Who doesn't love Thanksgiving? Massive amounts of food, time off work, and a reason to drink. What could go wrong?
Family, that's what.
Especially following this explosive election, discussion at the dinner table is going to be tense.
That's in addition to all of Grandma's bigoted comments, uncle Joe's drunken gibberish, the aunts' bickering, and the constant questions about you being single.
If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea (or plate of mashed potatoes), here's a list of restaurants where you can get all the Thanksgiving-y foods you need, sans family drama.
1. Sarita’s Mac and Cheese (345 East 12th Street)
The go-to East Village mac and cheese spot knows how to get festive. All of their options are scrumptious, but their turkey mac takes the cake: diced turkey and swiss cheese atop an herbed stuffing-mac and cheese combo, served with homemade gravy and cranberry sauce. Unfff.
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They’re closed on T-Day, but come on, we all know it tastes better the next day anyway.
2. Gonzalez y Gonzalez (192 Mercer Street)
Come enjoy Thanksgiving with a twist at this little cantina in NYU territory (don’t worry, the undergrads will be home).
For just $14.95, you get their Thanksgiving inspired Turkey Barbacoa Chile Relleno, which features a roasted pepper stuffed with shredded guajillo-soaked turkey, gooey Oaxaca cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, and some banging guacamole.
And don’t forget you can order tequila to go with your turkey.
3. La Flaca (384 Grand Street)
More Mexican, more fun. Make your way to this laid back Latin spot for a hefty Thanksgiving burrito, featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and corn all stuffed into a burrito and then smothered with gravy & cranberry sauce, for just $11!!
With sides including Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob chiquitas, and some homemade pumpkin pie, you can’t go wrong.
4. PARM Brookfield Place (250 Vesey Street)
This diner-inspired Italian eatery focuses mostly on parmigiana dishes. But every year after Thanksgiving, their known for their leftover Turkey hero.
This massive sandwich features honey-garlic roasted turkey breast, fried sage leaves, cranberry sauce, mayo, and a layer of sweet-potato puree on semolina bread. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
5. By CHLOE (185 Bleecker Street)
Even vegans can get in on the fun. The vegan chain’s “Gobble Gobble” burger is a hit, even with the carnivores, as it features a lemon-caper seitan burger topped with sauteed kale, rosemary gravy, harvest stuffing, and is topped with fresh cranberry sauce, all on a creamy potato bun.
All this for just $11, plus $4 if you want to throw in their insanely awesome sweet potato fries, which you should.
6. Momofuku Milk Bar (561 Columbus Avenue)
Pumpkin Pie Truffles hell yesss. The spot known for birthday cake truffles and cereal milk ice cream have done it again with these little balls of happiness.
A mixture of pumpkin, milk, sugar, graham crackers, and pie crumbs, these are better than your mom’s homemade pie (just don’t tell her.) Momofuku is also featuring a sweet potato pie milkshake, sweet potato pie soft serve, and a Thanksgiving croissant sandwich.
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For $7, the warm buttery stuffing-flavored croissant comes filled with turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. All the yes.
7. OddFellows (175 Kent Avenue - Brooklyn)
This place is called OddFellows for a reason. Known for their interesting flavors, this place won’t disappoint for Thanksgiving, because they have made a butternut squash sorbet.
Vegan-friendly, this sorbet will fill you with the notions of the gourd-filled cornucopias of your youth. Strange, yes, but delicious? Of course.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]