Late last week, Victoria-based Cottage Hospitality Group opened its first Birdman, a Southern-inspired concept featuring fried chicken, oysters prepared multiple ways, stacked sandwiches, mac and cheese, sticky ribs, hush puppies, house-baked pies, and soft-serve sundaes. Sauces and dips play a major role in the experience, designed to be passed around the table and enjoyed communally. About 1400 square feet, Birdman opened in the heritage building at 537 Johnson St in downtown Victoria. The restaurant’s interior combines nostalgic diner and basement-bar influences, with booths, curtains, chrome accents, vinyl finishes, and intimate seating areas that encourage lingering conversations and long meals. Service is intentionally relaxed and interactive, with shared plates, generous portions, and occasional surprise tastings or rotating house sauces selected for the table. Birdman is the third restaurant by the Cottage Hospitality Group, a restaurant company launched by Jesse Dame and David Healey in 2019, the team behind Wind Cries Mary and Rudi restaurants in Victoria. In a recent interview in Tasting Victoria, a local restaurant publication, Healey suggested more restaurants once Birdman is established.
Cottage Hospitality Group, 537 Johnson St., Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1M2 (250/590-5600 www.birdmanvic.ca)