Homeless for the Holidays: A Thanksgiving Guide
By Chelsea Sime, Assistant Editor
As much as you're jonesing for some of Mom’s pumpkin pie, it might not make sense to spend money and PTO on a trip home for Thanksgiving when the economy's in the dumps. Instead of sulking alone, band together with the other T-Day orphans and consult our guide for what to do and where to eat on the big day—just because Mom won't be roasting the bird doesn't mean you’ll have to miss the tryptophan-induced food coma.
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Home
2100 Market St, San Francisco, CA
This Castro comfort food destination offers a prix-fixe, three-course holiday menu that won't set you back too much, plus a full bar perfect for beating the holiday blues. Make reservations if you'll have a big group--if it's a table for one, you shouldn't have a problem. -
Tommy's Joynt
1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Ok, so this isn't fine dining, but if you approach this Tenderloin hofbrau with the right attitude (humor, irony, patience), you won't be disappointed by the hefty portions of carved turkey or the cheap drinks and impressive beer list. -
Miss Pearl's Jam House
One Broadway at Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Get your fill of island-inspired Thanksgiving treats at this casual and quirky Jack London Square blockbuster. The menu is filled with mouth-watering side dishes served family-style (or friends-style, as it were) to the table. -
XYZ
181 Third St, San Francisco, CA
More bar than restaurant, this sleek SoMa lounge is hosting an a la carte Thanksgiving meal perfect for the solo diner who may want to mingle. Try the pumpkin soup, or just stick to the martinis. -
Kezar Pub & Restaurant
770 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA
For many, Thanksgiving is less about eating and more about drinking--there's guaranteed to be football on the screen and beer on tap at this very local, very neighborly Haight/Cole Valley pub. There may even be more drunks than your usual family gatherings. -
Yats' New Orleans Original Po Boys
2545 24th St, San Francisco, CA
Not only is this hidden po boy shop offering a full meal for six of your pals for $134 (including a Cajun, jerk-seasoned or deep fried turkey), but for $32, you can bring your own bird in and get it deep-fried, adding a few much needed calories to the holiday season.
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Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
330 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA
This popular church turkey dinners by the ton on Thanksgiving and needs hundreds of volunteers to help scoop and serve to those in need. Shifts are available all day in approximate two-hour blocks, so it's an easy commitment and will make you feel a whole lot less guilty enjoying your own feast later. -
Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
1881 Post St, San Francisco, CA
There's nothing like a Thanksgiving movie (or three) to fill a lazy day, and hitting Kabuki can easily be done solo or with a giant group of friends. Look for Baz Luhrmann's epic "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman that opens the day before. -
Mission Beach Cafe
198 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA
Get in good with cutie Chef Ryan Scott by donating your T-Day morning to a good cause: the Second Annual Thanksgiving Bag Lunch Charity Giveaway. Join Scott at MBC to put together 1,500 bag lunches that will be going out to SF shelters (call (209) 613-3420 for details).
