Say Aloha to B1281, and Aloha to The Hart

The Chestnut Hill Hawaiian bar B1281 was always intended to be a temporary spot, a placeholder while construction took place at BentoLiving, the hybrid hotel-apartments being built next door. So it wasn’t a surprise that the pop-up-style space closed recently, but I was nevertheless sad to see my slice of Hawaii-in-Nashville shutter.

Fortunately, the BentoLiving team has more tasty Polynesian treats in the works now that the BentoLiving hotel is open. Up next: The Hart, slated to open in September or October. The Hart is named both after the street on which it sits and — as a sweet aside — the maiden name of Justin Koziol’s grandmother. Koziol is the chief operating officer for BentoLiving Chestnut Hill.

The cuisine at The Hart will be similar to that of B1281, with Hawaiian and Peruvian dishes, plus steaks and build-your-own bowls with the protein of your choice. The average check will be between $30 and $40. It's planned to be a casual space that makes you feel like you are outside, with triple-height ceilings and almost no barrier from inside to outside, Koziol says. The Hart will be located in the hotel, just next door to where B1281 was, and will feature the same industrial design aesthetic as the hotel. There will be four-top tables, lounge furniture and a central bar, so seating for whatever mood you are in. The Hart will be in the building in addition to The Chestnut, the hotel’s rooftop bar, which is already open for your summertime sipping options. The Chestnut is open daily for hotel guests and Thursday through Saturday for the rest of us.

When B1281 opened, it hosted some neighborhood events — and Koziol hopes when The Hart has a permanent space there will be more opportunity for Chestnut Hill neighborhood association and other local meetings. Aloha shirts optional.