can I say. It has a great vibe, pillows on the windowseats, and I can get good food and beer at the same place. Ultimately, that's worth a couple extra dollars every now and then, though I don't think I'll be a frequent flyer.
(4)Alyssa B.
I've experienced highs and lows with Busy Bee, leaving me with a solid 3 star review. The location - downtown, easy to get to, parking (street or lot) nearby The ambiance - a hip bar that bustles around dinner time, high ceilings and an eclectic vibe The food - Loaded tots are the go-to option here, I ordered them for my colleagues upon their first visit and they all raved about them, they know what they're doing! In the past I've had the pork chop, the spinach 'burger', and the tenderloin. The pork chop was quite a small portion (as I find many of their entrees are), but cooked nicely. The spinach burger was really tasty, but the mushrooms on top lacked any seasoning or flavor at all. I also had the couscous on the side, and it tasted like someone boiled the couscous and mixed it with mayo and served it. It severely lacked salt and didn't taste like anything. The tenderloin, again small portion, was delicious. Cooked perfect medium-rare and served with fresh asparagus and savory bread pudding. This was definitely my favorite dish here, but since the menu rotates, I haven't had it again. The service - woof. Why is it that the servers here have to act like they are doing me a favor by serving my food? Previous visits, service has been ok - not memorable, but got the job done. Last time, we walked in and after a few minutes of waiting, no one approached us, so we just sat at a table. About 5 minutes later, after milling around for a bit our server came to take our drink orders. I was trying to figure out which beer to get and asked about a certain pumpkin beer. The informative response after asking what it was like was "it's a pumpkin spiced beer". Like really? Maybe this type of beer wasn't his cup of tea, that's fine, but to just read back the menu description told me that he didn't give a crap. He had a laissez-faire (not in a good way) attitude about our table the whole night, and this disinterest definitely negatively impacted how I view Busy Bee. Overall, I would have given BB 4 stars if it wasn't for the service on my last trip. If a friend wanted to come here again I would join, but would not choose Busy Bee if the option was left up to me.
(3)Olivia K.
Great food and atmosphere! We went on a Saturday night and were lucky enough to get a table right away. Only negative was that the tables are very close together and we had a very rowdy table next to us. Service was good and timely!
(4)Payton A.
I struggle with Busy Bee. I've been here often by request of others but I'm not one to suggest it. The food has been hit or miss -- the tots, as others have mentioned, are rockin', and the drinks are well made. I've had boring, bland dishes before, so I generally try to avoid ordering food. The service has also been hit or miss. I find that the bartenders are prompt, kind, and enthusiastic about the drinks. The waitstaff has occasionally been sullen and disinterested. The biggest reason I don't visit -- and I didn't take this into account with my rating, because it isn't the establishment's fault, but I do think it's worth noting -- is because of the other clientele. Once, a frat boy threatened my group of girlfriends with a gun because we told him to leave us alone. During another visit, I saw a fight break out near the door. Other times, my friends and I have been outright harrassed by guys and no one bats an eye. I understand it's a bar, but only at Busy Bee have I felt unsafe downtown. Again, I recognize this isn't the restaurant's fault, but I thought it worth noting so anyone who hasn't been here before can be prepared.
(3)Rachel D.
Very good Burgers, cheesy and meaty yummm
(4)Stephanie B.
Love love love Busy Bee! It's definitely our go-to bar in Raleigh. The beer selection is always stellar, and the food is delicious. You can't pass up the tots, loaded or not. Whether you're in the mood for a burger or pork shank, you'll find something to make you happy.
(5)Laura A.
The mac n cheese is my absolute favorite; I love the breadcrumb and herb garnish! The cheese and noodles are simple, smooth, and done right. The bruschetta is also excellent. Consistently good and friendly service. The atmosphere is fun; large bar space with exposed brick.
(4)Bryan L.
I had a burger with bacon jam tonight. Absolutely incredible. This place is always solid. Always. Can be casual or great for date night. One of the musts to visit in downtown Raleigh.
(5)Grant W.
I found this place to be hit or miss. My friend and I stopped by here for a late lunch on a Saturday. It was quiet, the service was great, and I do love the decor. It is very chill and laid back. And their beer selection is fantastic. But the food is hit or miss. I got the arugula salad. It was rather bland and I ended up adding some salt and pepper to liven it up. But my friend's chicken sandwich was great and their tots were amazing. I'll have to give it another try, but it definitely seems like a hit-or-miss kind of place. Unfortunately for me, they missed the target by a few feet.
(3)Amanda A.
I went there today with my husband and some friends. We ordered a lot of things and shared a lot of it. I am just going to go by item: Loaded tater tots: Way too much sour cream, soggy and cold. Bruschetta: once I scraped the flavorless squash off of the top the goat cheese was OK. Came with some useless lettuce. I wish I had a little dressing so I could have eaten the lettuce. Mac & Cheese: Dry. Very dry. Caesar salad: My friend got this and I did not try it but he said it was just OK. Pimento burger: RAW. I mean no heat go to much of it. My husband scraped the raw insides out and he still did not really eat it. Couscous: Cold. Like it came straight from the fridge cold. No flavor. We had 1 bite and that was more than enough. Crab Omelette: My friend took one bite and said the crab tasted old and bad. Fried Green Tomatoes: The only flavor was lemon. All acidic. No seasoning and the one piece I ate included the core to the tomatoes. Chocolate Pot dessert: This had an OK flavor other than the overcooked peanuts. It was very small and overpriced. So here is the deal: We sent back the omelette and tomatoes and were not charged for them, but it was clear that most of the other food was close to being eaten and we complained that the burger was raw. We were charged for all of that and the worse part was the waitress did not apologize, ask if she could make the wrong things right or replace any of the items. No one came over to our table to talk to us as clearly we had many major issues with the food. Nothing. The waitress acted bothered a couple of the times I went to her (yea, I have to physically get up and go to her) and was not friendly at all. This was one of the worse meals I have had in rent memory and the bad thing is all of us had issues with our items. And, no one there seemed to care.
(1)Virginia H.
I know most people come here to have a drink but I love their food as well. They have a great beer selection. Their loaded tater tots are amazing and you have to get them when you go. We also get the chicken sandwich and the arugula salad. They also have bruschetta that changes daily and we haven't had one we didn't like. We also held a private party once in the loft upstairs and they did a phenomenal job of getting everyone served with drinks and food quickly. We could not have asked for a better party.
(5)Ryan W.
Let me start off by saying I go this place a lot. Or at least I used to. Usually great service and good food a rarity these days to have both it seems. It took me a while of thinking about this incident before writing anything, but, today as I pondered it over and talked it over with some friends they advised me to write about and and couldn't believe I hadn't previously. Three or four months ago I went to the Hive (Busy Bee's upstairs rooftop and lounge), with a friend for some drinks before meeting some other friends out downtown. We both had a beer, I used my debit card to open a tab on both drinks and we drank them. We got a text from some friends to meet us elsewhere. We left. My fault not to close out the tab of course. But when I checked my account the next day I was charged $30 and some change. I think one of the bartenders ordered drinks on the tab. I called then next day to inquire but didn't get a call back as to the itemized copy of receipt. I take friends here all the time. But, sadly haven't since this incident. I know I should have remembered to close out the tab, and should have been charged a %20 gratuity automatically. But, the $30 was un called for, and unacceptable.
(2)Joshua A.
Started out as what seemed what would be an amazing brunch, menu items were very attractive we couldn't wait to dig in. The drinks were amazing, food was very mehh. (I had the crab Benedict and it was bland). The service was awful! Not friendly and not attentive at ALL. I would go back for the drinks, but there are much more options in Raleigh food wise.
(3)Chris T.
We were here today on an work related gathering and enjoyed the pork, chicken, beef & veggie sliders. All were great. They also served shrimp which were excellent and other delicious sides. Glad we picked this spot and looks like a great place to spend the evening with friends.
(5)Justin J.
Busy bee gets two stars for being downtown and for having tater tots, beyond that, not much to write about. Went with group of 14 for work on a weeknight. They were not busy at all! Out server was great and very kind. But the food was not good at all. Now I see why this place is known for their drinks. 3 people got ribs, all said way over cooked. I got a medium burger, it was so pink and throughout I could only eat the edges. Inside looked like it had only started cooking. Not the best experience, would only recommend if your looking to hang out over drinks.
(2)Amelia R.
Excellent food. Loaded tater tots were amazing -- hot and crispy. The Mac and Cheese was especially good with the bread crumbs on top. However -- the prices are way too high for the product.
(4)Ravonda W.
Having $17 burgers on your lunch menu should be illegal..especially when they're just mediocre burgers. The food was just ok and the service was ok. Our food took awhile so it's not somewhere you want to try and go on your lunch break. With all the places to eat in downtown Raleigh, I'll pass on paying this much for lunch. They need to have a separate, cheaper menu for lunch that is reasonably priced.
(2)Amanda H.
I struggled with my stars on this one. While it has some minor issues to deal with, Busy Bee is still relatively young and may just be experiencing growing pains. I hope. But with its spectacular non-upity staff giving such attentive service and an atmosphere that I can't get enough of, I refuse to let a few glitches get this one down to three stars. Busy Bee fares best in the realm of comfort foods. I mean, the fish and chip sandwich (breaded filets topped with fat fries and malt vinegar) is a heart attack on a bun, but undeniably tasty. And I don't eat read meat, but the burgers smell and look phenomenal. The housemade veggie burger on the hand was a little dry for my taste, and might have benefited from a sauce (besides the tons of ketchup I loaded onto that big boy). Ditto for the turkey and avocado. Can't speak for the small plates yet, although they have a small but fierce selection. One exception: the baby greens salad. BB's orange basil balsamic dressing rocks my socks. If they bottled the stuff, I'd be in heaven. The greens themselves tasted extremely fresh as well. No iceburg (or romaine even) in this puppy. I'd also like to add that there is not enough roof-top dining in the world, and I was giddy like a schoolkid when we were seated on Busy Bee's upstairs patio on a recent glorious afternoon. I've only visited at lunchtime so far, but every time I pass the bar, the taps get my full attention. Soon I'll be forced to go back to try some of the more exotic offerings.
(4)Justin W.
When it's busy, the service obviously will slow. We had a server which a few of my friends ordered from. I arrived to the table a little late, just in time to miss her, so I headed to the bar. The bar is quite large, and while it's busy, it can be hard to get a drink, but if you ease on in and put a hand on the bar, you'll get noticed...or so I thought. It took me about 10 minutes to get a drink made for me and a friend. I come back to the table thinking everyone would have their drinks but they're all still empty handed. I was faster than the server! It was about 15 minutes for the drinks for them. My advice: when it's busy, get the drinks yourself and save some time. If you're not in a rush, then it's a moot point. As far as the drink selection, it's great. The food is decent as well. The table/chairs are nice and the seating on the second floor is more cozy/quiet than downstairs.
(3)Engel B.
I've been to the Busy Bee a few times with a friend and have to admit it is a great place. The staff is friendly and the food is never disappointing, Great open Loft feel and tasteful decorations make the busy bee a must visit.
(4)Eric B.
The menu - food/beer/coffee - is pretty good. It's a little pricey for what it is. The portions are very small, and the taste won't knock you for a loop, but it's good. Those are the reasons I only gave this place 3 stars. What makes this place standout from other places is the fact that they have open rooftop seating. I love sitting on the roof drinking a beer with friends on a pleasant weather day....it's truly relaxing. I frequent this place quite often and will continue to do so, but mainly for the rooftop seating. Take away the roof, and I'd probably never go here.
(3)Laurie V.
This place makes me wish I had chosen to live in Raleigh instead of Durham when I relocated here. I love the urban feel to this place. The building is very old and it has a very antique feel to it. Exposed brick walls and comfortable bar atmosphere. There are black and white photographs on the back wall of the original "Busy Bee". The cocktails looked creative and unique, but I just had beer- they have a decent beer menu with a lot of unique choices. I also had fried green tomatoes which were the perfect mix of tangy, tart juicy tomatoes and melt-in-your-mouth fried, buttery, delicious, crispy outer shell. Oh my lord. Yum. And hush puppies drenched in sour cream. And creamy yummy macaroni & cheese. The ambiance is very warm and inviting, as well. I was there on the first warm day we've had and it was absolutely perfect- there is outdoor space upstairs on the roof deck and even though no one was out there, this looks like a fun spot for summer. I pretended that I was back home in New York for a minute and then I remembered....we don't have fried green tomatoes there.....
(5)Caroline S.
The Busy Bee might be my favorite bar with food establishment in downtown Raleigh.... and that's high praise considering how many establishments there are like that in this area! The past two times I've been I've ordered the same thing, simply because I know it was oh-so-good and couldn't possibly not order it! Their grilled chicken sandwich (the one with the pear and drizzled with the honey) has haunted my dreams ever since going with Brittany F. and Kelly M. last month (and gauging from Brittany F.'s review of their spinach burger, it might have dream-haunting capabilities too!) It's definitely the juiciest and best grilled chicken sandwich I've ever had. I can't recommend it enough. As for beer selection, I tend to stick with a nice wheaty brew and usually they have something on tap to satisfy this request... if not, their servers are great with letting me taste test until I find something to wet my whistle. I've hosted an event at the hive before, and will definitely vouch for that as a great place for big groups. Like Kelly M., I kind of dig the vibe downstairs at the Busy Bee a little bit more, but love love love the rooftop at the Hive when the weather's good. If I can ever get past their dream-haunting chicken sandwich, I definitely want to go back and give the spinach burger a try. My last visit, I got a side of the mac and cheese and yes. it was delicious as expected.
(4)Karin C.
Ordered a mozzarella and tomato burger and Queen Bee. Both were delicious! I'm not much of a cocktail person and I was highly impressed by the smooth richness of the Queen Bee (fresh slice of pineapple was a nice touch). I sat at the bar. Service was slow initially but after I was served the staff was attentive. The folks sitting next to me were happy with their Belgian beer. Atmosphere was alive and laid back. Definitely plan on venturing back.
(4)Ryan R.
Busy Bee! Part of Downtown Raleigh's hipster renaissance. Their menu, occasionally brilliant, somewhat hit or miss. Lots of beers, lots of special beers, and a decent small assortment of artisanal-style mixed drinks. Nice space, both downstairs, mid-level, and "The Hive", the semi-separate upstairs & outdoor area. They also probably have the best late-night coffee selection outside of Raleigh Times/Morning Times. Their art selection is usually interesting, too.
(4)Tammy A.
Great place! Open and spacious but cozy and comfortable. Love the original details left in the place - brick walls, high ceilings, etc. Food was good. The loaded tater tots - are you kidding? My sandwich was different but good. The macaroni and cheese wasn't the best I have ever had but very good anyhow. I would certainly go back and recommend a trip there.
(4)L B.
Have been to Busy Bee many times over the past few years. I just don't think the food is THAT good and it is certainly a little overpriced. Beers are good not great and their draft selection, while it rotates, is not always great. The rooftop is cool, outside of that its usually too crowded. I will always pick Raleigh Times over Busy Bee - better prices and quality.
(3)J G.
I wish Yelp has a 3.5 star option. The beer selection here is good (a little expensive, but extensive), and the food is Ok (having tater tots is a bonus). The inside of the restaurant is kind of typical for a "cool" downtown area, but certainly not bad. The rooftop is what makes this place awesome. A lot of people don't even know there is a roof, but if it's nice enough outside, go sit on the roof.
(3)J B.
Heavenly, organic, and heavenly!! The small plate was unique, a fried chicken leg, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and gravy ( it was JUST enough to satisfy your craving). A keeper.
(5)Amy H.
I love the Bee! They have an expansive and unusual beer menu and the food is delicious. Portions are a little on the small side though, not that I mind. I prefer quality over quantity any day!
(5)Nene K.
The Busy Bee rivals the best bistro in San Francisco. It is fantastic from the merlot to the salad that I had. Ingredients are fresh and local and service was on point. I've also been to the outdoor space on busy Sat. nights and have always had fun, even with the bustling crowd. This place is New Raleigh at its best.
(5)Helena K.
I always feel guilty giving a place less than "A-OK," but after my first trip to the Busy Bee Café, I must confess that I have in fact experienced better. The place is in a lively, central location in Raleigh and it looks spectacular: huge windows up front like the Raleigh Times, and lots of exposed brick and warm colors inside, a huge chalkboard with the coffee drinks written on it, fresh wildflowers on each table. There's also an upstairs that can be rented out for private events (there was a graduation party up there when we visited) and lots of outdoor tables, perfect for people watching. So, while this really, really *looks* like it's my kind of place, I left feeling utterly underwhelmed. When we arrived at 1 on a Sunday during Artsplosure, there were plenty of tables open and we were greeted warmly by a server who told us to sit wherever we'd like. We took a two-top near the wall in the back. Our server was in the weeds; it took her quite some time to greet us and, when she did, we were informed that they were out of burgers. Now, I'm a vegetarian, and my husband prefers white meat to red, so this matters very little to me, but it does look bad when burgers make up a significant portion of your menu (several customers up and left when informed of the cow meat shortage). We hadn't eaten yet that day and had played an hour of tennis, so we were famished. I ordered the veggie burger with a salad as my side. The salad, served with the freshest greens, plus walnuts and dried cranberries, was absolutely delicious. The burger, on the other hand, was not at all good, although it has such potential: it's an *enormous*, house-made patty of black and white beans and tofu, served over a grilled slice of portabella, topped with peppers and smoky ketchup. The patty was completely bereft of taste. I think it's an easy recipe to mess up, and I think they should try a new one, or at least revise the existing one. I love tofu, but it only adds to a veggie burger if it's seasoned properly, and there didn't really seem to be much seasoning used here at all. I'd like it better if it was beans with rolled oats, and maybe some diced onions and grated carrots, tomato paste, and definitely some cumin, fresh garlic, and chili, and perhaps some soy sauce and dijon mustard mixed in for some extra spunk. Also, the smoky ketchup has got to go. It tastes like a campfire and simply does not compliment the burger. I ate most of it because, like I said, I was starving and would have eaten my hat at this point, but I was surly about it (I'm the kind of person who never ever complains in a restaurant, but quietly seethes, and then I Yelp about it; perhaps that makes me the worst kind of customer? I don't know). My husband ordered silver dollar pancakes, which I found pretty dang heavenly (egg mixed in, so they were light, spongy, cake-like), but he did not care for them (I think he's a more of a buttermilk pancake guy) and the portion was a tad small for the price. These came with three strips of bacon and tater tots. I will say that the tots were off the hook. But his dish was served without syrup, so he sat there, patiently waiting for our still-furiously-racing-around-the-dining room server for several minutes before he was able to request it. It's not her fault. She was nice enough, but frazzled; just stretched very, very thin. In sum, I have just a couple of simple suggestions for Busy Bee that I think will help the place a lot: know more about the special goings-on in Raleigh (in this case, Artsplosure), and expect increased traffic (i.e., buy more meat than usual, schedule more lunchtime wait staff) and definitely fix that veggie burger. I'd like to try late night here some time. Also, the tofu dish under the large plates section of the menu sounds extraordinary. But, for now, I still feel "meh" about this place.
(2)Lisa V.
Fried Green Tomatoes are good-thats about all I can say. The food wasnt that great. I had 3 courses, total with tip was 28 bucks and I wasnt even full. If it was good it would have been worth it.
(2)Jamie M.
Only been there once while in town for a wedding. Was looking for a beer and some food after a long day traveling from the west coast. Comfortable and fun atmosphere, friendly, helpful staff, a great selection of beer and, by a long, long shot, the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. Only ruined by the fact that I kept interrupting my eating to tell my girlfriend it was the best pulled pork sandwich I'd ever eaten (she was very exited for me, needless to say. Her food was also good. Apparently).
(5)Alexis M.
I was pleasently surprised by this place. What drew me here in the first place is the seating on the 3rd story roof that let's you take in a bit of a view in downtown. Unfortunately the tables and chairs were wet from the nights rain before so i miised out on that. The food was ok. I ordered a burger and will be sure to order something else.
(3)Andrew S.
Ended up at the Busy Bee Cafe on Friday after seeing a movie with the kids at the Marbles Imax. Unlikely Rudino's rooftop in N Raleigh, they allowed the kids on the roof. The kids really enjoyed being outside and the view. Quite a different experience between coming here with colleagues and the family (one kid 2 1/2 and the other 6). The waitress was quite friendly to the kids (sometimes you don't get that at bar oriented places) which was great. The food was awesome. Fish Tacos, BLTA Salad, Shrimp dip for the adults. Tater Tots and Mac and Cheese for the kids. Food enjoyed by all. I have to say the Tater Tots were amazing. Maybe its just that I never have Tater Tots, but they are just perfectly fried and salted. Like elementary school mixed with bar mixed with fine dining. Truly unique. Will continue to go back with family and work functions.
(4)Chris K.
Our waitress has gone above and beyond. Numerous samples of beers, many trips up and down the stairs. Awesome tater tots. They were out of the shaved steak sandwich, so the waitress danced to placate me. A fine experience.
(5)Jennifer C.
I went back to Busy Bee this weekend and ordered the veggie burger, which I mentioned in my initial review was not so exciting. I think they have updated their veggie burger by adding a portobello mushroom and smoky ketchup. It was messy, but MUCH tastier. Will have this again!
(4)Jeannette A.
i love the busy bee! the chef they've got in the kitchen is doing a mean number on the tofu on the appetizer menu. the staff is also super friendly here, too. you can't go in here without seeing someone you know, it seems like, especially if you went to enloe. the salads are huge, too, which is always a plus for me. will be eating here every time i come home to visit! also love the atmosphere and the look of the place. feels like an updated raleighwood.
(5)David S.
It's a fun place to go and the atmosphere is fun and easy going, but the food is hit or miss. I've had a few good things, but I mostly go there for the beer. The changing tap seems to always have something damn good that I've never had before. My friends and I like to go here to experiment with their draft beer selection because it changes so frequently. The next time we go, there's new stuff to try, and it makes it into an experience. Go for some drinks after eating dinner somewhere else. Also, I have to note that you can get a good hot chocolate there as well. As far as the atmosphere goes, it generally seems to be a busy, but never impossible to find a table. I mostly spend my time on the ground level section since the third floor outdoor area generally does seem packed. Summing up, it's not my favorite bar in Raleigh, but it's a good one, and if you're in the mood to try new and interesting beers that you will likely never see again, then give it a go.
(3)qlint c.
so...busy bee cafe....most likley the most interesting and enjoyable restaurant/bar in the whole galaxy. no I haven't been to every restaurant/bar in the galaxy BUT im assuming that this is just better because the food and drinks are just THAT good. if you're looking for something a lil more modern and food that looks upscale but at a typical dinner price and that tastes amazing in a non packed full of butter and cheese sort of food....come to busy bee. and just going out for a night of drinks with your buddies its a great experience, 'less you're going to just get smashed on cheep beer. busy bee is the type of bar where you can go and have a great time while having a few or more drinks with friends. what im trying to say is GO HERE. try it. maybe it's not for everyone but its for me and for my girlfriend and for a lot of others so just try it already. GO.... now ... are you there yet? ok good
(5)Daniel M.
Great beer selection
(5)Fred D.
They have a great beer selection, delicious drinks and a cool atmosphere. I've been a few times and I will go back.
(3)Chris K.
I have one word for you: tots. As in, tater. As in freshly made, golden-fried, delicious nuggets of joy that, late at night while you sip a cold draft Blanche de Bruxelles or Lonerider Porter, will seem as though an angel had descended from on high and deposited bite-size portions of manna straight into your mouth.
(4)Tejas K.
I went in on 4th of July with drink in hand as there were vendors outside selling drinks. After a few minutes of looking for an empty table, one of the bartenders (or bar back) just grabs my drink and dumps it without any warning and says with a disgruntled look "no outside drinks!". A warning would have been nice so I could at least have taken my drink outside to finish or dump it myself. I thought this was very rude and un-called for.
(2)susan t.
Really wanted this to be good. Our waitress was really nice... (Everyone is friendly!) but food was ok.. This place has so much potential. I had BLTA salad.. Looked pretty but really warm.. Odd it was ok but I don't want to have again. Beer was delicious and cold...
(3)Katy W.
This place has something for everyone. For beer lovers, they have a GREAT selection of bottles and draft. They will let you sample draft beers if you can't make up your mind. They also have a few good cocktails. The Sting is a classic and involves jalepenos, giving a regular sweet cocktail some extra punch. Last summer they had a ginger beer cocktail thing which was amazing, but I haven't seen it on the menu lately (hope they bring it back!) I've also ordered a Hendrick's martini there which turned out to be very good. (It seems like more of a beer bar but I was really in the mood for a martini that day.) The food is also quite satisfying. They have real entrees for dinner (which i've never tried) and burgers and sandwiches, as well as sides like salads, tater tots, and hummus - all of which are good. The mac and cheese was just okay though, which is the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars. The burger list includes interesting combinations, including a tator tot burger which has loaded tots on top of the meat - ridiculous, but also awesome. Perfect for some satisfying food and drink. The Hive is also fun on late nights, especially the roof part during nice weather.
(4)Rachel M.
I ventured to Busy Bee the night of winder wonderland '10, parking in the Moore Square garage so no one would slip and slide into the car. Once I walked in, i really liked the feel, similar to Raleigh Times Bar, but a bit more open, and a really long bar - very cool. I came for dinner and drinks, started with a kamikaze to counter act the cold outside then on to food. The menu looked very good but i ended up ordering a burger with mac and cheese, and my friend ordered shrimp and grits, and loaded tots as a starter. I ordered my burger medium-well, but it came out well and a bit dried out, yet other wise very tasty. The mac and cheese was good but nothing extraordinary. My friend said the shrimp and grits were good and the loaded tots were very tasty. The liquor selection was almost overwhelming but fun (for someone who really doesn't drink beer ;-)). Two things surprised me 1) one of my favorite Cup of Joe's baristas randomly taking the seat next to mine while I had stepped out - I rarely run into people I know when down town and 2) the people who work there also play there - it says a lot if you want to hang out at your work place on your own time. All in all, I really enjoyed the place and the food, but I haven't seen what its like on a real Friday night, you know, one without snow sending everyone off the roads. I will definitely return.
(4)Tara M.
The best part about this restaurant is the upstairs (the hive). One of the only rooftop bars in the triangle. The food is good, sacre bleu burger and the fish tacos are delish! And you can't go wrong with tater tots. Their beer selection varies and is sometimes good and sometimes not so great. Service is normally decent.
(4)Dina D.
We need more places like Busy Bee in the Triangle. It's one of those one-stop shops--cafe, coffee house, bar, club. I like the outdoor patio upstairs. I like lunch and brunch here. There is something for everyone--whether you feel like eating or just getting drinks. I'm not a huge fan of the club scene here, though, as it does get the college frat crowd. But the cafe is definitely a staple when I'm downtown.
(3)Meredith L.
I love this little place! My friends and I like to go here to start off our night with a few really good (and unique) beers. The variety is nice and the space is perfect, especially for groups. They have large tables and tons of chairs. The staff is great and helpful. I've never had the food here, but if it compares to their beer, I'm sure its delicious!
(4)Travis L.
Where else can you get Fullsteam beer, fried green tomatoes as a side, and sweet potato puree on hot ham and cheese?
(5)Charlene R.
on a spring friday nite(normal crowds), we were happy to see that a sidewalk table was about to be available; the girls sitting there tried to get their waitress' attention for their bill and then waited another 10 min. for her to return to pick it up. they warned us the service was RIDICUOSLY SLOW and to order everything at one time. FINALLY, @ 8:40 we were seated ; i ordered a STING ( YUM!) and 2 easy sandwiches w/ a side salad. my drink came 10 minutes later ( after another waitress had been given our table), followed by a bus and a garbage truck 3 ft away from us. oh, and a giant puddle was between us an the bus. at this point, i started to think....are we being punked? by 9:05, i managed to find the waitress and tell her that we hadn't gotten ANY food yet, and she replied, "there are other ppl here in front of you", to which i replied, "we go out every fri & sat, there are ALWAYS other ppl in front of us, and we've never had this problem anywhere...EVER!, but the ppl before us had warned us!" FINALLY, @ 9:15( 35 min AFTER we ordered) our food arrived...WITHOUT ANY UTENSILS! my hubby took one bite of his burger and his fries, and they were....COLD! of course they were...they had probly been cooked 10 minutes ago and just sat there, even though our waitress knew were gettting aggitated! then, the mgr came out, and my husband told him about his cold food, and offered, "try a fry for yourself to see how cold they are'; the mgr declined, to which my hubby said, "good call. please take this meal away, and TAKE IT OFF MY BILL" STILL...no utensils. we proceeded to eat our salads w/ our fingers. he went inside, and found 2 napkin/ fork combos. by then, we'd had it w/ the bus fumes, and moved close to the bldg. our adjusted bill came, we left exact change, no tip--@ no time during this horrible experience did we receive a single SORRY! we will never be back, even though the food we did have was tasty and the STINGS were great!
(1)Kate M.
I came for lunch with my sister who had been there before and enjoyed it. The restaurant was cute and the menu promising. Her meal was excellent, she said. My lunch was pretty much inedible. One of my pet peeves is listing on a menu a type of preparation and then substituting something similar but less appetizing. A common example being so-called caramelized onions that turn out to be raw onions in some kind of vinegar marinade. In the case of the BB, the portobello sandwich was supposed to have roasted red peppers which are NOT THE SAME as soggy formerly grilled green peppers. The side of roasted beets with arugula pesto sounded awesome, but turned out to be boiled, unflavored beets. Again, roasted, boiled, totally different. The sandwich tasted like fish so much that I could not take another bite, and my sister agreed. Her side of macaroni and cheese was very good though, and the wait staff were nice when I returned the meal.
(2)heather l.
I spent a beautiful evening dining on the roof deck at Busy Bee. The menu is a bit brief but everything we ordered was great- possibly the best tater tots in the world. The drinks are awesome- a lot of eclectic mixes that were so much fun to try.
(4)Steven B.
Very Underwhelming.... This was my second visit to Busy Bee and a polar opposite experience from the first. Last night, I visited Busy Bee for dinner w/ a couple of friends. I first asked if they were participating in a specific dine and donate event, and the server and trainee both acted as if my question was delivered in a foreign language, then responded they didn't know. Neither offered to verify w/ management. Next, on to the food. I ordered the Hummus starter for our table... First off... Hummus is so simple to prepare (chick peas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tahini , salt and pepper (if desired))... well this stuff was SO bland... there was no garlic, no lemon juice and no salt... did the restaurant run out? Was this their first attempt at making Hummus? When the trainee server came back to the table solo, and asked if everything was ok, she apologized, as a good server should, then said, "your salad looks like it will taste good". She never offered to take the hummus back for replacement, or check to see if it was prepared wrong... She didn't offer to take it away... I had to make her take the barely touched hummus from the table. So, my salad arrives, the Baby Greens Salad w/ Orange Balsamic... which apparently they ran out of, tasted no dressing on my salad. By this point, I was so disgusted with things, but hungry enough, I didn't want to send that back b/c I wanted to eat. After we had finished our meal, our checks were brought out... hummus charged on my ticket.... really? One spoon of it tasted, horrible, and sent back. I informed the trainee that I didn't feel comfortable paying for something that I didn't eat b/c it was prepared WRONG. It was finally taken off my bill.... Highly doubt I will return to this cafe... They really need to get it together... and also find a new recipe for hummus, or someone that can ready the ingredients and incorporate them into the actual prepared product.
(1)Tracy G.
I've been there a couple of times and the atmosphere is GREAT! Very cool and urban. Love the exposed brick. Great cupcakes and nice selection of loose teas with some organic ones. Haven't tried too much of the food yet, there are some vegetarian options which is nice... the hummus was pretty bland (add garlic, ya'll!) and the veggie sandwich is WEIRD (i don't know if i can go into it here because it's so hard to describe) but i would go again for the deliciously concocted drinks, the beer selection, the late-night affordable menu options, and the hours (a place in raleigh open on sunday, monday, and late night? what?) and it's non-smoking, which is great. thumbs up!!!
(4)Jenna V.
The Loaded Tots were too salty. I had the waiter take them back only to bring me more tots that were even saltier. Not to mention the price I had to pay for them was outrageous!!!!!
(1)C H.
Fun hangout spot though service was touch-and-go. Queen Bee cocktail wasn't bad but The Sting is definitely the way to go. Pretty good beer selection. Confusing layout with three floors but the rooftop patio is where it's at.
(3)Jason F.
I have only been here once and it was for lunch but really enjoyed the food as well as the atmosphere and layout. The lunch menu is fairly diverse and reasonably priced. The place has three levels which is cool because if you don't want to be surrounded by all of the rush you can sit upstairs at the second level which is somewhat more melow. The top floor is an outdoor roof section which seems like a great option for a nice day. On our way out we walked through the bar which they are calling 'The Hive.' I don't think they have opened it up for buisness yet but, although small, it looks great and I'm looking forward to going back to check it out.
(4)April D.
I ate here for lunch about a week after it opened. Had a cup of coffee and their cheese plate. The coffee was good, came in a big porcelain mug which I enjoyed, and the cheese plate contained 4 varities of cheeses from NC. My boyfriend got the fish and chips sandwich with the macaroni and cheese. The fish (flounder) was well cooked and a nice sauce over top of it. The macaroni was well seasoned and definitely not out of a box. We ate in the main cafe section which is on the street level. It is not the kind of place for a quiet meal necessarily but the open air lofty feeling is very trendy. You can also eat at a raised loft area or even on the roof on a nice day out. But if you just want to stop in for a coffee or pastry to go this is easily accomplished with the walk up counter in the front of the cafe. We returned to check out The Hive, which is the third floor bar (adjacent to the rooftop) which has its own entrance from the street level. The Hive is open from 3p-2a, does not serve food, and has a different tap selection from the main floor bar. The taps in The Hive are all imports and therefore, a bit more expensive. Also, they are setting up The Hive to eventually play live music though there was no live music the night we went. Additionally, there was a $5 cover that started at 10pm. The main floor is opened from 6a-2a and from what I understand does not have a cover. If you are a fan of spicy and like sampling mixed drinks I highly recommend 'The Sting'. It is delicious and very innnovative. The Busy Bee can be a little tricky to see from the road, but it is located across the street from Stitch next to the parking deck in a three story red brick building. Can't wait to try more of their menu items and creative cocktails!
(4)Tripp W.
Went to Busy Bee on a Friday night and was definitely not impressed with parts of our meal. Our waitress was awesome! She let us taste 3 different types of beer before ordering and was really attentive the entire time. That was about the only thing outstanding. We ordered the autumn squash tart ($8) which turned out to be a small pile of barely cooked cubed squash on a super thin piece of tart/phyllo dough with a couple sauces dripped around it. Eh. I then had a chicken sandwich that was topped with pears and honey ($8, moderately good, hard to screw up a chick sandwich) and mac n' cheese (wonderful). My wife had a baby green salad with tuna added ($11). The salad was good and the tuna was cooked perfectly, but the portion size was tiny. Maybe side salad size with 4 small slices of tuna. For the price, this place does not impress. Raleigh Times is a much better choice for the same style of food/drink.
(2)Emily R.
Excellent, excellent service. The food was pretty great too, but the service was phenomenal. I've never experienced anything like it at a restaurant. It's like they read my mind. I went in for lunch after a break for a conference downtown. The menus seemed to consist of burgers and sandwiches, with a couple unique dishes for those with more time to sit and savor. Good selection of beer, and some cute cocktails I wish I had the time to try. Everyone seems to be noting the tater tots: yeah, they're good, it's potatoes, but...they're just regular tater tots lol. I mean, I'd get them again, but it's not like they're powdered with gold or anything.
(5)Chip R.
Out on a Saturday fun day with Lindy P., we decide it's time for some mid afternoon snacks in DTR. It's literally been years since I have darkened Busy Bee Cafe's doorstep but we gave them a go and I'm glad we did. First of all, I never knew they had a Saturday brunch menu going on. Not a bad selection, and together with a good craft beer listing and a nice open café setting, we found exactly what we needed that day. We opted for the Chicken Salad Croissant with a serving of their legendary known tater tots as a side. When it came, it did not disappoint. Tons of chicken, generous amount of veggies, and perfect amount of mayo in which enough to do the trick without being too much or gooey/messy. Very tasty choice! Paired with those famously delish tater tots they are known for and a nice Blanche De Bruxelles Belgian witbier to wash it down with, it literally hit the spot for what I needed. I was pretty impressed. Service was ok and I have no big complaints with how I was served there sitting at the bar. I hope they decide to keep that Chicken Salad Croissant as a permanent menu selection as it is some solid eating, I enjoyed it. Bottom line: Busy Bee Café provided a solid brunch stop with the Chicken Salad Croissant selection. Great portion, taste, and made with plenty of chicken and veggies with just the right amount of mayo. Tater tots were a good side selection as always here. I am a fan!
(4)Ben and Sarah S.
I can't figure out why this place isn't rated more highly! We stopped in for a late lunch on a recent Thursday. It was around 3pm, and the restaurant was nearly empty, but our experience was GREAT. The space is wonderfully historic, like much of downtown Raleigh. They have a good selection of local beer on tap, plus a full bar, if that's more your thing. We ordered the beer cheese (fantastic!) and split an enormous turkey club, which was one of the day's specials (all the specials were made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients). It was delicious. The fried green tomatoes we chose as our side were also excellent, but we were, sadly, too full to finish them. Stop by if you're in the area!
(5)Jennifer B.
A solid 3 starts from me. Service was prompt and friendly. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the mac and cheese. FGT were just ok, they didn't knock my socks off, and the mac and cheese was good, but again, not "curl your toes" good. There was a nice, lively atmosphere. I didn't check out the roof top, but if I were to go again, I will make a point to go up there.
(3)Angela C.
Stopped in again tonight before the fireworks. Let me just say the food (as usual) was phenomenal. Four in the party and we sat by the front window. Two ordered the red, white, and blue empanadas, one ordered the fish tacos, and one ordered the Left Hand burger. We split the mac&cheese appetizer. And let me be clear, this low of a rating is NOT a reflection of the food. The food was fantastic--definitely 5 stars. Knowing that the dinner selection rotates every night and there's a possibility I may never eat those empanadas again will keep me up at night. Everyone else said great things about their dishes, as well. Maybe not the best mac&cheese I've ever tried, but still pretty classic!! My issue tonight was the service. Maybe it was our fault because we sat at the lone table by the front window. I'm not sure, but we constantly felt forgotten or like an after thought. When we came in, the "please seat yourself" sign was up, making me think they weren't super busy. Upon sitting, the waitress came right over. We started with four waters, and felt like it took a while to get them. Then two of us ordered beers, (definitely regretted asking for a sample of one as that just prolonged the drink period) and finally got them. The food itself seemed to take longer than normal, but seeing how fast the bar tenders were moving getting drinks out to their patrons and how slow ours came to the table, I question how quickly our food was input in the computer for the kitchen to prepare it. Additionally, my mother was VERY clear she could not eat sour cream, but out the dish came with it drizzled on top. Trust me when I say, I know we are all sometimes new at jobs. And I'm more than willing to be patient knowing there is a learning curve. However, I do not think that is the case here. 1. I've eaten at the Busy Bee before when my waitress was new...she had a more senior waitress shadowing her. 2. When I asked about trying the beer, she expertly explained what is required to qualify it as a Gose, meaning she is either a new waitress, but beer expert, or the more likely (as she was alone) veteran waitress. I just don't understand why someone with such experience could overlook a table. At least the open window provided us with entertainment!!! I'll definitely be back, but I do hope this waitress disappointment is a rarity!!
(3)Helen A.
Sunday brunch and tried the lamb sausage with grits with poached eggs.. A very unique combo, was very tasty and filling.. The wait staff could have been a little more helpful and enthusiastic on offering suggestions. Overall it was a good experience.
(4)Jess D.
Absolutely love this place for drinks. The decor is great, the bartenders are fantastic, and the prices aren't too bad. I love "The Sting" cocktail. It's made with love and is super unique. Check this place out!!
(5)Patrick H.
With a great menu of food and craft beer, this place definitely did not disappoint. We walked right in on a Saturday night, and although, busy, not so busy we couldn't walk right in and sit down at the bar. Our barman, Brian, was super friendly and made us feel very welcome. Plus he had an awesome Miami Dolphins tattoo haha. But whether you're hungry for a meal, or just want something to snack on while you drink, they've got you covered. You can't go wrong with Loaded Tots. For this beer nut, there were enough choices to make contemplation a several minute process. The Mikkeller Coffee IPA was definitely the winner of the night (thanks to my girlfriend for trying that one first and letting me have a sip haha). The next time I'm back in Raleigh, the Busy Bee will definitely be on my list of places to go back to.
(5)