Not going home for Thanksgiving? No worries. Harvard Square has you covered with all the same traditional fixings you would find at home and even some new twists on dishes for this favorite American holiday. Don’t let being stuck on campus keep you from stuffing your face on November 27th.
Beat Hotel
Photo by Jessica Payne
Known for its great atmosphere and live music, the Beat Hotel has a Thanksgiving lineup that is sure to satisfy. Begin your meal with one of their unique starters like creamy mushroom soup, baked crab cakes, or a chopped salad. For a seasonal twist try their black bean pumpkin soup.
For the main course, they have turkey covered. Or, if not a turkey fan (we won’t be too upset), they also have roast beef, sole, and even a vegetarian option.
If you have had their bowls before, you know they are amazing. For this special day, they have a Thanksgiving bowl planned as well that is definitely worth checking out.
Finally, make room for dessert because you will not want to miss their bourbon pecan pie or pumpkin chocolate cheesecake. It may not be what the pilgrims ate on Thanksgiving, but it will definitely be delicious.
Grafton Street
Grafton Street is another great place to try out for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner. They have both classics and some new twists on the traditional dishes.
Their turkey spread comes with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Just like home, right? If you cannot imagine replacing family classics, though, try their quinoa spaghetti or East Coast cioppino – a fancy way of saying “a mix of seafood.” This one includes crabs, mussels, shrimp, squid, and scallops.
For dessert their apple tarte tatin is their version of an apple pie and their pumpkin budino is their twist on the classic pie. If you have not tried Grafton street before, this holiday may be the perfect time to do so.
Russell House Tavern
Photo courtesy of russellhousecambridge.com
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern is offering another option for your Thanksgiving dinner. There is a $45 three course fixe menu, and for those old enough the chef has wine and beer pairings for an additional $18. This dinner might be the perfect way to toast the end of midterms.
Appetizers include a choice between butternut squash bisque, local greens salad or a fried oyster toast. For the main course there is classic turkey or interesting twists like root vegetable lasagna.
Finally, the best part: dessert. Choose between pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, or a local cheese board.
#SpoonTip: Afraid of prix fixe commitment? Go with friends to try out as much as you can off the menu.
Park Restaurant
Photo courtesy of parkcambridge.com
Park is serving its full fall menu for Thanksgiving, but with some holiday add ons such as a turkey dinner, sweet potato puree, and apple, cheddar, bacon fritters.
Tucked away on JFK Street, not everyone may know about this restaurant. But if you are here, Thanksgiving may be the perfect time to check it out. It may just be one of your new favorites.
The Market
We all love the Market for different reasons. Some love the assortment of gourmet food, some love the prepared food section, others the sandwich bar, or just the fact that it is open 24 hours everyday.
This Thanksgiving the Market will offer roast turkey, roast pork loin, apple cranberry stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, candied yams, and apple, pecan, pumpkin and cherry pie. The whole spread will be there and you will not want to miss it.
Or if looking for Thanksgiving in a sandwich, the market has you covered. Their Thanksgiving Sandwich special includes turkey, cranberry sauce, and apples all on a seven grain bread. If the Market has not won you over yet, it just might this Thanksgiving.
Berryline
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Even Harvard Square fro-yo is getting into the game.
Berryline on Arrow Street will have a limited edition pumpkin pie flavor. And if you venture to the Mass Ave. location you can try their spiced cranberry and sweet potato pie flavors. Sweet potato pie as ice cream? You be the judge.
Trader Joe’s
Photo by Alexa O’Connell
And (as always) Trader Joe’s has you covered. Walk 10 minutes down the river, pick up some goods, and celebrate in your dorm with some friends. With over 60 pumpkin products, you will definitely find something to fit the holiday spirit.
Get a rustic apple tarte, some clam chowder, cornbread, and an endless amount of sides from their freezer aisle and produce section. Plus their fully cooked oven roasted turkey breast saves you all the labor that you are used to your mom doing.
Photo by Analise Trimber
#SpoonTip: Take a picture of any of these delicious spreads and send it to @Spoon_Harvard on Instagram to get featured.
While most of campus packs up and heads home for Thanksgiving, do not be sad to be stuck here! There are plenty of great options for food and you get to see what the school is like from a whole new perspective.