We are getting to the point in the school year when the dining hall just no longer cuts it. The not-quite-ripe fruit and redundant stir fry options are definitely starting to get old and less appetizing. But what is a poor college student to do? People, I have your answer: The Flat: Takeaway Creperie.
Located on the outer side of the Downtown Mall, this walk-up crepe establishment is literally just a window in the side of a building, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. But what it lacks in space, it more than makes up for in taste and quality.
Photo by Izzi Kornfeld
The Flat has every type of crepe to satisfy your finals cravings. They serve both sweet and savory, perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert.
An added bonus: they can make your crepe gluten-free with buckwheat flour if you ask for it. The makers of these folded-up pieces of heaven make each crepe fresh as they are ordered, and are flexible so you can substitute ingredients any way that you want.
Photo by Izzi Kornfeld
For my first visit to The Flat, I went for the classic Nutella with strawberries and bananas. The crepe itself was light, soft and warm, with a great fruit-to-Nutella ratio. I can honestly say that this mouth-watering French classic was the highlight of my week.
Photo by Izzi Kornfeld
The savory crepes sounded equally enticing, and I’m sure my friends who tried them would’ve had great things to say, if they hadn’t been reduced to blissful silence while eating them.
Photo by Izzi Kornfeld
They all have clever names, like The Temptation of Adam (apple, brie and chicken), Hangover Relief (ham, egg and cheese) and The Prince of Denmark (ham, spinach, brie and honey mustard).
If I hadn’t eaten lunch before going, I definitely would have ordered The Return of the King, which has chicken, avocado and feta.
Photo by Izzi Kornfeld
I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to try as many crepe combinations as possible during my time here in Charlottesville.
A visit to The Flat is more than worth the quick trip downtown; even if it is less convenient than the dining hall, it tastes a million times better.
These other Charlottesville gems will also help you escape the dining hall: