Unusual Restaurants in Downtown Staten Island

Cat Fish Walkin' the former Hoppin John's is located at 125 Beach Street-between St. Paul's Ave and Van Duzer St, (718-727-2244), was a great find one late Sunday afternoon. When they originally opened, they were mainly a breakfast joint. Now, after a great demand, they are also open for lunch as well as dinner. Since I'm not a morning person, I was so happy they chose to stay open later in the day, but the only thing to get my tired bones out of bed in the early morn, is an offer of a Hoppin' John's Build Your Own Sothern Omelet.

It is a cozy place, with a walk in area where you can place any orders to go. Off to the side is a seating area, where there is beautiful brick exposed, and often local artists display their work. My favorite breakfast is their, "Build Your Own Omelet" where you can pick up to three items to insert into your omelet, which includes but isn't limited to: spinach, peppers, cheese, and sausage, for a mere $6.50 The breakfast menu also consists of flap jacks, pancakes, French toast, corn bread, (that manages to have a bread like consistency and still be moist), grits, and muffins, bagels, grilled cheese and turkey sausage. Breakfast is not made all day, alas. But while it's available, it is too good.

Lunch consists of tasty dishes such as fried chicken, pork, fish, BBQ chicken and BBQ ribs, for roughly $7.50, which includes two side dishes. Sides include but aren't limited to black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, (that has a lovely crust and perfectly cooked insides), candied yams, strings beans, mash potatoes, collard greens and corn. The mac and cheese is so good, I usually get a double order, carbs be damned. Liquid refreshment includes various sodas, coffee, sweet tea, and hot tea.

Sundays are a busy day, since many people go to Hoppin' Johns after church, so there maybe a bit of a wait getting your food. (But it's totally worth it.) You'll see people in street clothes, and church clothes, but all are welcome. It's the type of place, if you have been there more than once the waitress will remember your face, which is becoming rarer in our ever busy world.