Say Aloha to B1281, a Hawaiian-Style Bar

Nashville’s aloha spirit, if measured by the number of tiki, Hawaiian and other tropical-themed eateries opening, seems to be growing as fast as celebrity bars on Broadway and STR permits.

The latest, B1281, (pronounced, B-twelve-eighty-one, like its address) opened this week at 1281 Third Ave. S. in Chestnut Hill, near Wedgewood-Houston. As you might experience in Hawaii, the spot is all outdoors, with some shade covering the patio bar, misters for cooling off on hot days, and a food-truck setup for serving food. The idea is to combine the spirit of aloha and Southern hospitality in one, with live music, DJs, games, and a neighborhood hangout space. 

Menu items include Hawaiian-style yakitori, bento bowls, ahi poke, and some dishes have vegan and vegetarian options. Lunch includes Hawaiian-style plates; dinner features gyoza, the yakitori, and more served with rice or other grains. The cocktail menu has what you’d expect, including mai tais and daquiris, plus a full beer, wine and spirits list. Bright murals with Hawaiian iconography cover the walls. The DJ station is nestled next to the bar.

The restaurant/bar is also a placeholder for BentoLiving, hybrid hotel-apartments being built next to B1281 and scheduled to open later this year. BentoLiving is designed for folks in town for longer stays than a bachelorette party — say a two-to-three-month travel nurse assignment, or a gig helping open a new restaurant or store. When completed, BentoLiving will have a rooftop bar and a restaurant with limited room service.

According to Justin Koziol, chief operating officer of Bento Box, BentoLiving’s parent company, B1281 is open for private events, too, and has already hosted the Chestnut Hill neighborhood association’s meetings.

Once BentoLiving and its bars open, Koziol says the everyday offerings at B1281 may change, but for now it's a laid-back, delicious place to take in the sun for lunch, after-work cocktails, and dinner.  Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. (Hawaiian shirt optional.)