Is Colorado Boulevard the new Seine? Probably not, but we welcome the effort put forth by this quaint, bustling alley bistro.

The CrepeVine Bistro & Wine Bar aims to satisfy both worldly couples seeking romantic wine-and-cheese foreplay and Pasadena power-shoppers who want a Florentine crepe (with Jarlsburg cheese, spinach and tomato) before upending J. Crew. Personable owners Josh and Kate Evans have filled the space, all mauves and French prints, with endearing staffers. In addition to the crepes and wine, The CrepeVine offers lunch, brunch, dinner and late-night options. The fondue, tinged with white wine, somehow gets better as it sits, and the coq au vin is light enough to sample with red or white wine—but it was the strawberry-and-banana crepe we scarfed for dessert that made us most eager to return. There are, after all, several other varieties over which we'd like to linger. —Lonny Pugh