Our Story…

Welcome to Bar C'est L'eau. We are an all day café, bar and bistro brought to you by Joseph Rumberger, Laura Hallett, and Carlo Velasquez.

We aim to bring Tumwater a spirited gathering place where folks can imbibe and enjoy and old world wines, amazing espresso, and French inspired cuisine in a casual and up beat atmosphere. In addition we've partnered with our friends at Whitewood Cider Co., to bring you several varieties of delicious local and heirloom ciders crafted right here in Thurston County.

Our Journey began in 2021 when Chef Joe began outdoor pizza pop-ups as a result of the pandemic, under the name “Bastard Pies”, the little pop up quickly gained momentum and grew into a food truck, now located just across the way from Bar C’est L’eau. After three years tossing dough at the pizza truck Joe decided it was time to get back to his restaurant roots. Following a decades long career in top kitchens on the east coast and in Western Europe. We are excited to share this vision of seasonality and reverence for tradition with the good people of the South Puget Sound



Three people standing outside a building with a sign that reads '111 Rue C'est L'eau.' One person is holding a large dog, another person is laughing and covering their face, and the third person is looking up and smiling.