Champagne Bar The Fine Mousse Bids Farewell to Nob Hill

A Nob Hill neighborhood destination for french fries and bubbly, The Fine Mousse, is “putting a cork in it,” closing up shop after a final night on January 27. The playful establishment, named for the bubbly head on a glass of champagne, opened more than two years ago in the former Ala Romana space, pairing sparkling wine with food like pizza and its signature duck-fat waffle fries. Until they close, they’ll be serving those fries for free with every bottle purchased.

“People loved The Fine Mousse, but it was a come once a month, celebratory place,” says owner Ben Rogers. To better serve customers — and attract more frequent business, he’ll change approaches, closing for a few months and returning with a new concept.

“We want to make space for something that’s a better fit for the neighborhood,” says rogers. “We’ve seen a big demand for something that fits into their daily or weekly routine.” In the meantime, a new coffee roaster called Megafauna from Avery Burke (The Temporarium) will pop up in the space at 1098 Jackson Street.

Though the restaurant location at Jackson and Taylor is central on paper, it’s usually crickets in terms of pedestrians who face an arduous hill in almost every direction. But that didn’t stop fans of The Fine Mousse from swinging by for bubbles and popular Bachelor viewing parties.

“We know it’s a bummer you’ll have to find somewhere else to enjoy Season 22,” the restaurant writes in a goodbye press release.

• The Fine Mousse Is Bringing Champagne and French Fries to Nob Hill [ESF]