Crêpe Bar — Restaurant in Tempe

The Crepe Bar, owned and operated since 2012 by Chef Jess Kraus, offers a delicious adventure in the art of breakfast, featuring sweet and savory crepes.

Local art lines the walls of the South Tempe eatery, and the relaxed atmosphere is a welcome place for meetings or brunch.

From humble beginnings in a double-wide trailer in Indianapolis, Chef Kraus was raised by a single mother who passed away from cancer when he was 14. Dropping out of high school to pursue culinary school, he aimed to honor his mother's memory, and her love for the most important meal of the day.

The inspiration for crepes came in the form of a trip to Paris. He spied the ubiquitous Nutella crepe all over Paris, and the idea of the Crepe Bar took shape. More than ten years after its inception, it is listed on food critic Dominic Armato’s (dining critic for the Arizona Republic) list of ‘100 essential Phoenix-area restaurants.’

Chef Kraus’ passion has earned him a Tempe proclamation on August 9th, Crepe Bar Day. His culinary skills have also landed him on Food Network, and a feature in local food writer,Christina Baruetta’s cookbook, Phoenix Cooks.

This Food Network Chopped Chef supports two non-profits, TCAA and Nourish Phoenix, where he started the “Think Inside the Box”campaign. With his ‘no waste’ mentality of food, the concept was creating and inspiring multiple meals with the boxed foods.

“Labor and supplies is a small price to pay for giving back,” says Chef Kraus, who donates time, staff, and resources to many benefit dinners.

Currently, he is competing in Supermarket Stakeout, on Food Network. If he wins, the prize of a year’s worth of groceries will go to Phoenix families in need. (Catch him on the 16th episode).

His love and philanthropy fill many needs. And the crepe bar is just the place to taste a bit of that love.

Must-try items on the menu:

First Time ............................................................................................ . ..............$11 Nutella, Banana Brûlée, Banana Chips

Buckwheat Crêpe & Honey.......................................................................$12 Lemon Curd, Sonoran Blossom Honey, AZ Candied Pecans

Grand Prix...........................................................................................................$13 Coffee Crêpe, Crispy Pork belly, Espresso Maple, Chili Aioli, Egg up

Yogurt Parfait................................................................................................................. $8.5 House Granola , AZ Honey, Fresh Berries

Arizona Orange Blossom Honey Butter with Figs Toast...

"I want it, oh, I want it Oh, I want it for my own I've got to know I've got to know What is this place that I have found? What's this?" - J. Skellington

The lunch bunch had wanted to enjoy Crepe Bar for many months, but had been previously scared away by reports of insane wait times and limited seating (sohwee Janee P). Realizing that they took reservations, I set aside a table for 6 (really 8) about two weeks prior. And boy, am I glad I did.

Walking in with Ann R, I didn't see an available table in the place... which is when I noticed J-WoW and Linh were occupying the table of highest honors... the reserved hi-top.

Realizing that our party of 4 was not getting any larger, we shifted to one side of the table to free up four contiguous chairs, because we're thoughtful and stuff.

Our Sep outing found us at Salut Kitchen Bar with the greatest waitress of all time: Keary. I found her male counterpart: Cody. This dude embodied the essence of Crepe Bar, fun, witty, timely, and able to turn down a bribe. I'll be back with more cash...

Being our first time, the table took a while to lock in on palatable entrees, and Cody didn't rush, even though the place was packed. Even better, since we were at a reserved table, we didn't have to order at the counter.

Dining in a group really is the only way to go. I paid for one savory crepe, yet was a partaker in four amazing crepe combinations. I couldn't pick a favorite, they were all so good!

And Cody had the sensibility to hold off on the sweet crepes until our party had completed round 1. But what's this? We were being treated to a sampling of paper thin cut radishes on cultured butter. Hey, it could have been served with ignorant margarine, and I wouldn't have known the difference, but it was nice to feel so froufrou... because, you know.. I'm in the fast lane from LA to Tokyo. Okay

Upon arrival, I knew J's dessert was going to take the cake. That crepe was bananas, B.A.N.A.N.A.S. That crepe was also nutella, N.U.T.E.L.L.A!

One more round of free resplendent Rollos and we were ready for our PhotoOp... which Cody and team made happen. Overall, it was a FABULOUS lunch. I'll award the Crepe Bar an: A + + + + + + + + + + !

And I didn't even have to use my AK, today...

Tempe, are you looking for a Food Network quality brunch? Jeff Kraus goes above & beyond at the Crêpe Bar, from floor design to eclectic menu offerings. It goes without being said that at Crêpe Bar, you will find a smörgåsbord of crêpes. From sweet to savory, vegan to carne- crêpes catering to every flavor profile can be found on the menu. Consult with the host for local favorites & popular offerings. Crêpes, toasts, "burrito" fusions, sides & more- all creatively crafted & containing complimentary ingredients. Are you someone who values the creative utilization of fresh ingredients? The Crêpe Bar's menu will impress, making it almost difficult to make a final decision. My personal selections included fontina cheese + roasted mushroom & lemon curd + strawberries (lemon curd , vanilla bean crêpe, hibiscus dressed berries). Dining with a vegan or vegetarian dietary preference? Order with ease at the Crêpe Bar, with an entire menu-subsection dedicated to meatless offerings. In the mood for something sweet? Dessert crépe categories line the menu as well, with 5+ selections to choose from. Both offerings ordered were fresh, contained complimentary ingredients & arrived with oats + milk. Sweet. You will enjoy the rustic floor plan of the Crêpe Bar- which also offers locally made loafs to-go. I want to personally thank Jeff for checking in during my meal. Thank you for a wonderful visit to the Crêpe Bar. 5/5- proficiency in design concept, creative utilization of ingredients, quality of...