Busy Bee rooftop (courtesy http://www.busybeeraleigh.com
2009 has been a banner year for downtown Raleigh's bar and club scene. Many new establishments have opened up, bolstered by the recent reopening of Fayetteville Street and downtown revitalization efforts. In addition to the spur of new growth, Wilmington Street saw the rebirth of a downtown landmark in the Busy Bee Cafe. In the early 1920's the Bee, located at 225 S Wilmington St., served hot lunches to workers and visitors in downtown Raleigh. Since that time, the building has housed a number of businesses - including an automotive store - but stood empty for the past few years.
Earlier this year, though, the storefront (next to downtown mainstay Slim's) celebrated its grand opening as the newest iteration of the Busy Bee. The modern version of the Bee pays homage to the original not only in name, but in character: the original exposed brick and hardwood floors lend a classic feel to the renovated space. Photos of the original Bee can be found on the walls, and the downstairs bar conjures up memories of the sandwich counter of years past.
Like its namesake, the Bee also serves up some delicous fare from the kitchen. From breakfast to small plates to sandwiches, it's easy to find something to whet your appetite from early morning to late night. No matter what you order, though, it's a good bet Busy Bee has a beer that will complement it perfectly. With 10 selected draughts on tap, an impressive selection of bottles, and even a rotating list of featured/rare brews, it's a beer-lover's dream.
If you're interested in taking in a little fresh air with your fare, check out the Bee's downtown-exclusive rooftop seating. It's the perfect way to enjoy some of Raleigh's finest food and drink and a cool North Carolina fall evening.
Music lovers, fear not: Busy Bee has something for you too. The Hive, heralded by an unassuming staircase just to the right of the main entrance, is the upstairs bar and caters to those who love to dance. The tunes and the beer flow freely in this upstairs haven, which regularly features DJs and live music and gives the otherwise laid-back Bee a slightly edgier persona.
Whether you choose to grab a bite and a brew at the Cafe or to dance the night away at the Hive, you'll be spending your evening at one of the best and brightest spots in downtown Raleigh.
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