The Beehive Cafe — Restaurant in Bristol

We used to love The Beehive Cafe...until our experience at our last visit. You'll be as confused as we all were. We went around lunch time, it was very busy with a line to the door. We planned on eating at the cafe but when it was time to order we took a look around and there were no tables open for our party of 4. We asked the 2 female employees if there were open tables upstairs, they said they hadn't been up there recently so they didn't know. We checked, there wasn't. So we told the employee to just make our order to-go because we wouldn't be guaranteed a table. After waiting about 30 minutes in a very congested area and receiving several rude excuse mes from the employees, we grabbed our food and headed out the door. On our way out, we noticed there was an open table outside for 4 people. This restaurant is seat yourself, so we decided we'd sit there and eat instead. I went inside to ask for utensils, which they hand out at the register. A female employee and a male manager were standing behind the counter when I requested them. She said how many do you need? I said 4. She then handed me the utensils, paused and said "oh your food was to-go" and took the utensils out of my hand. I said yes, thinking they would give me plastic utensils instead. NOPE! The male manager said if you order food to-go then you aren't welcome to sit and eat and they refused to give me any utensils to eat the food that I just ordered from their restaurant! I explained that we originally ordered to-go because there were no tables available and now there is a table so we are sitting outside. He said no, our policy doesn't allow you to sit and eat. I said, but I just paid and got our food, we're sitting out there because there's an open table, you're telling us we have to leave?? He said yes that's our policy. Being so confused, I stopped to let this sink in as the female employee stared at me with the most annoyed, unpleasant look. I asked, why is that your policy? I didn't know if I was missing something or was unaware of a local code so I was looking for a better understanding. He said "that's just our policy." I went out to the patio, confused and shocked to explain to my group that they were making us leave. They thought I was joking. The 3 other tables of customers heard my story and encouraged me to go back in and talk to the owner. They all agreed, as paying customers, like them, we should be able to eat there. We went back inside and asked for the owner and some further understanding. They said the manager already spoke with the owner and he isn't allowing us to stay. We expressed how it didn't make any sense and that we wouldn't be returning if they wouldn't allow us to sit and eat our meals that we JUST purchased from their SEAT YOURSELF establishment. The female's response? "Okay then, don't come back." They couldn't care less. Classless, insulting, unpleasant, zero customer service. Zero kindness. So disappointing, as their food is good. But not that good. Not good enough to be treated like they don't value our business. It's so disturbing that there are people in this world that think it's okay to treat others with...

“Update reply”

Of course I don’t use my real name when writing a review about my HORRIBLE experience at a restaurant just in case if I ever do decide to go back for whatever reason I don’t need the “managers”special sauce in my food

I stand 100% by my review and everything I said

And I’m not the only one who had a negative experience at this establishment either

Disappointing Experience at The Beehive Cafe In Bristol RI

I recently visited The Beehive Cafe with high hopes, but unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. From the overpriced food to the lackluster coffee and the unpleasant demeanor of the workers, it was a letdown on multiple fronts.

Firstly, the prices at this coffee shop are exorbitant, making it difficult to justify the cost of even the simplest items. I found myself paying a premium for items that I could easily get elsewhere at a fraction of the price. The lack of value for money was disheartening and left me feeling unsatisfied.

As for the coffee itself, it was a major disappointment. I expected a rich and flavorful brew, but what I received was a lackluster and underwhelming cup. The taste was bland and lacked the depth and complexity that one would hope for in a quality coffee. It was a far cry from the standard I've come to expect from reputable coffee shops.

What truly added to my disappointment was the demeanor of the workers. The staff members at The Beehive Cafe were consistently snobby and exhibited attitude problems. Their condescending behavior created an unwelcoming atmosphere, making it difficult to enjoy my visit. It's disheartening when the very people you rely on to provide a positive experience act dismissive and uninterested in serving their customers.

Overall, my experience at The Beehive Cafe was disappointing. The overpriced food, lackluster coffee, and snobby workers with attitude problems all contributed to a negative visit. I had high expectations for this establishment, but unfortunately, they fell short on multiple fronts. I would not recommend The Beehive Cafe to others seeking a pleasant coffee...

We had looked forward to our Beehive breakfast visit for several days and I really wanted to like it but when all was done, I couldn't wait to leave. Getting in requires ducking under a sign, slipping thru the narrow jamb and stepping down simultaneously - a spelunking breakfast place! Once in, they take your order while you're standing and collect the money and the tip. How will I reward good service that way? Then, with our new plastic animal friend, they direct us up the narrow staircase to find a table saying they'll bring the food - only to call me back down (loudly) to pick up the coffee, then send me up again (though there are no spoons to be had for that coffee). This is not working for me so far. The bottom of the table is about 2 inches lower than my knees so there is nothing approaching comfort. The food is brought up and then the delivery person goes downstairs but I have to bring one plate back down as it was covered with an unexpected sauce so I wait for minutes for them to fix things. Finally, they say they'll bring the food upstairs later. The meals, once we got through all these silly annoyances was quite good, hence any stars. Cozy is a way of saying everyone bumps their chairs into your table for lack of space. Two medium-size, good breakfasts for $37. You may like it here but I think you can do better...