Thanksgiving. It’s almost here?
That American holiday traditionally manifests memories of family and friends gathered around a dining room table as the aroma roasted turkey, seasoned stuffing, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie waft in with the melody of mom’s or Autie Em’s voice from the kitchen, while the fury of the fellas fuming over a football game and the kiddos with their cousins ripping and running through the house douse it all with din.
Many Mohawk Valley friends and neighbors will pile the cars of family and friends up in their driveway and down the street to welcome them from over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house to break Thanksgiving bread.
But many more … are far from family … even friends. The walks of life that lead them to Central New York have led them far from that postcard Thanksgiving. Others are empty nesters or downsized to duplexes, condos and 55-plus complexes.
Below is a list of Mohawk Valley venues serving Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, as well as a few who will prepare your feast and pack it up for pick-up so your work is reduced to reheating it up and enjoying that traditional Turkey dinner at home with a fraction of the cooking and clean-up.
DINE OUT THIS THANKSGIVING
8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome ~ 315-533-7710 ~ info@deltalakeinn.com ~ FACEBOOK
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Style: Buffet Cost: Adults $44 / Seniors $40 / Children 12- $18 Reservations: Strongly Recommended
One of the most highly recommended Mohawk Valley options for Thanksgiving dinner “out,” The historic Delta Lake Inn offers an expansive buffet, fireplace and views of the Delta Dam and reservoir. Plate to preference roasted turkey, grilled chicken and greens, applewood smoked bacon and pork tenderloin, haddock oreganata, mac ‘n cheese, butternut squash, whipped potatoes w/ gravy, sweet potato casserole, a full salad bar, pumpkin white chocolate bread pudding, and other assorted pies and desserts, a holiday cocktail menu, and full bar.
2000 Route 8, Leonardville ~ 315-855-7898 ~ info@horneddorsetinn.com ~ FACEBOOK
Hours: 1 – 4 p.m. Style: Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Day Menu Cost: $84 per person (not inc. tax-gratuity) Reservations: Required (as space allows inc. Nov. 27) Call 315-855-7898
A unique Madison County venue with a bend toward French cuisine, as well as guest rooms for a holiday retreat. Start with a hot cheese souffle’, then choose an appetizer from Maine lobster and corn chowder (gf), mushroom cappuccino soup with nutmeg cream and crushed hazelnuts (v), butternut gnocchi with pancetta, walnut sage, and brown butter, or veal meatballs with ricotta, sage, lemon, and basil leek aoli.
A fall salad will be served, featuring fennel, pickled red onion, dried fruit, and pomegranate vinaigrette.
The main course holiday meal consists of traditional roasted turkey breast with truffled madeira gravy, raw cranberry orange relish, maple roasted Brussel sprouts, honey baked acorn squash, green bean almandine, sausage and apple bread stuffing, sweet corn and chili pudding, and crushed potato.
The dessert course will feature pumpkin spice cake, cocoa mousse, and apple walnut crisp served with caramel sauce and fall garnishes.
118 Columbia Street ~ 315-735-2583 ~ aholmquist@commonwealthrestaurants.com ~ FACEBOOK
Hours: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Style: Regular Menu or Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Buffet Cost: Thanksgiving Buffet Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tea included Adults $69 Kids 12- $25.
Reservations: Required
Utica’s only rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of its historic downtown fete, Ocean Blue offers an upscale, urban dining experience, together with breathtaking views of the cityscape and Mohawk River Valley foothills. Known for its sleek, stylish decor, professional staff, and signature menu items such as its Lobster Bisque, this vibrant venue is also open to serve your holiday dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
Their three course prix fixe menu includes salad, focaccia bread, turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts, creamed corn, roasted carrots, cranberry sauce, and a variety of desserts.
A full bar with crafted seasonal cocktails will be available.
200 Genesee Street, Utica ~ 315-797-8010 ~ info@shadebarandgrillutica.com ~ FACEBOOK
Hours: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Style: Brunch Buffet Cost: Adults $39.95 / Seniors $34.95 / Children 6-12 $14.95 /Children 5- free. Reservations: Required (Walk-ins welcome only if space allows)
Shades Restaurant at Delta by Marriott Hotel in Utica offers a full traditional Thanksgiving buffet during brunch hours. Enjoy the stylish vibe and verve of the contemporary lounge with warm holiday decorations, attentive staff and all your favorite traditional holiday foods, all-you-can-eat, together with a full bar.
1 Payne Street, Hamilton ~ 315-824-2300 ~ info@colgateinn.com ~ FACEBOOK
Hours: Seatings at 12 noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. Style: Buffet Cost: Adults $45 / Children 7+ $20 / Children 6- free. Reservations: Strongly recommended
The Tavern at The Colgate Inn offers a rustic setting, with a full bar and dining room set off by rich woods tables with Colebrook chairs, orbiting an original stone hearth with a crackling fire. The ‘Grazing Table’ will feature baked goods, Crudités, garden salad, brussel sprout salad, German potato salad, and seasoned stuffing. The Carving Station offers slow roasted turkey, applewood smoked ham, cedar roasted salmon, pan gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, country mustard, and dinner rolls. Holiday sides include mashed potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, and green bean casserole. Choose from assorted pies: Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, and Flourless Chocolate Torte w/ whipped cream or ice cream.
A seasonal cocktail menu and full bar will be available.
5218 Patrick Road, Verona ~ 800-771-7711 ~ Email Contact Form https://www.turningstone.com/contact-us ~ FACEBOOK
Consider three different venues and versions of enjoying your Thanksgiving Day meal at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Turning Stone – The Oneida Room – Verona
Hours: 12 noon – 6 p.m. Style: 4-Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Menu Cost: Adults + Children 11+ $49 / Children 5 – 10 $25 / Children 4- FREE Reservations: Required with non-refundable prepayment (tax and gratuity inc.)
Turning Stone’s Thanksgiving Dinner features a family-friendly environment, live entertainment, and a 4-course, full service, prix fixe holiday menu where diners enjoy a roasted butternut squash soup, an autumn salad featuring fresh local apples, shaved fennel, and cider vinaigrette dressing, choice of entree from traditional turkey dinner, braised beef short ribs, or a vegetarian entree featuring Grilled Cauliflower Steak, Caramelized Carrot Purée, King Trumpet Mushroom, Thumbelina Carrot, Muddled Herbs. Browse a dessert table with over a dozen treats, from pies, to cheesecakes, to cookies, and more, including gluten-free, low-fat, and sugar-free options.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Turning Stone – TS Steakhouse – Verona
Hours: 3 – 9 p.m. Style: Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner Cost: Per menu Reservations: Strongly recommended FACEBOOK
Turning Stone’s award-winning steakhouse will be open and serving on Thanksgiving Day. Voted Central New York’s Best Steakhouse and USA TODAY 10BEST Casino Restaurants, TS Steak House offers diners an elevated, classic dining experience, featuring panoramic views, aged USDA prime steaks, and unique craft cocktails, to celebrate the beginning of the 2025 holiday season with family and friends.
A prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner will be offered, complete with a Butternut Squash appetizer, set off with brown butter crème fraiche, candied hazelnuts, pickled pomegranates, crispy sage roasted organic turkey with maple bourbon winter spice brine, cranberry apple relish, black garlic miso gravy, heirloom baby carrots with pistachio gremolata and Steakhouse stuffing made with cornbread, sweet sausage, apple, and sage.
Attire is business casual or cocktail attire.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Turning Stone – 7 Kitchens Buffet – Verona
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Style: All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with traditional Thanksgiving and other options Cost: Adults + Children 13+ $49 / Children 5 – 12 $18.99 / Children 4- FREE Reservations: Not Required FACEBOOK
Discover 7 culinary worlds at Turning Stone’s award-winning buffet. Enjoy unlimited flavors at the restaurant that’s redefining all-you-can-eat dining! This innovative eatery, with seven market-style stations, offers a delicious combination of cuisine choices, all prepared by our award-winning culinary team. Experience everything from savory Italian fare to the freshest seafood buffet, from Asian and Dim Sum to your favorite comfort foods — and more, including our show-stopping dessert station, overflowing with irresistible sweets, pastries, and pies.
Expect traditional holiday dishes and desserts at 7 Kitchens’ Thanksgiving Day buffet. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 27, with no reservations required and special low prices for children, 7 Kitchens is a great go-to for folks still deciding upon Thanksgiving plans.
PICK-UP A RESTAURANT-PREPARED THANKSGIVING MEAL
214 South Peterboro Street, Canastota ~ 315-720-0318 ~ catering@brownbrothersbbq.com ~ FACEBOOK
Order Deadline: Fri., Nov. 21 Pick-up: Wed. Nov. 26, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $200 +tax Order via email catering@brownbrothersbbq.com Serves: 8 – 10 people
Brown Brothers BBQ says, “let us do the cooking so you can relax with your family and friends!” Last day to order is Friday 11/21.
The “Thanksgiving Package” includes: 14-16-lb. smoked turkey, homemade turkey gravy, cornbread stuffing, and cheesy potato casserole.
“Everything will be packed in disposable, oven-ready pans with easy reheat instructions.”
They are looking like they will sell out, so get your order in today!
Horned Dorset Inn – Leonardville (Mohawk Valley pick-up locations in Leonardville, New Hartford, Cazenovia, Hamilton, Cooperstown)
2000 Route 8, Leonardville ~ 315-855-7898 ~ info@horneddorsetinn.com ~ FACEBOOK
Order Deadline: Wed. Nov. 19 or until sold out Order Pick-up: Wed, Nov. 26 (See Schedule Below)-Thu. Nov. 27 (Leonardville Only-Front Door of Inn) 10 – 10:30 a.m. or by pre-arranged request Cost: Ala Carte. Appetizers (serving 2 people each) range $6 – $22 / Full Turkey Dinner with Sides (serves 2 people) $68 / Thanksgiving Duo Dessert (serves 2 people) $13 Order: Via email or phone * Please call if order is not confirmed within 12 hours Serves: Minimum 2 people / Maximum per supply available
PICK UP SCHEDULE WED., NOV. 26
Cazenovia (parking lot area at end of lake): 1:45 – 2 p.m.
Cooperstown (Cooperstown Distillery, 11 Railroad Ave.): 11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Hamilton (parking lot of Price Chopper): 2:45 – 3 p.m.
Leonardville (Front Door of Inn): 10 – 10:30 a.m. or by pre-arranged request
New Hartford (AT HOME parking lot, 4645 Commercial Drive, front right corner): 10:30 – 11 a.m.
The Horned Dorset Inn is a unique, French-themed restaurant, inn, and artist colony in Madison County. Their “Thanksgiving At Home” prepared meal pick up is unique in that they offer various pick-up locations and prepare the food in serving sizes for 2 people, allowing for ordering for a solo or couple up to as many friends and family as you’d like to host!
Choose from three appetizers: Horned Dorset Classic Hot Cheese Dip (serve with your own crackers or dippers) – $6; Mushroom Cappuccino (GF-VEG), a mushroom puree soup with nutmeg cream and crushed hazelnuts – $13; Sauteed Shrimp and Corncakes (4 cakes) with lime ginger Aoli – $22
The main course holiday meal consists of: traditional roasted turkey breast and slow-roasted leg madeira with black truffle gravy and fresh cranberry orange relish, roasted brussel sprouts, acorn squash, green beans with almonds, sausage and apple stuffing, sweet corn pudding, and leek crushed potato – $68. GF and VEG options are available upon request.
The Thanksgiving Duo dessert is a pumpkin spice cake and apple walnut crisp served with salted caramel sauce – $13. GF, DF, or nut-free dessert options are available upon request.
Food is fully cooked, delivered chilled with simple reheat instructions. Refrigerated leftovers should last for up to five days.
GF = Gluten Free / DF = Dairy Free / V or VEG = Vegetarian
6722 State Route 20, Bouckville ~ 315-893-1810 ~ info@deltalakeinn.com ~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1419048523561487&set=a.490056516460697
Order Deadline: Fri., Nov. 21 Pick-up: Wed., Nov. 26, 3 – 8 p.m. (please call regarding req for earlier pick-up) Cost: $255 / Additional Sides $18 ea. / Thanksgiving Pies $26 each. Order: Via Phone Serves: 4 – 6 people
Heat-and-Serve Thanksgiving meal serves 4 – 6 people. Includes: Boneless roasted turkey breast, herb stuffing, mashed Yukon gold potatoes, cranberry chutney, cornbread, and turkey gravy.
CHOOSE 2 SIDES: from maple-glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole, steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, butternut squash puree, and green bean casserole. Add additional sides for $18 each.
CHOOSE to complete your meal with a traditional Thanksgiving pie. Options include: Pumpkin, Toll House, Coconut Cream, and Chocolate Cream. $26 each.
Dining and Cooking