Where to Grab a Quick Bite on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

New Yorkers are always in a rush. Especially when attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Yorkers and tourists alike are always in a hurry to find a great place to watch and make sure they don’t miss a single balloon.

But if your tummy starts to grumble and you need a little something to hold you over 'til that Turkey Day meal, here are some places to grab a quick bite on the parade route.

Patsy's Pizzeria

Location: 61 W 74th St, New York, NY

Pizza is a New York City staple. New Yorkers know that there is never a bad time to eat pizza. Even if you’re at the parade, it’s 10:30 am and that cheesy and tomato-filled slice would be the first thing you’d eaten all day.

Pasty’s Pizzeria, towards the beginning of the parade route is the perfect quick snack to hold you over until all the balloons and floats go by. Want more NYC pizza? Here are some epic options.

Levain Bakery

Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, NY

There is truly nothing better than a warm cookie, especially when you know you’re going to be standing outside in New York’s November weather for hours. Levain Bakery will provide you with the perfect treat that you’re sure to be thankful for.

Whether it’s my personal favorite the Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie, the Oatmeal Raisin, or Dark Chocolate Chocolate, you definitely cannot choose wrong.

Maison Kayser

Location: 1800 Broadway at 58th St, New York, NY

If you’re going to the parade, make sure to bring lots of friends and family along with you. Though it’s a once in a lifetime experience no matter what, sharing it with the ones you love makes it even more special (plus they can go on food runs for you).

Maison Kayser offers great to-go options of pastries, sandwiches, soups, you name it, leaving your whole group extra satisfied and full. Oh, and don't forget about their elaborate desserts. Plus, when you have more time, you can check out their sit-in menu because let me tell you, this place is the best.

Le Pain Quotidien, Columbus Circle 

Location: 922 7th Ave, New York, NY

If you’re a New Yorker, you know that there are Le Pain Quotidien’s all over the city. Although they don’t often have the quickest service, you can definitely stop in and grab warm coffees, teas, and hot chocolates to supplement your parade viewing experience. Not to mention, the pastries and breads are all made fresh each morning, so this is definitely a must-try.

Jams

Location: 1414 6th Ave, New York, NY

Okay, this might just be the option that I end up going for this Thanksgiving. Jams is located on 6th Avenue (one of the main streets of the parade route) and offers a Thanksgiving Brunch. With huge windows looking out on to the street, this restaurant is the perfect place to stay warm and eat well, while also watching the parade with friends and family.

Astro Restaurant 

Location: 1361 6th Ave, New York, NY

One of the things that not many people know when they watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television is just how early the viewers have to get there. In order to get a good spot, people start arriving between 5 and 6 am. Astro Restaurant opens at 5 am on Thanksgiving Day and offers all the classic diner options, so you’ll definitely be covered before, during, or after the parade.

For more diner options in NYC, cause who doesn't love a good diner, check these out.  

The Halal Guys

Location: W 53rd St and 6th Ave, New York, NY

Let’s be real, food carts complete any city and NYC has a lot. But, located right along the parade route is the Halal Guys food cart with gyros, falafel, and all of your favorite Halal foods. So no need to miss any of the action to get some great food as the parade makes its way down 6th Avenue.

Magnolia Bakery

Location: 200 Columbus Ave and 69th Street, New York, NY

Growing up eating Magnolia cupcakes, I definitely hold a special place in my heart (and stomach) for this bakery, especially during the holiday season. These cupcakes are the best way to complete the parade experience. What’s better than watching Snoopy float on by, while munching on a classic Magnolia cupcake with that signature sugar flower on top? Absolutely nothing.

P.S. This month’s featured cupcakes are Butter Pecan and Red Velvet, guaranteed to get you in a festive, fall mood.

Wafels and Dinges 

Location: W 35th Street and 6th Avenue, New York, NY

Listen, there’s truly nothing better than a chocolate-drizzled waffle to hold you over as you watch the parade. Wafels and Dinges has a cart on 6th Avenue that can truly fulfill all of your sweet and savory waffle needs. Plus, if it’s a little chilly in the morning walking around NYC, be sure to grab their Belgian hot cocoa—it’s the perfect thing to warm you up this Thanksgiving.

Shake Shack

Location: 1333 Broadway, New York, NY

Shake Shack is another spot that every New Yorker knows and loves. There is nothing like crinkle cut fries and a burger, any day, any time. Here are some ways to hack the menu to make the most of your Shake Shack experience.

Located at the end of the parade route, this is the perfect place to go for a killer lunch in preparation for that Thanksgiving meal of a lifetime.

Untamed Sandwiches 

Location: 43 W 39th Street, New York, NY

If post-Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade you’re heading outside of the city for family dinner, Untamed Sandwiches has got you covered. Sandwiches are the perfect snack to grab after watching the parade, but before the turkey. Located at the end of the parade route, it’s the perfect fast "snack."

Whether you’re a New Yorker or a tourist, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade always has a way of bringing people together, just like food. So, grab all your family and friends, so you can try all the restaurants possible as the parade makes its way through Manhattan for the 93rd year in a row.