Fall has truly arrived in Philly. The temperature and leaves are falling, people are breaking out the sweaters and scarves, and Locust Walk looks absolutely scenic. Yet it seems like November is just that month where you either try to prolong Halloweekend for as long as possible or start to make winter break plans.
But for many of us, this will mark one of the first times we’re away from home for a holiday centered around food and companionship. This year, I won’t be ordering a feast to take back home and gorging on my third slice of pumpkin pie (much to the disapproval of my mom), or visiting Buca di Beppo or some other warm, boisterous restaurant with family friends. Nothing beats a home–cooked meal, but for all the Thanksgiving foodies in Philly this season, that might not be an option.
Since all on–campus dining is closed on Thanksgiving, I was wondering if I should be stocking up on bagels from McClelland to tide me over until after break. Luckily, many restaurants around town are offering their own unique spins on the classic holiday meal. If you cannot wait until break, or plan on spending it on campus, make sure to check out these restaurants for your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving needs.
(And there’s always Wawa.)
Restaurants Near Campus:
CO–OP is a contemporary American restaurant just off campus that’s open for both lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving day. They have standard fare for dinner, including entrées like rotisserie chicken and appetizers like fried calamari.
Address: 20 S. 33rd St.
Although not your typical Thanksgiving holiday dinner, Dim Sum House by Jane G’s is open for both lunch and dinner and offers authentic Chinese food, with dishes like Shanghai pork soup dumplings and Peking duck.
Address: 3939 Chestnut St.
This charming American cafe is open for both lunch and dinner. Their website depicts a special Thanksgiving a la carte menu that runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.; $35 per person gets you appetizers, side dishes, a turkey entree, and dessert.
Address: 2929 Walnut St.
Restaurants Within 3 Miles
This seafood–specialized restaurant is located in Rittenhouse Square. Their Thanksgiving menu runs from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. and includes three courses—an appetizer, which you can choose, a second course consisting of typical Thanksgiving dinner foods, and a dessert, which you can choose—for $40.
Address: 225 S. 18th St.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood—Philadelphia
Featuring seafood and steak, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood is known for its happy hour. They also have a Thanksgiving menu called “The Roasted Turkey Dinner.”
Address: One South Broad, 1 S. Broad St.
Known equally for their drinks and “progressive American fare,” The Twisted Tail offers a family–style Thanksgiving menu that runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. For $49, you can get an entrée, a dessert shared between two people, and all the typical sides served family style.
Address: 509 S. 2nd St.
Other Philly Spots
With football being a classic Thanksgiving tradition, Misconduct Tavern is taking its restaurant and bar and turning it into a full holiday experience. Enjoy a traditional plate of roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes. Or experience the classic meal in burger form with a venison burger topped with mushrooms, or a turkey burger with stuffing, gravy, and cranberry relish. All of their Thanksgiving meals can be enjoyed for just $15 per plate and can be found at any of the chain's locations.
Address: 1511 Locust St.
Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own Thanksgiving feast at Smokin’ Betty’s. From choices ranging from butternut squash soup to roasted turkey to glazed ham, the restaurant offers a variety of Thanksgiving classics to choose from in order to make the perfect plate. There are also sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, cornbread muffins, and more to fill you up, and finish the meal off with a slice of pumpkin pie or a helping of bread pudding. Dine with Smokin’ Betty’s for just $29.95 per plate, or get it to go with takeout or delivery to give enjoying your meal that homey touch.
Address: 116 S 11th St.
If you’re looking for “one of the best Thanksgiving deals in town” according to Eater: Philadelphia, make sure to hit up P.J. Clarke’s. While the price is on the higher side at $39, enjoy a head of roasted heritage turkey with the classic sides of mashed potatoes and green bean salad. The restaurant has also added some additional and fresher takes on the traditional sides such as roasted sweet potato and squash and sausage stuffing, and the whole meal is rounded off with pie, cobbler, and ice cream. Feel free to also add oysters from the raw bar, a P.J. Clarke classic, for a twist on the typical Thanksgiving.
Address: 601 Walnut St.
The London Grill is back with their Thanksgiving buffet, packed with roasted turkey and house–made turkey gravy, apple cider glazed ham, cornbread–sausage stuffing, and many more classic sides. They also offer unique dishes such as streusel topped sweet potato casserole, rutabaga mash, and collard greens with bacon. The traditional meal is $45 for a bowl of butternut and acorn squash soup, unlimited access to the buffet, and a slice of sweet potato, pumpkin–ricotta, or apple–cherry pie. But you can snag a seat at the bar area and get a platter for just $25 that includes soup, five buffet items of your choice, and a slice of pie. It’s truly a Thanksgiving deal you won’t want to miss, so make sure to reserve your spot ASAP.
Address: 2301 Fairmount Ave.
