You know that bar near Cass Street and North Boulevard that can never seem to decide on a name? Hooch and Hive could be its saving grace. The folks behind some of Tampa Bay’s most beloved late-night haunts (Flytrap, Czar, Zoya) have thrown their weight behind the new food and drink hangout at 1001 W. Cass St. that’s music-centric and adorned with local art.
UPDATE: We added some of Drunk Camera Guys' pictures from Wednesday's family and friends sneak preview. See them at the bottom of this post.
The menu — featuring inspired snacks like pulled duck confit and waffles, dry-aged beef sliders on Jamison B. Breadhouse Bakes buns and a bunch of vegetarian options available from lunch into the wee hours of the evening — was designed by Ocean Prime chef Adam Polisei. With an emphasis on honey and bee pollen (hence the Hive), each food item, presented in eco-friendly paper boats, incorporates local ingredients as often as possible and is affordably priced between $3 and $4.
On top of a full coffee bar, one of Tampa’s most beloved cocktail philosophers — Kamran Mir (Czar, Fodder & Shine) — has brought his own love for hooch to Hooch and Hive through a lineup of sophisticated sippers. Expect a combination of pre-Prohibition cocktails, modern classics and house originals, along with Florida craft beer and the working hipster’s brews of choice like PBR and Miller High Life.
The owners have also promised a top-notch sound system (plus plans to book national acts), so it’ll be cool to see the Crate Brothers play selector at the grand opening on Thursday. Details below.
This article appears in May 10-17, 2018.