This place has decent enough food. The burger is very thick. Come hungry, but expect a belly ache if you finish their portions. The restaurant entrance itself is confusing. There are three different doors. Guess which one isn't locked and then help yourself in. We sat in the bar area. Trying to read their menu is a chore especially given how poorly lit the entire restaurant is. Some food prices are randomly excluded. The wait staff was kind, but got confused about what table ordered what food when everything came out. read more

After 8 months of living in the Big Country, I have found great people but felt like I was in a food desert. I finally made it to the Beehive! Oh my goodness. My faith in great food is restored. Like all place these days, they are struggling with staffing. But the food was excellent. I had a small filet with a baked potato and a side of grilled shrimp. Steak was world class. Potato was good. Might skip the grilled shrimp next time. For a small place in a small town, this was a refreshing step into high end cuisine. For quaint or romantic, wait for the dining room. For quicker service and a little livelier, sit at the bar and what the goings on! read more

Friendly, gracious owners and staff where really good food is served. Have never had any food that was not delicious and pleasantly served.

Beehive My wife and I are in Albany for the Fandangle. I saw it on a segment on one of those Texas travel shows back in August of 2017. I instantly booked a camp site at Ft. Griffin State Historical Site. Today is our first night here. From what the lady who sold me my tickets for the Fandangle said, this would be the least crowded night for the Beehive. We waited until 5:45PM to make the short drive back to town, thinking that the restaurant opens at 6:00. I'm not sure when they opened, but there were a ton of cars in the lot when we arrived. We went in the wrong door and ended up in the saloon. My glasses were still dark, and there was very little light in there. I pushed Rachel toward the back where I saw a lighted hallway. Sure enough, it led to the dining room. There were a lot of people standing in a line in the middle of the small dining room. They were headed to the salad bar. We were directed to a table right in the middle of it all. I told Rachel that I thought the people were a large party coming from the next room. I realized later that there was no other room. They were all from tables around us. It turns out that Thursday night is "All You Can Eat Shrimp Night". I felt like I had won the lottery. I can eat a lot of shrimp on my food calorie budget! Rachel ordered a New York strip. She said it was really good. She commented that the chef really understood what rare meant, as it was cooked perfectly for her. The boiled shrimp were self-served near the salad bar, which was included with the meal. They were huge, perfectly cooked, and nicely cooled. I piled my bowl high with them. The salad bar was not much to talk about. However, the bleu cheese dressing was very good. I only had a little bit, but it was exactly the kind I like- thick and creamy with humongous chunks of bleu cheese. The fried shrimp were served with my baked potato. There were eight on the plate. I was asked about 4 times if I wanted more, but I was STUFFED! Okay, to wrap this up... The service in this small place was amazing. There were at least 5 servers hustling around the room. One of them actually asked me if I wanted more iced tea. So many times they don't ask men. We just get refilled automatically, ruining our perfect blend of tea, lemon, and sweetener. I prefer a second glass, not a top-off. I can't think of one bad thing about our meal or our time at the Beehive. I know some of the reviews are kind of negative. Maybe those people went on a bad night. Maybe I went on an unusually good one. I don't know. I do know, if I am ever back in Albany, I will be back to the Beehive. read more

Outstanding just go here, probably the best ribeye we Everett had. Basically you could cut the steak with a fork Great people great service and the pricing is fair. It is worth the drive from wherever you are. It's in a small old western saloon, place might seat 40 people tops Can't wait to go back the burgers looked amazing read more

Magical place to go, the steaks are Amazing a must try in town, Ali's crew gives an excellent service

The atmosphere, the food, the people...doesn't get much better than at the Beehive! The Thursday chicken-fried chicken will cover your plate but not empty your wallet! read more

Great customer service. Nice old timey atmosphere. Beautiful place to enjoy. As a stranger They're very attentive and make you feel at home. Thursday's all you can eat gulf shrimp peel em or fried. Get there early. Attached bar (closed due to covid) and the steaks are so tender and cooked perfectly. Highly recommend place and when I'm back in town I'll visit again. read more

All you can eat shrimp?? More like you get one bowl and never get checked on again. No shrimp. Empty drinks. Worst service I've ever had in my life. A blonde headed lady I think she said her name was Jess was obviously intoxicated. Would not get the hint to leave us alone. If there was an option to not leave any stars, that would be my option. Horrible! Will never return again. read more

We drive 180 mile round trip several times a year to eat the all you can eat boiled and fried shrimp on Thursday nights. It's my very favorite place to dine and would recommend this restaurant to everyone who loves great food and good service. The boiled shrimp is my favorite and is by far the best ever. It also comes with a loaded baked potato or fries, salad, bread and a drink. read more

Food was not as good as in years past when visiting Albany. Quite pricey for the steaks and menu is more limited than past visits. I heard they opened a Beehive in Abilene that has better food. read more

Trying to be fair with this review. I'm sure the food is good, bc the one in Abilene is amazing, but the service was just dreadful. We waited in the bar which was almost empty and couldn't seem to get a drink order in to save our lives. It was very clear to us that we were the outsiders (from Abilene) and weren't as welcome as the regulars. The bartender just hung out with them and shared stories and pictures and ignored us. I tried to multiple times to get a drink order in but was either verbally cut off or ignored. It was bad enough that I was wracking my brain trying to think of whether or not I had done something to offend the bartender but for the life of me I don't think I did . The whole experience was super awkward and finally my wife asked if it was ok if we just left bc of how uncomfortable we felt. We never got a drink or food, so I can't speak to the quality, although I'm sure it's good. I'm hoping it was just an off night, bc I've always wanted to visit the original beehive. read more

I am not sure I have ever waited longer for overcooked beef and cold fries. Orders were all mixed up. It was 1/2 hour before they told us they were out of some items we ordered. We had way higher expectations based on the price they charged. Not coming back any time soon. read more

I always love this place. The building is so very interesting. The staff is the best. They always have clothe table clothes and napkins. There's always fresh flowers on the tables. The salad bar maybe small, but it's packed with flavor thanks to the amazing homemade dressings. The bread they serve before the meal is soft. And warm with a crunchy crust. Normally I have steak when we come because it's always cooked perfectly. However, tonight I had the all you can eat shrimp. You get boiled and fried. Just wonderful. The fried has a wonderful light breading. And the boiled was packed with flavor too. This is the first time I've had their French fries. They were awesome. They were skins on and fried to perfection. Awesome as always. read more

Absolutely excellent! I had the chicken fried steak, hubby had "all you can eat" boiled & fried shrimp, our daughter had the tiramisu (Her teeth were sore from a braces adjustment, so she needed something soft), and our son a hamburger. It was all excellent. The chicken fried steak tasted like mine, and even hubby said that was an amazing feat. I pride myself on my amazing CFS, but this review is not about me. :) The hamburger was huge, and sneaking a bite I found it quite tasty. The fries rocked too, as did the gravy. We will not pass up a chance to go back. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere so cool! read more

I'll go ahead and admit that this is my favorite restaurant in Texas - and when I say favorite restuarant I mean Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, it doesn't matter, this is my favorite restaurant. This steakhouse was started by two Iranian brothers who came to America about 20 years ago. Ali learned how to cook in the army I believe, and believe it or not, he makes the best steak I've ever had. This place is family owned and operated, quite literally, nearly the whole family works here and they're some of the nicest people I've ever known. I don't care where you live, even if you just drive straight to Albany and back, I promise you, you'll be glad you went. I cannot stress how important this steakhouse is to any meat eater. Great bar, outstanding menu (get the filet your first time, but everything is great.) The seafood is by far the best for miles, the prime rib, filet, and New York strip are to die for. Great salad bar, sides, specials. I assure you you'll be shocked that a menu like this can be found in this little town in Texas. read more

Fabulous place to stop. The peppercorn burger was done to perfection and the hand cut fries were yummy. Ali was the sweetest man and made us feel most welcome. My husband said his chicken strips were very good also. Do not miss this place if you are in the area. read more

This little place is my favorite steak house in the country! I alway take my friends there when they come to visit. Great food and wonderful family! It is a must place to visit while in Albany! read more

Great saloon atmosphere! We just had an appetizer...fried veggies. They were awesome but looking forward to going back for a steak sometime. Check out the Abilene location too! Yummy!!! read more

Food is great , specially the steaks ,personally I love the filet charred rare with a baked potato and the soup of the day. On Thursdays they have all you can eat shrimp and its great but be prepared to wait. As for lunch, you cant miss with a hamburger or if you have time for a nap ( you will need it ) go for the Steak sandwich, this is no Philly cheese from subway by no means , this is real steak ( ribeye) piled up with onions and peppers and jack cheese... read more

Avoid this restaurant at all costs! Food is awful and the service is worse. Waited an hour and a half for one cheeseburger!! Terrible experience. read more

We stopped in on our way to Lubbock. The meatloaf was the special and was delicious. I would highly recommend making time to visit this eclectic restaurant. read more

We saw the Bee Hive Restaurant on the tv show Texas Country Reporter. We promptly drove the 3 hours to Albany , Texas. The owner was so friendly as was all the staff. The food was fantastic. We had the chicken fried steak and baked chicken. We will definitely make the trip again. Thanks Ali read more

Went this weekend ...ugh...awful. I have been twice before and it's been pretty good...had steak and prime rib those visits...my husband has been here several times... This weekend was a complete fail...We had our son and his gf with us and really talked this place up...huge mistske...First of all , was told an hour to hour and a half wait...with NOWHERE to sit...we watched the owner and staff smoking and drinking...we got so tired of standing we went out to the truck...when we went back in after over and hour and half, it was another 35 minutes...we finally get seated and we wait...and wait...decided to venture out and ordered snapper...so did son's gf...we are later told they are out, so we ordered the orange roughy...my husband got the chicken fried steak and my son the burger...we went to the salad bar and as usual it was a mess...I will say their Ranch and Bleu Cheese are yummy...we eat the salads and wait...and wait...about 45 mins later we get our food...the food we asked about and were given lame excuses..."we have two big tables"...sorry, doesn't work for me...I waited tables for years in my late teens and 20's a combined 8 years at several high$$$ restaurants...if the restaurant is on their game large parties should not cause an issue for the rest ...so, the food comes... My son's burger was just nasty...came with some weird sour cream and mushroom topping, wth? Our fish, meh...and my husband's chicken fried was mediocre at best...the only good things were the bread and our loaded baked potatoes...my husband asked for gravy...we got more bread instead. This whole visit was a bust...maybe the owner should model better behavjor... and not drink on the job, it sets a bad example and oh yeah, illegal. read more

I have heard rave reviews of The Beehive. I wasn't totally impressed. I had to wait over an hour for a table. We were to wait in the Saloon. The Saloon was hopping; however, there was hardly any seating for the people who were waiting for tables. Also the saloon is open for smoking. Thankfully there was hardly anyone smoking - that was a plus. When we had to use the restroom, the women's restroom was small and only had two stalls. One of the two was out of service and it happened to be the handicapped stall. My friend that was with me was handicapped and was unable to use the restroom. After an hour and 10 minutes, we finally got a table. The restaurant was very small. Our table was in the one spot that was next to the kitchen, next to the salad bar and next to the cashier. So needless to say, people were continuously bumping into us. When the waiter came to take our order, he never mentioned the specials or gave us time to ask about the specials. He was in a rush to take our order. I overheard him tell another wait staff that there were no more specials. Thankfully, while waiting for over an hour, I had googled the menu online to see what I potentially wanted to order. So we were able to order our appetizers and entrees. I ordered the 14 oz NY Strip and my friend ordered the CKF steak. We both has loaded baked potatoes and salad bar. For appetizers, we ordered the combo plate which was sample of the fried cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini and onion rings. The mushrooms were delicious; however the rest was sub-par. The Salad Bar was very limited; but since it was a steakhouse, this was to be expected. It was not kept up to stock with such the large crowd and that was very disappointing. There were also flies that were hanging around the salad bar and that was a pain in a butt. While waiting for our entrees, we heard our same waiter tell another table all about the prime rib specials and rack of lamb. He never told us these specials and he also told another wait staff that there no more specials available earlier. This was very suspicious. Finally our entrees arrived. The NY Strip looked good and I was expecting it to melt in mouth because it was advertised as being grilled over mesquite. I was highly disappointed. No flavor to the steak and DEFINITELY NO MESQUITE GRILLING. Now being from Texas, I am a steak lover. The steak had no salt, no pepper, no garlic or any spices on it. It was ordered medium rare and it return more medium. The price was under $25 for this NY Strip and though it was reasonable price, I would have refused to pay if it was any higher because they steak was not really worth more than $25 or realistically worth more than $15. As for our beverages, my friend drank water and I drank Tea. Knowing that the county was dry and neither my friend or I partake in alcohol, we did not bother with ordering wine. I was extremely thirsty when we finally were seated and drank most of my tea before my steak arrived. At no time did any wait staff question me if I needed a refill. Overall, the prices are reasonable. The bill was about $50 for the two of us for both entree and appentizers. However, I have definitely had better steaks. The wait staff was friendly however was not keen to my needs especially when needing a drink refill. I would not recommend this for a place to drive out of your way to go eat at. read more

We heard about this restaurant on Texas Bucket List so we drove from East Texas to Albany just to eat dinner here. One of the best choices we could have made the people there were amazing and the food was just as good (great) the father and daughter who run the place were some of the best people we have met. I had never had rainbow trout before and it was so good. Very well worth the trip. Planning on doing it again soon read more

This is one of the best steakhouses in Texas. It has been excellent and consistent since I have been going over 20 years!! Owners and service are excellent read more

I am usually just finished hunting when I eat here, so granted I am starving, but I really love this place. Great steaks, friendly service and just an overall enjoyable place to eat. read more

On the recommendation of a client, I stopped by the Beehive on the way out to West Texas to an out of town football game. Overall, it was a good experience. Strange, but good. First to the food. It had a salad bar, which is always kind of weak, unless it is one of those monster salad bars you see at Brazilian steakhouses. Still, I wouldn't ding the place over that. I attempted to avoid the salad bar by ordering a bowl of the beef and barley soup, which is one of my favorite kinds. I'd love to be able to tell you how it was, but unfortunately, I never got it. No biggie,...it wasn't on the tab. I'll live. I attribute this to the language barrier, which I'll get to below. For my entree', I had a 14 ounce filet. The quality of the meat was very good, and it was cooked exactly to the right level of "done." I do somewhat question whether it was cooked over mesquite. The flavor mesquite imparts to a steak or BBQ is very distinct, and sometimes can be rather strong. I didn't really detect any of that flavor in my steak. While it tasted very good, it didn't have a mesquite flavor...it tasted like it had been cooked on a gas grill, which is ok with me. I have no complaint about the steak. I would have liked to have a glass of wine with my steak, but again, due to the language barrier issue, I never got the chance to order one (again, this will be discussed below). Those at my table also had a chicken breast and a burger, and both gave the thumbs up. Ok, the language barrier issue. The place is owned by a couple of brothers who I believe are Middle Eastern. One of them was waiting our table. A very nice little fellow. I just don't think he understood some of what I said. He missed the soup order, which I noted above, and again, it was not that big a deal. But the reason I didn't get any wine? Well, Albany is in Shackleford County, which is dry. They need to have you join their "private club" in order to purchase any alcohol. Not a big deal...we in Texas are used to this little charade: You say you want a drink, they tell you you have to become a member of their "private club" to be able to buy any alcohol. You say "ok". They bring you a little membership card which you fill out. They never pay any attention to the name you put on it (I have filled them out with names such as "Vito Corleone", "Wyatt Earp", "Mrs. Robinson", "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and "Lil' Pablo the Boob Rancher" ...never once to have the card "rejected." ) The communication break down occurred when the little fellow said I'd have to join their private club. My attempt at levity left me high and dry: Me: "...and, I'd like a glass of cabernet with my steak, please. Just pick out one you think will be good." Little fellow: "So sorry sir.. you must join private club you wanna buy a drink wit alcohol." Me: "A private club? Gee...you think I'll qualify?" (laughing) "I'm not sure they'll have me." Little Fellow: "So sorry sir, is tha rulz." Me: "OK" I don't know if he thought my making a joke of it meant I didn't want to go through the motions, but whatever the interpretation, I was shit out of luck because he never brought me the little card to fill out. Nonetheless, I would definitely go back. The food was good and reasonably priced. Maybe next time, I'll bring along an interpreter. read more

Hands down...the best steakhouse in Texas! Very special and unique place. One of a kind!

My dad ate a ribeye here Wednesday night and it tasted like it was cooked in a skillet. It was terrible! He says he will never pay $30 for a ribeye at the Beehive again. He has eaten here for over 20 years and he will never be back. They're living on their reputation. read more

Now this is some good eating. Located in a 1907 saloon and restaurant, the Beehive has nice ambience. The waitresses were very competent and bent over backwards to please. The owner even stopped by to see if the food was okay. And boy, it was. First, a very nice salad bar with mixed greens and a pleasing assortment of some unusual accoutrements started the meal, along with a nice little loaf of fresh bread. My chopped sirloin was wonderful, and my wife loved her smothered pork(tenderloin with perfect gravy.) Unusual potatoes and italian green beans finished the entree. We surely enjoyed it! Total bill? With always full iced teas, about $20. read more

Can't believe they're still smoking inside at this place! Had to wait for a table, about 20 minutes, in the "lounge", where they're smoking like trains. Horrible experience, don't they get that second hand smoke is harmful to your health? Very disappointing. I'll never go back! read more

We have been there for their FAMOUS THURSDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT SHRIMP and everyone was thrilled with complete meal including the salad bar & homemade wheat bread that was brought directly to our table. We have also been there and ate of the menu. This is an AMAZING PLACE from the FUN OWNER to the Creative atmosphere. IT is a MUST GO TO PLACE!.... read more

I just can't say enough good things about the Beehive. It's the best prime rib I have ever eaten. Family owned and operated, and everybody is friendly. Ali cares about his guests and goes the extra mile to make sure you are happy. I went two nights in a row and decided the good food was not a fluke. One of these days I need to step away from the prime rib and try the ribeye. I can see why people drive for hours to visit the Beehive. read more

Beehive Restaurant - You host, Ali - New American Near Me - Albany, Texas

Drove 240 round trip to eat here, it was okay but not worth the trip. We ordered the 10oz Ribeye, med rare, it was more on the rare side, also ordered the Shrimp, which was good, both were supposed to come with fries since they don't have baked potatoes during lunch, what we received was boiled potatoes and green beans. We were seated in the front dining room which is crowed with people trying to pay and the kitchen door opening and closing with servers coming and going. Service was very good with friendly people. Décor is rustic and interesting, loved the history behind this restaurant. read more

The food here is delicious. I normally come here and get the lunch special and soup. I have never been disappointed. By far my favorite restaurant in or near Abilene. Atmosphere is very laid back. Keep it up, Ali! read more

We checked in and waited. Finally went to check how much longer. She said 10 more minutes. Asked why she was seating people who checked in after us. She said Oh I forgot you were waiting. Food was average. Was charged for tea refill that didn't happen . Do not recommend this place. May be best in town. Hope not as I still have another day here. Probably try Dairy Queen tomorrow, know how they treat people and their food quality. read more

We finally made the trek to Albany from Ft Worth just to go to Beehive restaurant. We heard about this restaurant years ago. We spent the night at the Albany Inn and RV park on our way to Big Bend National Park. Thie Beehive lived up to our long awaited expectations. The service was great, the bread they brought in the beginning was so good we asked for another after our meal while our friends had desert. We had the shrimp appetizer, which was 25 large shrimp, perfectly cooked. Then shared the 14 ounce sirloin special that was cooked perfectly as ordered with a wonderful peppery sauce and yummy mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. The owner came to our table himself several times and had the nicest, caring personality. After our dinner, we went to the bar side to have another drink. There was a musician playing guitar and singing a selection of alt music you wouldn't expect to hear in a small town. He came around and personally spoke to us and as we were leaving, gave us a CD. It was the perfect end to our one night stay in Albany. We will gladly make a trip for this again. read more

I was so looking forward to this evening after reading glowing reviews upon every google search, not to mention the past honors bestowed by Texas Monthly as one of the best steakhouses in TX. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this restaurant at all. Of my party of five, three ordered the 14oz ribeye, one the prime rib, and one fried shrimp, plus a combination appetizer of fried vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, onion rings and cauliflower). Both the vegetables and shrimp were cooked in a (tasteless, but that is what it is) tempura-style batter that would've benefited from hotter oil. Greasiness was an issue. But you can't order fried "stuff" w/out taking that chance. A shame that the butterflied shrimp were greasy, though, as they would've been very good. My main issues were with the prime rib, my (first) steak, and the service. For the price (average to high for the Abilene area - in the $30 range per plate) let me state first that I am never happy to have to go to a salad bar, it's just a thing with me. This isn't Sizzler. But again, possibly that's just me. Maybe others enjoy winding their way past servers and a dangerously violent outward-swinging door from the kitchen to get their greens, carrots, black-eyed pea salad and dressing. I will say that I am a blue cheese fan, and their ranch dressing could've swayed me to that side - it was very good, and the bowl of greens were very fresh. The prime rib would've been perfect for me, as I prefer a line just between rare and medium rare, but unfortunately, it was ordered medium rare, and was not - it was cool in the center. My son decided he "might like it rare" but I think he was trying not to complain - as 18yo's tend to do when dining with a parent who is complaining on her own. My first steak, 14oz ribeye, was inedible. I ordered just between rare and medium-rare, and would've had no issues with the cooking - save for the fact that I couldn't cut the thick line of silvery gristle which ran through the entire steak. There was literally no entry point. So I drank my margarita (I'd planned on switching to a cabernet, but our server never showed/asked at the right moment) and picked at my (VERY - as in clearly at least an hour - and we arrived a half-hour past opening) previously cooked baked potato while I waited for our server to reappear. To his credit he did notice that I was not eating the steak, and offered to have another prepared. I agreed, (rather, my husband agreed for me, I was waffling on the "no" line) as I hadn't eaten but maybe two bites, and was bemused when he asked if I'd like to keep my potato... on my daughter's plate. I literally ended up shoveling the potato onto a (used) salad plate while he took my plate and everyone else finished their meals and I waited. The second steak was much better, clearly a better cut of meat, and my only complaint would be that they need to take the "Cooked over mesquite" off of their menus - the steaks were definitely gas-grilled with no mesquite flavor whatsoever. Now, service issues. Drinks sat empty (my second margarita - I'd ditched the idea of wine at this point and decided I needed to stay on stronger liquor!) took for-ev-er to arrive. And if you think that's an exaggeration, let me tell you about yet another issue. The "internet was down" and therefore, the restaurant couldn't accept credit/debit cards. The only solution was for my husband to leave the resto and find an ATM to get cash. My drink was ordered as was about to leave (when we overheard the "internet" issue from another table - who were equally flustered), with the "joke" that the family could stay as collateral while he went to track down an ATM. Honestly, it was annoying. But.. I was already annoyed. And even moreso when he walked back in as I received my second drink. Finally, I know this is a silly pet peeve, but at $160 (not including tip) I do not expect to have my husband stand in line (awkwardly, in the middle of the 1st dining room, in the only server-path) to pay a cashier for our dinner. It seemed to me that the restaurant has one foot in "Texas Upscale Rustic" dining, and one in corner-cafe. It needs to choose. I am not sure if they have suffered due to the recent opening of an Abilene location, but I can guarantee that if you are in the Abilene/Big Country area, you would be better served (in every sense) by driving to Buffalo Gap to Perini's, or even stopping in Abi. at Joe Allens. And of course, the worst part is that I really expected to like this restaurant. The decor is charming and the steaks and prime ribb had promise. Perhaps, on nights when the owners are in attendance, the service and quality does not suffer quite as much, but I cannot recommend anyone take the chance. read more