'Come Early' For Free Thanksgiving Meal, Says Family Run Hoboken Restaurant

HOBOKEN, NJ — For more than 20 years, Mario's, a popular family-owned pizzeria in the center of mile-square Hoboken, has served up a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings for anyone who wants or needs one.

The staff had a special message for anyone who wants to join this year. "We encourage people to come early," a representative told Patch on Tuesday. "Last year we ran out of everything by 4 o’clock. We serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner — turkey, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, pies, and more. We usually give out around 300 meals every year . Last year was the most and close to 400 dinners were handing out. We cook over 20 turkeys."

This year, they will start offering the meals at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23.

"FREE THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE!" they announced on Monday on social media. "For over 20 years now our family and customers have come together to give back to our community serving over 300+ meals every year at our store in Hoboken. It is amazing to see our customers generously donate and support giving back to the community."

They noted, "If you or anyone you know needs a meal this holiday please tell them to stop by or if you simply are stuck in town and want to hang out and watch some football don’t hesitate to come in. We can’t wait to see everyone!"

The restaurant, family owned since 1985, is popular with families for its varied pizza toppings (including salad and rib meat), their friendly service, and the TVs playing Yankee games or cartoons.

They also offer alcohol, including homemade sangria in Mason jars (and they deliver it, too!)

But the free meal that day is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, not a pizza.

Mario's Classic Pizza is located at 742 Garden St. Reach them at 201-659-0808 for more information. Follow them on Instagram here or order from their website here.