Best NYC Thanksgiving Dinners for After the Parade

If you are planning a visit to New York City, for the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, you will want to place reservations now for your Thanksgiving Dinner. The parade that kicks off the shopping season attracts thousands of tourists, all of whom, dine out for the holiday. Here are five great picks.

1. The Four Seasons Hotel. The Garden Restaurant and Wine Bar will be serving a special three course Thanksgiving Dinner from 12 noon to 9 PM on Thanksgiving Day. The menu includes French Lentil Soup or Maryland Crabcakes among other delicious appetizers, with Sage Butter Roasted Turkey or Slow Roasted Rack of Pork among listed entrees. Desserts include Sweet Potato Bourbon Pecan Pie and White Chocolate Cranberry Mousse. The entire three course meal goes for 130 dollars per person. A luxurious dinner in a beautiful environment and reasonably (by NYC standards) priced. For the entire menu and more information go to www.fourseasons.com. The Garden Restaurant has a 15 foot wine bar and serves over 100 wines by the glass.

2. The Rock Center Cafe in Rockefeller Center overlooking the skating rink is offering a three course dinner for Thanksgiving serving among several appetizers, Lobster Bisque or Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. For dinner choose from Roast Vermont Turkey, Braised Short Ribs or Slow Roasted Salmon as well as similar seasonal fare. For dessert, try Rock Center Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Cheese Cake to name a few of the selections. You need to make your reservations early as this place fills up fairly quickly and stays full all day.The down side is that a lot of tourists eat here, the upside is the prix fixe dinner price of 59 dollars per person. The service starts at 11:30 AM and ends at 10:30 PM. For the full menu and reservation information go to www.patinagroup.com.

3. Corneila Street Cafe. If you are looking to escape the parade traffic and enjoy a "superb" Thanksgiving Dinner head down to the Village (29 Corneila St) Start with Wild Mushroom Soup or a Maine Crab Cake among several appetizers and then order Roast Breast of Turkey or Grilled Atlantic Salmon or any of several other delicious entrees. One reason that this is one of my favorite NYC Thanksgiving dinners is that they serve several great desserts, but especially my childhood fave, Old Fashioned Baked Indian Pudding. Yum! Dinner is served from 2 to 8 pm for about 55 dollars per person. A childrens menu is available. For full menu and reservation information see www.corneliastreetcafe.com Reserve early as it is a popular spot for New Yorkers.

4. Metrazur, located in Grand Central Station is an excellent choice if you are visiting the city from the suburbs. With all transit systems running (albeit on the Holiday schedule) this should be a good choice for after parade dining and training back home. Aside from not having to search for parking you can have a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner and not worry about having to designate a driver for the trip home. Metrazur is serving a full Thanksgiving Menu with choices that include Lobster Consomme and Citrus Cured Atlantic Char. For dinner select from a list of entrees including Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon or Roasted Free Range California Turkey. Desserts include their incredible warm chocolate cake and pumpkin cheesecake. Service is from 12 to 8 pm and costs around 57 dollars per person. A childrens menu is also available. Be sure to reserve early as this is a busy restaurant on the holiday. For full menu and reservation information see www.charliepalmer.com.

5. The Carnegie Deli. Okay, so lets say you are visiting with a diverse group and only you are in the mood for a turkey dinner. The famed Carnegie Deli is open on Thanksgiving and serving up its freshly roasted turkey platter for 21.95. You can also order up the regular menu to include mouthwatering and generous corned beef and hot pastrami sandwiches. You can have eggs, daily made homemade desserts, and just about anything else your heart desires. Located at the 55th Street and 7th avenue and you won't need a reservation but you can check out the menu at www.carnegiedeli.com.

Have a wonderful holiday in NYC.