If you're traveling for the upcoming holiday and find yourself one of the 10% of Americans who spends Thanksgiving eating out at restaurants, rest assured that there are plenty of foodie-approved culinary destinations out there for you in a host of cities worth visiting. Here's our list of the top 5 places to visit over the Thanksgiving holiday where you're guaranteed to not leave hungry.
New York City, New York
Not only can you catch the famous Thanksgiving Day Macy's parade while in New York City for the holiday, but there are plenty of dining options throughout the city to have a fall meal, from affordable to mid-range to blowout prices with top chefs. Try a Thanksgiving-Hannukah mashup (Thanksgivukkah) at Mile End Deli or a filling, southern-style meal at The Cardinal, or a host of other international restaurants for a true global feast
Disney World
Thanksgiving is a busy time in Orlando -- the parks open and close late, and holiday parades and shows take over. Surprisingly, there are many sophisticated dining options in the area, in addition to the usual kid-friendly and resort restaurant fare, and many offer up scrumptious Thanksgiving meals that will have you and the family well fed without the usual holiday fuss. To add to the family fun, have your Thanksgiving meal in a traditional colonial style at the Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom, or "under the sea" at the Coral Reef in Epcot. If you want to venture off the theme park bandwagon for a bit, there are plenty of other things to do in the Orlando area, as well.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If Thanksgiving in Las Vegas has you picturing yet another stale buffet, know that there are actually many options for a foodie-approved holiday dinner in the Sin City. Go traditional and savor an indulgent meal of slow-roasted organic turkey and butternut squash ravioli at Tender Steak and Seafood at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, or mix it up with ethnic twists on regular old turkey with a Thankful Dumpling at Rice & Company or Turkey Tinga Enchiladas at Tacos & Tequila. For post-feast entertainment, be sure to toss one back at these boozy establishments.
Los Angeles, California
If you're in L.A. for the holiday, you'll be treated not only to the warm weather, but also a range of turkey dinner options and other attractions for both the solo traveler and families. Ocean & Vine serves up a Champagne Thanksgiving brunch and a 4-course dinner from its ocean-front restaurant and terrace, or try the organic turkey and mashed potatoes served family-style at Fig Restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
Chicago, Illinois
Food is a right of passage in Chicago. Try the 3-course traditional dinner with all of the fixings at Bin 36 (kids are half price), or celebrate Chicago sports history at legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka's restaurant, which offers a true Midwest-style turkey buffet. Plus, there are plenty of other things to do in the area; hit up the festive McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade or get a jump start on holiday shopping at the open-air German market, Christkindlmarket.