Whether you're looking to have someone else cook the bird this year, just need a little menu help or want to avoid Thanksgiving food entirely, there are plenty of Philadelphia and South Jersey restaurants and catering services ready to feed you on Thanksgiving Day, 2009. Reservations are strongly recommended for all of the restaurants listed.
1. City Tavern – Best Traditional
You can't get more traditional than the City Tavern, the Old City restaurant that serves up colonial food year-round (complete with servers dressed in period garb). For Thanksgiving the City Tavern is offering a set-menu, family style meal. $82.95 for adults; $32.95 for children 12 and under.
138 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-1443
2. Lacroix – Best Fancy
If you want to be thankful for exquisite cuisine, consider having your dinner at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, one of the area's best restaurants (Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LeBan awarded it the elusive four bells, the highest rating a Philadelphia restaurant can get). Lacroix will be serving a buffet for $75 a person.
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-790-2533
3. Supper – Best Local Meal
South Street's Supper is already famous for its family-style, first-Sunday-of-the month...well, suppers. This special Thanksgiving version features three courses heaping with local ingredients in dishes like caramelized root vegetable cassoulet, potato puree with cheddar and horseradish and of course, turkey. $50 for adults; $25 for children under 12.
926 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-592-8180
4. Divan Turkish Kitchen – Best Non-Traditional
There comes a time for each of us when we're ready to chuck tradition out the window. If that time comes for you this Thanksgiving, eschew the standard meal and instead head for Divan to load up on Turkish cuisine. Make sure to bring cash – they do take cards, but everything on their menu is cheaper if you pay with the green stuff. Prices vary.
918 S. 22nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-545-5792
5. Miss Rachel's Pantry – Best Vegan
If you're a vegetarian or vegan sick of getting stuck with side dishes, order your Thanksgiving dinner from vegan caterer Miss Rachel's Pantry. For $25 a person, Miss Rachel will deliver a fully vegan Thanksgiving meal to your door, ready to heat and eat.
6. Moshulu – Best Boat
The pilgrims came to America on big wooden boats, and this Thanksgiving, you can eat on one. Moshulu, the floating restaurant on Columbus Boulevard, will be offering Thanksgiving specials in addition to their regular seafood-centric menu. Prices vary.
401 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-923-2500
7. Valley Green Inn – Best Scenery
The Valley Green Inn, a National Historic Landmark, offers a classic Thanksgiving buffet in a beautiful space along the Wissahickon Creek. $34.95 for adults; $14.95 for children under 10.
Valley Green Rd. at Wissahickon
Philadelphia, PA 19128
215-247-1730
8. La Campagne – Best South Jersey
For an elegant Thanksgiving dinner in South Jersey, French BYOB La Campagne is the best option, offering three courses of Thanksgiving fare. Prices vary.
312 Kresson Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-429-7647
9. Picnic – Best Dinner Helper
University City's Picnic offers delicious catering year-round, but they step up production around Thanksgiving to help you round out your meal with several side dishes and soups. Call or stop by to pre-order, and then pick up your ready-made dishes before Thanksgiving Day.
3131 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-222-1608
10. Coleman Restaurant at Normandy Farm - Best Overnight
Whether you have relatives coming to town, are looking to spend Thanksgiving away from home or are just want an excellent restaurant in the suburbs, check out Coleman Restaurant at Normandy Farm. The restaurant is run by Chef Jim Coleman, famous for his weekly NPR radio show "A Chef's Table," and the Thanksgiving offerings include both a three-course prix fixe menu as well as a la carte selections.
Route 202 & Morris Road
Blue Bell, PA 19422
215-616-8300
