Feliciana & Paradise
A French bistro and cocktail lounge bring layered hospitality to downtown Covington, Louisiana, through connected spaces for dining, gathering, and evening social life.
BRG Hospitality's Feliciana and Paradise were conceived as distinct yet connected hospitality spaces that expand the culinary and social offerings of downtown Covington. Feliciana anchors the ground floor as a welcoming French bistro, remaining casually accessible and community-focused, while Paradise occupies the upper level as a more intimate cocktail lounge designed to transition seamlessly from daytime use into evening.
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Interior view of bistro table
Feliciana Restaurant
Inspired in part by Covington native Walker Percy’s reflections on belonging, place, and the modern Southern experience, Feliciana brings a quietly whimsical Southern-French sensibility to its downtown setting. The dining room at Feliciana is organized to support flexibility and varied modes of gathering, with a mix of banquettes, loose tables, bar seating, and more intimate booth areas. Large windows and window-side seating visually connect the interior to the street, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a social anchor within downtown Covington. Bistro curtains, antique mirror elements, and wood flooring soften the space while subtly referencing historic interior techniques used to expand light and perceived scale.
Feliciana’s interior is defined by a whimsical, airy, and rustic aesthetic, using textured surfaces, collected décor, and a balanced palette of neutrals and pastels to establish a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Feminine detailing, patterned tile, soft fabric accents, and reclaimed wood elements are layered throughout the space, creating a setting that feels relaxed and familiar while remaining carefully composed and durable for daily use.
Private dining space
Private Dining Space
Once the site of the Old Star Theatre, the building’s history is subtly referenced in the private dining space off Feliciana’s main restaurant floor. Historic photographs and small cinematic touches, including vintage cameras as décor, nod to the site’s former use without feeling overly themed. Set just beyond the main dining room, near the shared entry vestibule and stair to Paradise, the space feels slightly removed from the energy of the restaurant, making it well suited for more intimate meals and private events. Behind the scenes, the kitchen and service areas are organized to easily support the restaurant, private dining room, and upper-level lounge, helping maintain a smooth guest experience throughout.
Booth seating within the main dining room
Paradise
In contrast, Paradise offers a more layered and immersive environment. Inspired by botanical conservatories and curated collections, the lounge uses rich earth and jewel tones, luxurious fabrics, and carefully displayed artifacts to create a sensory atmosphere centered on discovery and intimacy. Layered patterns, warm wood tones, indirect lighting, and decorative mood lighting establish a space that feels equally suited to daytime gathering and evening use, allowing the lounge to shift in character throughout the day.
Main bar area with direct access to outdoor terrace
The bar itself serves as the focal point of Paradise, featuring a marble backsplash flanked by antique mirrors that add visual depth and movement. Wine storage is prominently integrated as a design feature rather than concealed back-of-house, reinforcing the lounge’s travel-inspired narrative and supporting temperature-controlled display and service. Perforated tin ceilings shared with the restaurant below provide continuity between the two spaces while supporting acoustic performance.
Terrace at Paradise, overlooking downtown Covington
