The Crepe Place Santa Cruz
The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Avenue,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062-2158
(831) 429-6994
| Cuisine | American, California |
| Price | $10 - $20 |
| Neighborhood | Santa Cruz |
| Parking | Garage / Street, Nearby |
| Dining Style | Casual Dining |
| Payment Accepted | Visa,Master Card,Discover,American Express |
| Meals | Brunch, Dinner, Late Night, Lunch |
| Reservations | Accepted - Groups |
| Santa Cruz Take Out | No |
| Santa Cruz Deals |
|
The Crepe Place Santa Cruz - Summary:
(from thecrepeplace.com) -
Gary and Marlene Keeley opened the Crepe Place in February 1973, in a small building at the corner of Ocean St. and Soquel in Santa Cruz. The restaurant was so tiny that only ten people, if they were close friends, could be seated at one time. The food was unique to Santa Cruz; few had heard of crepes, fewer still had enjoyed them. But, word spread quickly, and soon the Crepe Place had outgrown its tiny home.
In the summer of 1974, the Keeleys moved their growing business downtown next to the town clock, sharing a building with the United Bar. After the United Bar closed a few years later, the Crepe Place took over the entire space, which featured the cooks working in full view of the guests. But, on Christmas Eve 1988, a fierce storm undermined the shale cliffs of the old San Lorenzo River banks that hovered behind the building, and tons of rock came crashing down. Suddenly, The Crepe Place was out of business.
The Cooper House, the old courthouse on Pacific Avenue, came to the rescue and a sparkling new Crepe Place opened late June 1989, where it stayed until the famous Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed the Cooper House and most of downtown.
Fortunately, a two story Victorian on Soquel Avenue was vacant and, with a lot of work (most of it donated), the Crepe Place re-opened in March of 1990 in the heart of Midtown Santa Cruz. The 100-year-old, multi-roomed building with a garden oasis was the right fit for the restaurant’s eclectic décor and unique fare.
When Gary Keeley decided to retire in May 2007, the Crepe Place changed hands for the first time. He passed the baton to three longtime friends, who are continuing the Crepe Place tradition of great food and drinks in a relaxed and funky atmosphere.
Under new ownership, the Crepe Place has a renewed energy, and the owners are working hard to keep things the same, but with a different edge. With the Crepe Place’s spirit and foundation cemented in over 34 years of continuous business in Santa Cruz, the restaurant’s long-time customers can expect to enjoy the same delicious food that’s kept them coming back for years.
Today, you’ll find some new features at the old Crepe Place. The front room now boasts a greatly expanded bar, complete with a handcrafted rear bar cabinet. The Crepe Place has also been transformed into a restaurant with a music and performance venue and you’ll find a newly constructed stage in the garden, which will host a variety of live acts throughout the year. The garden has also been revitalized to ensure a one of a kind outdoor dining experience.
The Crepe Place has also reinstituted the late night hours that made us famous as one of Santa Cruz’s best late night eateries. Swing by for a cocktail or late night dinner from our full menu anytime until Midnight Sunday-Thursday, 1am on Friday and Saturday.
The Crepe Place is the same place you’ve loved for years, only better. Join us for drinks, dinner, Sunday brunch, or a fun evening of great food and entertainment. We hope to see you soon at the Crepe Place!
The Crepe Place Santa Cruz - Reviews:
Positive The Crepe Place Santa Cruz Review:
I can't even begin to tell you how many great parties ended up with me and my best friend coming to the Crepe Place to nurse our hangovers with tea and their homemade Honeywheat bread. Nor can I tell you how many great evenings started with getting a glass of wine (or whiskey for me) and sharing a Fresh Fruit Crepe for dessert.
I suppose there are a few reasons we like to come and haunt the place. The ambiance is wonderful. In the evenings, it feels like an old fashioned bar, with a warmly lit back area for dining. In the mornings, when the weather is good, the outdoor patio is simply breathtaking. That is, when you aren't doing your best to hold your head up and drink your tea enough to feel sober(they have some very tasty Jasmine teas there, by the by).
Perhaps I am spoiled. I recall having pretty attentive servers, my food made the way I ordered it, and me and my friend having a good time in the process. I am also pretty impressed by the sheer size of most of their crepes, and the fillings that go into them. The Crepe Gatsby is a favorite, but I have been having my eye on the California Benedict or the Avocado crepe for some time. I'll write about them the next chance I get.
So long story short: a very relaxed, cozy environment, good food, best shared with company.
-Jess O., Clovis, CA
Negative The Crepe Place Santa Cruz Review:
i've been twice; once for a show and once for breakfast. the place was far too small and cluttered for the show, since it was raining, and there was standing room only for everyone.
the breakfast we didn't actually stay for. it took the waitress 10 minutes to get us water. after another 10 we decided to leave. also, we were sitting outside and random children kept coming up to our table. the parents were there, but they didn't seem to mind that their kids were coming up to total strangers.
good ambiance, though. cool posters and a nice looking wood bar. everyone (with the exception of the patrons) was really nice. also, very pricey and there isn't anything on the menu except crepes.
-Tina K., Chico, CA
Average The Crepe Place Santa Cruz Review:
The food is good. But it isn't a good crepe if that makes sense. I've had many great crepes and this place left me disappointed. Don't get me wrong the food tasted great, it just wasn't great as a crepe. And the dessert was the biggest disappointment of all. Nutella is totally neglected here, but the fruits are always fresh. The capachino is also a tad too strong for my taste. Lovely patio though, and i did see Vetiver perform there this month which was also great.
-Dalia A., Santa Cruz, CA
The Crepe Place Santa Cruz - Photos:
