We’re thankful for Thanksgiving. A day to gather around the dining table, teach our children gratitude, and feast on all of the traditional and nostalgic dishes from roasted turkey to cranberry sauce. Could it get any better? YES!
There’s a major cherry on top: some of the best restaurants across the country will be serving up turkey to families with pipsqueaks of all ages. White linens, fine china, kids welcome.
Somer McBride with help from Joanna Augenbergs
Here are some of our picks for the most drool-worthy and festive meals around the country:
Atlanta
Dine out:
The Palm - This 3 course Thanksgiving meal offers decadent bisques and autumnal salads as a first course, turkey with stuffing and cranberry, choice of a side (we have our eye on green beans with pancetta) and, of course, dessert.
Savor this classic meal: $55 adults and $24 under 12
The buffet at Southern Art features a kids station, complete with mac and cheese, ants on a log, chicken tenders, tater tots, and kids crudité. But that’s just the tip of the cornucopia. Included are classic offerings like lemon pepper turkey, dressing, gravy, and all the sides, plus stations for sushi, full breakfast and more. But best of all, 13 desserts and a doughnut station with a glaze fountain.
Feast at Southern Art: $95 Adults; $45 Children 5-10; Children Under 5 Complimentary
Order In:
Celebrate with Star Provisions’ Thanksgiving turkey and “fixins”. Turkeys can be ordered by the pound and pre-brined ready to pop in the oven. Sides include yukon gold potato puree, cranberry orange relish, apple and sage stuffing and many more. If you’re into the flakiest and most delicious pies in town (um, yes!) add an apple, pecan or pumpkin pie to top off your dinner. Order by November 18th.
Washington DC
Dine Out
There is some major talent and creativity in the kitchen at Unconventional Diner, and it shows in their Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy adventurous first courses like chicken noodle soup with matzo balls (sounds perfect for a pipsqueak) and sweet & sour cauliflower. Classic turkey is a main course option, with additional choices including miso salmon and Lebanese fried rice & falafel (one of our favorite dishes EVER). We also have our eye on the Fererro Rocher Tart and Pumpkin Mascarpone for dessert.
Indulge for $48 per person.
In addition to their daily menu, 1789 is offering a prix-fixe, 3-course Thanksgiving meal featuring gorgeous flavor profiles that take the classics to a whole new level. Decadent pumpkin soup ( served with lobster and candied pepita seed brittle, yes please!), truffle mushroom bisque and various salad options start the feast, leading into a main course of orange-thyme roasted turkey breast and confit leg and classic sides. Our pipsqueaks would be very thankful to end this dinner with apple snickerdoodle cake or pumpkin pie cheesecake.
$60 per person.
Offering buffet at timed seatings for parties of 5 or more and a prix-fixe menu by reservation, the Tabard Inn is a special place to celebrate Thanksgiving. The rooms are intimate and warm, making it a perfect home-away-from-home, with classic menu/buffet items like maple herb roasted turkey breast, savory chicken sausage cherry stuffing, traditional gravy, sweet potato mash, green beans and, cranberry orange sauce.
$85 adults and $35 children ages 4-10. Parties of 5 or more buffet seatings at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Prix-fixe available from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Order In:
We’re not sure what could be better than a Michelin starred Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of one’s own home, where stretch pants and energetic pipsqueaks are 100% welcome. The to-go meal features a 10-12 pound roasted turkey, accompanied by two freshly baked breads and four traditional sides to include pimento mac’n cheese; braised greens; potato purée and roasted sugar pumpkin. For the sweet finale, apple and pumpkin pies are both included. This all-American feast is designed to feed six to eight and is priced at $425 (all-inclusive). Order by November 15th.
Boston
One of Boston’s favorite dining destinations, Bistro Du Midi is offering a special 3-course menu for pipsqueaks on Thanksgiving, and it doesn’t disappoint. Starting with a salad or cauliflower soup, children can choose from a classic turkey main course, penne pasta, or a croque monsieur. The grand finale includes a choice between a pepita financier with pumpkin ice cream and dark chocolate panna cotta with black currant sorbet. Standouts on the adults menu are black truffle cauliflower soup and pumpkin brioche stuffing.
$75 per adult, $32 per child.
Post 390 puts a contemporary twist on the traditional favorites, with seasonally inspired dishes using fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavors. Their three-course Thanksgiving feast highlights the best of Autumnal flavors, starting with roasted delicata squash salad or clam chowder, followed by amish-raised carved turkey, giblet & brandy gravy, mashed potatoes, herb & apple stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, cider-glazed organic carrots and Maine heirloom cranberry-orange relish. The sweet finale is a choice from the restaurant’s roaming dessert cart. A la carte menu items will also be available.
$60 with an optional wine pairing for $25.
Enjoy an exquisite Thanksgiving feast for the entire family at The Bristol’s Thanksgiving Day Brunch. Delight in hot and cold breakfast selections, an indulgent seafood raw bar, and an entrée and carving station featuring herb crusted prime rib and turkey roulade, with all the savory seasonal favorites including sweet potato gratin cornbread stuffing, and whipped potatoes.
$105 per person. Children under 5 are complimentary.
In addition to their daily menu, you won’t want to miss this New Englander’s dream of a Thanksgiving. Fall squash bisque laden with crab and cranberry oil, and goat cheese souffle round out the special starters, followed by the main event: The New England Turkey Dinner: cider-brined breast, braised thigh, oyster-cornbread stuffing, candied yams, and gravy.
Order In:
The Bristol is also offering to-go orders. Order before Monday, November 19th.
$85 per person, four person minimum.
Chicago
Join RPM Steak for a special four-course Thanksgiving Feast featuring Slagel Family Farm Turkey (served both roasted and fried) as well as some of RPM’s signature dishes such as Aged Parmesan Risotto and Coal Roasted King Crab. Accompaniments for the table include Chestnut Stuffing, Sweet Potato Puree and an updated version of the classic Green Bean Casserole. The menu also highlights additions such as white truffles shaved tableside and the rare Japanese Olive Beef. Top off the meal with an assortment of desserts: Pumpkin Pie, Roasted Pear Tart and RPM’s famous 14K Chocolate Cake.
$90 for adults and $40 for children.
Executive Chef Damion Henry is putting on a smorgasbord Thanksgiving buffet with more than ten culinary stations featuring brunch classics, custom-carved meats, fresh seafood and more. Our standout menu items include sous vide tomahawk rib eye steaks, herb butter-basted roasted turkey, cranberry apricot sauce, truffled yellow corn casserole, and stations for sushi, poke and ramen! There’s even a dedicated station for pipsqueaks to peruse that includes tiny vegetables with hummus, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac n cheese, crispy chicken fingers and cheeseburger sliders.
$155 per person, $50 for children age 5 – 12 years
San Francisco
The menu options include Butternut Squash Soup or Autumn Mista Salad, Roasted Fresh Turkey, Herb Crusted New York Steak, Pan Seared Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi (and more), and your choice of dessert between White Chocolate Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie. You can even add on starters to share! Come for a wonderful evening of delicious food, great company, and an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. Your belly will be thanking you later. ($65pp)
(If you can’t snag a reservation at the Beach Chalet and/or are looking for something more casual, its sister restaurant the Park Chalet is also offering up a Thanksgiving special. This year the Park Chalet will be hosting a delicious buffet filled with Thanksgiving classics like roasted turkey and pumpkin pies. ($79pp)
If you are feeling fancy, Top of the Mark at the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel in Nob Hill will offer a brunch buffet (10:30 am to 1:30 pm) and a dinner buffet (3:30 pm to 8:00 pm). They are each priced at $145 for adults and $65 for children ages 4-12. We love this place for the killer city views year-round but during the holidays, the restaurant becomes extra special. There’s even a Petting Zoo in the lobby from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. Call 415.616.6941 for reservations
There are various Thanksgiving dining options at the Cliff House. The Bistro is offering (walk-in only) Thanksgiving dinner from 2:30pm to 9:30pm. Sutro's at the Cliff House will also be serving a special menu from 11am to 9pm. You can also book the Terrace Room Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet, which features unlimited food and champagne with live harp music (Two hour seatings from 10:30pm to 6:30pm). Note that reservations for the Champagne Buffet can only be made by calling the Cliff House directly at (415) 386-3330.
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill in Oakland is a rambling horseshoe-shaped hometown hangout. On Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant will offer traditional holiday dishes via a three-course prix-fixe meal for $65 and a buffet for $79.
Join with friends and family at Left Bank for a home cooked turkey dinner! They will be serving a 4-course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving meal for $56.00 per person (price excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity). A limited à la carte menu will also be offered at the bar, featuring a selection of hearty salads, mussels, burgers, salmon, and more. A special kids menu will be available, a 3 Course Prix Fixe for $15.00. Dishes will include butternut squash soup and fuyu persimmon salad; roasted turkey, pork or risotto; and pumpkin pie.
Madera at Rosewood Sand Hill will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special holiday menu ($118 per person; $59 for children age 12 and under). Among the temptations are a Fuyu persimmon tartine; roasted turkey breast with family-style sides; and pumpkin mousse, graham cake and cream cheese ice cream.
At Michael Mina, the signature ahi tuna tartare makes an appearance on the Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu ($180 per person), alongside Maine lobster acquerello rice or pumpkin soup, the requisite roast turkey (or salmon or ribeye) and finish off with your selection of dessert.
Enjoy a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner at Presidio Social Club. Indulge in butternut squash soup or a fall salad before feasting on roast turkey, wild mushroom and sage stuffing, and pumpkin or chocolate bourbon pecan pie. The menu costs $68 per person ($33 for children 10 and younger).
Oakland’s The Terrace Room will offer a Harvest Buffet ($69; $35 for children ages 6 to 10; guests 5 and under are free) on Thanksgiving Day. Roasted turkey breast with sage giblet gravy, cornbread stuffing and cranberry relish are only a few of the dishes that will tempt holiday diners.
On Thanksgiving (starting at 11AM), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is offering a three-course feast, including classics like our Mixed Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast or our Sliced Beef Tenderloin. They have also created a delightful three-course Thanksgiving Children's Menu for $19.
Los Angeles
The team at Tavern are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan Thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. ($95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under
PS They also offer Thanksgiving dinner to-go! https://www.tavernla.com/
This swanky Beverly Hills resort is offering not one but three Thanksgiving Day options for you and yours, including dishes such as herb-roasted turkey, spiced prime rib and sweet potato gnocchi. At the Restaurant, stop by for brunch from 11am to 3:30pm, where you’ll find a sprawling buffet—complete with carving station—for $128 per adult and $39 per child aged 4-12. Looking for a more formal dinner? Between 5 and 9:30pm, the Restaurant hosts a four-course family-style feast for $105 per adult and $39 per child aged 4 to 12. If you’re hoping for a more casual affair, head to the Rooftop Grill for a three-course prix-fixe menu with holiday-inspired specials from 11am to 5pm, at $85 per adult and $39 per child aged 4 to 12.
The annual feast at Tom Colicchio’s CRAFT begins with for-the-table starters such as pork belly with celery root, then proceeds to your choice of roasted, organic free-range turkey; angus beef short ribs; seafood; and pasta. Pass around the family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisin stuffing and Brussels sprouts, and, as it’s the highlight of just about every visit to CRAFT, don’t forget the selection of desserts artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. ($145 per person, with a $65 wine supplement available)
This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. ($70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; $29 per child 10 and under)
Thanksgiving goes modern at Culver City’s Akasha, with a prix-fixe California-inspired menu full of persimmon-and-pomegranate salad; gluten-free cornbread; herb-roasted turkey with chestnut-and-sage stuffing; a vegetarian option of herb-roasted mushrooms with squash and a wild-mushroom gravy; broccoli-and-cauliflower gratin; mac and cheese; and an entire pie buffet. You had us at “pie buffet.” ($80 per adult, $35 per child 10 and under)
This feast at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel is one of the classiest in town, including live music and bottomless bubbly. Starters including butternut squash risotto and chicken liver mousse, while entrées involve all the holiday staples such as free-range turkey with sage stuffing, pomegranate-roasted Brussels sprouts and buttermilk mashed potatoes, as well as roasted filet of beef with celery root, cipollini onions, and truffle. ($142 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under)
Chef Curtis Stone’s four-course, prix-fixe meal skews classic and fine-dining with dishes such as chestnut velouté with pear and brown butter; roast turkey with gravy and braised-and-pulled dark meat in cocotte; mac and cheese agnolotti with smoked pork emulsion; and a range of sides, including duck fat potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and Brussels sprouts with bacon jam. Finish with Stone’s take on apple pie and a selection of petit fours. ($85pp)
For the fanciest of appetites, Josiah Citrin’s fine-dining institution, Mélisse, is offering a four-course prix-fixe meal that feels anything but limited: Each course includes four or five choices, and you even get your pick of three of Citrin’s mom’s traditional sides. Just a few dishes from the lengthy and mouth-watering menu: Maine diver scallops with foie gras, young turnips, porcini and a truffle consommé; whole-roasted dry-aged prime rib with horseradish jus; herb-roasted free-range turkey served with chanterelle mushrooms, apple-and-brioche stuffing and pomegranate gravy; and pecan pie with Dulcey and bourbon sauce and whipped crème fraîche. Whoa. ($95 per adult, $42 per child 8 and under)
New York
If there’s anywhere to dine on Thanksgiving, it’s this restaurant, which specializes in sophisticated poultry dishes. The feast begins with a choice of duck foie gras terrine, butternut squash soup (adorned with croutons, smoked duck breast and roasted pumpkin seeds - YUM!) or an Autumn salad. Entree selections include stuffed Heritage turkey with cabbage and butternut squash, celeriac mousseline and housemade onion chestnut stuffing, or Maine sea scallops with celeriac purée. They’re also preparing meals to go that serve up to 8 guests for $315. Orders Taken Until Thursday Nov. 15th at 8:00 PM
Also available “To go”
Head to the East Village for a special Thanksgiving menu at Hearth, where guests will be served autumn squash soup with citrus yogurt, spiced pumpkin seeds, poached turkey breast and braised thighs, with squash soup, mushroom leek stuffing, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes and braised greens. The dinner is topped off with a choice of apple crumble or pumpkin mousse with cranberry compote and spiced pecans.
Adults - $98, Children $49
Head of to Simon and the Whale for their “Throw Down Thanksgiving” that also promises a bit of extra pizazz. A set menu showcases fall chicories with apple, pistachio, and duck prosciutto, turkey breast and confited legs (with brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin, cranberry sauce, and giblet gravy on the side), and a pumpkin roll or apple pie for dessert.
$100 per person
This fast casual eatery serves up the quintessential Thanksgiving feast, to-go. Available with servings for 4, 8 or 10 guests, they meal includes roasted turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted Autumn Vegetables, green bean casserole and cranberry chutney. Complete your meal is add-ons like butternut squash soup, pies, and extra servings of sides (because those are always the best part, right?)
$160 serves 4, $320 serves 8, and $395 serves 10.
Austin
Crowd favorite Top Chef winner Kristen Kish opened her Austin gem this summer, and diners say it’s so good that it might even put the city’s barbeque in second place! Typically a place we would reserve for date night, Arlo Gray will be serving special menu offerings perfect for the season.
This is the first restaurant we’ve found serving their turkey fried, and we want to give them a high five! The menu offers a refreshing spin on the classics that we would forego cooking for any day. Sides include: mashed sweet potato and brûlée marshmallow, roasted cranberry and satsuma tangerine, boursin creamed green beans and crispy shallot, andouille and jalapeño brioche stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts with butternut squash and Nueske bacon, and salad of Lolla Rossa, poached pear, cornbread crouton, candied pecan, and cider vinaigrette. Perfectly-pipsqueak-sized individual pecan tarts will be served for dessert.
$49 per adult and $29 per child
Order in:
Boiler Nine
We don’t know a pipsqueak (or parent) who would turn down mac+pimento cheese with Cheez-it crust. Along with honey-lime brined, smoke roasted turkey by the pound, jalapeno lime cranberry, sauteed green beans with roasted mushrooms and garlic butter, and andouille sourdough stuffing, this is feast is a win. Parents, there’s a special addition just for you! Boiler Nine offers a Make Your Own Holiday Cocktail Kit for $18, so you can mix up rio star grapefruit, pomegranate, hibiscus and canela with spirits from your cabinet in the comfort of your own home!
Dinner for 4 - $152, Dinner for 8 - $255.
Called “other-wordly”, Olamaie offers their secret, off-menu biscuits by the 1/2 dozen for Thanksgiving and other holidays. If you’re planning on spending your Turkey day preparing a beautiful meal, add these as your one shortcut and you won’t be sorry! $18 per half-dozen.
Nashville
When there’s a buffet station just for pipsqueaks with pasta and meatballs, chicken tenders and fries, mac n cheese, stewed green beans and ambrosia, you know you’re in for a very special Thanksgiving feast. Standout classic items include butternut squash soup with basil cream and spiced chickpeas, king crab legs and oysters on the half shell, and rosemary turkey with gravy, orange cranberry chutney and cornbread dressing. The buffet also includes prime rib, breakfast favorites, and additional entrees. Best of all, a pie bar and vanilla crepe station filled with every decadent topping offer a delicious finish.
$50 for adults, $25 for children 6-12, complimentary for children 5 and under.
Champagne Thanksgiving Brunch at the beautiful Hermitage Hotel? Sign us up! Southern food abounds, like Jack Daniel’s roasted pumpkin soup and traditional deviled eggs. Displays include seafood, cheese and charcuterie, various salads, breakfast classics, along with sage and rosemary roasted turkey, garlic and thyme prime rib, and apple cider glazed bone-in ham carving stations -- and all of the traditional sides. A spread of 10 desserts like Fall spiced cannoli and bananas foster bread pudding.
$74 for adults, $26 for children
Order In
Known as one of the best restaurants in Nashville, the Henley is hosting its second annual ‘Turkey Call”. Let Chef Daniel Gorman prepare your Thanksgiving feast for 4-6 guests to-go, complete with a whole roasted heritage turkey (between 14-16 lbs), rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, oyster and cornbread dressing, and a choice of pecan or pumpkin pie. We’ve heard they’ll even treat you to warm apple cider while they load your order into the car. $200
Miami
When a two-michelin-star chef’s restaurant is serving up an inventive Thanksgiving meal, it will be a holiday to remember. Autumnal flavors pepper the menu, with options like spiced pumpkin soup and pate en croute served with persimmons and cranberry mustard. We know a pipsqueak or two who might pass on the tempting ‘traditional turkey’ main course with chestnut dressing, whipped sweet potato, brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney and gravy for ‘Cinderella Pumpkin Agnolotti’ with brown butter and sage amaretti crumble. Dessert options sounds divine, including bourbon orange semifreddo, spiced pumpkin mousse and pecan tarte with cranberry sauce and ginger ice cream.
Adults $75. Children under 12 $25
The Regional Kitchen and Public House
2018 James Beard Nominee, Chef Lindsay Autry is preparing a not-to-miss Thanksgiving feast with traditional fare and Miami flair.. A buffet of Old Bay poached pink Florida shrimp commences the menu, leading into adventurous salads, and hot selections of tomato pie, fried chicken, local wahoo, roasted seminole pumpkin with sage and more. At the table, diners can order their main entree of roasted turkey breast, herb braised thighs, roasted leg confit, or prime rib. Served at the table are whipped yukon gold potatoes, house sausage and cornbread stuffing, and garvy. Maple pumpkin pie, apple tarts, mini bourbon pecan pies, cranberry orange cheescake and chocolate caramel verrine make a dessert table for which to be very thankful! Adults $70, children 12 and under $25.
Order in:
The Regional Kitchen and Public House also offers its feast to go! $225 serves up to 6 guests and $325 serves up to 10 guests.
Seattle
With sweeping views of Puget Sound, Goldfinch Tavern is a celebration of the region, and a perfect place to spend a memorable Thanksgiving. This brunch buffet by Chef Joe Ritchie is one of the swankiest in town, with a build your own hot chocolate bar that is sure to delight pipsqueaks. Crab cocktail, local oysters and shrimp, sweet potato tartlets, cranberry brushcetta and lox wraps are just a few of the appetizer offerings. Entrees are bountiful, from eggs benedict and omelettes to crispy crab cakes and prime rib. It wouldn’t be complete without a turkey platter of organic turkey breast, braised leg and thigh meat, Sage Gravy, and Fried Sage.
$50 per adult; $18 per child.
The restaurant's third annual Friendsgiving starts with cocktail from ‘the nest’, a lounge on The Thompson Hotel’s rooftop. With a simple farm-to-table menu of family style dishes, including roasted turkey, roasted trout, and a luxe oyster brioche stuffing, The Scout invites you to let them do the work, and the dishes.
Seatings are at noon and 4 p.m. and cost $90 for adults, $40 for children under 12.
A Thanksgiving kids menu that includes turkey, mashed potatoes, a veggie choice and dessert in the heart of Seattle? That’s something to be thankful for! The Urbane will serve turkey two ways: a brined and roasted turkey breast or a turkey thigh with “whole bird” gravy, along with brown butter mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, brown butter and chives, haricot verts with garlic, shallot butter and guanciale, cornbread dressing with sage and confit turkey leg, roasted Thumbelina carrots with parsley maple and lemon, roasted pearl onions with butter, thyme and white wine and cranberry orange relish. For dessert, sticky toffee pudding with J.P. Trodden bourbon toffee, candied pecans, cinnamon merengue and local vanilla ice cream sounds festive and decadent.
4:30pm-10:00pm, $49 per Adult; $15 per child 12 & under