The nation’s biggest feasting holiday is almost here, but if you can’t wait to get your fix, you don’t have to settle for the same old Wawa Gobbler.
We already told you about the absurdly layered creation at Jake’s Sandwich Board — the famous Turducken there was even recently featured on ABC’s The Chew — but several other Philly restaurants and shops also have you covered.
From overly decadent sandwiches to tricked-out poutines, here are eight Thanksgiving-inspired lunch specials to sate your turkey cravings.
Gobble-Gobble Arepa at Puyero
Thanksgiving’s not a thing in their native Venezuela, but the owners of this South Street BYOB were inspired to create two specials, available now through Nov. 26. The first is a sweet potato arepa (stuffed corn cake) filled with pulled turkey and Brussels sprouts covered in a rich gravy. The other is a cachapa — like a corn cake tortilla— folded around gravy-draped turkey and large rounds of fresh mozzarella. Both are served with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping, of course.
524 S. 4th St.
Turducken Burger at Smokin’ Betty’s
Nine years ago, chef Sue Schlisman was inspired by John Madden to create this poultry party on a bun, and it’s been on the menu at her Gayborhood restaurant ever since. Between the bread are a ground turkey patty and a chicken patty, held together with housemade duck rillette and topped with sweet potato chips, stuffing, cranberry sauce and white gravy ($13 includes fries).
116 S. 11th St.
Thanksgiving Poutine at Shoo Fry
Three words: Sweet potato tots. You can swap out regular tots or classic fries if you want, but that’s the suggested base for this seasonal special from the locally-born poutinerie with spots in Fishtown and Rittenhouse. On top of the potatoes goes turkey, cheese curds, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. Best part? All proceeds from the dish, which sells for $10, will be donated to CHOP. Available through Nov. 30.
132 S. 17th St.; 200 E. Girard Ave.
The Gobbler Waffle at 24
Yes, he went there. Jose Garces and his chefs at this Schuylkill Riverfront cafe dolled up their T-day special with a rich lobe of seared foie gras. It comes on a crisp-edged Belgian waffle with house-sliced turkey breast, cranberry sauce and apple puree. It’s $18, not bad for a dish that includes a big hunk of foie. Available Nov. 18 and 19 only.
2401 Walnut St.
Turkey Gobbler at Pastificio
This pasta purveyor and specialty shop near the sports complex in South Philly makes their own take on the Gobbler that stands toe-to-toe with Wawa’s (and is probably made with a lot more love). Hot sliced turkey breast, house stuffing, lots of brown gravy and cranberry mayo for that final special touch ($9). Available through Nov. 22.
1528 Packer Ave.
Thanksgiving Balls at The Blind Pig
Get your feast in snack form at this Northern Liberties spot, where this T-giving twist on balls is available year-round. Turkey is first wrapped in a combo of mashed potatoes and stuffing, then breaded and fried. A trio of the large rounds are served with dual sides of gravy and cranberry sauce for $9.
702 N. 2nd St.
Thanksgiving in a Box at Smoke’s Poutinerie
Canadians may celebrate Thanksgiving in early October, but they do it with a turkey feast just like us. This poutine chain from north of the border — which recently opened an outpost on South Street — had the idea to toss everything in one container for easy eating. Unbox your meal and you’ll find the traditional fries, curds and gravy topped with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and baby green peas ($10). Available through Nov. 27.
411 South St.
Thanksgiving Sandwich at Ants Pants Cafe
The South Street West location of this Aussie-inspired cafe makes nice with its American clientele by offering this annual homage to our national day of thanks. House-roasted turkey is tucked into a sandwich with stuffing, cranberry sauce and melted brie cheese. Served with a side of oh-so-appropriate sweet potato fries for $13.
2212 South St.