A visit to Beverly Hills restaurant Bedford & Burns can kill two birds with one stone: guests have the opportunity to engage in some rich family history while enjoying happy hour bites and drinks at the same time.
Sibling trio and owners Beth, Bonnie, and Bobby Burns are continuing on the family legacy in the greater Los Angeles area as third generation restaurateurs. Their grandfather initially launched his restaurant career back in 1918 in Beverly Hills, making the opening of Bedford and Burns in 2013 in the same town a sentimental debut for the family.
With the parents of the trio carrying on the family line with Bob Burns restaurants in Santa Monica and Orange County, it “seemed fitting” that Beth, Bonnie, and Bobby “all got involved in the business” and “assist their mother in running the restaurants” as well, according to the siblings.
As an American bistro, Bedford & Burns holds the essence of classic American cuisine as its culinary foundation, but also adds fresh, modern touches to its food in order to “cater to the way contemporary diners enjoy eating out.”
Beth Burns said that Bedford & Burns has offered a happy hour special since its opening three years ago.
“We have happy hour 4 pm to 7 pm daily,” Burns said. “We have several favorite menu items among our guests, but I think that the yellowfin tuna tartare with crispy wontons ($7) is probably the most popular with customers.”
Burns also cited the $6 beef sliders (gruyere cheese, arugula, caramelized onions, and chipotle aioli), $5 deviled eggs (with applewood smoked bacon), $7 ceviche (with shrimp), $7 mac and cheese (cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, and truffle oil), $7 spicy cheddar cheese dip (with tortilla chips), and $6 chicken meatballs (with marinara sauce) as local favorites. The siblings have even added a fancier touch to the menu with Bobby’s Chicken Liver Pate with cognac, with the happy hour price of $7.
“My personal favorite would probably have to be the barbacoa street tacos ($7),” Burns said. “I’m a meat person, so I enjoy the sliders as well. They’re both really delicious and we spend a lot of time and effort on all of the menu items.”
Alongside the 18 food options on the happy hour menu is an assortment of cocktails, beer, and wine.
From fruity options ($9 Peach Raspberry Grand Marnier Bellini) to more intense choices ($8 Dark & Stormy with dark rum, lime, and ginger beer), the cocktails span a variety of flavors.
“Our Bedford Mule – our version of a Moscow Mule – is really popular,” Burns said. “We also have a fantastic $8 Spicy Margarita and a great $8 Gold Rush, which has Buffalo Trace, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon juice.”
Cocktails are priced at $8-$9, with draft beers available for $6 and wines (Malbec, Chardonnay, Prosecco, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Sparkling Rose) priced at $8.
Accompanying the variety of fare is a relational, comforting component within the restaurant, according to the owners.
“What makes Bedford & Burns unique is the personal touch of the family,” Burns said. “We’re not big on emphasizing our corporate identity. We have one bartender, who a lot of customers have really gotten to know. We’re definitely a family-style restaurant.”
Bedford & Burns is located at 369 N. Bedford Dr. in Beverly Hills.
For more information, call 310.273.8585 or visit bedfordandburns.com.
