Literally Everybody is flocking to Birdman and for good reason. THE FOOD IS SO GOOD. Last week hubby and I joined a throng of thirsty, hungry media types of all stripes to indulge in the hospitality that’s Birdman. It’s hard to know where to begin because everything, and I mean everything, was so good.
You may already know Wind Cries Mary and Rudi so you know everything is going to be good. You will not be disappointed.
First, before I go into the oohs and aahs of the delicious food, the venue. I love this place. One thing I really appreciate about Victoria is it’s preservation of the heritage of its architecture. Birdman is, in a word, adorable. Love the brick walls, the cozy row of banquette seating in the main dining area. Anchored by the “lost and found” aka the Bar. The slightly divided room with the large “communal” table. The design of the space is so well done. It’s almost like two spaces in one with a large indoor/outdoor space through the doors adjoining the main room.
The cozy vibe continues into the patio space that is covered and at the same time it’s airy and fresh with a water feature and the use of wrought iron makes this area my favourite. I can see myself in the partially “outdoor” space hunkered down under the heater in November. Maybe seated close to the wood burning, brick fireplace on the opposite wall.
So the food, we started with the mainstay of Birdman – chicken. So many options I won’t go into all of them here but check out the menu to pick your own fave.
The chicken slider (my words) or Winner Winner on the menu, was so good. The bun has to be house baked (I didn’t ask, just enjoyed) and the crispy chicken is both sweet and savoury. I don’t know how they do it but it’s heaven in a bun. Add the freshly made slaw, Birdman sauce and dill pickles. It just doesn’t get any better than this. Even if I gave my dill pickles to hubby. Throw in a square of cornbread aka Hush Puppies and you’re doing good.
Some like it hot, there are options for that.
I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the oysters which hubby called “first rate”, he is such a big fan. Meantime I was scarving down the prawns or munching on crispy chicken strips which work with any of the dipping sauce options.
Great brews on tap, and a crazy assortment of Boilermakers, cocktails on tap (new to me) martinis and shooters. Pretty much covers all the bases with this lineup.
Who doesn’t like soft ice cream? No one. Desserts are mighty fine.
We really just scratched the surface when it comes to what is available at Birdman. The menu is extensive and I know my next visit I’m going to have a hard time making up my mind.
Word to the wise, make a reservation because Birdman is already very popular.
Come hungry.
Come human.
Come undone.
7 days a Week
11:30am — Midnight
537 Johnson St
Victoria , BC
info@nullbirdmanvic.ca
(250) 590-5600
About Birdman
Birdman is a Southern-inspired restaurant from Victoria, B.C.-based Cottage Hospitality Group—the team behind Wind Cries Mary and Rudi—located at the historic 537 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria. Built around the philosophy of Full Permission Hospitality, Birdman offers flavour-forward, shareable dining shaped by indulgence and an unapologetic approach to how people gather at the table—meant to be passed, lingered over, and returned to.
For more information, visit www.birdmanvic.ca or follow @birdman.vic
About Cottage Hospitality Group
Cottage Hospitality Group is a Victoria, B.C.-based restaurant group founded by Jesse Dame, known for building design-driven, hospitality-first dining experiences that prioritize how people feel over traditional restaurant conventions. Its growing portfolio includes Wind Cries Mary, Rudi, and Birdman, with the group earning international recognition including placement on The World’s 50 Best Discovery list, Canada Regional Top 10 Honouree at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, and Wine Program Excellence Awards recognition from the Vancouver International Wine Festival, alongside multiple regional hospitality awards.
Rooted in a philosophy of connection, storytelling, and shared experience, the group creates spaces that are as much about atmosphere and memory as they are about food. With close to 100 employees and approaching $12 million in annual revenue, Cottage Hospitality Group continues to expand its footprint with new concepts already taking shape as the group grows.
Read more about Birdman here. Images: MyVanCity With thanks to the team at Birdman the pre-opening evening was complimentary.