If you ask me, Thanksgiving is one of the greatest times of the year. There’s just nothing better than chowing down on excellent food with the people you love by your side. However, hosting Thanksgiving can be a nightmare—and the hard work that goes into it is often overwhelming. Why not leave the hard work to the professionals, though? Whether you’re looking for it all or just need a quick side to throw on the table, we’ve got you covered. Cater your meal, or dine with these NJ restaurants and businesses this Thanksgiving.
Palmer’s Quality Meats – Neptune, NJ
Starting off, hot with what might be the best butcher shop in NJ. Beyond some of the freshest turkey and meat you’ll find in NJ, Palmer’s is also offering an array of prepared goods to take the weight off your shoulders. So, while you’ll still have to cook your turkey, you can get some extra rest by throwing a few of Palmer’s sides on the table. Stuffed pizza breads, sausage and green bean casserole, smoked turkey gravy, stuffing, lasagna and more are on the menu this Thanksgiving.
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Constantino’s Italian Market – Union, NJ
This Union, NJ Italian market is yet another excellent option for all of your catering needs. Constantino’s has you covered with roast turkey breast and drumsticks, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes a-la legendary Chef Joel Robuchon, and apple or pumpkin pie to finish. Orders are open now here.
GTK – Hoboken, NJ
Go-To Kitchen is the new go-to (sorry) spot in Hoboken. The innovative kitchen is designed to create food options that travel well and take the weight off your shoulders for events and holidays. Thanksgiving is no different. You can pre-order smoked turkey, pulled pork, cranberry sauce, among other holiday classics on their website. They will deliver it to you or have it ready to pick up two days before Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that they are not doing orders on Thanksgiving day.
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Santelli’s Hospitality – NJ
Chef Bryan Girón of Santelli’s specializes in artisanally crafted food, using the highest quality ingredients. For Thanksgiving, Santelli’s is offering pick-up and delivery. Thyme-brined turkey with maple glaze, rack of lamb, mac and cheese and garlic butter rolls are just some of the dishes Santelli’s Hospitality is offering for catering this year. Orders can be placed through direct message on their Instagram.
Mutiny BBQ – Asbury Park, NJ
Thanksgiving pre-orders are open until November 13 for Mutiny BBQ in Asbury Park. Set your table with smoked turkey and pork loins, or cover all your sides with their famous mac and cheese, collards and potato salad. Pick-up only, orders can be placed using the form here.
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Gioia Mia – Montclair, NJ
Gioia Mia made waves when they replaced one of NJ’s most legendary restaurants last year and so far, they’ve done a killer job at doing so. The team is going big for their first Thanksgiving in business with a five-course, dine-in menu. Want to get out of the house for the Holiday? Gioia Mia is happy to host with handmade squash agnolotti, focaccia stuffing and a choice of different proteins for your main. Reservations can be made here.
Viaggio – Wayne, NJ
Another excellent option for dining out on Thanksgiving is always Viaggio in Wayne. Robbie Felice’s flagship restaurant offers a three-course menu. Diners can expect to be greeted with impressive apps, house-cured salumi, handmade pasta, steaks, turkey and more. Reservations can be made at their site. Don’t wait, seats are going fast.
Haddon Culinary – Collingswood, NJ
Haddon Culinary is a full-service market known for their outstanding catering at the helm of Chef James Liuzza and Chef Joe Muldoon. A full Thanksgiving menu is available for pick-up on November 22 all day and Thanksgiving Day until noon. Chow down on smoked turkey or ham, potato leek soup, and some truly mouthwatering sides and desserts. Orders can be placed here.
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Sergeantsville Inn – Sergeantsville, NJ
One of the oldest restaurants in New Jersey, Sergeantsville Inn is serving some of the best food in Hunterdon County. Chef Daniel Brunina has turned this old-school facade into a timeless culinary centerpiece for the quaint NJ town. Don’t feel like cooking, but still have to host? Check out Sergeantsville Inn’s Thanksgiving takeout menu, featuring turkey, fresh dinner rolls, apple cobbler and wine packages. Order forms and the full menu can be found here.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao – Cherry Hill, NJ
You don’t have to stick to the classics on Thanksgiving. How about some dim sum staples instead? Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a legendary spot in Queens, but they added a NJ location last year to their roster. Replace the tired turkey with soup dumplings, noodles, egg tarts and more.
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Felina Steak at Hudson House – Jersey City, NJ
Landmark’s Hospitality’s upscale chop house, Felina Steak, is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for Thanksgiving this year. In addition to a menu which includes, braised short rib, lasagna and the obligatory turkey is an exclusive wine list and seasonal cocktail menu. Thanksgiving dinner on the Hudson? Sign me up.
Is Jersey City a hike? Felina in Ridgewood is doing Thanksgiving too. Reservations for either restaurant can be made here.
Saddle River Cafe – Saddle River, NJ
Saddle River Cafe is happy to cater your Holiday feast. Large-format caesar salad, sweet potato mash, crispy brussel sprouts and of course, oven-roasted turkey. Tired of poultry? Grab a beef tenderloin or glazed ham instead. The options are tasty and plentiful at Chef Jamie Knott’s Bergen County staple. Orders must be in by November 20.
Osteria Crescendo – Westwood, NJ
At Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, NJ, Thanksgiving is no joke. Robbie Felice’s sleek Bergen County restaurant is one of the best choices when it comes to eating Thanksgiving out. Guests will be treated to fresh pasta, turkey, inquisitive cocktails and wine and more. Reservations are open now.
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Pie Girl – Hightstown, NJ
If you’re like me, the savory portion of Thanksgiving is no problem—throwing multiple entrees, sides and starters on the table—but, the desserts are where it gets tricky. If you can’t stand baking, Pie Girl has you covered. The artisanal bakeshop in Hightstown, NJ is the perfect place to cater dessert for your Thanksgiving celebration. Apple crumb, chocolate pecan, honey-lime pistachio—these aren’t your average pies. The shop is closed on the holiday, but orders can be placed for November 20 and 22 pick up here.
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Mike’s Pasta and Sandwich Shoppe – Nutley, NJ
Mike’s is always one of the more solid options when it comes to catering an event or a holiday. “Everything but the turkey” as they call it. Meaning that if you handle that one staple item, they’ll do the rest—the hard part is narrowing down what you want. Feast on mushroom lasagna, butternut squash manicotti, fried meatballs and baked goods from NJ online bakery, The Goods. Mike’s is taking orders until November 18.
Chengdu 23 – Wayne, NJ
Sometimes, the Thanksgiving classics just don’t cut it. If you’re one of those people who is tired of the same fare year-in and year-out, try something different this holiday. Give thanks for NJ’s best Sichuan food at Chengdu 23 in Wayne. Trade in the turkey for duck, swap out the stuffing for dumplings and for the love of God, order the twice-cooked pork with leeks. This might just be your tastiest Thanksgiving yet.
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
