Thanksgiving in St. Petersburg is more than a holiday—it’s a celebration of Florida’s sunshine, coastal charm, and a food scene that keeps growing more delicious every year. Whether you’re hosting in Historic Old Northeast, gathering with friends in Snell Isle, or welcoming family to your downtown condo, the centerpiece of your feast is still the same: the turkey.
But how big should that turkey actually be? Let’s break it down—with food-lover-approved recommendations for where to shop and what to bring if you’re not hosting this year.
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How to Choose the Right Turkey Size
A perfectly sized turkey ensures everyone is happily full and leaves you with just the right amount of leftovers. Here’s the simplest formula:
• 1.5 pounds per adult
• 1 pound per child
• Add 2–3 extra pounds if you want leftovers (and who doesn’t?)
Example: Serving 8 Adults and 5 Children
Let’s walk through it:
• 8 adults × 1.5 lbs = 12 lbs
• 5 children × 1 lb = 5 lbs
• Total: 17 lbs before leftovers
Add a little cushion for those next-day turkey sliders, and you’ll want a 19–20 pound turkey for this group.
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Important Turkey Safety: How to Properly Defrost
A great Thanksgiving starts with safe preparation. If you’re buying a frozen turkey, here’s how to defrost it the right way:
Refrigerator Thawing (Safest & Easiest)
• Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4–5 pounds of turkey.
• Example: A 20-pound turkey needs 4–5 days in the fridge.
• Keep it in a tray or pan to catch any juices.
Cold Water Thawing (Faster, Still Safe)
• Submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes.
• Allow 30 minutes per pound.
• A 20-pound turkey will need about 10 hours.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter.
Room-temperature thawing can cause bacteria to grow quickly—and nobody wants that at Thanksgiving.
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Where to Buy Your Turkey in St. Petersburg
Local foodies know St. Pete has no shortage of incredible markets. Here are our top picks when you’re hunting for the best bird in town:
🛒 Mazzaro’s Italian Market
A foodie landmark. Their turkeys tend to be high quality and beautifully fresh—plus you can grab wine, cheese, and desserts while you’re there.
🛒 Whole Foods St. Pete
Great for organic or specialty options, including brined and free-range birds.
🛒 Publix at 4th St & 38th Ave
Convenient, reliable, and always stocked. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly frozen turkeys to premium options.
These spots make turkey shopping feel like part of the celebration, each reflecting the flavor and culture of St. Pete’s vibrant food community.
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Not Hosting? Bring a Show-Stopping Dessert
If your contribution this year is dessert—and you want something that makes fellow food lovers stop mid-bite—head straight to Le Clementine Café inside the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts.
Their pumpkin pie is rich, silky, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s the kind of dessert that will have people asking, “Where did you get this?” before the first plate is even cleared.
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Prefer to Dine Out Instead?
For those who’d rather skip the cooking entirely, Beau & Mo’s in St. Pete offers a Thanksgiving experience that feels warm, indulgent, and wonderfully local. From their steakhouse favorites to special holiday offerings, it’s a perfect choice for residents who appreciate comfort food with thoughtful execution.
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Final Serving Tip From Your St. Pete Foodie Friends
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving in Downtown St. Pete, gathering your long-time crew in Historic Old Northeast, or sampling dishes around Snell Isle, your turkey shouldn’t be a guessing game. Use the simple sizing formula, shop local, thaw safely, and remember that great food is one of the many things that makes living here so special.
Happy feasting—and happy Thanksgiving, St. Petersburg! 🦃
