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Thanksgiving is about spending time with friends and loved ones, but sometimes, the frustration and strategic planning of prepping, cooking and hosting can make this celebration feel like a chore. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants in New York offering hassle-free and delicious dinner spreads that eliminate the stress and clean-up of a family feast. See our picks for tons of options when it comes to nixing the cooking and celebrating Thanksgiving at a restaurant.
See also: The 8 Hottest Haunts For People-Watching In NYC
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16 W. 22nd St. / 212.401.7986 / Website
Forget the turkey, this Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse is providing the highest quality cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu Beef for an unforgettable holiday. Under Seoul-born restaurateur Simon Kim, COTE is the unprecedented marriage of Korean barbecues and classic American steakhouses, earning it several accolades being New York City’s first Korean steakhouse and the world’s only Michelin-starred Korean tabletop grill restaurant. The Thanksgiving feast is 158 dollars per person and requests that everyone at the table participate, but the chef’s favorite selected cuts and Korean accompaniments are truly like no other. In true Thanksgiving style, be sure to save room for either the pecan or pumpkin pie.
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131 Sullivan St. / Website
Skip the Dutch oven and head straight to the Dutch’s Thanksgiving dinner as they put a spin on the traditional plates. As a part of the Noho Hospitality Group, this American joint is serving up nice food by following in the practice of cooking things that make people happy. Start with your choice of appetizers, like the buffalo-style turkey wings paired with celery and bleu cheese or the butternut squash hummus served with lavash. The star of the show has to be the organic roast turkey, served with oyster mushrooms and notes of maple chestnut, but the classic chocolate pudding with candied peanut caramel cannot be skipped, no matter how full.
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64 W. 48th St. / 212.221.2100 / Website
Sometimes, Thanksgiving feasts can put a hole in your pocket, but this affordable dinner in the city is perfect for those who are not looking to splurge. At just 59 dollars per person, The Elgin’s pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner includes honey nut squash soup with ricotta crema, toasted almond and balsamic, herb roasted turkey, cranberry apple sauce, brussels sprouts, bacon lardons, housemade gravy and freshly baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. If tradition is not your thing, try their Thanksgiving burger, which is a ginger-scallion turkey burger topped with mushroom walnut stuffing, cranberry apple relish and pickled mustard seeds, all served with a side of fries.
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403 E. 12th St. / 646.602.1300 / Website
Cozy, delicious and locally sourced, there’s little not to love about Hearth. After opening in Manhattan’s East Village in 2003, this restaurant is a testament to the passionate loyalty of its customers that they are still around. Starting at 128 dollars per person and additional charges for the optional wine pairing, this year’s Thanksgiving dinner promises to be nothing short of wonderful. Some of the selections include Jane’s buttermilk biscuits, autumn squash soup, Hudson Valley turkey, mushroom leek stuffing and a pumpkin mousse bar.
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53 Great Jones St. / 212.837.2622 / Website
Who said Thanksgiving dinner shouldn’t include Italian cuisine? Centrally located on NoHo’s Bond Street, il Buco Alimentari and Vineria is the offspring of iconically acclaimed il Buco providing housemade products crafted by using traditional methods. Inspired by simple authentic food made with an uncompromising ethic, their Italian-focused menu ingredients come from independent producers they admire, guaranteed to receive Nonna’s approval. Enjoy Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, otherwise known as the new comfort food, and feel like family at this one-of-a-kind spot.
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119 West 56th St. / 212.245.5000 / Website
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, Parker’s is hitting all the right notes. Named after the great Charlie Parker, this New York restaurant is an ode to the rich music history embedded in the city. Located at Thompson’s Central Park, Parker’s is the perfect destination for those families seeking the iconic spirit of New York paired with playful sophistication. Starting at 145 dollars per guest, come give thanks by indulging in their brown butter cornbread brioche stuffing, Champagne glazed asparagus and the roasted organic wild dark and light turkey meat. Plus, kick off the Thanksgiving festivities early by starting at the Bubble Bar, offering make-your-own unlimited mimosas from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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88 Wall St. / 212.837.2089 / Website
Although a modernized French chophouse may not scream a traditional Thanksgiving, this luxurious eatery nestled in the Wall Street Hotel is offering a special menu on a special Thursday. Projecting an innovative culinary vision, Michelin-starred chef John Fraser is merging the essence of seasonal and ingredient-focused cuisine with combining the tradition of stylized Steakhouse dining. Signature items offered on their pre-fixed menu include French onion dumplings, cauliflower tarte tatin, and the honorable heritage roast turkey with parsnips and baby kale. This dining haven is cherished by locals and visitors alike, making it the perfect destination for every Thanksgiving bunch.
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One Vanderbilt Ave. / 212.662.1000/ Website
Thanksgiving may be sweatpants and comfy slippers for some, but get fine and fancy at this fabulous dining establishment as you feast on a vegetable-forward and seafood-focused meal. Offering a unique setting with both relaxed and refined elegance, chef Daniel Bould is considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities known for evolving his exquisite cuisine by expanding across the globe and taking on new culinary endeavors. Located in a skyscraper, the space boasts a natural landscape composed of lush gardens to invoke a deep sense of splendor and serenity. Some standout dishes include a trio of Norwegian salmon, cedar-baked black bass and the sweetest Honeycrisp apple strudel.
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120 Hudston St. / 212.219.0666 / Website
In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving, make sure to say "happy birthday" to the opening of Bubby’s, dating back to 1990. Renowned for its simple and fresh comfort food, this restaurant is dedicated to defending the American table and its traditions by using thoughtful ingredients and welcoming every person as if they are guests in their home. Each year, Bubby’s serves a traditional Thanksgiving dinner that tastes just like, or even better, than home, and families can enjoy it in the restaurant or for take-out. With classic starters like deviled eggs and buttermilk biscuits and mains like old-fashioned glazed ham and vegetable lasagna, no Bubby’s party is complete without a slice of pie, specifically a slice of their apple whiskey crumble pie.
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457 6th Ave. / 212.420.0057/ Website
Despite this Italian-styled marking bidding adieu with salami and other cured meats, get ready to gobble down on the classic roasted turkey. This one-stop shop located in the West Village offers a unique and convenient solution to the undeniable labor of preparing a Thanksgiving feast. Alongside their gourmet grocery selection featuring high-end Italian products, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and freshly baked goods, the special holiday menu features traditional and Italian-inspired dishes available for pickup. Stock up on the savory stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes, or explore fall-flavored pasta creations like pumpkin ravioli or butternut squash gnocchi for a hassle-free or last-minute meal.
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105 W 13th St. / 212.931.6335 / Website
Cecchi’s is the home away from home as owner Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is known for his many years of experience in hospitality. Capturing a vibrant and welcoming environment, this restaurant is inviting everyone to the table complete with all the fixings. Set at 165 dollars per person, taste their comforting classics like warm goat cheese and caramelized onion tart. The roasted turkey with stuffing and prime rib is paired with family-style favorites like mashed sweet potatoes and mac and cheese. Finish with pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or their signature classic New York cheesecake. At Cecchi's, your New York City Thanksgiving will be anything but ordinary.
Whether you want to stick with a tried and true traditional Thanksgiving turkey or try the wild side with a savory steak, these NYC restaurants are serving up some of the best meals that taste even better because you didn’t cook them. The best part? Not having to do the dishes after.
Photography by: Courtesy of Cecchi's
