STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — All this talk of pancakes for Shrove Tuesday has me hungry for them, so here is my handy‑dandy list of pancake how‑to enjoy pancakes on Staten Island.
For the record, an occupational hazard of food writing is that you are constantly stoking your own appetite. So now that I am craving a straight‑up pancake with an irresponsible amount of butter —thinking Kerrygold—and making my stomach even grumblier.
Before we think about Zumba, let’s talk fabulous flapjacks.
There are no mistakes when it comes to professionally prepped pancakes like these gourmet beauties from Fina’s Farmhouse topped with fresh whipped cream. And while you check out a few of the mishaps that can happen at home, note that Fina’s joined Z‑Two Restaurant & Lounge and Page Plaza Diner as the top three vote‑getters for Best of Breakfast 2025.Shane DiMaio10 Staten Island spots to enjoy pancake variations
On Staten Island, pancakes show up in every direction.
The tradition has always had its quirks. In Olney, England, a pancake race dating back to 1445 honors a woman who supposedly ran to church still holding her frying pan. Bless her flour‑dusted soul. Variations abound across Staten Island.
Poland brings pączki, those jam‑filled beauties from Polish Delicacies in Bulls Head and Polish‑European American Deli M.E. Inc. in West Brighton.
Polish Delicacies – Bulls HeadAddress: 1949 Richmond Ave, Store #5, Staten Island, NY 10314 Polish‑European American Deli M.E. Inc. – West Brighton Address: 1214 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310
Killmeyer’s in Charleston has potato pancakes that could convert anyone to a spud version.
Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn – CharlestonAddress: 4254 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10309 Website: https://killmeyers.com/
IHOP is IHOP, a parade of sticky syrups and buttermilk comfort in Graniteville and beyond borough shores.
IHOP – GranitevilleAddress: 935 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 Website: [restaurants.ihop.com]
Fina’s Farmhouse in Tottenville serves up perfection in a pan every single time.
Fina’s Farmhouse – TottenvilleAddress: 20 Ellis St, Staten Island, NY 10307Website: [finasfarmhousesi.net]
Apple or corn fritters come on specials from Joyce’s Tavern in Eltingville and Sally’s Southern in West Brighton.
Joyce’s Tavern — EltingvilleAddress: 3823 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312Website: [joycestavern.com]Sally’s Southern — West BrightonAddress: 427 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301Website: [sallyssouthern.com]
Kimchi pancakes appear at Tokyo Sushi in Castleton Corners and scallion versions come from Hong Kong Kei in Great Kills.
Tokyo Sushi — Castleton CornersAddress: 1710 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314 Website: https://tokyosushisi.com/Hong Kong Kei One — Great KillsAddress: 4207 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10308Website: [hongkongkeione.com]
Gluten‑free hush puppies, which use a similar batter, will be served at Farm to Bagel’s Mardi Gras event on Feb. 16, 2026 in West Brighton.
Farm to Bagel — West BrightonAddress: 857 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310Website: [https://www.hillsidefarmtobagel.com/locations]
Now, we have not even gotten to National Pancake Day yet. The whole thing gets a little confusing. The traditional Shrove Tuesday version falls on February 17 in 2026, while IHOP’s charity edition lands on March 3. Some calendars even toss in a bonus date on February 28, just to keep things interesting.IHOPShrove Tuesday traditions
Every year I have to remind myself of this. “Shrove” comes from the old English shrive, which means to confess. The day was about spiritual preparation, but it was also about practicality. You used up the eggs, butter, milk, and sugar before the fast. Pancakes were the obvious solution. In some villages, the church’s “Pancake Bell” literally told you when to start cooking.
A handful of Staten Island congregations still host pancake dinners and offer fellowship alongside the familiar stack. If you are flipping at home, or simply hungry from reading all this like I am, a good pancake only needs a hot pan, a simple batter, and a few smart moves.
Which brings me to this. Here is my handy‑dandy list of the most common pancake mistakes, gathered from years of trial, error, and liking a lot of Kerrygold slathered on hot pancakes.
Adding a pear or apple puree to pancake batter gives it moisture and more nutrition. Remember that fruit adds flavor and eggs add lift.Pameal Silvestri
Common pancake mistakes include:
Making the batter too thick. It should flow, not sit like paste.Adding too much water too fast. Thin it one tablespoon at a time.Skipping the cream cheese trick. A couple tablespoons folded in adds body and tang.Not softening the cream cheese first. Warm it briefly so it blends smoothly.Forgetting that eggs create the rise. Fruit adds flavor. Eggs give lift.Leaving out the baking powder when not using a mix. About a teaspoon per batch.Mixing dry and wet ingredients too soon. Whisk the dry ingredients together first.Not letting the batter rest. A short rest improves texture.Overmixing.. Lumps are fine. Overmixing toughens the batter.Ignoring flavor boosters. Vanilla, apple‑pear sauce, or fresh fruit can transform a basic pancake. If you are adding fruit purées, compensate for the extra moisture with a little more baking soda to keep the batter fluffy.
Flip smarter, not harder!