LIers flock to local eateries

If you’ve had to stand in line or jostle your way through crowds at some of Long Island’s restaurants lately, or circle for a parking spot, you’re part of the hordes of diners that have helped boost employment in the local food-service sector.

Despite persistent high unemployment and so-so consumer confidence, Long Islanders are flocking to restaurants, and state Labor Department data released Thursday confirm that.

The food-services and drinking-places category had 5,100 more jobs in March, or a 6.5 percent increase, compared with March 2012, one of the biggest employment increases last month.

Given that the local economy is still in slo-mo toward recovery, finding packed restaurants might come as a surprise. But then again, maybe not.