Stuffing, sweet potato casserole, massive food babies, dealing with family. All things that make up the yearly tradition we call Thanksgiving. But this year, for the first time, I’ll be celebrating in the city. Dining at one of the many great NYC restaurants for thanksgiving dinner. Not in someone’s home or hosting myself which I’ve also done, one time before.
But with everyone going to various places, and because cooking for four was feeling less than enticing, my mother in law asked if we’d like to do Thanksgiving in the city. To which I of course excitedly responded, yes!
For me, it’s a fun, welcome diversion from the normal routine. And though it likely won’t become tradition, it’s still an exciting change.
The city is fun and festive during the holiday season. Some spots famous for just how festive they get.
But there are also lots of great NYC restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner if you find yourself in the big apple this week.
Some NYC restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner to give a try:
1. For locals: The Knickerbocker bar and grill, West Village.
A classic New York establishment in the West Village that goes by ‘the place where New Yorkers eat’. This long time local jazz and food spot has been a Greenwich Village staple since 1977. Check out the Thanksgiving menu here and call for reservations.
2. Comfort food – Bubbys, Tribeca and Highline.
The popular restaurant prides itself on it’s yearly Thanksgiving dinner feast. They serve a traditional family style meal that feels and tastes homemade. See the menu and check out the reservations at their website.
Credit: Bubbys
3. Upscale- 8 1/2, Midtown West.
If you want a super sophisticated holiday, then spend thanksgiving at the upscale 8 1/2. The famous French brasserie hosts a three course prix fixe menu thanksgiving dinner that will put you into a massive food coma. Prix fixe, $69. Children 10 & under, $35.
4. Classic with a twist – Beauty and Essex, L.E.S.
The downtown hot spot will offer a three course prix fixe menu that includes their famous grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings, butternut squash pierogis, roast turkey with a cider, honey, butter glaze and spiced pecan cherry cornbread stuffing. But in addition, many interesting la carte items will also be available. 3 course prix fixe, $68
Credit: Beauty and Essex
5. A different take on the tradition – Quality Eats, UES, Nomad, West Village.
Every location of the steakhouse is hosting a “Franksgiving” holiday consisting of a housemade turkey frank on a sweet potato bun. It also includes stuffing fries, cranberry ketchup, and green bean relish. Think of it as the modern version of a thanksgiving meal. Reserve online
6. Rustic, farm style – Freemans, Nolita.
One my most favorite restaurants in all of New York City. Hidden down at the end of the inconspicuous, charming Freeman’s Alley, it’s decor is both log cabin and hunting lodge style. It’s a hidden gem of the city, although at this point, less hidden, and more popular. But it’s a great place to take out of town guests because they’ll be able to get a real NYC holiday experience.
The four course Thanksgiving meal is $98 and you can find more at the website here.
Credit: Freemans
7. A Mediterranean touch – Barbounia, Flat Iron.
It’s a better time than ever to check out the Flat Iron mediterranean spot. Because they’re putting their own spin on the holiday. Their thanksgiving menu starts with choices like oysters and butternut squash soup. In addition to turkey it also includes fish, as well as smoked duck and black truffle paste.
See the full menu and make reservations here.
credit: Barbounia
A Final Tip
If you’re planning on indulging in alcoholic beverages while enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at one of these great NYC restaurants, be sure to take a taxi or other form of transportation home. No matter how short the distance may be. The last thing you need is to have to call a car crash lawyer on Thanksgiving.
So, if you’re going to be in New York for the holidays, then make sure to check out of one these exciting Thanksgiving menus!
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