If you’re stuck on campus for Thanksgiving, try not to despair. You’ll have time to relax, sleep in and enjoy the city without waiting in line anywhere. Here are the best Thanksgiving dinners, seasonal sandwiches and activities for your staycation.
What to eat
Thanksgiving day Buffet at The Black Squirrel
2427 18th St.
Next Thursday, The Black Squirrel is offering a $10 all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving Day buffet. Head to The Black Squirrel in Adam’s Morgan, a cozy traditional American bar and restaurant, and make sure to try their assortment of fresh turkey and ham. If Thanksgiving food is not your slice of pie, their burgers are D.C. famous and the space has a fun gastropub atmosphere.
Nobadeer from Jetties
1921 I St. and 1609 Foxhall Rd.
If you’re looking to satisfy your Thanksgiving Day cravings with something less extravagant than an all-you-can-eat buffet, look no further than the Nobadeer ($9.45) at Jetties. The Nobadeer sticks to the basics – piling thick slices of roasted turkey and stuffing onto soft sourdough, topping it with cranberry sauce and mayo. The sandwich condenses all the essential Thanksgiving flavors into one bite, though with so many ingredients, it can get messy.
The Bobbie at Capriotti’s
18th and M streets
The turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayonnaise combination is a favorite of Vice President Joe Biden. The pulled turkey is a little bit dryer than what you’ll find at Jetties, but the baguette it’s served on adds a nice crunch. Plus, you can keep it light with a $7.99 nine-inch sub or enjoy a meal as big as a Thanksgiving feast with a 20-inch sub that costs about $17.
Stuffed Turkey with Cranberry at Au Bon Pain
The Shops at 2000 Penn, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave.
A seasonal menu item, Au Bon Pain’s Thanksgiving sandwich is a lighter twist on the classic turkey, stuffing and cranberry combo. Served on cranberry ciabatta that adds a layer of sweetness, the sandwich substitutes onion spread for mayonnaise for an extra kick of flavor. An added bonus? Au Bon Pain’s sandwich is toasted and served warm – you can get it for about $7.
Smoke and Barrel
2471 18th St.
Are you thankful for family, friends and Tom Hanks? If yes, make your way up to Smoke and Barrel restaurant and bar where they are celebrating “Tom Hanxgiving,” a Tom Hanks-themed Thanksgiving feast. Watch classic Hanks films while chowing down on an all-you-can-eat turkey buffet and sides inspired by his films. For $20 you can grab four types of turkey and sides, including “Catch Me If You Yam” and “Turnips & Hooch.”
The event lasts from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 26, but make sure to come early so you can grab a good seat.
Where to go
Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden.
Located at the National Mall next to the National Gallery of Art and across from the National Archives.
Ice skating in the brisk air is fun even if you’re not very good. Race around the rink or grab a hot beverage and walk among the many sculptures. Admission is $8.50 and it costs $3 to rent skates if you do not have your own. The ice rink is a quick walk from the Smithsonian and Archives Metro stations and is open all of Thanksgiving break, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Turkey Trot
Freedom Plaza 155 Pennsylvania Ave.
Burn some calories for charity and get ready for your Thanksgiving feast at the 14th annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. at Freedom Plaza and goes along Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall. The registration fee will help provide food, clothing and health care to those in need.
A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre at 511 10th St.
Take in a little culture during your break and go see a theater production. Lose yourself in Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” in historic Ford’s Theatre and watch Ebenezer Scrooge discover the true meaning of Christmas with help from the ghosts of Christmas past. Ford’s Theatre is having showings Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, and tickets range from $32 to $62.
The Nutcracker
The Kennedy Center at 2700 F St.
For more fun, add a little magic to the holiday season at the Kennedy Center’s production of “The Nutcracker,” the story of Maria’s nutcracker doll coming to life and whisking her away to a land populated by dolls. This rendition is performed by the Joffrey Ballet and is sure to light up the stage. The shows run from Nov. 25 to 29 and tickets range from $55 to $215.
