For some, Thanksgiving is about the golden bird roasting in the oven, the smell of cinnamon and sage drifting through the house, and five people trying to share one stovetop. For others, it’s about skipping all that.
If you’re not up for the grocery haul, the sink full of dishes, or the last-minute panic when the turkey thermometer hits 140° instead of 165°, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to eat out on Thanksgiving—especially in major cities where restaurants pull out all the stops with prix fixe menus, fall cocktails, and festive ambiance.
Whether you’re solo, with a partner, or rolling in with the entire family, here’s where you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner across a few top cities—no cooking, no cleanup, no regrets.
Table of Contents
New York City, NY
Best for: Variety, vibe, and views
Bubby’s (Tribeca)
This place is made for nostalgia lovers. Think cast iron cornbread, buttery mashed potatoes, free-range roasted turkey, and classic pies. Bubby’s doesn’t try to be trendy—it just does Thanksgiving right. It’s also kid-friendly, which helps if you’re bringing the whole crew.
The Smith (Multiple Locations)
Modern but not fussy, The Smith is a favorite for groups who want the traditional fare without the stuffy atmosphere. Expect turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a killer butterscotch pot de crème for dessert. Book ahead—these fill up fast.
River Café (Brooklyn)
If you’re looking to splurge a bit and have a view of the Manhattan skyline, River Café offers a white-tablecloth Thanksgiving with multiple courses. It’s elegant and quiet—a good spot if you’re marking the holiday in a more reflective way.
Chicago, IL
Best for: Comfort food with class
Beacon Tavern
Located near the Chicago Riverwalk, Beacon Tavern is a relaxed yet refined spot. Their Thanksgiving prix fixe menu usually includes herb-brined turkey, creamy parsnip puree, and a pumpkin tart that might outshine the main course.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Craving soul food vibes for the holiday? Luella’s is your spot. While they don’t always offer dine-in Thanksgiving service, they often have hot meal pick-up options with smothered turkey, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie. Worth asking.
Tortoise Supper Club
This place leans traditional, with a jazz-age twist. Picture yourself in a plush booth, sipping a holiday cocktail while a live band plays. Turkey, stuffing, and all the sides come plated with precision. It’s a classy way to sidestep your kitchen duties.
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Los Angeles, CA
Best for: Upscale takes and plant-based options
Crossroads Kitchen (West Hollywood)
Not everyone wants turkey. At Crossroads, Thanksgiving is entirely plant-based, and it’s not an afterthought. Stuffed squash with mushroom gravy, dairy-free pumpkin cheesecake, and seasonal cocktails make this a top pick for vegans—or anyone open to something different.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
A L.A. institution. Yes, they serve turkey on Thanksgiving. But honestly? The prime rib is the real headliner. If your family is full of meat lovers, this is the move. Bonus: impeccable service and those spinning salad bowls never get old.
The Ivy
If you want to feel like you’re dining in a Nancy Meyers movie, The Ivy’s white picket fence, floral china, and rustic charm will hit the spot. Their Thanksgiving menu is classic, elevated, and made for lingering. Pricey, but memorable.
Dallas, TX
Best for: Hearty meals and family-style dining
Fearing’s Restaurant (Ritz-Carlton)
Dean Fearing brings a Texas twist to Thanksgiving—think smoked turkey, jalapeño gravy, and cornbread stuffing with chorizo. It’s upscale but approachable, and the wine pairings are on point.
Celebration Restaurant
This homey spot specializes in comfort food year-round. On Thanksgiving, they offer a buffet that includes turkey, ham, green bean casserole, yams, and more. It feels like a big family gathering without the cleanup. Great for large groups.
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
For something different, Y.O. Ranch adds wild game options to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. You might find buffalo tenderloin alongside your stuffing. It’s Texan to the core and not your average holiday dinner.
Atlanta, GA
Best for: Southern hospitality and holiday warmth
South City Kitchen (Midtown)
This is where Southern elegance meets comfort food. Fried turkey breast, cornbread dressing, and pecan pie all make appearances. The space is cozy but stylish, and the staff makes you feel like family.
The Colonnade
An Atlanta classic that feels like stepping into someone’s grandmother’s dining room. The food isn’t fancy—it’s just really good. Roasted turkey, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, and sweet tea. It’s affordable, familiar, and always busy.
Wisteria
Wisteria brings a slightly elevated experience to traditional Southern fare. Their Thanksgiving menu rotates, but expect refined classics like maple-glazed turkey and bourbon bread pudding. Perfect for couples or smaller groups looking for a more intimate vibe.
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San Francisco, CA
Best for: Cozy ambiance and farm-to-table freshness
Foreign Cinema
It’s not just about the food—though that’s excellent. You’re eating in a courtyard with old movies projected on the wall. The prix fixe Thanksgiving meal blends Californian flavors with French technique. Unique, stylish, and a little magical.
Boulevard
If you’re looking to splurge, Boulevard is one of the city’s best. Their Thanksgiving menu typically includes slow-roasted turkey, chestnut stuffing, and seasonal vegetables plated like artwork. Pricey? Yes. But you’re paying for the full experience.
Zuni Café
Known for its roast chicken, Zuni brings that same care to its Thanksgiving offerings. Expect warm bread, fresh oysters, wood-fired turkey, and seasonal desserts. A low-key favorite among locals who want quality without pomp.
Tips for Booking Your Thanksgiving Dinner Out
1. Reserve early.
By the first week of November, many popular spots are already booked. If you’re reading this and it’s mid-November, start dialing.
2. Confirm hours and menus.
Not every restaurant is open on Thanksgiving, and menus may be fixed-price only. Some may do takeout only. Always double-check the details.
3. Ask about kid-friendliness.
If you’re bringing young kids, make sure the place has high chairs, crayons, or at least a menu that’s not entirely foie gras and fennel.
4. Consider lunch vs dinner.
Thanksgiving lunch gives you time to walk it off, maybe watch football, and still wind down early. Dinner might feel more relaxed if you’ve had a long travel day.
5. Don’t forget gratuity.
Many restaurants add it automatically on holidays. But if you’re impressed, tip a little extra. These staffers are giving up their own holiday to make yours easier.
Why More People Are Choosing Restaurants on Thanksgiving
Let’s be real: not everyone enjoys cooking. And even if you do, Thanksgiving dinner for six or ten people can turn into a stressful, expensive production. Grocery bills spike. Timing every dish is a juggling act. And someone always forgets the cranberry sauce.
Eating out sidesteps all of that. You get a warm meal. A festive atmosphere. Often, better food than you could make at home (no offense). You’re not elbow-deep in dishwater at the end of the night.
It’s also a great solution for people who live in apartments, are traveling, have tiny kitchens, or just don’t want to spend the entire day working for a meal that disappears in 20 minutes.
And let’s not ignore the social side—restaurants on Thanksgiving are filled with other people doing the exact same thing. It doesn’t feel weird. It feels relaxed. Often, it feels even more like a celebration because everyone around you is also there to enjoy, not to stress.
One Last Thought
Whether you’re looking for elegance, comfort, or just a hot plate of turkey without the hassle, there’s a restaurant out there with a seat for you this Thanksgiving. And honestly, there’s no rule that says you have to cook to make the holiday count.
Gratitude doesn’t live in the gravy boat. It lives in the moments you spend enjoying yourself—wherever that may be.
So book your table, raise your glass, and enjoy the meal. You’ve got nothing to prove—and nothing to clean up after.
