Photo by Victoria Bishop-Smith / SOC Images.
The holiday season is in full effect and with the weather becoming cooler (as it should be), the need for a warm-cooked meal grows.
While Thanksgiving is rooted in a time of chaos, there was a brief moment shared that included a bountiful feast between English colonists and local Native American tribe Wampanoag, who was monumental in the colonists’, or “pilgrims,” survival. This became known as the first Thanksgiving.
Today, we recognize the inaugural meal and honor the intended meaning behind it: taking a moment to be grateful.
So you can celebrate, here are 10 places in Hudson County where you can cook, join or add onto your Thanksgiving feast.
Narra Collective in partnership with Meryendang Pinoy in Jersey City
Whether you’re craving a traditional Filipino feast or looking to experience something new, the Friendsgiving Kamayan Feast might be the place for you this Friday, Nov. 22.
Downtown restaurant Meryendang Pinoy is partnering with local co-working space Narra Collective to provide an adults-only Friendsgiving lunch—the Filipino way. Kamayan is a communal feast where everyone eats with their hands.
The kamayan will happen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Friday in Narra Collective’s space at 333 Washington Street in Downtown Jersey City. Tickets include a free day pass and will cost $25 per person plus introductory rates for non-Narra members. If you’re a Narra member, you can enjoy it for free.
Click here to grab your tickets.
Little Food Cafe in Bayonne
Take some of the stress off from cooking a Thanksgiving meal with the help of ready to order assistance from The Little Food Cafe in Bayonne. Order an uncooked oven ready turkey with sides to feed six to eight people or 10 to 12. And don’t forget dessert!
Deadline to order is Saturday, Nov. 23 and pick-up is available on Wednesday, Nov. 27 after 2 p.m.
Click here for a full list of side dishes. To order, call 201-436-680.
Tops Diner in East Newark
If you’re having an earlier Thanksgiving meal, get a taste of the renowned Hudson County diner!
The family-owned-and-ran business has been catering to its diverse community since 1942. They are located in the borough of East Newark, just between Harrison and Kearny.
The diner won’t be open Thanksgiving Day, but if you’re celebrating an early Friendsgiving, you can curate your dinner table with their holiday offerings including:
- Roast Turkey – 5 lbs or 10 lbs
- Pressure fried chicken and sides
- Chicken parmesan
- Chicken marsala
- Deep dish pumpkin pie
- Key lime pie
Note, that the catering and bake shop opens at 5 p.m. and you can only order 24 hours ahead of time.
Las Chicas Bakery in North Hudson
Las Chicas Bakery and Cafe are open for pre-orders for desserts and are offering two dinner packages.
Order thanksgiving edition cakes like the:
- Tres Leches cake
- Chaja cake
- Fruit tart
- Tiramisu
- Pastry tray
- And more
Perquin Thanksgiving in Jersey City
If you want a Thanksgiving meal, but don’t like turkey, no worries; Perquin in Jersey City has you covered.
They are offering a takeout Thanksgiving meal with braised short-ribs, and apparently it’s what they know best at in the kitchen, so it must be delicious! With the take out kit also enjoy:
- Mashed potatoes- garlic confit, pecorino
- Stuffing – chorizo, caramelized fennel
- Mac and cheese
- Gravy
- Spiced cranberry sauce
You can pick up the kits on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. To order or get more information email info@perquinjc.com.
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Joia Restaurant in Harrison
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for $100 with a roasted turkey and plenty of sides.
The Thanksgiving take out dinner package includes:
- Roasted 12 lbs turkey (approx 10-14 lbs before cooking)
- Sweet potato mashed
- Green beans
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Bread
- Cranberry sauce
There are other items available for add-ons.
To order, call 862-872-3448. The deadline to order is Sunday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. The pick-up date is on Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 28.
The Chandelier in Bayonne
No need to feast alone on Thanksgiving Day, thanks to The Chandelier and The Broadway Diner.
The staple Bayonne eateries are hosting a Thanksgiving Buffet on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dishes will include:
- Hand carved turkey and roasts
- Chef-inspired sides and more
- Dessert “extravaganza”
Tickets cost $44 for adults and $18.95 for children under the age of 10. You can make a reservation by calling 201-437-7336.
Maxuxujc in Jersey City
Everyone deserves a sweet treat, especially after a Thanksgiving meal.
Maxuxjc is offering holiday pastries for pre-order. Order a minimum of 4 pieces of:
- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Corn cake
- Conchas (chocolate, vanilla or toasted corn)
- Strawberry beso
- Assorted pastry box
You can also order cookies by the dozen:
- Chocolate chips
- Rye chocolate
- Maple syrup shortbread sandwiches
- Molasses cinnamon puerquitos
DM @maxuxujc on Instagram to pre-order.
Domingo’s Bakery in Kearny
And if you’re searching for more festive cakes or appetizers before the big meal, call up Domingo’s Bakery in Kearny.
Since 2011, the bakery and cafe has been serving its community with cakes, pastries, sandwiches and more. For this Thanksgiving, you can celebrate the holiday with a special cake or add a special touch with their Pan de Jamón.
You place your order at 201-428-1904. You can also visit them at 292 Kearny Avenue in Kearny.
87 Sussex in Jersey City
For those looking to elevate their holiday feast, 87 Sussex is offering a five-course family meal to-go.
Downtown’s latest gourmet experience is located in the Paulus Hook neighborhood and emphasizes its “elevated American fare.”
Their Thanksgiving meal package offers choices for soup, salad, sides, entree and dessert. You can choose from options like:
- Soup: veloute of butternut squash
- Salad: bouquet of locally sourced baby greens, toasted almonds, vine tomato, english cucumber
- Sides: Thanksgiving trio of local yams, sweet potatoes and butternut squash
- Entree: locally raised organic heritage turkey
- Dessert: pumpkin pie
A dinner that feeds four to six costs $350 while a dinner for 10 to 12 costs $650, not including sales tax and 20% gratuity. Pickups are on Nov. 28 and you can choose your time.
To place your order, visit here.
