For someone who uses the phrase “Holy Crap” on a regular basis, the play on words at Holy Crepes makes the eatery a compelling destination point. Especially if you pronounce “crepe” with a short e, in more of the French tradition. All the punning is absolute value-added. 

But even without the wordplay, Holy Crepes is worthy of attention. It reportedly has one of the best cheesesteak offerings in town. Certainly, that rumor alone should prompt an investigation.

Holy Crepes got its start here in town as a food truck, and it still operates a mobile unit that makes the rounds. This summer, the crepery put down some roots at North Market Bridge Park, serving patrons from a streamlined countertop bar that surrounds its efficient kitchen. What’s on the menu? 

Well, crepes. That was perhaps obvious. But not just a couple crepes. Holy Crepes runs a crepe empire serving crepes of all kinds. It’s not just traipsing around on cheesesteak territory, it’s an equal-opportunity traipser (traipser?), creping-up beloved favorites such as Buckeyes and S’mores too. 

But before we get to those, the Philly Cheesesteak ($14.95); eyes on the prize. 

Part of what makes Holy Crepes’ version charming is that it’s combines the classic winning ingredients of cheesesteak, with less bread. Think about it; in a conventional cheesesteak, the bread’s not doing the work. Even if it’s bread with a fancy heritage, all it needs to be is soft, so it stays out of the way of the cheesy beefy experience in the traditional version. In this context, crepes-as-wrappers have the advantage of less presence, because crepes are skinnier and flatter than a roll.

At the crepery, the crepes provide coverage for the beef and cheese combo built on tender, good quality meat that’s aptly seasoned and well cheesed. Amping up the basics is a mix is soft-grilled onion, banana peppers and velvety mushrooms. If not a traditional cheesesteak, the mixture is quite likable.  

Now, from a broader perspective, traditional Philly Cheesteaks are also beloved for their commitment to giant portions of food. Without the added bulk of bread, the offering at Holy Crepes is a more manageable meal. That’s a win or a loss, depending on your needs. 

But there are other savory options on the menu as well, in addition to classic ham and cheese or garden crepes, there’s also a Tuscan ($16) crepe that teams chunks of chicken breast with a blend of mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes with concentrated flavor, velvety soft spinach, onions, and a house-made pesto that enhances all the elements with a its distinct basil accent. 

Let’s move on to dessert, though. Nutella crepes are commonly found at any crepe place, and you can stir up a classic chocolate-banana version of that treat here. But the aforementioned Campfire S’mores ($14) crepe presents such an opportunity. The folds inside hold a thick layer of flame-proofed marshmallows mixed with graham crumbs and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Atop it is a scoop of s’more ice cream (plus powdered sugar and more chocolate drizzle). As you might expect, crazy sweet. But awfully fun. 

Holy Crepes also hosts a breakfast scene, with steak, bacon or ham crepes. And there’s a baguette scene for those who visit a crepe places searching for something other than crepes. Hospitality is, after all, the name of the game. You can find Holy Crepes at North Market Bridge Park: 6750 Longshore St. 

For more information, visit holycrepescolumbus.com.

All photos by Susan Post