Best Restaurants to Try Thanksgiving Dishes Across the U.S.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks, and indulge in some of the most delicious dishes of the year. From pumpkin pie (or is it yams?) to controversial cranberries to the classic turkey, there are many wonderful foods that make this time of year special. 

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Perhaps you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or you don’t want to make all of these dishes yourself. But what if you could take your tastebuds on a tour across America? While many would claim the best versions of these foods come out of kitchens in their hometowns, there are places across the U.S. that serve up valid contenders for the top spot. 

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Here's a guide to the best places to try iconic Thanksgiving dishes, from stuffing to pecan pie, in ten cities known for their culinary excellence.

1. Roast Turkey – The Olde Pink House (Savannah, GA)

Why You Should Try It:

• Situated in an 18th-century mansion, The Olde Pink House offers a historic Southern dining experience.
• Their savory roast turkey, drizzled with rich gravy, is a must-try.

Fun Activities in Savannah:

• Stroll through Forsyth Park to work off the rich food you just ingested. 
• Explore the historic district and feast your eyes on the lovely architecture.
• Visit the Savannah Riverfront, enjoying all that nature has to offer. 

2. Stuffing (or Dressing) – Commander's Palace (New Orleans, LA)

Why You Should Try It:

• A New Orleans institution serving Creole-inspired dishes.
• Their cornbread stuffing with seafood or sausage adds a Southern twist to traditional stuffing.

Fun Activities in New Orleans:

• Walk around the French Quarter for gifts, drinks and beignets. 
• Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. 
• Enjoy live jazz at Preservation Hall to immerse yourself in New Orleans culture. 

3. Mashed Potatoes – Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami Beach, FL)

Why You Should Try It:

• Famous for its stone crabs, but also offers perfectly buttery mashed potatoes.
• Rich and creamy, this side dish is a fan favorite.

Fun Activities in Miami Beach:

• Relax on South Beach and listen to the crashing of the waves. 
• Visit the Art Deco Historic District and share your favorite photos using a travel eSIM.
• Explore the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and marvel at the meticulous upkeep of all of the exotic plants. 
• Consider extending your trip to include a stop in Orlando for the world-famous theme parks located there. 

4. Gravy – Blue Duck Tavern (Washington, D.C.)

Why You Should Try It:

• Known for elegant American comfort food.
• Their turkey gravy, made from rich pan drippings, is a standout.

Fun Activities in Washington, D.C.:

• Tour the National Mall and its monuments – made easy to navigate using a virtual SIM card. 
• Visit the Smithsonian museums, which vary in focus and size. 
• Explore Georgetown's historic streets and unbeatable eateries!

5. Cranberry Sauce – Zuni Café (San Francisco, CA)

Why You Should Try It:

• Celebrated for its roasted chicken, but their house-made cranberry sauce is a seasonal delight.
• Fresh, tangy, and perfectly complements their meats.

Fun Activities in San Francisco:

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to work up an appetite for a large meal. 
• Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and learn of its storied history. 
• Ride a historic cable car to get spectacular views of this top U.S. city. 

6. Sweet Potatoes (or Yams) – Highlands Bar & Grill (Birmingham, AL)

Why You Should Try It:

• Known for refined Southern dishes.
• Offers delicious sweet potatoes roasted with butter and sugar or served as a sweet potato casserole.

Fun Activities in Birmingham:

• Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to immerse yourself in Southern history. 
• Explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to bathe in nature. 
• Tour the Vulcan Park and Museum, seeing the city symbol and the largest cast iron statue in the world. 

7. Green Bean Casserole – The Dutch (New York, NY)

Why You Should Try It:

• A trendy American restaurant adding a gourmet touch to classics.
• Their green bean casserole is served with crispy onions and mushrooms, elevating the traditional dish.

Fun Activities in New York City:

• Explore Central Park and the many iconic destinations nestled within its borders. 
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a global experience. 
• Marvel at the history and majesty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  

8. Dinner Rolls – Poole's Diner (Raleigh, NC)

Why You Should Try It:

• This modern diner offers comfort food with a twist.
• Fresh, warm dinner rolls baked with a soft, buttery crust.

Fun Activities in Raleigh:

• Wander around Pullen Park for some fresh air. 
• Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art if you want to avoid the cold. 
• Explore the historic Oakwood neighborhood using your eSIM app. 

9. Pumpkin Pie – Four & Twenty Blackbirds (Brooklyn, NY)

Why You Should Try It:

• Famous for its pies made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Their pumpkin pie has the perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

Fun Activities in Brooklyn:

• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – one of the most famous in the world. 
• Consider hunting down the filming locations for these famous TV shows. 
• Visit the Brooklyn Museum, New York City’s second-largest collection of art. 

10. Pecan Pie – Goode Company Barbecue (Houston, TX)

Why You Should Try It:

• Famous for mesquite-grilled barbecue, but their pecan pie is a must-try.
• Made from Texas pecans, butter, and sugar, it's a true Southern treat.

Fun Activities in Houston:

• Explore the Houston Museum District for all of the history and art you could want!
• Walk through the Houston Zoo for fun with the whole family. 
• Visit the Space Center Houston and utilize eSIM cards for interactive activities. 

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a feast for the senses. From the historic streets of Brooklyn to the Southern charm of Houston, these cities offer a culinary adventure that's sure to make your Thanksgiving memorable. 

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Before you go, make sure to buy eSIM plans so you can stay connected! Share photos of your adventures and your favorite dishes without worrying about finding Wi-Fi. 

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All new GigSky customers get 100MB of free data – just for creating an account! Download the GigSky app today to get started.