No Fork Left Behind: The Ultimate New Haven Food Crawl Returns!

Downtown New Haven’s most extensive food crawl series is back, and we’ve got the inside scoop! We recently sat down with event organizers at University Properties, the team behind The Shops at Yale, to get the details on this year’s appetizer and dessert crawl. The Shops at Yale, spanning the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway Districts, is home to a mix of top retailers and beloved local restaurants—including Apple, lululemon, Warby Parker, Claire’s Corner Copia, Villa Lulu, and more. Managed by Yale University Properties, this vibrant shopping and dining hub is key in shaping the downtown experience while supporting the local community.

Now, let’s talk about the event you won’t want to miss! Downtown New Haven’s most extensive food crawl series returns to the Elm City this month for the sixth year in a row.  The event began as a single crawl, instantly expanding to a series of three following overwhelming demand. Seriously, this event is not one to miss. Since its inception, the event has completely sold out year after year. The first crawl of the year is set to take place on April 26, with the others taking place on June 7 and August 2. 

The crawl is all fun, food, and philanthropy, with proceeds benefiting The New Haven Free Public Library Foundation, Fellowship Place, and the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. Over the years, this event has resulted in more than $25,000 in donations to New Haven nonprofits, with this year’s crawls set to topple $10,000 in proceeds. 

As for what’s on the plate, here’s a sample of what this month’s crawlers will taste:

• Sherkaan’s Pista Burfi, the vegan fudgy pistachio bars with beet-lemon curd, cardamom, and rose petals.
• Chicken salad toasts from Heirloom at The Study at Yale, and fresh ceviche from Pacifico, with shrimp, mango, red onion, and fresh citrus juices. 
• Cacio e Pepe Mezze Maniche from Strega, featuring a fondue of 16 different peppercorns from around the globe.
• Mini bowls from B Natural Kitchen, mixed with roasted sweet potato, beets, carrots, turmeric cabbage, charred broccoli with lemon, roasted cauliflower with parmesan, and green beans and mushrooms.
• A small cup of any flavor ice cream from Ashley’s Ice Cream, and classic desserts from Book Trader Café, Cookie39, and more. 

Do you have what it takes to attend? This event requires a hefty appetite and a $25 admission fee, with ticket holders receiving two-day exclusive offers at some of the city’s most popular boutiques and retailers. Don’t worry about the car – ticket holders enjoy free parking at the Chapel-York Garage, located at 150 York Street. 

Meet us at check-in at 11:30 a.m. to receive your map and begin your crawl. After check-in, you’re free to visit the 12 participating stops in any order, at your own pace. Following the event, crawlers are encouraged to explore some of the many free cultural attractions, including the Yale University Art Gallery and the newly reopened Yale Center for British Art, or take advantage of their exclusive shopping offers.

Skip breakfast, tie up your walking shoes, and prepare to taste the best of New Haven.