Le Clown Bar serves inventive French-Japanese fusion dishes and natural wines in a charming Belle Époque bistro with a lively clown-themed vibe and cozy patio.
"The pop-up is an homage to Sota Atsumi’s food at Clown Bar in Paris. I have had chef Atsumi’s food, so it is an understatement to say I am looking forward to Le Clown Bar PDX." - Eater Staff
"The name of Clown Bar is quite literal: atop the bar are tiles of the circus performers, as well as a quintessential Art Nouveau-era painted ceiling. But rest assured the bistro, founded by chef Sota Atsumi, takes its culinary pursuits quite seriously. Order a natural wine and some tartare de boeuf." - Elise Taylor
"Clown Bar—its name inspired by the neighboring Cirque d’Hiver (winter circus)—has a decorative borderfrom the 1920s depicting clowns at playalong withgreen, yellow, and white tiledwalls and acurving zinc bar. If the decor makes you smile, the friendlyand professional service will too: You'll get expert advice on the natural wines on offer and how best to pair them withthe food. Thewaitstaff isalso helpful withexplaining the menu, which lists only threeingredients for each dish. Withthe historical surroundings as backdrop, diners savor modern cuisine that blendsFrench classics with influences brought by the chef from his native Japan , like a foie gras en croûte enlivened with bright tones of yuzu. In temperate weather, opt for a table under the red awning."
"Ever since the team from hotspot Saturne took over in 2014, this beautiful old Belle Epoque-style bistro in the 11th arrondissement (with, yes, a clown theme), has become the place to try to score a reservation."
"Assosciated with Clown Bar in Paris, Sota Atsumi is a Japanese-born acolyte of Joel Robuchon. He’s opening a new Parisian restaurant next year." - Caleb Pershan
