What’s cooking this Thanksgiving?
Better question: Who is cooking? For some, being the primary cook for a Thanksgiving dinner is an honor and a privilege. For others? It’s a source of stress and dread. If you’re in the latter camp and feel like you pulled the wrong end of a wishbone, feel free to opt out. While the idea of going over the river and through the woods to a local restaurant on Thanksgiving may sound almost sacrilegious, one look at these menus will change your mind. Some offer large, family-style takeouts with turkey, vegetarian entrees and fixings that are traditional and classic with a twist. Others are opening their doors so that you can feast sans clean-up.
Either way, these North Fork restaurants with Thanksgiving menus are worth a gander.
aMano Restaurant, 13550 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-4800
Sit down or takeout: Sit down
A restaurant that brings a taste of Tuscany to the North Fork, aMano Restaurant is putting its own spin on the American holiday. You can start with an Italian favorite — slow-simmered meatballs with savory ricotta, tomato and basil. Then, move on to a completely traditional turkey dinner with cornbread stuffing and mashed potatoes (among other expected fixings). And chocolate lovers rejoice — in addition to pumpkin cheesecake and warm apple crisp, a flourless chocolate cake and chocolate-hazelnut budino on the dessert menu.
Legends, 835 1st St., New Suffolk, 631-734-5123
Sit down or takeout: Takeout
This New American spot with an upscale dining area and buzzy bar won’t be opening its doors on Thanksgiving, but a takeout meal brings the ease of the aforementioned bar to your table. A traditional dinner serves one ($48) or two ($89) and includes a so-classic buttermilk turkey that’s already sliced (like we said, easy). Stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are included. Larger portions of sides that offer eight to 10 servings (hello, leftovers) include candied yams and mac and cheese. Orders must be in by Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. You can call or email [email protected].
North Fork Table & Inn, 57225 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-0177
Sit down or takeout: Takeout
The longtime locavore restaurant is inviting guests to leave the cooking to Chef John Fraser this year with a Thanksgiving Larder to-go menu. Start the day with broiled clams or butternut squash bisque before moving on to a main event of carved roasted turkey, North Fork stuffing and other traditional sides. Classic desserts get deliciously creative, with options like caramel pumpkin pie, apple crumble tarte and maple pecan pie. The menu serves four and costs $320. Cocktail and wine pairings are also available to take home, and pick-up is on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28.
Claudio’s Tavern & Grill, 111 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-0627
Sit down or takeout: Sit down
The iconic Claudio’s will be open for Thanksgiving when the waterfront tavern & grill will host a buffet dinner. Salads, proteins like turkey and ham and adored sides like mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts are all on the (buffet) table. Ditto for a dessert table of TBA assorted pies (there’s a good bet apple is on it). The price is $65 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under. Reservations can be made via phone or email at [email protected].
The Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S Ram Island Dr., Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-0811
Sit down or takeout: Sit down
A seaside jaunt a quick boat trip away, The Ram’s Head Inn offers a welcome escape from the chaos of Thanksgiving. But you can ditch the world and have your turkey and stuffing, too. A menu with the aforementioned bird and side (plus braised collard greens and bacon, cranberry relish, an apple tart…) will be served on the big day. And the cozy beds offer a welcome spot to take a tryptophan-induced nap.
Southold Social, 56125 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-8888
Sit down or takeout: Sit down and delivery
In addition to a three-course dine-in menu that includes options like grilled salmon with apple cider reduction, traditional turkey dinner with sweet potato puree and more, Southold Social is also offering Thanksgiving Day delivery from Jamesport to Orient. The delivery, for either six ($235) or 12 ($450), includes roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, arugula salad, stuffing, sweet potato puree with toasted marshmallow, haricot verts and Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, gravy and apple crumb pie with brandy and salted caramel. Order by Monday, Nov. 25 here.
Stonewalls Restaurant, 967 Reeves Ave., Riverhead, 631-506-0777
Sit down or takeout: Sit down
Set on a woodsy golf course, a trip to Stonewall Restaurant feels approachable yet elegant. The menu follows suit, with body-and-soul-warming options like butternut squash soup, roasted young stuffed turkey with quintessential sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce and pie for dessert.
