His other Westheimer establishments – Royal Oak, Boondocks and Pistoleros – while all successful, don’t necessarily exhibit the “maturity” Bermudez was aiming for with Stone’s Throw. “We wanted to create a sophisticated, adult neighborhood bar so every decision made along the design process incorporated that theme,” explained Bermudez.
Stone’s Throw is very much a handsome, mature-looking bar – leather tufted booths line the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Westheimer; cathedral-esque shelves behind the bar are lined with bottles and empty growlers extending up toward the 20-ft high ceilings. Whimsically-designed wrought iron railings lead you up the staircase to balcony seating reminiscent of a grand theater. Everywhere you look, from the woodwork to the granite countertop, there are rich shades of browns and blacks.
We recommend you try the drink called 390D – the police code for “drunk, unconscious”— made with gin, St. Germain and IPA. The St. Germain cuts through the hoppy-ness of the IPA, and the gin adds the extra kick that makes this drink armed and dangerous.
Food truck partner Pak created two bar snacks for the place: a bacon bourbon caramel corn and spicy mixed nuts. Bermudez says they will probably play around with other bar snack ideas in the future. For now, they are focusing their attention on the drink menus, from the main cocktail menu to Thursday night martini specials to Sundays celebrating champagne.
With each of Bermudez’s establishments possessing its own unique charm and appeal, it was time we got to know one of the industry leaders whose been building up the Westheimer curve.
What was the initial reaction of your family and friends when you told them you were first going to open a bar?
Confused and concerned. Haha! I have a fashion and a financial accounting background. I don’t have a service industry background, but I know what I like and what I don’t like about bars and was always very observant of those opinions. So much so that I felt confident that I could build and run a successful establishment.
As I child I wanted to be…
Batman, of course. I actually still want to be Batman. I was taught to never give up on my hopes and dreams.
PBR and a shot of Jameson on the side. Everyone who knows me knows this is what I drink.
What is your personal hangover cure?
Mango Nectar Jumex from the Hollywood store the corner of Dunlavy and Westheimer. It can only be from that Hollywood location. A lot of water helps, too.
What do you do in your free time, if you have any?
I hang out with my dog, Tommy Lee Bones, whenever I have some free time. We like to take long walks through the neighborhood while discussing life. He’s basically my best friend, therapist and life coach.
