Introduction to Berwick’s Birds of Paradise
The woman behind your favorite bartender’s favorite bar has quietly opened a new cocktail spot in the Heights. Called Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, it’s the latest project from Double Trouble owner Robin Berwick. Berwick tells us that she began looking for a new project about a year ago, as Double Trouble, a coffee and cocktail bar that opened in late 2011, no longer required her full attention.
The Inspiration Behind BBOP
Berwick found an ideal space with the former La Coqueta at 2020 Studewood Street, a standalone building in a prime area of the Heights. Similar to Double Trouble, Berwick took inspiration from tropical destinations for BBOP’s drinks and design — with some additional flair from the only kind of bar she’s never worked at. She has bartended in just about every category of bar, including restaurant bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, strip clubs, dive bars, and cocktail bars like Anvil and Poison Girl.
A Unique Concept
The only place Berwick didn’t work that she wanted to was a resort hotel bar. She never wanted to be responsible for running a hotel, but she wanted to open a bar that felt like it was once attached to a hotel. Patrons will notice a screen-printed portrait of a woman hanging on one of the bar’s walls. Berwick has decided that it depicts the mythical owner of the non-existent hotel that BBOP is attached to. She says, “I don’t know her name, but she’s a little spooky and she’s blue. I just look at her and ask her what would she do.”
Renovation and Design
Berwick worked with Jarred Pruitt and Eli Ashby at Houston builder Pruitt Structures to renovate the space with everything from new plumbing and HVAC systems to a vintage-inspired tile floor and an all-new ceiling treatment. The costs ran a little higher than expected, but Berwick cites her “fantastic investors” who raised the money required to build the bar she envisioned. The building received a comprehensive renovation to become Berwick’s Birds of Paradise.
The Cocktail Menu
The cocktail menu takes a similarly tropical theme. For example, the bar’s frozen cocktail is called La Bruha, after a nickname Berwick received from the tradesmen who helped renovate the bar. “It’s a riff on an El Diablo,” she explains, “Tequila, fresh lime juice, spicy ginger beer, habanero tincture, topped with a layer of elderberry liqueur. The ginger surprises people. It’s got a little punch to it.” Similarly, the Crocodile Tears Martini gets a little island flavor courtesy of Strange Water, a coconut water created by former Houstonian Yael Vengroff, and Grey Goose Citra vodka.
Food Menu
BBOP’s tidy food menu is overseen by veteran Houston chef Jacob Pate, whose resume includes Coltivare, Good Dog Houston, and the recently-closed Savoir. Current offerings include chicken wings, a smash burger, and a Bikini Sandwich — similar to a Cubano, Pate gives the traditional Catalan-inspired pressed ham and cheese sandwich a Houston twist courtesy of muffaletta compound butter and tomato condiment. Pate is also working on a house-made sausage dog that he’s excited about.
Additional Features
In addition to food and drinks, Berwick is working with Heights cigar bar Nice Ash to stock a humidor for BBOP. Patrons will be able to smoke a cigar on the bar’s patio. Because people will be smoking, BBOP is strictly 21-plus.
Opening and Operations
The bar opened quietly on July 4. So far, its customers have been a mix of curious neighbors, Double Trouble regulars, and Berwick’s friends in the service industry. After spending so much time on renovations, she says she’s happy to focus on operating her bar. Currently, the bar is open Wednesday-Sunday from 4 pm – midnight. Days of service and hours of operation will expand once additional employees have been hired.
Conclusion
Berwick’s Birds of Paradise is a unique and exciting addition to the Heights. With its tropical theme, creative cocktails, and tasty food menu, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a new spot to hang out. Berwick’s experience and passion for bartending shine through in every aspect of the bar, from the design to the drinks. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Double Trouble or just looking for a new adventure, Berwick’s Birds of Paradise is sure to delight.
