Not everyone wants to toil over the stove on Thanksgiving day.
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In fact, depending on where you live, that might not even be an option. New Yorkers, for example, to use their ovens for shoe storage more than baking.
Still, the traditional American vision of Thanksgiving involves a lot of kitchen hustle. Even when families contribute to the meal in a potluck style, the average person has probably spent at least a few hours whipping, roasting, and searing their dishes.
But what about the alternative Thanksgiving feast?
But let’s say you don’t want to deal with a Thanksgiving meal at all—what are your options then?
Given most fast food chains and other nationwide eateries keep their doors open on major holidays, there’s always a meal to be found. That being said, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper to find a proper Thanksgiving feast available from a traditional restaurant.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there.
Restaurants in major cities across the United States offer highly curated and drool-worthy Thanksgiving menus, from in-house dining to pick-up orders.
Though you’ll probably pay a pretty penny for those gravy-covered mashed potatoes, I promise every bite is worth it—at least, if you stick to these restaurants.
I’m counting down the best Thanksgiving menus from restaurants, starting from the East Coast and moving west. I’ve got picks in Boston, NYC, Chicago, NOLA, and Los Angeles.
First up: Beantown.
Best Thanksgiving menus from restaurants
Grill 23, Boston
This gorgeous steakhouse is worth a visit any time of year. That stately, grand interior also bodes well for classic and homely Thanksgiving feasts. For years, this storied steakhouse has celebrated Thanksgiving in-house.
There’s even a specialized menu, which includes a proper roasted turkey, stuffing, butternut squash puree, gravy, and cranberry sauce. All the classics plus all the fixins.
The Smith, NYC
This restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and focus on sustainability. If you like trendy takes on Thanksgiving meals, then the Smith should be your NYC pick.
From its raw bar to its apple brioche stuffing to its pumpkin cheesecake, there’s something for everyone. In other words, it’s one of the best Thanksgiving menus you’ve never seen the likes of before.
Jacob’s Pickle, NYC
Jacob’s Pickle offers a pretty standard Upper West Side menu with a strong focus on Southern culinary influences and—beyond the menu—community.
You can really feel that in their Thanksgiving Day offerings. With multiple time slots to choose from, tons of décor and fanfare, and a delectable menu with all the favorites, you can’t go wrong.
Bubby’s in NYC, NYC
Bubby’s is a casual eatery—and that extends to Thanksgiving, too. For anyone in the Big Apple who wants that home-town feel, head to Bubby’s for a great buffet.
In lieu of more elevated and experimental Thanksgiving dishes, the hearty minds at Bubby’s stick to the good old-fashioned fixings—if it ain’t broke, why fix it, after all? Gimme that green bean casserole!
Reserve a table or order for pickup
Cherry Circle Room, Chicago
Similar to Boston’s Grill 23, Cherry Circle Room is a gorgeous and grand restaurant and lounge—one that you should consider visiting after Turkey Day ends.
(Did you know that Chicago’s themed bars are some of the coolest in the country—and some, like this one, are housed in boutique hotels? The more you know, my friend.)
For the big day, you can expect a delectable menu from head chef Mari Katsumara.
Brennan’s, New Orleans
Brennan’s is a big deal in New Orleans—and so is its Thanksgiving Day meal. But there’s a big NOLA twist here. You’ll notice plenty of Cajun and Creole influence on the menu, from its classic turtle soup to its cane syrup glazed beef tenderloin.
Eiffel Tower in Paris, Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower is one of Vegas’s most iconic landmarks… and it’s also home to yet another one of the city’s top-notch restaurants. What makes this one of the best Thanksgiving menus out there? It covers all the classics.
I place a lot of faith in bougie Vegas chefs, so those menu items like duck confit, potato gratin, and portobello roulade are making my mouth water. The magic here? That Parisian twist.
Bistro NA’s, LA
Chinese food, anyone? Whether you need a great meal on Turkey Day, New Year’s Day, or beyond, Americans know to rely on local Chinese restaurants.
That’s the case in Los Angeles at upscale eatery Bistro Na’s. Its Thanksgiving menu serves up tasty staples from the East and West, letting you give thanks for our country’s delectable diversity.
Bridgetown Roti, LA
Thanksgiving sounds like a great time to get addicted to Caribbean food, in my humble opinion.
At Bridgetown Roti, you get a front-row taste of some of the islands’ best dishes—and tons of love and warmth from founders Rashida Holmes, Joy Clarke-Holmes, and Malique Smith.
On Thanksgiving, you can pick up a feast and take it home to share with others, from whole mac’n cheese pies (God bless) to vegan patty boxes.
The Hideaway, LA
This Beverly Hills staple usually serves up elevated Mexican dishes—but on Thanksgiving, it switches gears into pure Americana territory.
From marshmallow yams to mushroom gravy to roasted turkey, you’ll feel like you’re back home with grandma. In a good way.
