Mussel Bar & Grille is making good on its promise to return in downtown Bethesda, even if it took a couple of years longer than expected. Local chef-owner Robert Wiedmaier vowed to reopen the Belgian restaurant at a new location "in the near future," when its Bethesda Row outpost shuttered in April 2022. He's found the spot at 4903 Cordell Avenue, below Tommy Joe's, and next to Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins.
The new location is one that has suffered from frequent turnover, from maiden voyager Smashburger to the recent échec of Paris in Town. Wiedmaier's name recognition in the D.C. area could be just the thing needed to lure diners here. Mussel Bar's arrival means the Woodmont Triangle is now stacked with local celebrity chefs, with Wiedmaier joining Jeff Black and Yannick Cam.
That site is big enough for a sit down restaurant? It definitely will be a smaller version of Mussel Bar for sure. Multiple failed space is a tough challenge no doubt but nice to see this opening. Great food from a chef/owner who knows what they're doing.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with JAC on the small space. I suspect it'll end up with only the stand-up tables that the Woodmont location had on the bar side, without any of the larger tables. This will be great for Happy Hour, but less so for the rest of the open hours.
ReplyDeleteLot of tables and chairs stacked up all along the windows but where are they going to put them all AND still have room for customers? That old taco place had nice tables space usage but what I saw while walking by was a glorified storage space unit type situation.
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