What's Up with Cafe on Clinton?

Has long-time Cobble Hill bistro Cafe on Clinton fallen on hard times? Three weeks ago a Forum post asked what was up with the recent non-activity and at the end of last week a reader sent in this photo of the suspended-in-time storefront. Evidently the tables are all set but the doors haven't been open for close to a month now. Anyone know what's going on?GMAP

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good riddance. this place has gone down the toilet.

Posted by: crank at February 8, 2010 11:11 AM

Husband ran into the owner during the last week of meals being served. Owner said that he was closing up shop.

Posted by: CHMomma at February 8, 2010 11:21 AM

What depression?

***Bid half off peak comps***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at February 8, 2010 11:38 AM

Good riddance is right. This place was terrible for the nearly 20 years I lived here. Maybe something good will replace it now that I'm moving out of the nabe.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at February 8, 2010 12:28 PM

This place isn't closing because of the recession. Its closing because many of its (former) regulars stopped going after the longtime owner sold it to the current owner. You can include me among the list of former regulars. I've been there twice since it changed hands.

Posted by: trokenmatt at February 8, 2010 12:29 PM

Was this place in a commercial?

Posted by: alsawo at February 8, 2010 1:02 PM

Totally agree with trokenmatt - it was great before it switched owners; we stopped going altogether after a few tries post change.

Posted by: Bklyner at February 8, 2010 1:19 PM

BHO,

20 years ago Cafe on Clinton (which may have been called Verandah Place) was just about the only restaurant in Cobble Hill. Hard to to say that tis place's closing means much when 50 competitors have opened.

Put me in the camp of people who used to go Cafe on Clinton but stopped 15+ years ago.

Posted by: Boerum Hill at February 8, 2010 1:56 PM

Alsawo - Good eye - the sign and storefront is in a Kay Jewelers ad. (And I think Cobble Hill Park, too.)

Posted by: CGChurchGirl at February 8, 2010 2:27 PM

The park is in a lottery ad - money falling from the sky . . . as it does.

Posted by: Johnny at February 8, 2010 2:50 PM

This place was great when Barry ran it, of course there were very few other options 20 years ago. However, the current owner just stopped paying Barry rent about 4-5 months ago, so he got evicted. Now Barry is deciding whether to open up and run the restauarnt again (which I really hope he does!) or give up the space.

Posted by: Cobblehillbaby at February 8, 2010 2:53 PM

I do hope that Barry decides to take over once again... It was the perfect neighborhood restaurant. It had such a friendly vibe that all felt comfortable - older folks, hipsters, local businessmen and also very kid-friendly. Boy, do I miss the Sole Pignoli!

Posted by: apom at February 8, 2010 3:39 PM

Barry was a great host and the place was a welcoming local joint for many years since '89 or so, long before Smith had anything other than pizza or the Red Rose. Ron made a mean Manhattan.

Posted by: buttermilk channel at February 8, 2010 6:05 PM

There was a listing on Craigslist for a "cafe for sale" in Cobble Hill that I think was referring to this place. Listing is expired for now.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bfs/1549650908.html

Posted by: Jack at February 9, 2010 2:50 AM

Seems to be a consensus here and I agree with it. For so many years it was a great casual local joint with solid food. And everyone loved that lobster special. Then new owners took over and both food and atmosphere went downhill. I WANTED to like it but the last meal I had there was just horrible. I hope Barry takes it back!

Posted by: Carol Gardens at February 9, 2010 9:39 AM

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February 8, 2010

What's Up with Cafe on Clinton?

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