SUMMER 2022
Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie reviewed by
MARCO CUNICELLI, DO
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital Family Medicine Resident
I
first heard about Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie from the resident physicians at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Everyone raved that it was Lancaster’s go-to place for brunch, and now I see why.
With its quaint location on W. Walnut Street, this full-service cafe gives off “local business” vibes with its eclectic décor. Not only that, but it proudly broadcasts an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals (pride flags in the windows, etc.). With both indoor and outdoor patio seating, there are options for whatever mood you are in or the weather conditions.
but not to be overlooked. The Nutella crepe is creamy and rich and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth —the perfect way to end your meal. If none of these options pique your interest, there is a “build your own” crepe option. Add whatever you want! Another great thing about Rachel’s — it’s affordable. Dessert crepes will run you between $4-7 and savory between $8-11.
Now onto the food. I look forward to every trip to Rachel’s. The menu item that keeps bringing me back: the Oyler. Clearly the star of their menu, it is composed of a garlic-infused crepe stuffed with eggs, cheddar cheese, rib-eye steak, scallions, hot sauce, and hash browns. What’s not to like? The savory flavors perfectly complement each other, providing protein, carbs, dairy, and fat to keep you energized all day. During my recent visit, I paired it with hash browns, which come as four to five quarter-sized circles. They were perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of “greasy.”
Some of the downsides: As you may expect, it can’t all be sunshine and rainbows. They do not take reservations or have call-ahead seating. This can make it difficult to get a table at times (especially during the brunch rush). To avoid this, I recommend placing to-go orders. Additionally, since the crepes are made fresh, it does take a little while to get your food. But don’t let the wait dissuade you from enjoying these delectable sweet and savory treats. Another minor inconvenience is their limited parking. Rachel’s has its own lot, but only a few cars can fit. The business also has shared parking at the lot across Water Street. Some of the signs say, “We share with Rachel’s,” which makes those spots fair game. Keep an eye on their hours as well. In true brunch-establishment fashion, they are only open from 8am-3pm. They are closed on Mondays.
I do not drink coffee, but my father paired his Oyler with a fresh cup of their coffee and raved about how strong and rich it tasted. If you are a fan of black coffee, Rachel’s has you covered. Other options include chai tea lattes (a personal favorite of mine), juice, and sparkling water.
In summary, if you are looking to try a great breakfast restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food made with high quality ingredients, look no further than Rachel’s. It is the perfect place for brunch with friends and the spot to bring friends and family visiting from out of town. You will not be disappointed.
Although the Oyler is by far my favorite crepe Rachel’s has to offer, I also tried the Thai Chicken crepe and was not disappointed. The hint of peanut butter takes your taste buds on an exotic journey. The Philly Cheese crepe is another one of my favorites, albeit a bit more basic. The dessert crepes are a little smaller than the savory crepes
LANCASTER
RACHEL'S CAFE & CREPERIE 201 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 rachelscreperie.com | 717-399-3515
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PHYSICIAN
