Austin Texas Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Offer Festive Dining
Top Picks for Holiday Dining
Thanksgiving in Austin, Texas offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culinary scene. While many families opt for home-cooked meals, numerous restaurants remain open, catering to those seeking a stress-free holiday dining experience. Several popular Austin eateries, including Jack Allen's Kitchen, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, and Roaring Fork, welcome guests on Thanksgiving Day.
These restaurants provide a range of options, from traditional turkey dinners to innovative twists on holiday classics. Some establishments offer special Thanksgiving menus, featuring dishes like turkey breast ballotine with dark meat confit, sage stuffing, and jalapeno mac and cheese. Others maintain their regular menus, allowing diners to enjoy Austin's diverse cuisine on this festive day.
For those looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, it's advisable to make reservations in advance. Many restaurants offer both lunch and dinner services, accommodating various schedules and preferences. Whether seeking a formal dining experience or a casual meal, Austin's open restaurants ensure that both locals and visitors can celebrate the holiday with delicious food and warm hospitality.
Overview of Austin's Thanksgiving Dining Scene
Austin's restaurants offer diverse options for Thanksgiving dining. Many establishments provide traditional turkey dinners with classic sides, while others put a Texas twist on holiday fare.
Several hotels and upscale restaurants serve multi-course Thanksgiving meals. These often include appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Prices typically range from $60-$100 per adult, with reduced rates for children.
Family-style dining is popular at some Austin eateries. Shared platters allow groups to sample various dishes together. This format encourages a communal holiday atmosphere.
Some restaurants focus on comfort food interpretations of Thanksgiving classics. Dishes like jalapeno mac and cheese or andouille stuffing add local flavor to traditional recipes.
Pre-order takeout meals are available from numerous Austin restaurants. These often serve 4-10 people and include turkey, sides, and desserts. Prices vary but generally start around $125 for a family-sized meal.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common at Austin's Thanksgiving restaurant offerings. Plant-based main courses and sides cater to diners with dietary restrictions.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Thanksgiving dining in Austin. Popular restaurants may book up weeks in advance for this busy holiday.
Thanksgiving Day Brunch Options
Austin offers several enticing Thanksgiving Day brunch options for those seeking a festive dining experience. These restaurants combine traditional holiday flavors with unique culinary twists, providing memorable meals in elegant settings.
Hotel Granduca
Hotel Granduca presents an exquisite Thanksgiving Day brunch for guests looking to indulge in luxury. The upscale hotel's restaurant crafts a menu that blends classic Thanksgiving dishes with refined Italian influences. Diners can expect a lavish buffet featuring carved turkey, prime rib, and an array of gourmet sides.
The brunch also includes made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, and artisanal cheeses. For dessert, a selection of house-made pies and pastries awaits. Hotel Granduca's elegant ambiance and attentive service enhance the holiday dining experience.
Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating. The brunch typically runs from late morning to mid-afternoon, allowing guests flexibility in their holiday schedules.
Group Therapy with a Mediterranean Twist
Group Therapy, located in a trendy Austin hotel, offers a Thanksgiving Day brunch with a Mediterranean flair. This unique approach provides a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday fare while still incorporating familiar Thanksgiving elements.
The menu features herb-roasted turkey alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes like lamb kebabs and grilled vegetables. Diners can enjoy freshly baked pita bread, hummus, and other mezze platters. Creative salads incorporate seasonal ingredients, adding color and nutrition to the spread.
Group Therapy's brunch also includes a build-your-own mimosa bar, allowing guests to customize their holiday beverages. The restaurant's modern decor and lively atmosphere create a festive mood for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Reservations are available through online booking platforms. The brunch typically runs for several hours, accommodating both early and late risers on Thanksgiving Day.
Elegant Thanksgiving Dinners
Austin offers sophisticated dining options for those seeking an upscale Thanksgiving experience. These restaurants combine gourmet cuisine with refined atmospheres for a memorable holiday meal.
Perry's Steakhouse
Perry's Steakhouse provides an elegant Thanksgiving dinner in Austin. The restaurant opens early at 11 AM on Thanksgiving Day. Diners can enjoy a special holiday menu for $45 per person.
Perry's also offers their full dinner menu for those preferring non-traditional options. The steakhouse ambiance creates a refined setting for celebrating the holiday.
For larger groups or families, Perry's provides a to-go option. Their family-style Thanksgiving dinner serves 4 or more people for $139.
Upscale Multi-Course Meals
Several Austin restaurants offer multi-course Thanksgiving menus for a luxurious dining experience. These carefully crafted meals often feature seasonal ingredients and creative twists on classic dishes.
Upscale hotels like The Carillon present gourmet Thanksgiving lunches and dinners. Their $65 menu includes turkey breast ballotine with dark meat confit, sage stuffing, and jalapeño mac and cheese.
Many fine dining establishments provide wine pairings to complement each course. This enhances the flavors and adds sophistication to the meal.
Reservations are strongly recommended for these popular upscale Thanksgiving dinners. Prices typically range from $60 to $100 per person, depending on the restaurant and menu offerings.
Thanksgiving Buffets and Carving Stations
Austin restaurants offer bountiful Thanksgiving buffets and carving stations. These holiday feasts feature traditional favorites and gourmet creations, allowing diners to customize their plates.
Traditional Carving Station
Many Austin establishments set up carving stations as the centerpiece of their Thanksgiving offerings. Skilled chefs slice juicy turkey breast to order, ensuring each guest receives the perfect portion. Some venues also offer honey-glazed ham or prime rib as additional protein options.
Accompaniments often include cranberry sauce, gravy, and a selection of artisanal rolls. Diners can watch as their meat is carved and plated, adding to the festive atmosphere. Popular locations for carving stations include the Four Seasons Hotel Austin and the JW Marriott Austin.
Buffet with Thanksgiving Classics
Thanksgiving buffets in Austin showcase an array of holiday favorites. Guests can pile their plates with:
Roasted turkey
Cornbread stuffing
Green bean casserole
Sweet potato casserole
Cranberry relish
Vegetarian options are often available, such as roasted vegetables or plant-based entrees. Dessert stations typically feature pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and other seasonal sweets.
Buffet-style dining allows patrons to sample multiple dishes and return for seconds. The Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill and Sirloin Stockade are known for their extensive Thanksgiving buffets.
Take-Home Feast Options
Austin restaurants offer convenient and delicious take-home options for Thanksgiving. These allow families to enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own homes without the stress of cooking.
Family Feast to-Go
Several Austin eateries provide complete Thanksgiving meals for families to enjoy at home. CARVE American Grille offers a full Thanksgiving meal for $49 per person, available for pickup on November 23-24. The meal includes a choice of appetizer, entree, and sides.
Dai Due and Salt & Time offer pre-order options for locally-sourced turkeys and hams. These butcher shops provide high-quality meats for those who prefer to cook their own main dishes.
Interstellar BBQ, known for its smoked meats, offers Thanksgiving packages that can be ordered in advance. These typically include smoked turkey and a selection of traditional sides.
Thanksgiving Feast At Home
Many Austin restaurants have created special Thanksgiving menus for at-home dining. These options often include traditional dishes with unique twists. Some restaurants offer a la carte items, allowing customers to customize their meal.
TR Restaurant & Bar provides a variety of brunch and dinner items for takeout on Thanksgiving Day. Their menu features classic breakfast options like eggs and pancakes, as well as more traditional Thanksgiving fare.
Some establishments offer heated, ready-to-serve meals, while others provide partially prepared dishes with reheating instructions. This flexibility caters to different preferences and kitchen capabilities.
Desserts are also available for pre-order from various Austin bakeries and restaurants, ranging from classic pumpkin pies to more creative seasonal treats.
Specialty Thanksgiving Menus
Austin restaurants offer diverse Thanksgiving menus with unique twists on traditional favorites. These specialty options range from Mediterranean-inspired feasts to Tex-Mex infusions and artisanal desserts.
Aba's Mediterranean Menu
Aba presents a Mediterranean-influenced Thanksgiving feast. Their prix fixe menu features a blend of traditional American and Middle Eastern flavors. Diners can enjoy dishes like za'atar-spiced turkey breast and pomegranate-glazed lamb chops.
The menu also includes Mediterranean-inspired sides such as saffron rice pilaf and roasted Brussels sprouts with tahini. For dessert, Aba offers baklava cheesecake and Turkish coffee ice cream. Vegetarian options are available, ensuring all guests can partake in the festive meal.
Reservations are recommended due to the popularity of this unique Thanksgiving experience.
Fresa's Specials
Fresa's, known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, offers a Tex-Mex twist on Thanksgiving. Their takeout specials include achiote-butter roasted turkey and chorizo-cornbread stuffing. These dishes blend traditional Thanksgiving flavors with bold Mexican spices.
Side dishes feature Mexican street corn casserole and jalapeño-cheddar mashed potatoes. Fresa's also offers house-made cranberry-serrano salsa as a spicy alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. For dessert, diners can choose between pumpkin empanadas and pecan pie with Mexican chocolate.
Pre-orders are available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day, allowing families to enjoy a unique feast at home.
Tiny Pies' Dessert Selections
Tiny Pies specializes in miniature pies perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Their holiday menu features classic flavors like pumpkin and pecan in bite-sized portions. These small pies allow guests to sample multiple flavors without committing to a full slice.
Unique offerings include bourbon-pecan pie and apple-cranberry crumble. Tiny Pies also creates savory options like turkey pot pie and butternut squash quiche. For those seeking gluten-free options, several pies are available with alternative crusts.
Pre-orders are recommended to ensure availability. Tiny Pies offers both individual servings and party packs suitable for various gathering sizes.
Unique Thanksgiving Entrees and Sides
Austin restaurants offer creative twists on traditional Thanksgiving fare. Innovative chefs reimagine classic dishes with local ingredients and bold flavors, providing diners with memorable holiday meals.
Specialty Turkey Preparations
Many Austin eateries elevate the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. Smoked turkey brings a Texas flair to the table, infusing the meat with rich, smoky notes. Some restaurants offer roasted turkey breast meals, ensuring juicy white meat for those who prefer it.
Chefs often complement these preparations with house-made giblet gravy, adding depth and richness. Creative takes on cranberry relish incorporate local citrus or spices for a unique flavor profile.
Creative Side Dishes
Austin's culinary scene shines in its innovative approach to Thanksgiving sides. Masa gnocchi offers a Tex-Mex twist on Italian cuisine, perfect for those seeking alternatives to mashed potatoes.
Winter squash salads showcase seasonal produce in refreshing preparations. Cornbread stuffing gets regional flair with additions like jalapenos or local sausage. For dessert, spiced pumpkin cake provides a warm, comforting finale to the meal.
Some restaurants offer vegetarian options like roasted root vegetables or quinoa-stuffed squash. These creative sides cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining the spirit of the holiday.
Making Reservations and Planning Ahead
Securing a table for Thanksgiving dinner in Austin requires advance planning. Many popular restaurants fill up quickly, so it's advisable to make reservations as early as possible.
To book a spot, diners can use online platforms like OpenTable. This service allows easy browsing of available options and instant reservations for numerous Austin eateries.
Some restaurants may have specific booking procedures or time slots for Thanksgiving meals. For instance, certain venues offer both lunch and dinner seatings with fixed menus and prices.
It's important to check the details of each restaurant's Thanksgiving offering. Prices, menu items, and serving times can vary significantly between establishments.
When making reservations, be prepared to provide information such as party size and any dietary restrictions. Some restaurants may require a credit card to hold the reservation.
For those dining with children, it's wise to inquire about kid-friendly options or special pricing for younger guests. Some venues offer reduced rates for children's meals.
Flexibility with dining times can increase the chances of securing a reservation. Consider earlier or later time slots if preferred times are unavailable.
Remember to confirm reservations a day or two before Thanksgiving. This helps ensure everything is set for a smooth dining experience on the holiday.
Dining Etiquette and Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving in Austin blends traditional customs with local flair. Many restaurants offer family-style meals, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Diners often dress in smart casual attire, respecting the holiday's significance. It's polite to arrive on time for reservations, as restaurants may be busy.
Some establishments incorporate regional touches into their menus. Oysters, for instance, might appear as appetizers in upscale venues.
Table manners remain important. Guests typically wait for everyone to be served before eating. It's customary to express gratitude before the meal begins.
Thanksgiving Day dining often features extended hours. Restaurants may serve brunch, lunch, and dinner to accommodate various schedules.
Key etiquette tips:
Be patient with staff on this busy holiday
Make reservations well in advance
Inform the restaurant of any dietary restrictions
Tip generously to show appreciation
Some Austin eateries encourage patrons to embrace the spirit of giving. They may partner with local charities or offer special menu items that support community initiatives.
