If you’re going to be in New York this Thanksgiving Day and are looking for places to eat your lunch/dinner, I have you covered with venues and menus to make you drool. Not to mention, not cleaning up afterwards 🙂
One of them includes an amazing viewing spot for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, instead of having to get there early and line up with a few million bystanders and watch the gigantic helium-filled balloons, which is a NY instition.
I also wrote this post on how to have a wonderful Christmas in New York too. And while we’re thinking of this time of year, my list of the best New York events for New Year’s Eve, including where to see the fireworks, is filled with things you might not have thought of.
I wrote this post of the history of the Thanksgiving Day balloon fails over the years, but it also provides tips for the best places to be to see the parade, and an extra special tip to go watch the balloons getting filled the night below.
But meantime, make your bookings now at these restaurants and let others take of you this Thanksgiving Day in New York City.
*This post includes some affiliate links. That means if you make a booking, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.
All inclusive NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing + Brunch on November 28
Head to Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway at 36th Street) on Thanksgiving morning for an all-inclusive Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing event and gourmet brunch buffet, plus open bar, and access to front row outdoor viewing area that boasts breathtaking views of the best Thanksgiving parade in the world.
Historic Gotham Hall’s private viewing area will give ticket holders an exclusive street-level view as the parade travels down 6th Avenue, past 36th Street.
This event is perfect for families, friends, and groups of all sizes. It will include family-friendly entertainment like face painters, a balloon artist, and a magician and avoid the congested crowds.
Tickets start at $599 and Premium Seating Options are limited. Buy your tickets from Thanksgivingnyc.com.
Thanksgiving Harbor Lunch or Dinner Cruise
For something truly unique, head out on the river on this Thanksgiving Day for a gourmet lunch or dinner cruise. You’ll be in a fully glass-enclosed boat which allows for fabulous views for all those photos you’ll be taking between courses.
You get a 3-course plated meal (no lining up at buffets!) with a live band or a DJ onboard. Add cocktails or wine (cost extra) and make a day or night of it.
Grab your Thanksgiving Cruise Dinner tickets here >
If you want to experience a fancy hotel Thanksgiving Day dinner, check out these 12 amazing hotels that embrace the holiday season. You could try The Plaza, The Peninsula, The Langham and other beautiful boutique or Art Deco hotels to give thanks.
I’ve listed my top hotels in NYC here, plus why you might like to stay, and where each they are located.
Thanksgiving at The Plaza
On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28th), The Champagne Bar will offer a Free-Range Roasted Turkey special ($55) from 11am – 10pm. First come, first served, no reservations available.
At Palm Court an exclusive Thanksgiving Grand Buffet will be on offer for guests and locals. Gather with your nearest and dearest for a meal crafted by Executive Chef Muhannad Al Ateem, inspired by the autumn season’s finest ingredients and traditional Thanksgiving fare.
Thursday, November 28th
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First seating at 10am; last seating at 3pm.
$315 (adults); $125 (children 12 years or under)
Experience Haven Rooftop’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu on 11/28
Last year the perfect Thanksgiving was at Haven Rooftop (132 W 47th Street), located in the heart of Midtown at The Sanctuary Hotel.
They did a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner experience on the Thursday. Priced at $85 per person, including one appetizer from options like Tuna Tartare, Butternut Squash Soup, Shrimp Cocktail, or Kale Salad, and a choice of an entree, such as Turkey with sweet mashed potatoes, gnocchi pasta with mushrooms and fresh truffle, salmon with asparagus risotto, or petite filet with mushroom, garlic mashed potatoes, and mushroom sauce.
Nerai Offers two Thanksgiving Dine-in and Catering Options
Last year Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) invited guests to savor an exquisite Thanksgiving feast two ways, so I’m waiting to hear what they have in mind for 2024.
They offered a three-course prix fixe menu at $90 per person, and a special $40 per person children’s menu (for kids under 12), with starters like Greek Salad, Butternut Squash Soup, Baby Kale Salad, and Grilled Octopus.
For the main course, they did Turkey Moussaka & Roasted Turkey, Lavraki, Sweet Potato Risotto, and Braised Lamb Shank. Finish the special night with Pumpkin Cheesecake, Sokolatina, Saragli, or Portokalopita.
OR if you prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving at home without the tiresome prep, Nerai did a convenient Thanksgiving To-Go alternative, showcasing a Turkey Dinner Set priced at $70 per person.
The option included a Greek Salad, succulent Turkey Moussaka & Roasted Turkey with delectable Tsoureki Stuffing, Sweet Potato Purée with rye breadcrumbs, and a luscious Pumpkin Cheesecake with candied pecans and cranberry compote.
Bell, Book & Candle sustainably sourced Thanksgiving Dinner
Bell Book & Candle (141 West 10th St.) served up a mindful Thanksgiving dinner.
In 2023 the three-course meal, was priced at $70 for adults and $40 for children. It began with the option of a Pear & Blue Cheese Salad with mixed greens, adorned with toasted pecans, raisins, and their housemade balsamic dressing or Butternut Squash Soup topped with fried sage and sage oil.
The star of the show was the Heritage Turkey sourced from Lancaster, served with pan gravy and accompanied by sides like sourdough sage stuffing, chive mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts with bacon, maple roasted sweet potatoes with candied pecans, and Executive Chef John Mooney’s special cranberry sauce.
I’m hoping they’ll do the same this year!
Check out more of my NYC posts:
How to have the perfect Christmas in New York
Find a hotel with awesome New Year’s Eve fireworks views from your room or maybe a rooftop party
My picks for awesome flea markets in NYC to pick up a quirky gift or enjoy the street food.
The dangerous history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon fails over the years
Amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day in New York City
Find my picks for the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC in this post!
There are plenty of places to see the 4th of July fireworks in New York for free, or book a harbor cruise get amongst it with an open bar and live DJ.
If you’re looking for best brunch spots in NYC, especially if you love a great bottomless brunch, you’ll love this post.
Shop till you drop in these 12 shopping locations in NYC which I’ve reviewed in this post.
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- Vegas.com for discounted tickets in Las Vegas
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