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 grocery stores to bakeries, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find Miami's top go-tos for the holiday, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a curated list.
As friends and family prepare to gather this Thanksgiving, head to one of Miami's best grocery stores to stock up on supplies before it's too late.
1. Oriental Bakery & Grocery
Topping the list is Oriental Bakery & Grocery. Located at 1760 S.W. Third Ave. in Coral Way, it is the highest rated grocery store in Miami, boasting 4.5 stars out of 79 reviews on Yelp.
Established in 1954, the family-run grocery store offers several Middle Eastern and Mediterranean items, from shawarma to grape leaves. Grab a shish kebab platter to go or a tabouleh salad to serve before the big dinner.
Yelper Nancy A. said, “I love this place. The lunch is fresh and flavorful; it is also very reasonably priced for the size of the portions. I usually get some rice with the falafel platter and I just love their hummus. It's great for our vegetarian friends that can pick and choose what to make their platter out of."
2. Marky's Gourmet
Next up is Marky's Gourmet, situated at 687 N.E. 79th St. With 4.5 stars out of 63 reviews on Yelp, the grocery store has proven to be a local favorite.
Open since 1983, Marky's Gourmet offers a diverse selection of high-end foods and goods. Items range from caviar and black truffles (which can cost up to $473 a jar) to squid ink and octopus.
Need hors d'oeuvres? Look for small upscale bites like an aged Italian sheep cheese pecorino, Russia caviar, prosciutto and the escargot achatine in puff pastries plate.
On Nov. 19, Yelper Gregory M. wrote, "It has the very best selection of exquisite products and is supported by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Ask for the out-of-this world Sottocenere al Tartufo cheese."
3. Whole Foods Market
Downtown's Whole Foods Market, located at 299 S.E. Third Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the grocery store that specializes in natural and organic foods four stars out of 149 reviews.
Beyond its fresh goods, the downtown Miami location contains a few eateries like the Versailles Restaurant, which bakes classic Cuban desserts; La Churrasqueira, a Brazilian-style meat station; and Sushi Maki, which makes a variety of fresh sushi, Hawaiian poke and Peruvian ceviche-style rice bowls.
Seeking fresh greens? Pluck a few bunches of fresh mustard and turnip greens from the produce aisle. Forgot to make a side dish for the family dinner? Pick up cumin-spiced carrots or green beans with garlic from the prepared foods section.
Responsible for dessert, but haven't got the time (or energy) to cook? Head to one of Miami's top bakeries, all of which are cranking out autumnal-inspired baked goods and sweet treats perfect for Thanksgiving.
1. The Salty Donut
Topping the list is The Salty Donut. Located at 50 N.W. 23rd St., Suite 112, it is the most popular bakery in Miami, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,493 reviews on Yelp.
Founded by Andy Rodriguez and Amanda Pizarro in 2015, the doughnut shop has been featured in Forbes and on the Food Network and Cooking Channel.
The shop offers a wide selection of seasonal and year-round doughnut flavors and also serves espresso, coffee and tea. Treat each family member to a vegan sweet potato pie doughnut topped with homemade marshmallow cream and crumbled gingersnap cookie.
Or go for the maple and bacon doughnut, made of 24-hour brioche and maple glaze, and topped with homemade candied bacon cracklings and J. Wakefield porter redux.
On Oct. 3, Yelper Adrianna U. wrote, “These doughnuts are absolute heaven. The brioche base gives it a fluffiness that is unlike any other! I've tried many of their seasonal flavors, but I always seem to come back to original glazed and maple and bacon.”
2. Fireman Derek's Bake Shop & Cafe
Next up is Fireman Derek's Bake Shop & Cafe, situated at 2818 N. Miami Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 632 reviews on Yelp, the bakery and patisserie has proven to be a local favorite.
The family-owned shop is operated by baker and firefighter Derek Kaplan and mom and entrepreneur Kimberly Murdock. It features handcrafted pies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies and other desserts.
For the holiday, try a S'mores Pie with graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows, or a funfetti cheesecake, decorated in sprinkles and drizzled in chocolate. Keep it traditional with the pumpkin pie.
Yelper Karmen M. said, "I've heard so much about Fireman Derek's in the short time I've lived in Miami; it is your one-stop shop for all things sweet. They offer brownies, cookies, blondies, cakes, pies (sweet and savory), cheesecake (as well as some Hispanic sweets). What more can you ask for?”
