People Drive Across North Carolina Just To Enjoy The French Toast At This Tiny Breakfast Café
Gas up the car and loosen that belt: Raleigh’s sweetest detour is calling. Tucked inside Lafayette Village, Simply Crêpes Craft Kitchen has locals whispering and road-trippers rerouting for a bite of bliss.
The RumChata Crème Brûlée French Toast has achieved cult status, but the vibe makes you linger long after the last syrupy swipe. Ready to discover over 2,300 reviewers can’t stop raving? Let’s dig in.
A Hidden Gem in North Raleigh That’s Worth the Drive
Quietly tucked into Lafayette Village like a secret you actually want to share, Simply Crêpes doesn’t shout, it charms. Travelers cruise in across North Carolina for cozy corners and brunches that feel like mini-vacations.
The address—8470 Honeycutt Rd #110—becomes a destination, not just a pin. With a 4.4-star rating and weekend buzz, this petite creperie punches above its weight. You’ll spot couples, families, and serious brunch scholars comparing notes between bites.
Despite occasional waits, the payoff is delicious. By the time your coffee lands, you’ll know you made the right detour.
The French Toast That Put This Tiny Café on the Map
Behold the headliner: RumChata Crème Brûlée French Toast, a showstopper with a caramelized top that crackles like applause. Thick-cut brioche soaks up custard, then emerges with a glossy crust worthy of a mic drop.
Homemade syrups mingle with fresh berries for a finish that’s part dessert, part breakfast, all swagger. Fans rave about the balance, sweet but not cloying, decadent yet restrained.
Add a cloud of whipped cream and you’ll understand the reputation. It’s the plate that turns first-timers into frequent flyers. No notes, just napkins.
A Family-Run Spot with Big-City Flavor
Come for the plating, stay for the people—this team serves hospitality sunny-side up. Reviewers often mention servers like Will and Matthew for their friendly service and thoughtful recommendations.
Despite upscale presentation, the mood stays neighborly: think friendly banter, refilled mugs, and an occasional beignet nudge. The rhythm isn’t always perfect during rushes, but the heart’s unmistakable.
Regulars swear by the consistency, the smiles, and the way staff remembers favorites. It’s comfort with polish, like your Sunday best and slippers having brunch together.
A Menu That Goes Beyond French Toast
French toast steals headlines, sure, but the supporting cast deserves awards. Savory crêpes, seasonal quiches, and fresh beignets all make regular appearances on the rotating menu. There’s a crème brûlée-inspired oatmeal dish occasionally featured as a special, and hearty plates for post-workout heroes.
Local ingredients pop up like delightful cameos, keeping things fresh and regionally rooted. When specials hit, they sell out with suspicious speed, arrive early to avoid heartbreak. Pair with a latte or a basilberry mule and you’re brunching like a pro. Variety here isn’t filler; it’s the flex.
Cozy Vibes and European Charm in the Heart of Raleigh
If Paris and Raleigh had a brunch baby, it would look like this dining room. Rustic wood tables, soft pendant lighting, and a patio overlooking Lafayette Village’s cobblestone walkways set the mood. Lafayette Village’s open-air market vibe completes the postcard.
Inside, the hum of latte art and clinking forks feels cinematic. It’s intimate without being cramped, lively without chaos. On sunny mornings, the patio becomes prime real estate. bring sunglasses and a flexible schedule. Either way, the setting turns simple bites into small celebrations.
Why People Drive Hours Just to Eat Here
License plates tell the story: visitors from across the state—and even a few from out of state—praise the trip as “worth it.” “Worth the two-hour drive,” declares one fan, while another gushes, “Beignets to die for, French toast to live for.”
Out-of-state visitors from Michigan even chimed in with applause. Sure, there are busy stretches and occasional delays (cult favorites attract crowds) but the payoff is memorable. Between the signature toast, standout service, and European market strolls, the journey becomes part of the ritual.
Call it brunch tourism, and yes, it’s contagious.
The Perfect Weekend Morning Destination
Picture this: doors open at 8 AM, coffee in hand, and that first caramelized crunch echoing like a standing ovation. You linger over plates, trade bites, and promise to order your own beignets next time.
Afterward, a Lafayette Village stroll seals the deal, boutiques, breezes, and bragging rights. It’s relaxed, indulgent, and absolutely day-maker material. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just surviving the week, this ritual hits the reset button. One visit and your GPS will memorize the route.
Plan Your Pilgrimage: Hours, Tips, and Handy Details
Strategy tastes as good as syrup: arrive early on weekends, or try weekday brunch for smoother sailing. They open at 8 AM most days, close Tuesdays, and stay open until 8 PM (9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). Expect $$ pricing, a 4.4-star reputation from over 2,300 reviews, and a lively rush at peak times.
If something sells out, consider it a sign, pivot to a seasonal special. The address is 8470 Honeycutt Rd Suite C110, Raleigh, NC 27615; phone is (919) 322-2327; menu lives at simplycrepes.com.