Published on November 21, 2000 on www.FCLCobserver.com

Stuck in the Dorms for Thanksgiving?

by Mike Robbins

If so, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy the holiday.

Ah, late November in the city. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is getting colder, and it’s time to get ready for Thanksgiving. Let me give you the three F’s of this holiday: football, family and, most importantly, food. Some people may not like football. Some people may not even like their family. But who doesn't like food?

If you’re stuck in the dorms for Thanksgiving, whether it’s by choice or force, you don't have to starve or be bored. Get yourself out and grab some grub at a local restaurant and then maybe catch a concert downtown. That might not be your idea of a traditional dinner, but at least you won’t have to listen to Uncle Jimmy’s stupid jokes this year.

Here are some places to go to eat on Turkey day:

  • McGee’s Pub & Restaurant at 240 W. 55th St. (212)-957-3536

A quaint Irish joint, McGee’s packs an intimate eating environment with many choices of quality food. Due to limited space, you'll need to get there early.

They plan on having numerous turkey dishes, but aren’t revealing any secrets to me. The will be taking reservations on that special Thursday up until 8 p.m.

  • Carmine’s at 2450 Broadway (212) 362-2000

Large, spacious Italian restaurant packed into the cramped Upper West Side. This year, for $110 bucks (serving six to eight people), you’ll get an 18-pound turkey with all the trimmings: stuffing, cranberry sauce, pies, the works.

  • Route 66 at 859 9th Ave. (212) 977-7600

A diner/restaurant with a reasonably priced menu that, on Turkey Day, will have a few extras involving turkey. This place is built up with license plates and memorabilia that pertain to the infamous Route 66 that stretches from Chicago to L.A. Open until 12 a.m., it’ll be a good idea for a late night meal.

  • Wilson Grill at 201 W. 79th St. (212) 769-0100

A taste of Americana at this bistro with a traditional menu. On Thanksgiving, they’ll be open from 3-8 p.m. and for $35 per person one can get unlimited turkey with all the fixings.

• Have dinner with the R.H.A. 11/24 at 6 p.m. in McMahon Hall 109

Have a big ol’ turkey with stuffing, biscuits, potatoes, veggies, cranberry sauce and everything else imaginable. There are also talks of the popular vegetarian alternative called Tofurkey (tofu turkey).

Now that you’ve eaten, take a look at some things to do around town Thanksgiving weekend:

  • Walk down with R.H.A. to check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • They Might Be Giants are playing on November 23 at the Bowery Ballroom @ 9 p.m.
  • Marilyn Manson plays at the Hammerstein Ballroom on November 24
  • Yo La Tengo will be at the Bowery Ballroom on November 24
  • The Upright Citizens Brigade is performing at their theater at 121 W. 22nd St. all weekend long

 

Well, you might not have the company of your family or the quiet sounds of a peaceful, traditional Thanksgiving, but at least you’ll have something to do. Most importantly, you’ll have plenty of choices for food so sit back, relax and pig out.