More than 5K attend New Dorp Restaurant Crawl 2022: See 80+ photos and a rundown of the fan favorites

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Where does one start at the New Dorp Restaurant Crawl? For about 7,500 attendees on Monday afternoon, the question was just that as 31 eateries dished out specialties from Korean hot pot and tacos to hot dogs and gourmet bubble tea.

“We come every year. It’s the best place to be!” enthused Marline Antoun, echoing the sentiment of several polled revelers.

Raves came for Taste Of India II’s sidewalk cafe set up and 99 Favor Taste’s soup of tofu, sausage and dumplings. Notably long lines formed for frozen yogurt at SoBol Acai Bowls and Beyond, fruit tea at SIPS + MAKER and for the tacos, churros and tres leches cake at Cafe Con Pan.

“It’s all made at the store,” said Cafe Con Pan owner Scottie Lopez. He personally dished out samples to the crowds and talked up its savory Mexican menu, bakery and fresh pressed juices.

Some gourmands said they didn’t realize the number of eateries on New Dorp Lane and discovered two new spots — Shaking Crab and Chick N’ Burger, the latter which serves super crunchy, battered boneless chicken pieces.

Chair of the event Maria Carrozza of Piece A Cake and Cookie Jar handed out a schedule of events to expedite the main entry point. Each guest received a list of participating businesses, tear-offs to present as tickets to taste and a keepsake map of New Dorp Lane’s restaurants.

Entertainment throughout the afternoon started with the Star Spangled Banner and continued with a magic show, live saxophone music, karate demos by Dragon Kim’s Karate USA and presentations by Dance Xpress. Trackside Bar and Grill served up pasta fagioli with acoustic guitar and copious outdoor seating.

Alfonso Ruiz at Ho’Brah enjoyed seeing regulars and new faces to the corner Mexi-cali lunch, dinner and weekend brunch spot.

Father and son Anthony and Dominick Maruffi loved the afternoon and spending time together as a family.

With cloudless skies and a fall nip in the air, he added, “And the weather couldn’t have been better!”

The “Crawl” was organized by the New Dorp Lane Merchants Association and the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation with assistance from Council Member David Carr and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.