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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.