Birds of a Feather {Bird Bird Biscuit}
Cooking Up Love in Every Bite
Words by Christopher Ferguson, AIA photos by Shelby Bella
A combination of luck, experimentation, and friendship has allowed Bird Bird Biscuit to quickly establish itself as a local East Austin favorite.
As head chef, general manager, and co-owner of Bird Bird Biscuit, Brian Batch is accustomed to wearing many hats, but his passion lies behind the griddle serving up and fine-tuning some of East Austin’s most adored breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Alongside partner and longtime friend Ryan McElroy of Thunderbird Coffee, “Bird Bird,” as the duo affectionately calls it, has been offering a daily dose of flaky and flavorful goodness since June 2018. Far from complacent with their near-instant success, the pair have continued to refine and expand their menu, with an eye toward dinner offerings in the not-too-distant future.
“I’ve heard people say not to mix business and friendship, but we wouldn’t have done this any other way,” admits Brian with a smile. Ryan is quick to agree, “The genius of Bird Bird is Brian. If there’s a biscuit-whisperer on the Eastside, it’s him.”
“Simplicity and excellence” was the mantra from the outset, and, like most simple and excellent things, the winning formula didn’t happen overnight. After hundreds of test batches, revisions to the menu, and even a reinvention of their core business model in response to the shutdown, the pair are enthusiastic that, after two successful years in business, they’re finally hitting their stride.
To first time diners, the “Queen Beak” is the must-try, signature sandwich. A delightful combination of sweet and savory, a perfectly brined and flaky breaded chicken thigh rests between two halves of a fluffy, handmade buttermilk biscuit. Expertly balanced flavors of cayenne black pepper honey and bacon-infused chipotle mayo will tickle the taste buds like few recipes can.
For those looking for comfort in an uncomfortable time, Bird Bird offers a delicious respite where evident love, thought, and care can be savored in every bite – direct from Brian’s griddle.
What’s in a name?
Brian and Ryan chuckle and confess, like most of Bird Bird’s success, the name came from rounds of iteration as the two bounced ideas back and forth. What started as a joke between the friends ended up sticking, and with only less than a month before the grand opening, Bird Bird Biscuit finally had its name.
Contact:
2701 Manor Road
(512) 761-4922
birdbirdbiscuit.com
@birdbirdbiscuit
