HISTORY

The Crepe Place

Gary and Marlene Keeley opened The Crepe Place in February of 1973 in a small building at the corner of Ocean Street and Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. The restaurant was so tiny that only ten people, if they were close friends, could be seated at one time. There was a single menu on a block of redwood* that customers could pass from person to person which was "Approved by Gandalf". The food was unique to Santa Cruz. Few had heard of crepes, and fewer still had enjoyed them. 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. The bar closed a few years later and The Crepe Place took over the entire space, which featured cooks in full view of the guests. The Crepe Place thrived through the rest of the 70s and well into the 80s, staying open until 2am and servicing the party people of Santa Cruz. But, on Christmas eve 1988, a fierce storm undermined the shale cliffs of the old San Lorenzo riverbanks that hovered behind the building, and tons of rock came crashing down. No one was injured, as everyone was safely home for the holiday, but 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 in late July of 1989, where it stayed until October 17th of that year when the famous Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed the Cooper House and much of downtown Santa Cruz. Once again, The Crepe Place was out of luck.

Fortunately, the two-story Victorian where you now sit was available, and with a lot of work and community support The Crepe Place re-opened in February of 1990 in the heart of Mid Town Santa Cruz. Built in 1904, the multi-room building with a lovely back yard garden oasis was the right fit for the restaurant's eclectic decor and unique fare.

In 2007, Gary Keeley decided to retire, and The Crepe Place changed hands for the first time. The front bar became a charming, tiny music venue, hosting local and national touring acts 300 nights a year. The little room has hosted acts ranging from The Lumineers to Norah Jones to Portugal. The Man to Camper Van Beethoven to Car Seat Headrest to Chuck Prophet to Duster to El Vez, as well as performances from just about everybody in Santa Cruz who plays and instrument or belly dances or tells jokes or sings in a choir or entertains in any way.

In 2025 The Crepe Place was fortunate enough to purchase the building, allowing for much needed repairs and infrastructure upgrades so that The Crepe Place can continue to service the community and keep on keepin' on for years to come! Well over 50 years later, The Crepe Place is still providing Santa Cruz with delicious food, great drinks, and live entertainment, and we look forward to 50 more!

The Crepe Place. A Santa Cruz Restaurant.

* This original menu can be seen on the wall across from the bar in the front room.