It's official: Thanksgiving mania has struck New York City.
Oh, you're not sure what we mean?
Well, we're busy getting thankful, planning for that famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, and prepping for tons of crazy Thanksgiving celebrations.
Sure, getting twisted at your friends' friends-giving party is great, and feeling thankful is even better, but let's get down to what Thanksgiving's really about: turkey.
It's chilly outside, so we don't have to worry about looking good in our summer clothes for another year. What we've got to worry about now is stuffing our faces with as much delicious turkey as possible.
Does Thanksgiving dinner have to include a turkey? Well, no, it doesn't. There are plenty of food joints where you can feel full and happy in NYC after a meal that was not turkey-centric.
However, there are plenty of food joints in NYC where you can enjoy a meal that is turkey centric. Read on to find out where they are.
1. Junior's Restaurant (various locations)
jacqui If any of you are ever in #NYC check out #JuniorsRestaurant in Times Square and try my absolute favorite dish- Roast Turkey - it's insanely delicious and I'm craving it right now!!! #JaxJaneNYC #throwback
Oh man, you sure you want to get us started on the delectable turkey at Junior's? Let us put it this way: Junior's is much, much more than just good cheesecake.
Their turkey and dressing plate comes as a huge portion, so you'll probably have to take some home. Or, you could even share it with someone you love.
[anad]
Junior's turkey is entirely moist and covered in gravy. It also comes with mashed potatoes, which are the right mix of creamy and chunky, and tart cranberry sauce that complements everything with a flair.
When it comes to listing things we're thankful for at Thanksgiving, the turkey at Junior's is definitely on our list.
2. Jones Wood Foundry (401 East 76th Street)
joneswoodfoundry Brunch date? 🍳 Serving till 4! #brunch #nycbrunch #nyc #nyceats #ues #foodie #foodstagram #instafood #foodporn #myfoodgasm #englishbreakfast #coffee #tea #jwf #joneswoodfoundry
Jones Wood Foundry is a lovely pub with amazing food, great drinks, chill prices, and probably the prettiest courtyard you'll ever see. They light their Upper East Side interior by candle on evenings, so it'll make a wonderful spot for a cozy night out.
Plus, their portions are huge. Once you've chowed down on their turkey-- any kind of turkey --you won't need to eat again for the rest of the week. Okay, that was an exaggeration, but you know what we mean.
At Jones Wood Foundry, they specialize in turkey pies. Like, we have daily fantasies about their turkey and sweet potato pie. It's amazing, and goes excellently with their mashed potato side.
You should definitely make it a point to also try their turkey potpie, which comes with crunch fries (they call them chips). It's really something special.
3. Bowery Eats (88 10th Avenue)
a_state_of_gambs Beats eating 5$ pizza specials all week 😂 #turkey #ham #lettuce #avocado #tomato #vinegrette #boweryeats #chelseamarket #nyc #bulkingseason #nofilter #foodporn
Bowery Eats is tucked within the loveliness of the cooking supply store in Chelsea Market, one of NYC's most excellent indoor food markets.
Once you've gotten yourself into Chelsea Market, we advise you to beeline for Bowery Eats and purchase the turkey brie. It is truly an incredible combination, and you will love every bite.
[anad2]
It's made fresh on the spot, and you can choose between various breads and wraps-- whatever you desire. If you opt for plain turkey instead of turkey with brie, we'd also have to suggest sampling some of their horseradish sauce: it's got just the right amount of kick and flavor.
Plus, their turkey sandwiches are huge, and they only cost $8. So you'll definitely leave satiated.
4. Hill Country Barbecue Market (various locations)
This market's got two locations: one in Flatiron and one in Downtown Brooklyn. Both serve meat that's tasty to the extreme.
Is it the best barbecue in all of NYC? Some would answer with a resounding yes. Their smoked turkey is lean, tender, and best consumed with all the meat seasoning on the table. It's so, so delicious.
When you order turkey at Hill Country Barbecue, you get three sides. As they've got mind blowing mac and cheese, sweet potato mash, and corn pudding, we'd suggest ordering those.
The move at Hill Country Barbecue is to make a reservation. It's popular; especially on Tuesday nights when they've got karaoke with a live band.
,5. Westville (173 Avenue A)
westvillenyc Grilled Turkey Quesadilla with guacamole, sour cream & pico de gallo over fries or mixed greens. #westvillewest specials
Westville will satisfy your urge for some innovative turkey dishes. We mean it. They've got nice, juicy, tender turkey burgers and some really great turkey... quesadillas.
Got your attention with the turkey quesadillas, didn't we? Yeah, they're loaded with rich, lean turkey and spinach and asparagus so no one can tell you you're not eating vegetables. Plus, they come with a side of fries, and fries are vegetables too, right?
[anad]
Their turkey burgers are well seasoned, and we'd suggest getting them with a side of sweet potato fries. Or, regular fries. All their fries are crunchy, with light coating, and generally really awesome.
Plus, the pesto mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, asparagus, and kale sides are all entirely flavorful and delicious. Even people who hate vegetables love the vegetable sides at Westville.
6. Parm (various locations)
The turkey sandwiches at Parm are unlike any other turkey sandwich in the entire city; both at their Upper West Side and Battery Park locations.
Parm's chefs make them by slow roasting their turkey in garlic, honey, and herbs. Then they slice the meat into thick portions, and lay it on their classic Italian bread, or sweet semolina roll.
They also pile it with tomato, lettuce, and onions and serve it in their signature red basket. It's also so huge, you'll barely be able to get your mouth around it. Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
Parm is sensitive to detail. Every bit of the sandwich. From its ingredients, roll-to-filling ratio-- even its packaging --every detail is immaculately prepared. Parm's turkey sandwiches are a filling, satisfying lunch. That's all we've got to say.
7. McSorley's Old Ale House (15 East 7th Street)
McSorley's isn't fancy. In fact, it's everything but. Its floors are piled with sawdust, its dark wood tables are rustic, and its seating is communal. Basically, it's got everything you'd expect from an original gangster NYC bar.
When it comes to their turkey sandwiches, though, they're just as no-frills as everything else at McSorley's. They're packed with thick-cut, high quality turkey, which is sandwiched between fresh slices of rye bread and topped with onions.
[anad2]
Slather the bread with their homemade mustard atop every table, but do so with caution. It's every bit as spicy as it is delicious. Plus, their beer is really great and goes down so smoothly. So there's that, too. Get the French fries on the side. The fries at McSorley's are some of the best in the whole city.
Check out 7 Romantic Restaurants to Hit Up This Weekend in Queens.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]