As chipper as “home for the holidays” may sound, a week off doesn’t provide enough travel time for everyone to leave Central New York this Thanksgiving. Not to worry—if you’ll be spending the holiday on campus, you don’t need to stuff your face with turkey and mashed potatoes from Ernie Davis Dining Hall. Whether you prefer takeout or a sit-down dinner, we have affordable and upscale options for your Thanksgiving feast in the ‘Cuse.
Strong Hearts
Whether you’re a vegan or just a Strong Hearts diehard, you may be interested in ordering one of its single-serve takeout meals this year. Its Thanksgiving feast includes homemade turkey seitan, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, fresh baked bread, roasted vegetables, a kale salad, and a pumpkin cupcake. You can pre-order this meal from either location before November 19 for $18 (or $22 if you don’t pre-order). All you have to do is pick it up from the On The Hill location between November 24 and 26 and heat it up for a simple yet delicious dinner.
On The Hill Location: 720 University Avenue, Marshall Square Mall, Syracuse; (315) 478-5500
Rachel’s at the Sheraton
The Sheraton is the perfect spot if you want to dine out this Thanksgiving but prefer to stay on campus. From 12:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., Rachel’s will be serving a Thanksgiving meal with all of of the classics: turkey, salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, cheesy bread, couscous, Brussels sprouts, and plenty more, not to mention a fully stocked dessert bar. Call ahead for a detailed menu.
801 University Avenue, Syracuse; (315) 475-3000 ext. 6677
The Brewster Inn
Should the cold weather have you locked indoors this Thanksgiving, it may be a better idea to have the feast come to you. If you have a group of friends or floormates who want to celebrate together, try takeout from The Brewster Inn. It offers a Thanksgiving meal that is hot and ready-to-eat for $160 and serves 6-8 people. Each order includes a 10 to 12-pound turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, a choice of vegetable, the restaurant’s own Chantilly potatoes and gravy, and two loaves of bread. You can pick your dinner up from the restaurant between noon and 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
6 Ledyard Avenue, Route 20, Syracuse; (315) 655-9232
Turning Stone
Keeping it classy this Thanksgiving? Try the Thanksgiving buffet served at the Conference Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The cost for an adult is $42, and the buffet includes salad and soup stations, appetizers, a carving station, hot sides, dessert, and even a chocolate fountain. Along with dinner, the evening will feature live entertainment. See the full menu here.
5218 Patrick Road, Verona; (800) 771-7711
Inn of the Seasons
For those who want to get off campus, but are still on a budget, Inn of the Seasons in Onondaga is a great option. Only about 15 minutes away from school, this restaurant is open from noon until 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. You can order from its standard menu, or for $16.95 get the Thanksgiving Dinner Special, which includes butternut squash soup, salad, roast turkey with dressing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
4311 W. Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga; (315) 492-4001