The Thanksgiving Sandwiches at These Massachusetts Restaurants Beat the Real Meal

Massachusetts is the birthplace of Thanksgiving, and folks here certainly know how to cook up a delicious holiday meal. I know I look forward to this extravagant spread of fresh turkey, rich stuffing, and cranberry sauce all year long. Bay Staters also know how to put all of these traditional holiday ingredients together to create an amazing sandwich. It is known by many names, including the “Pilgrim”, “Mayflower,” or simply “Thanksgiving Sandwich,” but no matter how you refer to it, you will call it delicious. If you are looking for an unforgettable Thanksgiving sandwich in Massachusetts, head to one (or all) of these three local restaurants and indulge yourself in a delicious holiday meal without the hassle of having to cook it yourself.

1. Boston Tavern - Norwood, MA

The Boston Tavern in Norwood is known for its "monumental sandwiches", some of which are named after local sports legends such as Celtics star Larry Bird and boxer Rocky Marciano. While all of these are quite tasty, there is just something special about the Tavern’s Thanksgiving sandwich, fondly named the Gobbler. 

What sets the Gobbler apart from similar sandwiches is it takes the form of a wrap, instead of being served on a traditional bun or between bread. The warm flour tortilla surrounds a bed of sliced oven-roasted turkey topped with cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, and homemade savory herb stuffing. And because it isn’t Thanksgiving without the potatoes, the Gobbler also comes with a side of red bliss mashed potatoes (which can also be replaced by fries if you prefer). The Gobbler is available on the restaurant’s regular menu in both the Boston Tavern’s Norwood and West Bridgewater locations. You can find out more about this wonderful American restaurant by visiting the Boston Tavern website and Boston Tavern Facebook page.  

2. Boston Burger Company - Somerville

You probably won’t be surprised to find out that the Thanksgiving sandwich at The Boston Burger Company in Somerville (with additional locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Salem) takes the form of a burger (a turkey burger to be exact). The delicious “Pilgrim” is topped with cranberry mayonnaise, stuffing, and cheddar cheese, and makes a fabulous meal any time of year. The ample dish rose to fame in 2009 when it was featured on a Boston-based episode of the Food Network’s "Man v. Food" show, and it is now one of the menu’s most popular items.

And you can enjoy even more Thanksgiving goodness at the Boston Burger Company. At select locations, the restaurant features an additional seasonal Thanksgiving burger called the “Cran You Dig It,” (a layered turkey burger with all the fixins) as well as a Gobble Rolls appetizer (egg rolls with hickory-smoked BBQ turkey ends and mac and cheese). Check out the entire menu at the Boston Burger Company website and Boston Burger Company Facebook page.

3. The Portly Pilgrim - Plymouth

When you visit a Plymouth-based eatery named the Portly Pilgrim, you expect nothing less than a fantastic Thanksgiving sandwich, and this local grab-and-go spot certainly delivers. The signature sandwich here is also called “the Portly Pilgrim,” and the restaurant describes it as “a double-decker day after Thanksgiving feast for the starving pilgrim.” Made with hand-carved turkey, stuffing, mayo, and two different kinds of bread, the Portly Pilgrim is a best seller. While you are here, be sure to sample some popular Stuffing Terrific Nantucket Crisps before they sell out. Restaurant hours and menu items are available at the Portly Pilgrim website and the Portly Pilgrim Facebook page. 

Do you have a favorite local place to dine on a delicious Thanksgiving sandwich? Please tell us all about it. No matter where your travels take you this season, be sure to use Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner to turn your trip into a memorable experience.