When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Crepe Shop
Why The Crepe Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Crepe Shop in Chicago is an inviting destination renowned for its delicious crepes and specialty coffee, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends for casual breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Set in a cozy cafe with ample seating including front and back dining rooms plus a charming outdoor patio, it offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for socializing and savoring food. Guests can enjoy a variety of crepes crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ranging from sweet options like the Nutella with strawberries and bananas to savory crepes such as ham and cheese or the lox variety. The crepes are noted for their high quality and unique textures, with some customers especially recommending gluten-free crepes for their firmer texture that pairs well with items like salmon. Complementing the menu is an expertly crafted coffee program featuring drinks like cortados, French lavender lattes, and matcha lattes served at perfect temperatures. This combination of flavorful food and outstanding coffee draws both families and coffee aficionados alike. Although the menu is somewhat limited, it is growing, and the inviting space along with high ratings and positive word-of-mouth make it a fantastic spot to gather and enjoy a memorable meal with friends.
Here's what people think of The Crepe Shop
As of recent, The Crepe Shop holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1009 reviews.
Customers overwhelmingly praise The Crepe Shop for its exceptional quality of both crepes and coffee, reflected in its impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1000 reviews. Many reviewers highlight the flavorful and well-prepared crepes, noting that the texture and freshness stand out, especially with gluten-free options that maintain firmness and hold up well to savory ingredients like salmon. Coffee lovers commend the expertly brewed beverages such as the perfectly heated cortado, French lavender latte, and Americano, appreciating the thoughtful coffee program alongside the food offerings. The atmosphere, while described as modest, benefits from a larger dining space and a delightful outdoor patio, providing ample room for groups and families. Positive feedback often mentions friendly, knowledgeable staff and the cozy ambiance that balances well with high food quality. On the downside, some customers wish for a wider variety of crepes, feeling the current menu is somewhat limited despite its growing selection. A few note that the ambiance is not particularly distinctive, focusing more on the food and drink quality than decor or experience. Nonetheless, the positive reviews strongly outweigh the negatives, with many guests returning for the perfect combination of crepes and specialty coffee. In conclusion, The Crepe Shop is widely regarded as a top choice for a casual and enjoyable crepe dining experience in Chicago, especially for those who value quality ingredients and great coffee in a comfortable setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A Y
One of my favorite spots in the city! I come to The Crepe Shop often, and every visit is a delight. The staff here is always friendly, welcoming, and genuinely makes you feel at home. If you’re not sure what to order, I highly recommend the Wild Berry Cheesecake crepe with banana and fresh strawberries — it’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely beautiful on the plate. They also make an excellent affogato, which is a rare find in the US and a perfect treat for coffee lovers. The atmosphere is bright and cozy, filled with greenery and warm details, making it a great place to relax, read, or meet friends. Paired with consistently great coffee and delicious food, it’s easy to see why I keep coming back.
Mavis
The crepes didn’t only taste good, but they also looked like the workers put a lot of effort into it! The staff were very nice, and assisted us when my mom lost her phone. I like their creativity on creating the menu and how they also decorated the store. The crepes were also very flavorful! This deserves a solid 5 stars!
Alejandro Telo
I arrived about 15 minutes before closing, and even though online orders were already unavailable, the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. They kindly made me two crepes to go. The space had a cozy, relaxed vibe, filled with plants and decorated with two hanging cocoon chairs and a very comfortable leather sofa. The crepes were quite good (even after eating them later that night back at the hotel). I’ll definitely be coming back the next time I’m in town.
C W
Great spot for great crepes. I had the Lox crepe and it was fantastic, could have used more capers and I would have liked to have some onions inside the crepe but it was still fantastic and I will be coming back to try more crepes. I had a lavender rose matcha that was also fantastic.
ARI K MUSIC
I visited The Crepe Shop and tried the Matcha Strawberry Crepe — it was absolutely delicious! The matcha flavor paired perfectly with the fresh, juicy strawberries, and the crepe itself was light and perfectly cooked. Although the shop was quite busy and seemed a bit short-staffed, which made our simple latte and crepes take longer than expected, the staff remained friendly and did their best to accommodate everyone. The cozy atmosphere and quality of the food made the wait worthwhile. If you’re not in a rush, it’s a great spot to enjoy a tasty crepe and a warm drink!
How to reach The Crepe Shop
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Website: None
Why The Crepe Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Crepe Shop with your friends?
When it comes to gathering with friends or family, few places deliver the perfect balance of delicious food, welcoming ambiance, and a comfortable setting quite like The Crepe Shop. Boasting an impressive rating of 4.8 from over 1000 reviews, this charming café truly stands out as an ideal meetup spot. The combination of freshly made crepes – both savory and sweet – and expertly crafted specialty coffee creates a unique culinary experience that appeals to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether it's a casual breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a relaxed lunch, The Crepe Shop's carefully curated menu and cozy atmosphere ensure that every visit is memorable.
Moreover, The Crepe Shop’s warm and inviting environment caters to group gatherings, providing ample seating options that include a front dining room, a larger back dining area, and a delightful outdoor patio. This flexibility allows groups to choose a comfortable space suited to their occasion or mood. The café’s focus on local, high-quality ingredients and expert baristas crafting beverages to perfection further elevates the social dining experience. It’s a place where conversations flow as smoothly as the coffee and where the shared joy of good food and company makes for unbeatable memories. In short, rallying your friends at The Crepe Shop means enjoying excellent food, superb coffee, and a welcoming vibe all in one spot.
What group-friendly activities can you enjoy at The Crepe Shop?
The Crepe Shop offers more than just food—it fosters a social atmosphere that naturally encourages interaction and relaxation among groups. One of the primary activities here is savoring an array of gourmet crepes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Groups can engage in a shared tasting experience, sampling savory options such as ham and cheese or salmon crepes alongside lighter sweet treats like traditional butter and sugar or fruit and Nutella combinations. This variety sparks conversation and creates a collaborative dining adventure where everyone finds something to love.
In addition to the outstanding food, The Crepe Shop’s specialty coffee program adds another level of engagement. Expert baristas serve expertly brewed cortados, lattes, and Americanos that coffee lovers in the group will appreciate. For those who enjoy coffee culture, sharing a coffee tasting or simply enjoying a perfectly balanced cup alongside your crepe becomes a subtle but cherished group activity. The café’s cozy seating allows groups to linger comfortably, chatting over coffee, planning the next leg of their day, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the inviting outdoor patio area is perfect for groups wishing to enjoy fresh air while eating and socializing. In warmer months especially, this space serves as a natural gathering spot where friends and families can meet casually, celebrate special occasions, or catch up after some time apart. Though The Crepe Shop’s setting might not emphasize nightlife or entertainment, its strength lies in being a peaceful, reliable, and tasty meeting spot where food and friendship come first.
Why is The Crepe Shop ideal for hosting a group meetup?
The Crepe Shop’s environment and offerings make it well-suited for group meetups of friends or family. First, the variety in seating options means groups can find their preferred vibe—whether that’s a quiet corner in the front dining room, a lively table in the larger back room, or the charming outdoor patio. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating different group sizes and preferences. Plus, the ambiance strikes a nice balance between casual and cozy, avoiding overcrowding while fostering a sense of intimacy that’s important for personal gatherings.
Second, the focused yet versatile menu is perfect for group dining. With options ranging from savory to sweet crepes, plus a strong specialty coffee selection, The Crepe Shop appeals to everyone regardless of dietary preferences or taste. This reduces the hassle of accommodating diverse group tastes and ensures a satisfying meal experience for all. Several reviewers note the crepes have a firmer texture when gluten-free, which can be a welcome alternative for groups with specific dietary needs, enhancing comfort and enjoyment for all.
Finally, the friendly and knowledgeable staff further enhance the group experience. Skilled baristas and servers provide excellent customer service, guiding groups through the menu and making recommendations that elevate the meal. The atmosphere is unpretentious but refined, making The Crepe Shop not just another café, but a welcoming hotspot to make meaningful connections over great food. This mix of hospitality, quality, and environment makes it easy to recommend the café for your next friends-or-family gathering.
What makes the food and drink at The Crepe Shop stand out?
At the heart of The Crepe Shop’s appeal is its commitment to high-quality, freshly prepared food and drinks. The crepes are the star attraction, made from scratch with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, which ensures a flavor depth and freshness rare in typical cafés. Options range from simple butter and sugar crepes for those wanting a light yet satisfying treat, to more elaborate savory versions featuring ingredients like ham, cheese, and salmon. This focus on quality and variety helps the café appeal to a broad audience—from crepe novices to enthusiasts.
Equally important is the craft coffee program. The Crepe Shop boasts expert baristas who prepare each cup with precision, highlighting the flavor nuances of premium beans from around the world. Whether you prefer a smooth cortado, a rich vanilla latte, or a robust Americano, the coffee perfectly complements the crepes and rounds out the meal. Several reviews praise the perfect coffee temperature and taste, which suggest a refined technique that those who appreciate coffee will notice and value.
Additionally, the menu’s sophistication is clear even in the smaller number of offerings. Each dish is thoughtfully designed to maximize both taste and presentation. For instance, gluten-free crepes are not just a substitution but are celebrated for their firmer texture that pairs excellently with savory fillings, showing attention to diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor. The combination of outstanding crepes, specialty coffee, and high-quality ingredients creates an exceptional culinary experience that keeps groups coming back.
How does The Crepe Shop’s atmosphere contribute to a great group experience?
Although The Crepe Shop may not be the flashiest or most trendy venue in town, its atmosphere is a key ingredient in its success as a group meetup spot. The space balances a casual, comfortable tone with a warm and inviting design that welcomes patrons to sit back and linger. The café layout includes multiple dining rooms and a beautiful outdoor patio, allowing groups to select environments that match their mood or weather conditions, whether a cozy indoor corner or an airy outside table.
This flexibility in seating arrangements supports both small, intimate meetings and larger group gatherings. Moreover, the staff’s attentiveness and knowledge of the menu create an approachable and friendly vibe that puts guests at ease. Reviewers consistently mention the helpful and engaging service that enhances the overall experience, making each visit feel personalized and authentic.
While the décor may be understated, it is clean and well-maintained, contributing to an overall sense of calm. This is vital for groups wanting to hold meaningful conversations or simply enjoy each other’s company without distractions. The combination of great food and drink with this kind of welcoming environment makes The Crepe Shop uniquely suitable for shared moments that matter.
What nearby attractions complement a visit to The Crepe Shop for a group outing?
The Crepe Shop’s location in Lakeview, Chicago, adds to its appeal as a group meetup hub, surrounded by many nearby attractions that can extend your visit into a full day of enjoyment. Just a short walk away, you can find places like the TimeLine Theatre for those interested in catching a live show, or the Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, perfect for a post-meal movie outing. For groups with diverse interests, this mix of cultural and entertainment options means you can build a complete social itinerary starting or ending with The Crepe Shop.
Additionally, spots such as The Duke of Perth pub or other local bars in the area provide opportunities for groups to continue their socializing after their meal, transitioning from daytime brunches to evening gatherings with ease. This accessibility to various venues supports a variety of group activities and preferences, making the location highly convenient.
The outdoor patio at The Crepe Shop, in particular, can act as a restful base before or after exploring the neighborhood, offering a refreshing setting to regroup and share experiences with friends or family. The central location surrounded by diverse attractions reinforces the café’s role as a social anchor in Lakeview’s lively community scene.
How accessible and accommodating is The Crepe Shop for diverse groups?
Accessibility and inclusivity are important aspects when choosing a meetup location, and The Crepe Shop offers several strengths in this regard. The café welcomes a broad audience including families, friends, and coffee aficionados. Its menu reflects consideration for various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free crepe options that do not compromise texture or flavor, catering well to groups with specific needs.
In terms of physical accessibility, The Crepe Shop’s layout with multiple dining areas including an outdoor patio suggests plenty of space for comfortable movement and seating arrangements. While specific details on wheelchair access or accommodations were not noted, the café’s spaciousness and thoughtful seating arrangements typically support accessibility.
Furthermore, the friendly and attentive staff help ensure that guests feel supported regardless of their preferences or requirements. Their willingness to guide patrons through menu choices and accommodate requests contributes significantly to a welcoming atmosphere for all group members. This makes The Crepe Shop not only a great culinary destination but one that embraces diversity and inclusion, crucial criteria for many group outings.
In summary, The Crepe Shop’s outstanding quality crepes, specialty coffee, inviting atmosphere, and flexible seating options make it an excellent venue for hosting meetups with friends or family. Its location in a vibrant neighborhood with nearby entertainment further enhances the experience, ensuring both great food and social opportunities. Whether you are catching up over morning coffee or savoring a leisurely lunch, The Crepe Shop provides the perfect place to gather and celebrate good times together.