Guides

Philly Restaurants Are Cooking Thanksgiving Foods So You Don’t Have To

Avoid the hassle this year by pre-ordering turkeys, pies, ice cream and more from some of the city's best bakeries and restaurants.


Lil’ Pop Shop’s Pumpkin Pie | Courtesy of Bondfire Media

In a city so chock-full of excellent restaurants, it seems almost silly to shoulder the burden of the Thanksgiving meal on your own. Instead, let the pros do the work by preordering pies, ice cream, rolls, wine or even the entire meal from your favorite spots. Even if you’re not cooking, a beautiful loaf of bread, bottle of wine or box of pastries makes a thoughtful and useful gift. And if you decide to pass their work off as your own, we promise not to tell. Our other advice: Order far in advance and TIP WELL.

White Dog Cafe, Various Locations
For a classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 or more people without breaking a sweat, hit up White Dog Cafe, whose full-service spread includes a large turkey plus a choice of one soup, one salad, three sides and two pies, plus add-ons if you want them. It’s not cheap, but it will save you fighting with your uncle about the right temperature for the bird. Details here.

Urban FarmerLogan Square
A full spread from Urban Farmer serves 4-6 and includes a turkey, cornbread stuffing, smashed potatoes, gravy, sides and one pie. Details here.

Di Bruno Bros., Various Locations
The Di Bruno Bros. Thanksgiving catering menu covers every base — want them to do all the cooking? They’re on it. Want an epic cheese board? Of course you do. They’ve got that too, and everything in between.

South Philly Barbacoa, Italian Market
You may or may not be aware that, given two days notice – you can order Philadelphia’s most famous tacos for take-out. This option will be available for Thanksgiving, and honestly, I think lamb probably goes really well with pumpkin pie.

CO-OP Restaurant and LoungeWest Philly
For a low-key take home option, order CO-OP’s thanksgiving takeout menu, which feeds 4 and included turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, gravy, and a whole pumpkin pie for $88. Order by Monday, November 25th by calling the restaurant.

Jet Wine Bar is offering a set of 3 bottles of wine specifically chosen to pair well with classic Thanksgiving flavors. | Photo courtesy of Jet Wine Bar

Jet Wine Bar, Center City
If you’ve been charged with bringing wine for the big day, check out Jet Wine Bar’s three-bottle Thanksgiving set, chosen by Jet’s owner. You’ll probably need more than 3 bottles, which is why they have 2 different options available. Details here.

Moore Brothers Wine CompanyPennsauken
For the best wine deals, head across the river to Moore Brothers Wine shop, where their Thanksgiving wine box runs $115 for 6 bottles of specially selected small-producer wine that are sure to delight every palate. Reserve online, or pick up in-store.

Hungry Pigeon, Queen Village
If you’re still feeling sad about not being able to get breakfast or lunch at Hungry Pigeon anymore, double down and let them bake your holiday pies. They’re baking apple ($32), pumpkin ($27) and maple pecan ($37) pies. Limit three per customer. Details here.

Mighty Bread Co., South Philly
Here for all your carb needs, Mighty Bread Co., is accepting orders for pies, teacakes, cookies and a wide variety of breads, including pre-cut stuffing mixes that are sure to outdo any other boxed mix. Don’t forget extra loaves for sandwiches on Friday. Details here.

Essen Bakery, Italian Market
Pumpkin Challah sounds like a good reason to go off the traditional Thanksgiving script this year. Get that, plus a few pies, at Essen bakery for a little Jewish influence on your Thanksgiving table. Info on their website.

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Fiore Fine Foods, Queen Village
Fiore will bake traditional pies, but the real move is to order pistachio cornetti and a bunch of biscotti either as host gifts for whoever is cooking for you (they need to eat breakfast the next day)! Don’t sleep on the housemade vanilla bourbon and butterscotch gelato, which will make up for any burned pies or overcooked turkeys. Details here.

High Street on MarketOld City
Pies, breads, rolls – and gift certificates. High Street has everything you need to be an easy host OR a perfect guest. Details here.

Red Owl Tavern, Old City
For Thanksgiving with a touch of humanitarianism, order a pumpkins or apple cranberry streusel pie and Red Owl Tavern will donate a portion of their profits to Philabundance. Details here.

Cake Life Bake Shop, Kensington
If you’re looking for more dessert options than plain old pie, check out Cake Life’s selection of autumnal cakes, including apple bourbon and pumpkin maple. You can also order a flourless chocolate cake for the dietary restricted among us. Details here.

Lil’ Pop Shop, multiple locations
In addition to more traditional flavors, Lil’ Pop Shop is serving up autumnal pies like rosewater cherry and cranberry orange meringue pies. Details here.

Weckerly’s Turkey Sandwiches | Photo courtesy of Weckerly’s

Weckerly’s, Fishtown
If you’re looking for an unexpected dessert to surprise and delight, look no further than Weckerly’s turkey ice cream sandwiches, filled with your choice of vanilla or pumpkin pecan ice cream. Details here.

Creme BrûléeSouth Philly
Creme Brûlée’s French-infected pies lean closer to a tart than a deep-dish, American style pie. Apple, pecan and pumpkin are available at $15 per pie for preorder by calling the restaurant.

Crust Vegan Bakery, multiple pickup locations
If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, check out Crusts’ menu of 4 vegan pies, available for preorder to be picked up at locations across the city. The bakery will donate a portion of Thanksgiving pie sales to Indigenous 215, an organization that works to provide provide education of Indigenous history, and offers support for the Indigenous peoples living in the Philadelphia area. Details here.

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Branzino, Rittenhouse
For something a little more unexpected, order Branzino’s Albanian Three Milk Cake. A sponge cake soaked in espresso, cinnamon and caramel and topped with chocolate and chopped pistachios. A whole cake ($60), which serves 14-16, is available by calling the restaurant and ordering 12 hours in advance.