Thanksgiving sides in NYC

Ditch the same-old, same-old with these inventive sides. Popcorn!

Green bean casseroles smothered with brittle canned onions and brown-and-serve rolls from a plastic bag have their place—on your family’s Thanksgiving table. There’s much to be said for comfort and routine, but we’re in New York City. Why settle for the same-old, same-old every November?

No one wants to take away your big-breasted turkey-day centerpiece—most chefs won’t mess with that tradition. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a little something different on the side, though.

Here are top Thanksgiving accompaniments with enough wow to stave off tryptophan-induced snoozes. These one-day-only dishes are part of special Nov. 26 menus, so be sure to make reservations if you're dead-set on avoiding gluey mashed potatoes at the children's table this year. —Krista Garcia

Pictured: Klee's pumpkin soup with cider caramel and smoked popcorn; photo by Jori Klein Jacobs