The Four Faced Liar

Sexy Champagne Bar the Riddler Shuts Down SF, NY Operations | Eater SF

"Opened in the West Village last October and described as “super popular out of the gate,” this compact Champagne bar (about 700 square feet) earned praise — Eater NY critic Ryan Sutton noted composed small plates and a buttery halibut dish that “wouldn’t feel out of place at Le Bernardin” — but will not reopen after the pandemic, owner Jen Pelka confirms. Despite efforts to pivot to takeout, bottle sales, securing a PPP loan, and negotiating with landlords, Pelka says the model depended on packed bars and rapid table turnover that became impossible under shutdowns and ongoing uncertainty, so both locations have closed for good. The New York salon is offering bottle pickups Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is part of a 50 percent off inventory sale, and will also sell off fixtures and serviceware through Bonhams as Pelka tries to place the items with fans and find new tenants for the space." - Eve Batey