The Crepe Place

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.