Bistro closing in Thurston County, owners announce. Its final day is Sunday
Bar C’est L’eau, a French bistro that opened about a year ago at the Tumwater Craft District, is now closing, the business announced on social media this week.
Sunday, May 10, is the final day of service, according to the post.
The craft district is at 4200 Capitol Boulevard SE. It is home to several retailers, including many that have occupied a long primary building on the site.
“With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we’ve come to the decision to close our doors,” the company’s Instagram message reads. “This little bistro has been a true labor of love – filled with warm meals, good wine, and even better company.”
“To our guests and community, thank you for showing up, supporting us, and for taking a chance on us. You’re the reason this place meant so much,” the post said. “To our incredible crew, thank you for your passion, your care, and the energy you brought to every service. You are the heart of everything we built, and we couldn’t be more proud of what we created together.”
“We’re sad to say goodbye, but so grateful for all the memories we’re taking with us,” they wrote. “Join us over the coming week as we close this chapter, with our final service on Sunday, May 10th—you still have one more week to come enjoy a bite & a beverage! Come raise a glass and help us send Bar C’est L’eau off with the celebration it deserves.”
The Olympian first reported about the new bistro in May 2025.
Bar C’est L’eau means “it’s the water” in French.
When the bistro opened, it filled a vacancy that was created by Finnriver Farm & Cidery taproom, which closed and moved out of the space in fall 2024.
Co-owner Laura Hallett opened the bistro with fellow owner and Chef Joe Rumberger, who operates the food trailer Bastard Pies at the same location, The Olympian previously reported.
They were inspired to open the French bistro after they experimented with a Belgian-style pop-up business that found a welcoming audience. They then learned of the vacancy at the craft district and went for it.
“We had such success with that bistro pop-up, it was a no-brainer,” she said at the time.
