50 Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in America

The 50 Best Spots For Thanksgiving Dinner In America

156 years ago President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in the United States, setting the precedent for over a century’s worth of turkey dinners accompanied by everybody’s favourite side dishes and more than a few family feuds.

Each year, over 54 million Americans predict that they’ll travel at least 50 miles in order to indulge in a special turkey dinner, meaning that there are few lengths Americans will go to just to get a taste of tantalising turkey and gravy-filled plates of goodness. However, we don’t think you should have to travel far for a quality Thanksgiving meal. This year, we wanted to find the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in each state. 

Whether you’re a fan of mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, or stick to just the turkey, get ready to gobble up great food this Thanksgiving. Head to any one of the 50 best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America for a tasty meal and quality vibes.

Best Spots For Thanksgiving Dinner In AmericaHow do these rankings work?

1. Cotton Row Restaurant – Huntsville, Alabama

One of Hunstville’s hottest restaurants turns into one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America come turkey time. Here, you can enjoy a delightful three-course, prix-fixe meal that features everybody’s favourites and then some. Prepare to indulge as you gather ’round the table and share with your family and others.

Best Spot for Thanksgiving Dinner in Alabama

2. Simon & Seafort’s – Anchorage, Alaska

In previous years, Thanksgiving Day has been the most booked night at Simon & Seafort’s in Anchorage. Their delectable turkey dinners attract residents from all over Alaska. However, if you can’t snag a spot in the dining room, you can opt for a takeout dinner as well. A full Thanksgiving dinner for about 10 to 12 people ran for $260.

Best Spot for Thanksgiving Dinner in Alaska

3. Rawhide – Chandler, Arizona

The Thanksgiving dinner at Rawhide is so popular that it sells out well before the first week of November. It’s likely due to the fact that they combine delectable dishes with all of the local favourite attractions at Western Town. The buffet is incredibly well-priced and features dishes ranging from bourbon and maple-roasted turkey breast and spiced sausage cornbread stuffing to traditional homemade pumpkin pie.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in Arizona

4. The Capital Hotel – Little Rock, Arkansas

From 11 am to 3 pm, stop by to enjoy a delectable array of Thanksgiving favourites at this famous Little Rock Hotel. Thanksgiving brunch and lunch feature dishes ranging from pumpkin spice pancakes to truffled macaroni and cheese. You can also opt to up your package price in order to enjoy a delicious wine pairing. It’s highly recommended.

Arkansas Little Rock Thanksgiving Dinner

5. Napa Valley Wine Train – Napa Valley, California

All aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, one of the absolute best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America. On this three and a half-hour train ride you’ll devour delicious honey roasted acorn squash bisque, roasted turkey, savoury herb stuffing, and a decadent pumpkin dessert as you experience the beauty of Napa Valley from a vintage train carriage.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in California

6. The Fort Restaurant – Morrison, Colorado

Thanksgiving dinner inside of a truly traditional Colorado fort? Sign us up! Thanksgiving dinner here is set against a unique setting reminiscent of pioneers along the Santa Fe Trail. Order turkey and all the trimmings. You’re going to want to spend the entire evening here straight through to your second plate of pumpkin pie.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner Colorado

7.  J. Gilbert’s – Glastonbury, Connecticut

J. Gilbert’s steakhouse serves perhaps the most scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner in Connecticut. Relax into your surroundings as you enjoy a tantalising three-course hanksgiving dinner featuring roasted turkey, sausage stuffing, green beans, glazed yams, and cornbread, amongst other delightful dishes.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in America 2019

8. Cantwell’s Tavern – Odessa, Delaware

ast year, this was one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America with dishes ranging from turkey and gravy, beef tenderloin, and cranberry jam to deviled eggs and delectable apple and pumpkin pies. Bring your whole family and prepare to enjoy some of the finest food this holiday season.

50 Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in America

9. The Rusty Pelican – Miami, Florida

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day champagne buffet with stunning views of Biscayne Bay or of Tampa Bay up in Tampa. It doesn’t matter where you decide to enjoy Thanksgiving Day, just spend it at one of The Rusty Pelican’s locations across Florida. Their brunch buffet is served from 10 am to 3:30 pm and showcases such traditional classics as turkey, stuffing, and scallops, all with a side of champagne.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in Miami

10. Ray’s in the City – Atlanta, Georgia

Locals and visitors alike rave about the famous Thanksgiving buffet at Ray’s in the City. The brunch buffet features fancy Thanksgiving fare, all set in the elaborate, luxurious dining room. Head here any time between 11 am and 7 pm to enjoy one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in America.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2019

11. Fleetwood’s on Front St. – Lahaina, Hawaii

Our readers recently voted Fleetwood’s on Front St. as one of the hottest restaurants in America for 2020. And, they also ranked Fleetwood’s as having the best Thanksgiving dinner in Hawaii. Dinner starts at 4 pm and goes until 9 pm where you can enjoy a prix-fixe meal featuring all of your favourite classics with an upscale twist. Choose from standards like roasted brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney, and brioche stuffing.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Hawaii 2019

12. Chandler’s Steakhouse – Boise, Idaho

Prepare for an enchanting evening at Chandler’s Steakhouse this Thanksgiving. Chandler’s is offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu that’s affordable for the whole family. Thanksgiving menu dishes include slow-roasted turkey, prime rib, and even vegan steak. For dessert, choose from pumpkin cheesecake or baked apple pie.

13. Prime & Provisions – Chicago, Illinois

Chicago at Thanksgiving is something truly magical, and if you find yourself spending the holiday in the Windy City, definitely book a table at Prime & Provisions. This upscale yet relaxed restaurant is home to one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in America, hands down. Carved meats and traditional sides are standard, but you’ll be able to sample some chef’s specialty dishes as well.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago

14. Back 40 Junction – Decatur, Indiana

Locals consistently rank Back 40 Junction as having the best Thanksgiving buffet in the entire state of Indiana. There’s something truly cosy and familiar about this quaint eatery in Decatur. Whether it’s the hometown vibes, quality service, or tasty dishes, it’s unclear. However, what is clear is that it’s home to one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in America. Oh, and their pies? To die for.

15. Chrome Horse Saloon – Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Last year, the Chrome Horse Saloon hosted a Thanksgiving buffet and donated the proceeds to the Freedom Foundation. Therefore, it’s definitely one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America, especially if you’re in the giving mood. You’ll find classic Thanksgiving feast fare, ranging from slicked turkey and ham to all of the sides you can imagine.

16. Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Leawood, Kansas

Head to any one of Sullivan’s Steakhouse locations across the country to enjoy a fine Turkey Day feast. However, their turkey and all the trimmings in Leawood are particularly great. And, the restaurant itself serving up a superb atmosphere in which to enjoy the holiday with friends and family.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner Spots in Kansas

17. Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille – Prospect, Kentucky

Enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River as you enjoy the delectable ingredients and flavours of Thanksgiving dinner at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille. The Thanksgiving meal here is buffet-style, meaning you get to enjoy a variety of treats all in one. First, start at the turkey carving station. Then, make your way to the cornbread stuffing and into dessert. After the meal, you can enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving cruise.

18. Broussard’s – New Orleans, Louisiana

Before heading out to enjoy the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade, treat yourself to a Thanksgiving feast at Broussard’s. They’re known as having one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in the state, if not the entire country. The fine-dining atmosphere makes the meal feel elegant, while the prix-fixe menu includes everything you could ever want out of a Turkey Day feast. And, for dessert, you can choose between almond bread pudding or oreo pumpkin cheesecake. Are you drooling yet?

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in New Orelans

19. Camden Harbour Inn – Camden, Maine

Treat yourself to a truly special Turkey Day this year and indulge in a full-on Thanksgiving getaway package. The Camden Harbour Inn offers a Thanksgiving package that includes warm spiced wine and as a welcome, lodging for two nights, and a five-course Thanksgiving dinner at their decadent on-site restaurant, Natalie’s. Simply put, it’s a Thanksgiving dream come true.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving in America 2019

20. Charleston – Baltimore, Maryland

Offering a fairly-priced prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu, Charleston is definitely one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America. Expect such delectable Thanksgiving dishes as butternut squash and roasted turkey breast with turkey leg confit to pecan stuffing pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust and cranberry compote. It’s standard Thanksgiving treats but with a truly elegant twist.

21. Plimoth Plantation – Plymouth, Massachusetts

If you’re looking to truly indulge in the spirit and history of Thanksgiving, then by far the best spot for Thanksgiving dinner in America is the famous Plimoth Plantation. Choose from either the Thanksgiving Day Homestyle Buffet or their special “Story of Thanksgiving” Dinner. The latter is a unique dining experience that’ll transport you back to the times of New England’s first English settlers. However, both feature tasty dishes and scrumptious desserts.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Massachusetts 2019

22. Camp Ticonderoga – Troy, Michigan

The yearly turkey dinner here includes everything you love and more. Call ahead to book a reservation in order to indulge in the savoury taste of their wonderful sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Above all, however, you’re going to want to save room for dessert. We won’t spoil the surprise for you.

23. French Meadow – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Find yourself in the Twin Cities area for Thanksgiving? Spend the day devouring tasty food at the French Meadow Bakery and Cafe. This local organic eatery serves up quality, flavourful dishes that won’t ruin your diet. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome, as this place does a great job at catering their Thanksgiving dishes to those with special dietary needs.

Best Thanksgiving Desserts in Minnesota

24. White House Hotel – Biloxi, Mississippi

Looking for the best spot for Thanksgiving dinner in America? It’s tucked away in a trendy boutique hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. The food at Cora’s Restaurant is tantalising and delicious year-round. But, the food they serve on Thanksgiving is even more mouthwatering. Furthermore, it’s all served in an elegant and unforgettable setting.

25. Grand Street – Kansas, City Missouri

The annual Thanksgiving Day buffet at Grand Street is one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in the country. To begin with, a contemporary fine-dining setting draws you into the main room where you can enjoy everything from roasted turkey breast and braised turkey leg to sage stuffing and maple glazed sweet potatoes. Finally, you can top it all off with freshly baked pies or traditional bread pudding.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner Spots in Kansas City Missouri

26. The Montana Club – Montana

It doesn’t matter where you’re at in Montana for Thanksgiving. First, find yourself a local Montana Club to head to. Then, enjoy one of the most delicious Thanksgiving meals you’ve ever had. This laidback restaurant chain serves quality holiday fare such as roasted turkey or prime rib. And, you can enjoy delicious sides and fresh pie.

27. Railcar Modern American Kitchen – Omaha, Nebraska

Tired of cooking Thanksgiving dinner only to have to clean the dishes while the turkey lulls you into a post-feast haze? This year, let Railcar Modern American Kitchen do all of the work for you. Starting at the beginning of November, this trendy Omaha eatery offers Thanksgiving dinner pick-up. So, you can enjoy a fine-dining quality feast without all of the hassles. In other words, you’ll have time to actually catch the game this year.

28. Hearthstone Kitchen and Cellar – Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re looking for the best Thanksgiving dinner in Vegas, you’ll find it at the Hearthstone Kitchen and Cellar. Guests rave about the cosy, inviting setting of the restaurant. And, they love the a la carte dishes. Choose from traditional treats such as butternut squash bisque, turkey with mashed potatoes, apple raisin stuffing, and a delectable sweet potato pie.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner in America

29. Hart’s Turkey Farm – Meredith, New Hampshire

The best part about turkey dinners at Hart’s Turkey Farm is that you don’t even have to visit on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy the juicy, delectable turkey they cook. Here, Thanksgiving dinner is served year-round, and they serve it up in the most delectably delicious way possible. However, spending Thanksgiving here truly is special, and you can enjoy standard sides such as gravy, stuffing, and potatoes.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in America

30. McLoone’s Boathouse – West Orange, New Jersey

Fancy spending Thanksgiving in a quaint lodge-like restaurant? Head to McLoone’s Boathouse to enjoy an enticing meal as you peer out onto the picturesque Orange Reservoir. Their Thanksgiving buffet includes all of the traditional fares. Or, you can order a ful turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

31. Geronimo – Santa Fe, New Mexico

On Thanksgiving Day, world-renowned chef Sllin Cruz will be serving a delectable three-course dinner to locals and visitors in Santa Fe. Offering eight to nine choices for each course, the Turkey Day menu showcases traditional Thanksgiving treats as well as a vegetarian entree. On top of it all, the setting is so romantic that you’ll never want to leave.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in New Mexico

32. Hill Country Barbecue Market – New York City, New York

What makes Hill Country Barbecue Market one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America is the sheer attention to flavour. Add a splash of sweet tea and low and slow-smoked barbecue to your Thanksgiving menu this year. First, expect to savour flavourful dishes such as pit-smoked turkey, gravy, cornbread and other fixings. Then, you can enjoy the football games they play all day long.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner NYC

33. Pack’s Tavern – Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a laidback spot for Thanksgiving dinner in North Carolina, then head to Pack’s Tavern. Their Thanksgiving Buffet includes turkey, ham, and all of the traditional trimmings. Top it all off with an ice-cold beer as you relax and enjoy the holiday with friends or family.

Thanksgiving Dinner Spots in United States

34. Urban 42 – Fargo, North Dakota

Locals loved to let us know that Urban 42 is home to one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in America. Their specially-crafted Thanksgiving menu features holiday favourites and other special selections you’re sure to enjoy. Choose from a variety of mouthwatering meats and savoury sides. But, be sure to save room for one of their eight tasty desserts.

35. The Keep – Columbus, Ohio

Put on your eating pants, because you’re going to want seconds of everything at The Keep’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Enjoy all of the Thanksgiving classics as well as carving stations, chilled seafood stations, and a delectable selection of desserts. There’s no way you’re leaving here hungry.

36. The Chalkboard Restaurant – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa’s the place to be for a traditional Thanksgiving brunch in America. At The Chalkboard Restaurant, you can dive into their turkey buffet from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Expect to enjoy delightful dishes that include glazed ham and pineapple or turkey with mouthwatering gravy. And, don’t forget to stop by their creative carving station.

What Restaurants Has the Best Thanksgiving Dinner in Tulsa

37. Prost! – Portland, Oregon

While this famous bar is famous as a beer garden, it’s also to a pretty delicious Thanksgiving dinner. At the annual Thanksgiving Day Feast, they serve hundreds of pounds of turkey and sides, all paired with their tasty German beers. And, it’s free! However, it’s suggested that you bring a side dish and donate to help those in need.

38. Hyeholde Restaurant – Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

At this 1930s traditional inn, you can enjoy a warm meal in an ultra-cosy setting. The Thanksgiving menu here showcases everything from roast turkey and prime rib to everybody’s favourite glazed sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. The familiar atmosphere only further adds to the delightful nature of the special Thanksgiving meal.

America's Best Thanksgiving Dinner

39. Castle Hill Inn – Newport, Rhode Island

Head over to Castle Hill Inn to enjoy one of the most tantalising and tasting Thanksgiving dinners in America. You’ll enjoy a New England Thanksgiving buffet delectable appetisers followed by herb-roasted turkey and roasted Black Angus strip loin. The menu here focuses on fall havest ingredients, which only makes it feel even more like a traditional treat.

Castle Hill Inn Thanksgiving Dinner 2019

40. Magnolia’s – Charleston, South Carolina

While this famous Charleston restaurant is known for its delectable seafood dishes, they’re also home to some of the tastiest Thanksgiving dishes in America. Enjoy a variety of traditional fare, ranging from slow-roasted turkey and pecan-crusted salmon to unique Southern egg rolls with collard greens and peach chutney. It’s the dessert, however, that’s got everybody going crazy. Bourbon buttermilk pumpkin pie? We’ll have seconds, please.

Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner in Charleston South Carolina

41. Granite City Food & Brewery – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Traditional family-style Thanksgiving dinner and some of the best beer in South Dakota? Sounds like the makings of a perfect holiday feast to us. Here, a talented team of chefs craft quality holiday dishes from scratch and serve them all with a side of Granite City’s best beer. In other words, you’ll be gobbling it all up in no time.

Sioux City Thanksgiving 2019

42. Adele’s – Nashville, Tennessee

The mouthwatering Thanksgiving buffet at Adele’s is all inspired by the recipes that the chef’s mother used to whip up. So, you know it’s all incredibly delicious with a home-grown feel. Dishes are prepared on a fireplace grill, adding to the cosy, familial vibes that ooze out of Adele’s on Thanksgiving. And, that’s not even mentioning the irresistible smell. Simply put, it’s one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner anywhere.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in Nashville

43. Earl Abel’s – San Antonio, Texas

Texas-sized Thanksgiving dinner is about to be served. Head to Earl Abel’s, one of San Antonio’s most traditional diners, to enjoy some of the best Thanksgiving dinner dishes in America. Relish in the savoury taste of roasted turkey with all of the usual accompaniments. From cranberry sauce to green beans and pumpkin pie, this is what Thanksgiving food is supposed to taste like – delicious, delectable, and divine.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner in Texas

44. La Caille – Sandy, Utah

Upscale French dining meets traditional Thanksgiving to bring you one of the best Turkey Day feats in all of Utah. At La Caille, you can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe showcasing dishes ranging from pumpkin soup, honey-glazed ham, and sides to apple pecan bread pudding for dessert. The best part? It all takes place in a quaint French chalet setting.

Best Spots for Thanksgiving Dinner in Utah

45. The North Hero House – North Hero, Vermont

Stunning lakeside views and a few glasses of some of the best wine in New England set the stage for one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in America. At the North Hero House, expect tradition with a twist. First, you’ll enjoy the tranquil views. Then, you’ll dive into the bountiful buffet where you can expect to enjoy slow-roasted Vermont turkey and some of the most delicious house-baked bread you’ve ever tasted.

46. The Carlyle Club – Alexandria, Virginia

Fancy a little soothing music to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner this year? Head to the Alexandria hotspot The Carlyle Club and enjoy a fantastic feast as you listen to the Satin Doll Trio play smooth jazz as a soundtrack. Choose from Roasted Tom Turkey with seasonal sides or Sea Bass with whipped potatoes and green beans. It’s delightful regardless of what you choose, but just be sure to save room for dessert.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Virginia

47. Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge – Seattle, Washington

Fancy indulging in a unique farm-to-table Thanksgiving dinner? Nobody does it quite like the Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle. Dine fireside as you enjoy perfectly cooked turkey paired even more perfectly with the right kind of wine. Delectable dish offerings include potato bread hazelnut stuffing, cranberry spice chutney, and a tantalising spiced caramel pumpkin pie for dessert.

Thanksgiving Dinner Seattle

48. Hillbrook Inn – Charles Town, West Virginia

The fairytale-esque Hillbrook Inn serves one of the most traditional Thanksgiving dinners in America. Stop by to enjoy a tasty cocktail or craft beer before sitting down to dine with others in the cosy inn. Pair one of Hillbrook’s signature wine bottles with their tantalising Thanksgiving menu. Dishes include curry pumpkin soup, sausage stuffing, and local turkey. For dessert? Irresistible apple tart or sweet potato pie.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner in America

49. Iron Grate BBQ – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This year, our readers voted Iron Grate BBQ as having some of the best BBQ in America, so it comes as no surprise that they’re also home to one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in the country. Here, they know how to cook, grill, and smoke meat to perfection, so expect your turkey to be hickory-smoked and full of flavour. Savoury sides include sweet potatoes, cornbread, creamy coleslaw, braised mustard greens, and more. We’re drooling already.

Thanksgiving Dinner in America

50. Teton Pines Country Club – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

It’s hard to beat the tasty dishes at the Teton Pines Country Club’s classic Bountiful Buffet on Thanksgiving Day. Head here at 2 pm o 4:30 pm to enjoy holiday favourites like organic free-range turkey with brioche stuffing, carved prime rib of beef au jus, maple glazed yams, homemade pumpkin bread, and more. There’s a reason so many people think this is one of the best spots for Thanksgiving dinner in America.

Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in America 2019

Elizabeth Thorn

Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube.

Contact: [email protected]

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