I'm looking for a recommendation for brunch or dinner in NYC, within reasonably close proximity to Lincoln Center area. I'm not looking for fancy. I'd prefer something more local and unpretentious, simple but good.

Typically on Thanksgiving you get a set Thanksgiving dinner with specific seating times (noon, 2pm etc) or an ethnic restaurant doing it's own thing. the former are often reserved far in advance and food is usually not great due to the mobs (some places close - so the ones left open are packed).

I would look at opentable.com to see who is offering what in that area - and what times they have left.

Have never seen brunch on Thanksgiving (since that usualyl runs from noon to 4pm or so) - but that doesn't mean you won;t find someplace.

I'd recommend Sambuca on W. 72nd Street between Central Park West & Columbus or Ocean Grill on W. 77th/Columbus. Both are close to Lincoln Center and have good food. Sambuca serves everything "family style".. not sure how many of you there will be.

Thanks to both of you, for your suggestions. I will look into that site online, and also check out the two restaurants.

Josephina (right across B'way from Lincoln Center) or Josie's (Amsterdam & 74th, about 10 blocks north of Lincoln Center) might fit the bill. Not sure if they are open on Thanksgiving.

I think Telepan may be doing a Thanksgiving dinner. It's in the area, but i am not sure how much of it is local and unpretentious. While not pretentious, it is a restaurant that is market driven.

I will give all the restaurants a call to see what is offered. My first choice had been the Boat House, but they were completly booked.