Where to have Thanksgiving in New York City [2023]

If you’re going to be in New York this Thanksgiving Day and are looking for places to eat your dinner, I have you covered with five fabulous 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, is a NY instition.

I also wrote this post on how to have a wonderful Christmas in New York too.

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 11/23

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 an 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.

You’ll be served dishes like Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon, or Fresh Fruit Platters, while sipping on brunch cocktails or freshly squeezed juices.

Tickets start at $399 and Premium Seating Options are limited. Buy your tickets from Thanksgivingnyc.com.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Empire Steak House 

Empire Steak House, which has three locations in the heart of Midtown (151 E 50th St, 237 W 54th St, 233 W. 49th St) will host an elevated, decadent Thanksgiving feast. 

Their three-location, three-course prix-fixe menu offers a choice of appetizer like Tuna Tartare, Buffalo Mozzarella, or Pumpkin Soup. Entrees include a Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey with all the fixings, Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak, and Lobster Ravioli. 

And Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete with a slice of Pumpkin Pie, Cheesecake, or Tiramisu for dessert. The prefix menu is $110 per person and reservations can be made by visiting: https://www.empiresteakhousenyc.com/. 

Discover the perfect Thanksgiving at Haven Rooftop (132 W 47th Street), located in the heart of Midtown at The Sanctuary Hotel.

Haven will offer diners an unforgettable prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner experience on Thursday, November 23rd. Priced at $85 per person, this special meal will include 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.

Conclude your meal with dessert like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Rice Pudding dulce de leche, or Creme Brulee. Reservations can be made between 2pm and 9pm by emailing events@sanctuaryhotelnyc.com or call at 212-466-9000 to make a reservation. 

Nerai Offers two Thanksgiving Dine-in and Catering Options

Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) invites guests to savor an exquisite Thanksgiving feast two ways this holiday season.

Delight in an extravagant Thanksgiving dinner featuring a three-course prix fixe menu at $90 per person, complemented by 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, enjoy 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 offers a convenient Thanksgiving To-Go alternative, showcasing a Turkey Dinner Set priced at $70 per person.

The option includes a flavorful 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.

This option allows you to pre-order via phone or email and arrange for easy pickup on Thanksgiving Day, between 12 pm and 5 pm, Thursday, November 23, 2023, with a 48-hour ordering cutoff. Reservations can be made through Resy or by phone and more information can be found on https://nerainyc.com/

Bell, Book & Candle sustainably sourced Thanksgiving Dinner

Bell Book & Candle (141 West 10th St.) is serving up a mindfully sourced Thanksgiving dinner.

The three-course meal, priced at $70 for adults and $40 for children, features a splendid array of seasonal delights. Begin your feast 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 is 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.

To conclude, indulge in a classic Chicago Style Apple Pie, served with a dollop of creme fraiche ice cream. For reservations and further information, you can contact them at 212.414.2355 or visit their website at https://www.bbandcnyc.com 

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.