The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, meaning it's time to find your stretchy pants and to think about what you're thankful for this year.
Whether you'll be feasting with family and friends or doing something unrelated to overeating, we've got a roundup of Thanksgiving-themed things to do (and get) in preparation for the big day. From ice cream shops to bakeries, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find Cambridge's top go-tos for the holiday, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a curated list of where to head.
1. Toscanini's Ice Cream
Topping the list is Toscanini's Ice Cream. Located at 159 First St. in East Cambridge, the bakery is the most popular bakery in Cambridge, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,565 reviews on Yelp.
This ice cream shop has a large variety of homemade flavors like pistachio, churro, pumpkin fluff and apple crisp. Toscanini's also features coffee, tea and cakes.
Yelper Emma R. wrote, "I'm in a long term relationship with the ice cream from Toscanini's. I have not been disappointed. Your stomach will thank you."
2. Veggie Galaxy
Next up is Cambridgeport's Veggie Galaxy, situated at 450 Massachusetts Ave. With four stars out of 1,081 reviews on Yelp, the bakery, vegetarian and breakfast and brunch spot has proven to be a local favorite.
This eatery offers traditional diner food with a vegan twist. Try The Club sandwich with grilled tempeh bacon, smoked tofu, tomato, romaine, red onion, basil pesto and roasted garlic mayo.
Yelper Stephanie L. said, "When I want to pretend to eat healthy, I head over to Veggie Galaxy for what tastes like a home cooked meal. Seriously, these guys rock."
3. Flour Bakery + Café
Cambridgeport's Flour Bakery + Café, located at 190 Massachusetts Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bakery, which offers coffee and tea, sandwiches and more, four stars out of 848 reviews.
This bakery chain offers a large selection of pastries, cakes, breads and sandwiches. The eatery also hosts its own baking classes.
"Flour Bakery definitely lives up to the hype," Yelper Bradford L. wrote. "I ordered a Sticky Bun and a Lemon Ginger Scone to go. The sticky bun was delicious and soft and the pecans were caramelized perfectly. The lemon ginger scone wasn't too sweet either and had a subtle hint of ginger that wasn't too overpowering. I'll be back next time to try out a sandwich!"
4. Helmand Restaurant
Located at 143 First St. in East Cambridge, the Afghan spot, Helmand Restaurant, is the highest rated beer, wine and spirits spot in Cambridge, boasting four stars out of 809 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, you'll find a variety of traditional Afghan dishes like the Lamb Lawand with a leg of lamb sautéed in onions, tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms, cilantro, yogurt, spices, spinach and rice.
Yelper Kristian B. wrote, "Helmand is a beautiful and delicious experience that I'd recommend to anyone and everyone."
5. Central Bottle Wine + Provisions
Cambridgeport's Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, located at 196 Massachusetts Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score beer, wine and spirits and more 4.5 stars out of 90 reviews.
In addition to wine and beer, this liquor store also offers cheese plates, bread and olive oil.
Yelper Carly I. wrote, "Central Bottle is a great shop with an excellent selection of wines and delicious cheeses."
