Every foodie’s favorite holiday is just around the corner. Are you staying in the city this year? Does the idea of cooking for 10 people make you cringe?
No sweat — we have you covered. From classic turkey dinners to Greek-inspired traditional dishes to an after-dinner dance party, your neighborhood is stuffed with Turkey Day alternatives. So put on those stretchy pants and hit the town this Thanksgiving.
1. MP Taverna
718-777-2187
31-29 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
This contemporary Greek spot is offering a three-course, prix-fixe (for $39.95) or a la carte Greek-influenced Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 8 p.m. First course offerings include a fall butternut squash soup, bulgur salad and “grandma’s meatballs.” The second course options are classics with a twist: roasted turkey, grilled branzino and lamb chops. Dessert is a choice between a spiced walnut cake or Greek yogurt.
2. Bubba’s Bistro
718-728-2227
31-13A Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Bubba’s knows that those lines for grocery store turkeys can stretch a mile long as prep starts for the big day, so the Southern comfort eatery will be selling whole 12- to 14-pound turkeys to go on Thanksgiving Day. Or if you’d rather dine -in, they’re offering a classic turkey dinner complete with American staples including sweet or mashed potatoes, apple stuffing and cranberry sauce from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
3. Flo
718-204-4096
37-20 30th Ave., Astoria
info@flocafeny.com
This unique fusion-style lounge restaurant located on 30th Avenue will be serving a traditional turkey dinner rounded out with your choice of homemade sides. You can expect homemade favorites such as stuffing and cranberry sauce. Guests are encouraged to book tables in advance, as it can fill up on this popular holiday!
4. Zenon Taverna
718-956-0133
34-10 31 Ave., Astoria
zenontaverna@aol.com
Zenon Taverna usually serves classic Greek fare, but this Thanksgiving they’re offering a full spread turkey dinner with an open menu. For starters, they will be debuting a delectable cream of turkey appetizer to start the evening right. To complete the meal, you can expect dishes such as meatballs, stuffing and sweet potatoes. For dessert, they’re whipping up a flavorful pumpkin pie.
5. Katch Astoria
718-777-2230
31-19 Newtown Ave., Astoria
info@katchastoria.com
Get ready to dance off that turkey dinner at Katch Astoria. This modern tavern is dishing up a non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Starting at 8 p.m., there will be a variety of food and drink specials and even a DJ. So make this your stop for a late-night Thanksgiving dinner, or drop by to de-stress after a long day of cooking.
6. William Hallet
718-269-3443
36-10 30th Ave., Astoria
Have you heard of a turducken? This vintage Bistro is offering this half-turkey half-duck delicacy as part of its elaborate three-course Thanksgiving meal. Starter options include mac ‘n’ cheese and butternut squash soup, and a mini pumpkin pie or roasted squash cheesecake for dessert. Not feeling the turducken? There will be other second course options and vegan alternatives available.
7. Vesta Vino
718-545-5550
21-02 30th Ave., Astoria
This cozy Italian spot wants to be your home away from home this year. They’re offering classic Italian dishes mixed with traditional American Thanksgiving staples for an expansive holiday menu. Some dishes that have our mouths watering: roasted turkey with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, focaccia stuffing and cranberry sauce, and branzino with braised kale, sweet potato puree, baby carrots and pepitas. Dessert is a “Baby Jesus Cake,” with toffee sauce and spiced crème fraîche. Make reservations now! This is their most popular day, and tables go fast.
8. Gastrotecca
718-729-9080
33-02 34th Ave., Astoria
This relaxed gastropub is known for their Italian fare, but this Thanksgiving they’re dishing up a delectable prix-fixe menu for $49 chock-full of comfort food. There’s a pasta course; a carvery board selection of porchetta or Tuscan rosemary organic turkey; a choice of two sides including marshmallow yams and Brussels sprouts with maple bacon; and a pie dessert to finish. You also have the choice of ordering a la carte. Either way, be sure to supplement your meal with $10 unlimited house wine.
9. The Thirsty Koala
718-626-5430
25-12 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
thethirstykoala@gmail.com
This neighborhood joint serves Australian-influenced fare. They will be open Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with their regular menu, but they’ll also be serving a special Thanksgiving meal with the choice of two courses for $20.95 or three courses for $24.95. The dishes include traditional options such as a starter salad, turkey breast, stuffing, gravy and maple-glazed pumpkin. A homemade apple crumb pie with warm caramel will tie a ribbon on this comforting meal.
10. Koliba
718-626-0430
3111 23rd Ave., Astoria
Explore a different culture this Thanksgiving! Known for their traditional Czech fare, this spot is delivering a Thanksgiving with a Czech twist. The three-course meal will consist of specialties such as beet soup for a starter, then a choice between roasted turkey or duck for your main meal. An intriguing side offer is a combination of cabbage and dumplings. Finish off the meal with a strong cup of coffee or tea.
