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.
