Balloon Day on the Upper West Side

Your Balloon Day Stop on the Upper West Side

WED, NOV 25 · 368 COLUMBUS AVE

Make Covacha part of your Thanksgiving Eve on the Upper West Side. Join us for an early lunch before the balloon inflation, or dinner afterward — our Mexican kitchen is rooted in the cooking of Jalisco, with a menu made for a stop in the neighborhood.

We offer limited reservations and keep tables for walk-ins, subject to availability. Find us at 368 Columbus Avenue, near the American Museum of Natural History.

Reserve a Table Get Directions View Menu

Wednesday, November 25

Your Balloon Day Plan

Lunch Before the Balloons

Get seated before the crowds arrive — an easy stop to start your balloon day.

Watching the Balloons? Stop By

Already out on Columbus Avenue? Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.

After the Balloons, Dinner

Reserve ahead for the evening — we're keeping space for walk-ins too.

Good to Know

Do I need a reservation?
We offer limited reservations and welcome walk-ins, subject to availability. Reserve a table on Resy.
What time are you open?
We're open our regular hours on Wednesday, November 25: 11:30 am to 9 pm.
Where is Covacha?
368 Columbus Avenue, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, near the American Museum of Natural History.
What is the balloon inflation, and why is it an Upper West Side tradition?
The night before Thanksgiving, Macy’s inflates the parade’s giant balloons in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History, between West 77th and 81st Streets. The parade’s balloons have been a fixture since 1927, and watching them take shape the evening before has become a beloved Upper West Side tradition of its own.
Where and when can I watch the balloon inflation?
Public viewing runs from around noon to 6 pm on Wednesday, November 25, along West 77th to 81st Streets between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West, with entry through a checkpoint at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Covacha is just a few blocks south at 368 Columbus Avenue.

Plan Your Visit

Bib Gourmand — MICHELIN Guide

See You on Balloon Day

Covacha is a Mexican restaurant on Columbus Avenue, just steps from the Thanksgiving Eve balloon inflation route. No special menu, no gimmicks — just an easy stop for lunch or dinner on your way to or from the balloons.

Date Wednesday, Nov 25
Address 368 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10024
Walk-ins Welcome, subject to availability
Reserve a Table Get Directions View Menu