Busy Beehive AFCH

Pros

• The owner provides welcoming and exceptional customer service.
• Olivia is a top-notch waitress, very friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming.
• Such spectacular food and service.
• Kudos to the chef!
• Beehive offers great cocktails.
• The beef stew, collard greens and fufu are highly recommended.
• This place is a hidden gem in East County.
• Samosas are to die for.
• Beehive has the widest African cuisine menu and excellent service.
• The atmosphere is good, the food is good and the music is really good.
• The staff provide excellent customer service.
• Amazing East African food.

Cons

• The service was terrible and not authentic.
• The service is poor.
• The food is not good.
• Water was not provided at the table.
• They did not come back to ask if the food was yummy.
• There was no music and no paper towels on the table.
• They would not return unless management changes.
• They were completely ignored and no service was offered until they reached out.
• A dish was missing from the order.
• The jollof rice turned out to be colored fried rice, likely the wrong order.
• The music was too loud to converse.
• Parking was insufficient.

Review

Beehive, a vibrant African restaurant and bar in the Portland area, comes across in many voices as a place with serious character and real culinary punch. Put simply, it inspires strong feelings - some guests leave convinced it's among the best African dining experiences they've had, while others encounter service hiccups that cloud an otherwise promising visit. The conversations about Beehive reveal a venue that reliably delivers bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a menu that keeps people coming back for more, even as a few nights or encounters don't quite hit the mark.

On the food side, the enthusiasm is constant and well-deserved. Dishes like egusi soup with fufu, goat meat, collard greens, and jollof rice frequently earn high praise for authenticity and depth of flavor. Reviews speak of home-cooked accuracy, peppery heat when requested, and a range of traditional items - from samosas to nyama choma - that feel true to their roots. Several guests highlight specific standouts such as beef stew with Ugali, fish and jollof, and fried staples that beautifully showcase the kitchen's competence. The overall takeaway is that the kitchen knows its flavors, and for many diners, Beehive offers a reliable, flavorful doorway into East African, Nigerian, Kenyan, and broader African fare.

Service experiences at Beehive are more of a mixed bag. A number of visitors sing praises for attentive, welcoming staff and for standout individuals like Olivia, described as a top-notch waitress who is friendly, knowledgeable, and makes guests feel at home. The owner is repeatedly credited with creating a warm, hospitable environment, and several diners appreciate the personal touch and quick, professional service. Yet there are notable counterpoints. Some patrons recount being ignored after seating themselves, receiving missing items in their orders, or encountering slow or uneven service. Water not being offered promptly, checks arriving late, or questions about the food going unanswered are mentioned as drawbacks. The contrast between glowing praise for attentive staff and frustration with inconsistent service suggests that Beehive can be wonderfully welcoming but may depend on the moment, the staff shift, or the level of attention guests receive.

Ambiance and music add another layer to the Beehive experience. Reviews frequently highlight a great vibe with music that ranges from Afro beats to more energetic dance nights, contributing to a social, festive atmosphere. Several guests mention evenings with a DJ and crowd-pleasing tunes that create a lively backdrop for gatherings with friends or family. However, the mood isn't universally mellow - some guests note that the music can be loud, which makes conversations challenging at times, and a few point to parking as a practical hurdle in the area. On certain nights, the energy and the crowd's mood become part of the attraction, while on other occasions those elements feel a bit overwhelming.

Value and consistency are core themes in the broader conversation about Beehive. Many visitors describe Beehive as a hidden gem with a wide, varied African menu and consistently good cooking that earns repeat visits. The kitchen's ability to deliver "delicious and seasoned to taste" dishes, along with the welcoming staff and the overall atmosphere, convinces regulars to return. Others acknowledge that the same venue can present a different experience on different visits, with references to better service and kitchen reliability on some evenings compared to others. For many, the balance still leans toward a highly worthwhile experience - especially for those seeking authentic African flavors, generous portions, and a chance to sample multiple regional specialties.

When it comes to specific dishes and dining moments, Beehive shines with a mix of crowd-pleasers and adventurous options. Samosas, egusi soup, fufu, jollof rice, tilapia, and goat dishes are repeatedly cited as highlights, with several reviewers emphasizing that the flavors feel like home cooking done right and that the spice level can be adjusted to taste. Beehive is also praised for its Kenyan offerings and other East African staples, with some guests noting particularly satisfying nyama choma and a broad spectrum of dishes that reflect a diverse African culinary landscape. The presence of Afrobeat dance nights and a lively bar adds to the sense that Beehive is as much about culture and community as it is about food.

In sum, Beehive emerges as a destination with a strong identity: bold, authentic flavors, a welcoming if sometimes uneven service, and an atmosphere that can be exhilarating or a touch loud, depending on when you visit. For diners chasing genuine African cuisine in Portland, the restaurant frequently delivers memorable meals, generous portions, and a welcoming ethos from staff and the owner that leaves a lasting positive impression. It's a place you might fall in love with for the food and the cultural vibe, while also keeping in mind that the dining experience can vary, and a little patience with service on a given night can go a long way. If you value vibrant flavors, a broad menu, and a social dining scene, Beehive is certainly worth a visit - and a return trip to sample more of its offerings and the evolving energy of its events.

This part of Portland, Oregon offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With multiple pharmacies, physicians' offices, hospitals, cafes, parks, theaters, restaurants, places of worship, and accessible public transportation options nearby, residents can easily access essential healthcare services and enjoy recreational activities. The area also features a diverse selection of dining options ranging from casual cafes to bakeries and ethnic eateries. Additionally, the proximity to parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Portland offers a well-rounded living environment suitable for seniors seeking convenience and an active lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Herbalist Farmer (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Health Northwest (2.5 miles)
• Adventist Medical Pavilion (2.6 miles)
• Rockwood Medical Offices (2.8 miles)
• The Oregon Clinic (3.4 miles)
• Dr. Steven Clark & Associates (3.5 miles)
• Metropolitan Pediatrics (4 miles)
• Jon Wesley Crew (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Adventist Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center (5.2 miles)
• Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Black Rock Coffee Bar (5.2 miles)
• Common Grounds Coffee House (5.2 miles)
• Keeper Coffee Co. (5.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.3 miles)
• Portland Cà Phê (6.1 miles)

Parks

• Lents Park (2.9 miles)
• Happy Valley Park (3.1 miles)
• Gresham Main City Park (3.8 miles)
• Mt. Tabor Park - Off Leash Area (3.9 miles)
• Tsuru Island (3.9 miles)
• Southern Lites Park (4.5 miles)
• Mt. Tabor Park (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Century 16 Eastport Plaza (3.1 miles)
• Hollywood Theatre (5.9 miles)

Restaurants

• H.K. Cafe (3.3 miles)
• Roscoe's (3.6 miles)
• Bipartisan Cafe (3.7 miles)
• Taqueria Queretaro (3.9 miles)
• Jazzy Bagels (3.9 miles)
• Bodega PDX (4.2 miles)
• Heidi's Restaurant And Bakery (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Henry Catholic Church (3.7 miles)
• East Hill Kid City (3.9 miles)
• St Rose Catholic Church (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (5.8 miles)