Are you dreading a holiday party because you don’t know what to make? Having trouble managing your time this holiday season? You’re in luck because Philadelphia has got your back. Dozens of places around the city can help by cooking one part or all of your holiday meal. If you’re not super-crunched on funds, you can even get a whole gourmet meal catered with turkey, all the fixin’s, and even dessert. Shhh… we won’t even tell if you try to pretend like you made it.
Full Dinners
Plenty of places in the city are offering a complete cheat for your holiday meal. These places will cook up an entire feast for your family with a little heads-up order.
DiBruno Bros.
For a classic thanksgiving menu that’s guaranteed to be good, look no further than this famous Italian market. There are three convenient locations in Rittenhouse Square, Franklin Market, and Ardmore Farmers Market. The starter dinner package serves six, and options include an all natural slow-roasted whole turkey, mashed cauliflower, and sweet Italian sausage stuffing. On a smaller scale, try one of their four famous cheese platters with or without a beverage pairing.
Green Aisle Grocery
From the birds to sides, everything is local and organic at this South Philly market with locations at Grays Ferry and East Passyunk. There are three different sizes of turkeys, in addition to pheasant, capon, duck, ham, and other delicious creatures you can inquire about. Side options are: herbed mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash soup, and spiced cranberry sauce. There’s also pie!
Fette Sau
For alternative meats and interesting sides, check out the Fishtown smokehouse. From brisket to ribs to shredded bbq, there’s plenty of non-poultry options. If you’re set on a holiday bird, the freebird organic chicken is smoky and delicious. Pair the protein with mac ‘n cheese, baked beans, slaw, potato or broccoli salads, or kraut.
Urban Farmer
Enjoy a classy meal in the comfort of your own home. This high-end restaurant offers a special menu items that includes waygu shortrib, seared foie gras, prime rib, cornbread stuffing, cider-braised heirloom squash, and many more luxe dishes.
Miss Rachel’s Pantry
Who says that vegans shouldn’t love Thanksgiving? Seitan is the star of the show, wrapped in a tender homemade pastry and served with truffled mushroom gravy. Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and sweet-and-savory bread stuffing complete the menu. There’s also a gluten-free menu as well.
Dim Sum Garden
Skip the the traditional Thanksgiving menu options with your friends and family by trying this curveball. There’s a large menu of shared plates with delicious options including savory dumplings, pan-fried potato cakes, and famous soup dumplings.
Side Dishes
Some might argue that sides are the most important part of a holiday meal. After all, that’s where all the variety is. Plenty of places in Philadelphia are cooking up creative variations of the classics.
Talula’s Daily
Aimee Olexy brings her A-game for gourmet sides and treats at this farm-to-table market. Grab roasted beets with citrus vinaigrette and goat cheese, brussels sprouts with bacon and mustard-scented cider glaze, bourbon-scented turkey gravy, and more. Bonus: pick up scones for the morning after!
Weavers Way
Choose your pickup location from Ambler, Chestnut Hill or Mt. Airy. Cooked sides include all the classics: mashed potatoes, and an array of vegetables. The most interesting picks are the gingered pumpkin soup and the wild rice dish with toasted pecans and dried cherries. The minimum online order is three, but trust us, these tasty offerings will be gone in a blink.
Mac Mart
Wow the party with a tray from the city’s best mac and cheesery. There are tons of options from classic to almost-crazy. We love the roasted red pesto, margherita, in the buff(alo), and bbq flavors. A small tray feeds 10-15 adults, and a large tray is about 20-30 portions.
Couch Tomato
Down on Manayunk’s Main Street, this cafe creates some of the freshest and most creative salads. Our favorites are the Strawberry Fields Forever with strawberries, almonds, and toasted coconut, and added chicken, as well as the Where’s Waldorf salad with apple, gorgonzola, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
Deke’s BBQ
Look no further than Roxborough for the best cornbread in the city. Tip: add chorizo for no extra charge. Aside from that, they also serve up pints of mac ‘n cheese shells, baked beans, collard greens, and more.
Desserts
We won’t tell if you head straight to the dessert table first. With the selection of sweet options in this city, who can blame you… Plus, the holidays aren’t all about pie. There are plenty of other tasty treats to please all palettes.
Rooster Soup
Don’t let the name fool you, the pies are just what you expect from the creators of Federal Donuts. Choose between Dutch apple pie or pumpkin pie. Aside from the delicious dessert, you get the warm satisfaction of knowing your purchase is going towards a good cause. All proceeds from this restaurant supports Broad Street Ministry. #EatWellDoRight
Magpie
Is there ever enough pie? This bakery adds a creative twist to traditional flavors. Try Chocolate Coffee Cinnamon Pecan, Butterscotch Bourbon, or Lemon Gingersnap. There are always the classics to choose from though: Caramel Apple and Pumpkin, of course!
Beiler’s Bakery
No one said the holidays were all about pie, especially not those at this famous bakery. Bring a non-pie dessert to the potluck. Every flavor is drool-worthy, such as the candy-coated, cereal-topped and cream-filled varieties.
Sweet Freedom Bakery
Philly is amazing at accommodating people of all tastes. If you’re gluten free, don’t worry because you’re not going to miss out on dessert. Indulge in a pumpkin spice treat from this bakery with three locations: South Street, Collingswood, and Bryn Mawr.
Tiffany’s Bakery
Cake doesn’t get enough credit during the holidays, but these cookie cakes truly shine. Though chocolate chip is a fan favorite, pick between different batters with oatmeal raisin, Reese’s, Heath bar, and white chocolate macadamia nut.
What is your favorite thing to eat at Thanksgiving? Share below in the comments or on our social media channels!
