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La Crêperie
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Crêperie
8.4
La Creperie is a long-running French bistro and creperie on Clark Street, serving savory and sweet crepes, soups, and salads in a cozy, old-school setting. Open since 1972 and revived after a brief closure, it functions as Lakeview East’s classic Francophile hangout for casual dates, pre-theater dinners, and nostalgic comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup gratinée, Chicken and mushroom crêpe, Banana Sara dessert crêpe
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: One of Chicago’s oldest French creperies, still turning out classic savory and sweet crêpes since 1972.
Who should go: Francophiles and date-night couples craving nostalgic crepes.
When to visit: Evenings and weekend brunch when the patio and back room buzz.
What to order: French onion soup, chicken-mushroom crêpe, Banana Sara dessert.
Insider tip: In good weather, request the back-room or patio seats for a quieter, more Parisian-feeling experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and metered parking along Clark and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight during peak dinner hours. No valet service reported.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally comfortable, especially in the back room or patio.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times, especially on nice-weather patio days.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, with faster seating in the main dining room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several savory and sweet crêpes and salads can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — menu is dairy-forward; modifications may be possible but options are not built for strict vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Limited — crêpe batter is traditionally wheat-based; guests with gluten sensitivity should confirm options with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, nostalgic bistro vibe and shareable crêpes make it intimate without feeling formal or intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weekdays and earlier seatings; on busy weekend evenings, walk-ins should expect a wait or request patio/back-room tables when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally accommodating for older kids and families during daytime and early evening; the space is small and better suited to calm, well-behaved children than large strollers or high-energy toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic French comfort, nostalgic ambiance, and sweet + savory crêpes in a cozy, date-friendly environment.
Skip if: You want modern French fine dining, extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or a loud, high-energy scene.
La Crêperie
8.0
La Crêperie is a decades-old French café known for savory buckwheat crêpes, sweet dessert crêpes, and a leafy back patio that feels far from Clark Street traffic. The slightly worn bistro interior, simple wine list, and garden seating make it a low-key but distinctly European option for couples who prefer charm over polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup Gratinée, Chicken Curry Crêpe with Mango Chutney, Banana Sara Dessert Crêpe
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A long-running French crêperie with a foliage-framed patio and quietly romantic, Paris-inspired charm.
Who should go: Francophile couples wanting cozy, unfussy bistro romance.
When to visit: Warm evenings for the garden patio; chilly nights for soup.
What to order: French onion soup, chicken curry crêpe, Banana Sara crêpe.
Insider tip: On pleasant nights, ask specifically for a patio table; it feels markedly more romantic than the front room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be competitive on weekend evenings
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual layers are fine, but many couples lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate-low — conversational inside; quieter and more intimate on the back patio
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially in patio season
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several savory and sweet crêpes can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — a few possible customizations, but most fillings and batters include dairy/eggs
Gluten-free options: Partial — some buckwheat crêpes may be suitable, but cross-contact is likely; confirm with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s low-key, intimate, and cozy rather than flashy, which works well for conversation-forward first dates on the patio or in the back room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weekdays — but on warm weekends and peak patio nights, walk-ins should expect a wait or arrive earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults and older teens — the space is small and patio seating is relaxed; there are sweet crêpes kids may enjoy, but it’s not geared toward young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, unpretentious European charm; relaxed conversation; cozy patio dining with classic savory and dessert crêpes
Skip if: You want high-energy nightlife, large-format group seating, or an extensive modern French menu with lots of vegan or gluten-free options