If you’re going to be in New York on Thanksgiving Day and are looking for places for lunch/dinner, I have you covered with some great venues and menus to make you drool. Not to mention, not no 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
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)
Tavern on the Green Thanksgiving
You can gobble up a good time at Tavern on the Green, located on 67th and Central Park West, from 11am until 10pm this Thanksgiving.
The Tavern Thanksgiving Feast for 2024 is a four-course menu beginning with wild mushroom and lentil soup, then a choice two appetizers, followed by a choice of mains which includes traditional turkey and trimmings, roasted beef Chateaubriand, or Scottish salmon, and finishing with three dessert choices.
Not to mention it’s set in the most magical place in New York, this spot is hard to beat. If you’re not in town Thanksgiving, Tavern on the Green is open seven days until late and worth visiting – or order from their Menu to Go and taking a picnic into the park.
The Irish American Pub
This Irish American Pub is well known for its traditional Thanksgiving dinners. This cosy pub and restaurant is located at 17 John Street, near the 9/11 Memorial.
They have three spaces: the Irish American, Shebeen and Colony Cocktail Room. Open for yummy brunches on weekends and lunch to dinner week days, on Thanksgiving they offer a delicious three-course dinner.
Start with a choice of New Zealand lamb chops (yes please!), butternut squash soup, or goats cheese salad. Then the main course is a choice of roast turkey and sugar-glazed ham, grilled salmon, mushroom marsala ravioli, or slow-roasted lamb shank. Then save room for hot apple crumb cake, bannoffee pie, New York cheesecake, or pumpkin pie.
Reservations required!
Order a personalized Thanksgiving in New York candle from my Etsy Store as a sweet souvenir:
Experience Haven Rooftop’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu
Enjoy thanksgiving at the Haven Rooftop (132 W 47th Street), located in the heart of Midtown at The Sanctuary Hotel.
Their Thanksgiving 2024 dinner experience is priced at $85 per person for a three-course dinner. Choose an appetizer of lobster bisque, Caesar salad, or mushroom truffle risotto. Then a choice of mains from roast turkey and trimmings, roast chicken, truffle spaghetti, or Mediterranean sea bass. And finish with pumpkin cheesecake, dulce de leche rice pudding or creme brûlée.
Carmines, Times Square
Southern Italian restaurant, Carmine’s, is open seven days for lunch and dinner and is always a hit. Located at Times Square, it’s one of the top restaurants locals recommend to visitors. On Thanksgiving they usually do a special menu, but if you’re not worried about getting your trad turkey and trimmings, check out their delicous pastas and main course menu including the likes of veal parmigiana, a raw bar and seafood.
They have another restaurant on the Upper West Side, and they also offer a take out heat and eat Thanksgiving menu to feed up to 8 people – if you can’t be bothered cooking at home!
Thanksgiving at the Ellington on Broadway
Head to the Ellington, 2745 Broadway, in the Upper West Side for an exceptional three-course prix-fixe menu of traditional and contemporary Thanksgiving dishes, plus options for children.
For $90pp you have a choice of six appetizers, five entreés (main courses) and four desserts. The kids menu is $25. Seating is limited, so make a booking!
One of my favorite NYC hotels is up here, Hotel Belleclaire Central Park, and it’s on my list of the best affordable hotels in New York. I’ve stayed in various parts of the city, but I think I might be an Upper West Side girl at heart!
Check out more of my NYC posts:
How to have the perfect Christmas in New York
Because we walk a million steps in New York, I’ve rounded up the best shoes to wear in New York for summer or winter, plus what to bring for foot recovery! IYKYK
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.
Quick Resources:
- Booking.com for hotels
- Get Your Guide for tours
- Skyscanner for flights across multiple airlines
- Expedia for flights and hotels
- Discover Cars for car rentals across multiple companies
- RentalCars.com for more car rentals and to compare above
- Amazon for my curated list of best travel items (or anything else!)
- Vegas.com for discounted tickets in Las Vegas
- CityPass for discounts on attractions in several US cities
