Odd Birds Cocktail Bar and Lounge owner Cesar Diaz is shaking things up in St. Augustine with a bold new venture that’s anything but watered down.
The mixologist’s latest outpost is Charlotte 33 Speakeasy— an intimate bar concealed inside Odd Birds.
“We have a back bar hidden behind a bookcase in the wall, and I thought, ‘Wait! We could really offer something special back here,” said Diaz. The space is a throwback to Odd Birds’ first home on 33 Charlotte Street.
“I wanted to remind people of the original location where we created such an amazing vibe and feeling of togetherness,” he added.
“Our focus is introducing new spirits to our guests, like shochu from Japan, baijiu from China, cocuy from Venezuela, and rare rums and bourbons from Odd Birds’ special collection,” he said. “We really strive to bring new concepts and experiences to our bar program as a way to keep our guests as excited as we are about what we do.”
Diaz got his start in 2013 as a bartender at Ice Plant, known for its creative cocktails with small batch ingredients.
The native of Venezuela took those well honed skills from Ice Plant and opened the eclectic pop up Odd Birds in 2015 at 33 Charlotte Street.
The trendy watering hole became so popular with locals and tourists alike for its refined cocktails and homey atmosphere, it became permanent.
“People came to the bar curious about what liquors we were using and what ingredients went into each glass,” Diaz said. “As bartenders, we became not only ambassadors but educators. We were offering a curated experience.”
Diaz eventually started serving food and hosting dance parties, which required more space.
Odd Birds relocated to a larger venue across the bridge on Anastasia Island.
Diaz has launched a series of special programs for Charlotte 33 Speakeasy. During Nights of Lights, the bar will host Tiki Santa and a Whoville & Grinch inspired evening.
In January, it will partner with the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to create a four-part cocktail experience based on the famed poet’s stories.
The speakeasy can be booked for weddings, parties and events.
