Maybe you couldn’t snag that Trail’s End reservation (Fort Wilderness) or perhaps you just want your own Hallmark-style family meal without the toil. Going out to eat has become a pricey affair for this food holiday, with over-the-top buffets requiring $50 to $120 a head. And sure, these may come with shrimp ravioli, fresh oysters, and sweet potato tiramisu, but if you are like me, you are wanting turkey and dressing with the countrified fixings, along with a little pecan pie or banana pudding.
Here are six places in Central Florida where you can get the real home-cooked deal, and still have enough money left to start shopping on Black Friday. I’ve left off the well-known grocery stores, as I’ve found them to generally be a stretch from what you had growing up at grandma’s table.
Nikki’s Place
Historic (1940s) bluesy soul-food spot serving a to-go turkey dinner — either deep-fried ($55.95) or roasted. ($45.95). Side items feeding 6-8 vary from $20 to $25 each, and include cornbread dressing, collard greens, yellow rice, candied yams, and their famed mac & cheese. Add a sweet potato pie for $10 or a German chocolate cake for $25.
Their tagline, “southern food the way it used to be,” rings true. 742 Carter St, Orlando. Order deadline: Nov. 21 (late orders accepted for an extra charge).
4 Rivers Smokehouse
If you can stop obsessing about their insanely-fabulous brisket, consider this BBQ joint’s whole Thanksgiving smoked turkey. It is smoked and is $80, plus $52.50 for one quart each (feeds 4-6) of mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, green beans and a pint of cranberry chutney.
Other sides are available – such as mac & cheese for $10.50. Texas Bourbon Pecan Pie or Pumpkin Pie are available for $30. Order by Nov. 23. Convenient location to Disney World in Kissimmee at 874 W. Osceola Parkway.
Fred’s Market Restaurant
On the far north end of metro Orlando (742 Carter St, Lake Mary). Fred’s is known for its Blue Plate Specials, and is cooking a traditional feast for Thanksgiving. It’s not my top choice on the list, but it’s a true bargain for $80 (feeding eight!). The meal includes roasted turkey and gravy (can pay more for a whole turkey), cornbread dressing, two sides, cranberry sauce, and dessert.
Among the many sides are mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas green beans, and corn pudding. Additional ones beyond two are $14.99 for a half gallon. Dessert choices include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, banana pudding, bread pudding. Order by November 22 for November 27 (Wednesday) pickup.
dovecote
Probably the most hipster one on the list, the Thanksgiving meal sticks well to tradition. One advantage of award-winning Dovecote is that pickup is on Thanksgiving Day from 10-Noon – less need for re-heating.
For $129, a meal for a family of four includes sliced turkey, sliced ham, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, celery root & gruyere cheese gratin, brussels sprouts, and cranberry relish. 390 Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando. Order
TOOJAY’s
Let TooJay’s Deli Do the Cooking for Thanksgiving https://t.co/MhURyCLmW6 pic.twitter.com/3LWU9pE0zA
— Adam Sinclair (@faborplumbs) November 6, 2019
Toojay’s has grown into a Florida chain over the years, but it has managed to maintain an authentic comfort food vibe. Its southwest Orlando Location (7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd) is near Sea World, and very convenient to Disney World.
Dinner for 6-8 includes sliced roasted turkey (the real deal), cornbread stuffing (the kind the northerners eat), gravy, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and green beans or carrots for a paultry $100. Add a pumpkin cheesecake for $25.99. Order deadline: Nov. 25.
Petty’s Meats
It’s about a 30 minute drive up to Longwood (2141 W SR 234) from Disney World, but this gourmet shop is known for its quality of meats and fine wines. For a high-end establishment, the Thanksgiving meal is a bargain. Amish Turkey Breast, Homemade Bread Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Rolls for 4-6 $84.99. Add-ons include a large variety of gourmet side dishes, appetizers and desserts. Order “early” (according to website).
