The Standard Grill:
The old-school New York vibe of the Standard Grill is it's charm, so it makes sense that, for Thanksgiving, Balazs and Co. go the traditional route. Three courses without a lot of selection, the menu hits all the right notes: apple-fennel soup with pumpkin seed oil, roasted turkey with maple sweet potatoes, and, of course, pumpkin pie. $45.
848 Washington Street (at 13th Street). 212-645-4100.
DBGB:
This library-chic Daniel Boulud hotspot is absolutely made for Thanksgiving. The spacious front features elegantly engraved food-related quotes from luminaries like Winston Churchill and Homer Simpson, while the warm, copper kitchen dining area is both lush and intimate. Though DB offers some tasty veggie options like house-made tagliolini, the restaurant is famed for its meat. For your three courses, try a paté campagnard and the roasted turkey breast and confit leg--accompanied by sausage stuffing, of course. $55.
299 Bowery (Between Houston and First Street); 212-933-5300.
Dumont:
Directly off the L train, this new Americana restaurant inspires oaths of loyalty from Williamsburg residents. Menu regulars like crispy artichokes with arugula and baked mac and cheese appear, but try the three-course menu of T-Day specials, like roast turkey with apple chestnut stuffing or bacon-wrapped monkfish on rock shrimp risotto. The best part? With a heated patio, you can enjoy the idyllic backyard while staying toasty. $65.
3 p.m.-9 p.m. 432 Union Avenue (at Metropolitan Avenue); 718-486-7717.
Faustina at The Cooper Square Hotel:
The Cooper Square Hotel is a design junkie's dream, with a gorgeously tailored interior and a sophisticated, modern vibe. So the option to dine in the 21st floor penthouse will get any aesthete's heart-racing--as will the view. Instead of being served, dinner is done buffet style will cocktails and canapes are passed around. Herbed turkey breast with leg confit or pumpkin caponata with almonds and raisins are on the menu, but the real deal is drinks: unlimited red and white wine will be flowing, but roasted marble potatoes with truffle fonduta will be a perfect lining.$85. 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
25 Cooper Square (between Fifth and Sixth Streets); 212-475-3400.
Le Cirque:
If you want to celebrate a special occasion, we're of "going big or going home" variety, and you can't go any bigger than Le Cirque. Known for it's impossible reservations and world-renowned food, the five course Thanksgiving options are simply decadent. Start with foie gras with a rabbit and bacon terrine, and then taste the butternut squash bisque. Entrees include roast turkey or pheasant, or for the un-traditionalist, filet mignon, but save room for dessert. Pumpkin pie Le Cirque will be to-die-for. $110.
151 East 58th Street (Between Third and Lexington Avenues); 212-644-0202.