Life
These NYC Restaurants Stay Open For Thanksgiving
Despite what most holiday movies tell us, there's no rule that says Thanksgiving has to be celebrated in the family home. You're not bound to squish your knees under the leaf-extension of your dusty dining room table and you don't have to worry about the family dog getting their paws on that chicken liver spread that someone always puts on that low-rise coffee table — and if you're living in New York, restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving might just be a godsend.
In Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Proclamation of Thanksgiving, he merely stated that we all take the day to observe gratitude and practice in peaceful unity. Lincoln didn't say anything about staying home. That said, if you're doing Thanksgiving solo this year, or in charge of making plans for your family, you might want to consider going out to eat.
There are plenty of restaurants that stay open on Thanksgiving to give their customers a chance to have that feast, without having to host. So if you're not a fan of doing dishes, vacuuming your living room or entertaining people in your home, make a reservation at a restaurant and have all of the fun with none of the fuss. Even if you're going to be a party of one, you'll probably want to make a reservation in advance so you can rest assured that your meal is secured. Thanksgiving menus typically tend to be prix fixe and expensive, so here's a round-up of New York City options that offer three-courses and fall under $100:
Sauvage
This French-style American eatery in Brooklyn, NY will have all of the traditional fixings with some pickled, rare and decadent touches. Make a reservation or walk in and sit at the bar.
Prix Fixe Option, $65, Sauvage
The Cecil
This chic Harlem, NY joint will be serving up an Afro-Asian take on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Expect to change the way you think about turkey and gravy.
Prix Fixe Option, $65, The Cecil
The Breslin
Nestled in the super-funky Ace Hotel, this gastropub is going to do a seriously rich rendition of traditional dishes. Come here you're scared of dry turkey.
Prix Fixe Option, $75, The Breslin
Nix
If you're not a meat-eater, you might want to head over to the West Village to check out Nix. Their vegetarian menu will leave you just as full as you'd be if you were eating an entire turkey.
Prix Fixe, $62, Nix
La Pecora Bianca
You'll have to make some serious room for this Italian-inspired Thanksgiving meal. Afterward, enjoy the holiday spirit walking around Madison Square Park for a few hours to walk off those turkey slumbers.
Prix Fixe, $70, La Pecora Bianca
Tessa
Head to the Upper West Side for some fancy-pants updates on the basic Thanksgiving favorites. Think: caviar, truffles, mousse.
Prix Fixe, $65, Tessa
Prime Meats
Head to Brooklyn for the Thanksgiving dinner you know and love, but without and of the dishes or preparing you hate. Expect ingredient updates and and wear elastic banded pants.
Prix Fixe, $57, Prime Meats
Má Pêche
If you have your heart set on turducken, you're going to want to head to Midtown West to have your Thanksgiving and have it Momofuku style, too.
Prix Fixe, $45, Má Pêche
L’Antagoniste
Looking for a reason to venture out to Bed-Stuy? You go it. This small and unsuspecting restaurant is a hidden gem worth discovering. This is the place to go if you want a cozy and fancy-feeling dinner for a fair price.
Prix Fixe, $40, L’Antagoniste
MP Taverna
Get your Greek on in Queens! If you're looking for a change, this Greek restaurant will put a zesty spin on the old turkey and squash recipes.
Prix Fixe, $40, MP Taverna
If you don't live in New York, or don't feel like doing something fancy, the following national restaurant chains are open this Thanksgiving, too: Applebee's, Bob Evans, Capital Grille, Country Cookin, Cracker Barrel, Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House and California Pizza Kitchen. Most of these restaurants will close by 9 p.m., so get there early!
