Eat Out With A Twist This Thanksgiving In L.A.

For those geographically orphaned in Los Angeles, there is no use going through the hoops of making a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Instead, single-in-the-city types should opt for a Thanksgiving take-out or head for solo-friendly spots. Here’s our shortlist for satisfying the holiday cravings: from mouthwatering variations on turkey to sweet potato pie.

A Favorite to Visit: Honeybaked

This specialty shop, well known for its succulent, sweet ham and heaping sides, comes to the rescue of many dinner tables on the last Thursday in November. For Thanksgiving’s main attraction, go for either sliced ham or turkey (or both). To complement your preferred meat, add savory sides like cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamed corn, and cranberry salad. Find Honeybaked in Pasadena, North Hollywood and Glendale.

Honeybaked Ham Pasadena: 480 S. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA , USA +1 626 792 9627

Honeybaked Ham North Hollywood: 10106 Riverside Dr., North Hollywood, CA , USA +1 818 766 3958

Honeybaked Ham Glendale: 547 N Glendale, Glendale, CA , USA +1 818 242 0082

1. A Different Take on Turkey at Chichen Itza

Restaurant, Mexican

For those craving a Latin twist on Thanksgiving, try take-out at Chichen Itza. This regional Mexican hole-in-the-wall just south of downtown LA serves up tasty tamales (both sweet and savory), which are served throughout the year but are especially popular during the holiday season. Additionally, a must for turkey lovers is caldo de pavo, a soup with chunks of turkey. For the indulgent, order panuchos de pavo (crispy fried corn tortillaswith shredded turkey).

2. Soulful Deliciousness at Dulan's on Crenshaw

Deli, Restaurant, Soul Food

Soul food does Thanksgiving justice as the tastiest meal of the year, and Dulan’s on Crenshaw is (considered by many) the king of L.A. soul food. The popular restaurant and catering business draws Angelenos from all over the city to its South L.A. location. Dulan’s devotees come here for comfort foods such as collard greens, candied yams and cornbread with giblet gravy. Meat choices for Thanksgiving include the reliable roast turkey, juicy fried southern chicken, and ‘stick to your ribs’ beef brisket, among others. For a scrumptiously divine dessert you have the dual-treat offerings of Dulan’s sweet potato pie and peach cobbler.

Gather at Canter’s

This 24/7 neighborhood institution is a prime dining spot with its communal feel and delicious food. Singles and like-minded individuals can schmooze it up in the restaurant’s fun side bar, the Kibitz Room. The oven-roasted turkey sandwich is highly recommended for traditional cravings, along with a heap of potato salad. Save room for Canter’s dessert however, featuring dozens of tempting treats including coffee cake, strudel, cheesecake and noodle kugel, Ashkenazi-style baked noodle pudding.

Canter’s, 419 N Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 651 2050

Unique Holiday Twist at Salt and Straw

Salt and Straw is a gourmet ice cream shop is gaining a following of L.A. dessert devotees for its unique combinations. For those who dare to go beyond plain vanilla, Thanksgiving variations include sweet potato casserole with maple pecans, acorn and chestnut stuffing, salted caramel Thanksgiving turkey, spiced goat cheese and pumpkin pie, and buttered mashed potatoes with gravy. Head to quaint, chic L.A. enclave Larchmont Village for the sweet, yet peculiar taste of the November holiday.

Salt and Straw, 240 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA , USA +1 323 466 0485