Walking around Philly right now, it may not feel like November with the holiday lights, garland and christmas music that have taken over streets and shops. But we mustn’t let that distract us from the most delicious holiday of all that’s coming up – Thanksgiving!
Philadelphia has some of the best eats in the country with its fair share of restaurants serving up some amazing turkey specials. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal (fried Thanksgiving balls) or a classy sit-down experience (truffled stuffing and champagne), you’re sure to find a tasty turkey treat in town. So if you want to gobble up all the turkey you can (while it’s still socially acceptable) or if you don’t want to labor over Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve compiled a list of places for you to head to for the best turkey specials in the city.
Creative Turkey Specials
Turkey Day Tailgate
1050 N Hancock St #1, Northern Liberties
Don’t miss Philly PR Girl and Phan Cave’s* Turkey Day Tailgate on Sunday November 20th at Schmidt’s Commons for a sampling of all things turkey. New this year, the tailgate will host a turkey cook-off featuring bites from local restaurants including Pastificio and Crabby’s Cafe. Not only will there be turkey, but also seasonal pies from Whole Foods and fall brews and drinks to wash down your Thanksgiving feast. It’s a foodie and football event you won’t want to miss!
Mad Mex
3401 Walnut St, Old City
If you haven’t heard of the Gobblerito at Mad Mex, you’re missing out on what might possibly be the best thing you’ll ever taste. Mad Mex combines the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner, mashes it up, and stuffs it into a burrito. Each bite is a delightful blend of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn, cranberry, and gravy…what could be better than that?
The Blind Pig
702 N 2nd St, Northern Liberties
The Blind Pig puts a twist on Thanksgiving dinner by combining all of the holiday necessities and shaping them into their infamous balls. Owners David Hentz and Debra Ciasullo start with turkey, which is wrapped in mashed potatoes and stuffing, then breaded and fried. Dip the balls in gravy and cranberry for a tastier bite.
Craftsman Row Saloon
112 S 8th St, Washington Square West
We all know and love the Wawa Gobbler sandwich, but if you’re looking for a more upscale version of the timeless classic, head to the Craftsman Row Saloon for their ultimate Gobbler special sandwich. Two turkey patties and one stuffing patty are topped with yams and homemade cranberry, then drizzled with gravy and slid between a brioche bun. This sandwich is no longer available after Thanksgiving, so get it while it’s hot!
Jake’s Sandwich Board
122 S 12th St, Center City
Fans wait all year for Jake’s Sandwich Board to bring back the Turducken special, which they only feature on their menu once a year in November. This sandwich is seriously sinful. They combine slow-roasted turkey, duck, chicken AND sausage. Then top it with cranberry-apple spread, savory brown gravy and crispy hash browns. It’s fine though, because they say calories don’t count during the holidays, right?
Sit-Down Thanksgiving Meals
Bridget Foy’s
200 South St, Society Hill
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Many restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving offer guests a pre-fixe three-course meal, which can often be expensive and too narrow for some. So if you’re looking for a night out with no restrictions, check out Bridget Foy’s. They feature one of the only a la carte menus you’ll find for a Thanksgiving meal. Serving all of the Thanksgiving classics in addition to all-american classics, there’s something for everyone (including those of you who weirdly don’t enjoy turkey).
Square 1682
121 S 17th St, Rittenhouse Square
If you’d rather spend your Thanksgiving holiday relaxing and not stressing over cooking Thanksgiving dinner, Square 1682 offers the perfect alternative. Their three-course meal will satisfy all of your fall cravings. This year’s menu options include seasonal flavors with pumpkin soup, maple glazed turkey, pecan pie and more.
Lacroix
210 W. Rittenhouse, Rittenhouse Square
If you love brunch and holidays as much we do, you’ll love the Thanksgiving brunch at Lacroix. This place already serves up an amazing brunch on the reg, but plans to really up their game this holiday. Their Thanksgiving brunch menu includes pomegranate-glazed turkey thighs and truffle stuffing, not to mention festive bubbly mimosas! It’s the perfect setting for a classy boozy brunch!
The Twisted Tail
509 S 2nd St, Society Hill
Thanksgiving is all about comfort food, and The Twisted Tail has mastered Southern-style food that is good for the soul. Their pre-fixed menu gives guests the option of turkey, salmon, prime rib or ham served with classic tasty sides including their scrumptious cornbread stuffing. Top it off with their decadent dessert pies and you’ll leave feeling full and happy.
* Phan Cave is a client of Philly PR Girl.
What’s your favorite restaurant spot to go to for some tasty turkey? Let us know in the comments!