Swillburg’s Refreshing Northern Chinese Cafe, ‘Crepe and Go’
I recently stopped into one of the most unassuming little eateries on Clinton and Meigs in Swillburg after a “coffee walk” from Hydra Coffee House on Monroe Avenue.
The day began with a 2-mile run from Downtown Roc up Broadway towards Hydra. I was interested in a Blueberry and Lavender Iced Latte, the perfect complement to the sunny and warmer weather. Approaching the South Wedge, but pushing forward, I suddenly remembered that there was a small “crepe” shop that had opened over a year ago across the street from the amazing haunts of Swillburg, Playhouse/Swillburger, Crisp, and the Firehouse Saloon.
BBQ Pork Baos aside a Radish Chili Oil
‘Crepe and Go’, also known as ‘Crepe N’Go’ stands at the same four corners on Meigs and Clinton in Swillburg, and can easily be overlooked by visitors entering for the local nightlife or to enjoy lunch and dinner at Crisp. From the street side on Clinton, Crepe and Go may appear as a clandestine storefront, unassuming, and easy to miss. However, a side entrance that allows for easy access from the parking lot, and is somewhat reminiscent of similarly clandestine Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, L.A. A more adventurous eater who enjoys authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine will leave this artsy cafe-style restaurant thrilled and satiated.
BBQ Pork Baos
The BBQ Pork Bao was savory, sweet, and smoky, doughy yet fluffy. A great appetizer to pair with the housemade chili oil. As for the crepes, they were unique. The wraps were thin, simple, and the egg basted on the wrap gave them an omelette-like texture. The wraps were loaded with black sesame seeds, filled with crispy wontons, delightfully fresh and crisp romaine, chopped green onions, just a touch of cilantro, and stuffed with more sweet, smoky, and savory shredded pork with Peking sauce.
Shredded Pork with Peking Sauce Crepe
Dining space with a television featuring videos of Vietnamese Street Food
The service was delightful, and on the corner wall was a roughly 22-inch television broadcasting YouTube recordings of street food being prepared on the side roads in Vietnam; this footage acted as a sort of hunger aphrodisiac, if you will. You can find ‘Crepe N’Go’ on the corner of Meigs and Clinton, but remember to enter through the side door. They have great hours, good food, and great affordable prices.