Thanksgiving ranks right up there as one of the best holidays of the year: For one happy day, it’s all about the food. No decorations to put up and no presents to buy and wrap, only deliciousness in abundance. For some, this is the time to shine and show off incredible cooking and baking skills. For the rest of us, however, this is also the time when we constantly say, “Ah, just scrape off the burnt bit. It’s fine.”
If you’re looking to take all the stress out of the holiday and simply sit back and enjoy a great meal, you’re in luck: From fast food to fine dining, all around the Twin Cities restaurants are opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day to serve you and your family a guaranteed delicious meal.
Everyone can order exactly what they’re craving, you won’t have to squish a dozen people around a table meant for five (or end up at the “kids table” even though you’re over 30), you won’t be stuck in the kitchen cooking for hours on end, and best of all, you won’t have to wash a single, solitary dish. Going out to eat just might become your new Thanksgiving tradition.
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
Bryant Lake Bowl
You’ll be able to keep everyone entertained from grandpa to the grandkids with a great meal and a game or two of bowling. It might just be the most fun Thanksgiving you’ve had yet. Bryant Lake Bowl will serve their full dinner menu, full bar, and snacks. Thanksgiving hours: 5pm–2am.
Buca di Beppo
Expanding beyond their delicious Italian cuisine, Buca di Beppo is also offering up an entire traditional Thanksgiving feast which includes: Sliced White Meat Turkey, Homestyle Gravy, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Spicy Italian Sausage Stuffing, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Pie. Not to worry, they are still serving up their regular menu items if you’re craving some lasagna instead. Come in for your Thanksgiving meal or take it will you and order it go. Thanksgiving hours: Opens at 11am – make your Turkey Day reservations online.
The Capital Grille
If you’re looking for a little elegance this Thanksgiving, head out to The Capital Grille for a full Thanksgiving meal. You’ll enjoy slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans with marcona almonds and cranberry pear chutney, and Sam’s mashed potatoes to share. For dessert, be sure to leave room for their pumpkin cheesecake. If you’re not into the traditional Thanksgiving meal, the full a la carte dinner menu is also available. Thanksgiving hours: 11am–9pm.
Dave & Buster’s
Not your traditional Thanksgiving, however, Dave & Buster’s is sure to be a crowd pleaser. You can enjoy their full menu where everyone is guaranteed to find something they love. After, grab a cocktail or beer and head over to the arcade to play a few games with the whole family. Thanksgiving hours: 3pm–11pm.
Fogo de Chao
Oh yes. Fogo de Chao is opening its doors for Thanksgiving. Along with their normal tasty meat-packed menu, they will also offer more traditional fare for the holiday that includes: roasted turkey breast with au jus, homemade cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, and Brazilian sausage and apple dressing. Thanksgiving hours: 11am–9pm.
French Meadow Bakery and Cafe
Continuing their long tradition, French Meadow is offering up a farm-to-table organic Thanksgiving feast. The best part is whether your guests are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or meat-eaters, French Meadow provides an option for all: the Traditional meal, Gluten-Free, or the Plantsgiving feast. Come in for an early brunch or head out later for dinner. Thanksgiving hours at Minneapolis location: Brunch from 7am–Noon. Dinner: 1pm–7pm. St. Paul Location: Brunch from 7am–1pm. Dinner: 2pm–6pm.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Stick with tradition and enjoy McCormick & Schmick’s classic Thanksgiving feast with roasted turkey, butternut squash bisque or walnut mixed greens, cornbread stuffing, apple squash casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving hours: 11:30am–10pm.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Treat your family with this 3-course traditional Thanksgiving meal. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is serving up oven-roasted turkey, soup or salad, sausage and herb stuffing, one of Ruth’s signature sides that include sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, or mashed potatoes, a dessert duo, and more. Ruth’s also promises to send you home with a little extra for leftovers. Thanksgiving hours: 12pm–5pm.
Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room
A great place to spend your holiday, grab friends and family to enjoy Stanley’s Turkey Day dinner. At an affordable price you can order one serving or for $2 more get all you can eat and fill up on roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey gravy, corn, cranberries, and a warm roll. Thanksgiving hours: 11am–8pm.
Stella’s Fish Cafe
Making your Thanksgiving easy, Stella’s is offering their turkey dinner all day long. You will not be disappointed with their Thanksgiving menu: oven roasted turkey breast, Stella’s mash potatoes, sausage cornbread stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, green bean casserole with crispy onion, sweet potato mashed with roasted marshmallow, warm dinner rolls, and a slice of pumpkin topped with whipped cream. I’m full already. Thanksgiving hours: 11:30am–10pm.
Tavola
Tavola adds their classic Tuscan flare to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Indulge in their Aleppo roasted turkey with rosemary gravy, turkey Bolognese gnocchi, roasted brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes with garlic and buttermilk, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, hazelnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, sourdough bread, and ending the meal with a tasty pumpkin cheesecake. Thanksgiving hours: 2pm–9pm.
Chain restaurants also open for Thanksgiving
Applebee’s
Boston Market
Denny’s
McDonald’s
Starbucks
TGI Friday’s
Continue the Thanksgiving cheer, whether traditional or non, and read this article next: Thanksgiving: Fun facts by the numbers
