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Moutarde is For Rent
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 9:43PM 
Three months after making the decision to only be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the owners of Moutarde, on the corner of Fifth and Carroll, have placed the restaurant on the market.
Even though the French bistro received an overhaul a couple years ago (complete with a redesigned menu and a blue paint job), it never really became either a destination restaurant or a popular go-to spot for locals. It had its fans, but it's nearly impossible for a restaurant that's only open for three days a week to survive for more than a few months, especially in this neighborhood.
The 1,800 square foot space is listed (PDF) at $7,956/month with $350K key money (not a terrible deal considering the prime location, but still pretty pricey), and it comes complete with the kitchen and licenses for liquor and outdoor seating.
Closing in Food, Scoops, Storefronts
Reader Comments (14)
it was originally such a nice looking restaurant, that paint job they gave it with the renovations (particularly the awful mural thing on the ceiling) was just horrible and cheesy, like what you would imagine a chain "French" restaurant in Vegas would look like
I think we should put the funeral home back.
Too bad. I actually liked the decor prior to the renovation. That said, even though I alwatys wanted to enjoy the place the food was just very mediocre. I never felt I got my money's worth there, would rather go to AOC down the block. Though, as I say that, I've lost a bit of faith in AOC as well. They seem to content to let the place wear...tables and chairs worn out, ripped, torn and scratched. That speaks to me about how much they really care about running a quality restaurant.
Anyway, another one bites the dust. We can only hope for something better.
More restaurants than we think are secretly "on the market," or being offered to more successful restauranteurs in the area if the price is right. Once you get to the point where everyone knows, as is the case with Moutarde, we're long past the point of salvation.
Ate there......maybe once.....since they opened. While I admit to not trying the one French place everyone seems to like (Canaille), none of the bistros on fifth have ever impressed me in the least.
It's such an iconic location, too. I hope it doesn't sit empty for too long. Hopefully that's an attractive rent for a mission burrito proprietor, or otherwise.
Canaille is an excellent restaurant. 10 times better than AOC. It has a very loyal following among the French expats in the area.
A bit of trivia is that Moutarde was where they filmed the scene in Julie and Julia when they are sitting in a restaurant in Paris. So it might have been cheesy but it was considered authentic enough to stand in for a restaurant in a huge blockbuster movie.
Anyway, I thought it was pretty mediocre as well. In my opinion, what's been replacing the closed stores/restaurants are an improvement for the most part upon what was there previous, so I'm not worried. This is a PRIME location.
With AOC is was just proximity..that was the draw. Still haven't tried Canaiile...sounds like I should!
The key money they are asking for it is laughable. It might be appropriate for a place that is actually somewhat successful, but not for one that has clearly been floundering for some time.
Key Money? Is that like a down payment? You have to fork that over right away?
Not to beat up on Moutarde or anything, but I hope future restaurants avoid displaying food and desserts in the window. It always seemed a little gross to me. Maybe it is French or something. I don't know.
Anyway, that rent seems high and the space large for a burrito joint, but one can dream.
We LOVED Moutarde before the renovation, and it seemed to be always crowded on weekends. I am not surprised that it closed. They kitsched up the interiors and downgraded the menu.
I am sorry that the original is gone.
Canaille is very good, but on a much smaller scale. Let the owner choose your wines!
oh thank GOD, down with MoutardED.
yes, Canille is fantastic, AOC is "ok"....it's no "Bar Tabac", that's for sure.
Wow, we have many wise and, dare I say, prophetic people on this site, but I'm certain that everyone here recognized the actual "spark of genius" when reading Felton's 2nd comment above. A mission burrito joint taking over that grand space! Plenty of seating. Plenty of room for the spacious and well-stocked salsa bar. Plenty of space for me to lay my contented burrito farts without disrupting my neighbor's passionate coupling with his/her burrito. I know this location would provide a tough monthly nut for a purveyor of inexpensive burritos, however these are desperate times for Park Slope's brotherhood-of-the-burrito. I personally am more than happy to be bilked in exchange for a large, exceptional burrito and a great salsa bar. Here that, Would-Be-Burrito-Sellers? I'm bending over. Lead me to the salsa bar and then do your worst. Felton you are good. Damn are you good! That we should all strive to be a bit more like Felton...what a tasty world we could have.
Dude, this is good stuff. Please stick around for a while.