Atlanta restaurants open on Thanksgiving with holiday menus

The aroma of roasted turkey and sweet potato pie will fill the air this Thanksgiving, and for those who prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, a delightful array of Atlanta restaurants are opening their doors to welcome guests for a holiday meal. From bountiful buffets to elegant prix-fixe menus, metro Atlanta eateries are offering something for every taste and budget—a welcome respite for families seeking connection and delicious food without the kitchen chaos. It's a testament to the spirit of hospitality that shines so brightly in our community, offering opportunities for fellowship and celebration.

What Restaurants Are Open This Thanksgiving?

Several restaurants across Atlanta and its surrounding areas are planning special Thanksgiving menus or offering traditional holiday buffets. For those seeking a comprehensive list, websites like OpenTable and Resy offer searchable listings of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Many establishments are encouraging or even requiring reservations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for all.

In Buckhead and Midtown, 5Church is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring turkey, ham, and prime rib carving stations alongside traditional sides and desserts for $75 per adult or $20 per child. AltaToro in Midtown will also offer a buffet with both traditional holiday entrees and sides, as well as Latin American dishes, for $65 per adult or $20 per child. Reservations are required. The Americano in Buckhead presents a special Thanksgiving dinner starting at 4 p.m., showcasing porchetta-brined roast turkey with pancetta chestnut stuffing, pasta, and family-style side dishes—reservations are highly encouraged.

Further out, 101 Steak in Vinings will offer a celebratory feast from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., detailed on their website, 101steakatl.com. The Colonnade, a nearly century-old Southern restaurant, will be open with regular menus and specials; check their Instagram page for menu updates, with a price of $38 per person—no reservations are accepted.

Community Impact & Dining Traditions

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, centered around family, gratitude, and shared meals. The opportunity to dine out allows busy families to focus on fellowship rather than the considerable work of preparing a large holiday feast. For some, it’s a tradition—a way to celebrate with loved ones without the stress of cooking and cleaning. For others, particularly those who may be alone or far from family, a Thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant provides comfort and connection.

The participation of so many restaurants in offering Thanksgiving meals also boosts our local economy, supporting jobs for servers, cooks, and other hospitality professionals. It highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of our community—local business owners working to provide a welcoming space for celebration. While the cost of dining out can be higher than cooking at home, many families find the convenience and shared experience well worth the investment.

A Delicious Spread Awaits

The variety of offerings is truly impressive. By George, in The Candler Hotel, will feature a bourbon-roasted turkey breast with garlic mashed red potatoes and traditional gravy. South City Kitchen, with locations in Buckhead, Midtown, Vinings, and Alpharetta, offers a three-course menu for $79 per adult or $39 per child. The St. Regis Hotel hosts a Thanksgiving brunch including carving and risotto stations, seafood towers, traditional sides, breads, and desserts for $175 per adult or $87 per child—reservations are prepaid and can be made at marriott.com.

For those seeking a more casual atmosphere, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will serve its full menu alongside seasonal Thanksgiving dishes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fleming’s in Dunwoody offers filet mignon, prime rib, or herb-roasted turkey with a starter and side for $64 per person with a children's menu starting at $24. Petite Violette in Brookhaven will feature a special Thanksgiving Day menu including seasonal soups, salads, and turkey for $70 for adults and $10 for kids.

Lily's Take: Remembering the Heart of Thanksgiving

Seeing our local restaurants step up to offer these special Thanksgiving meals warms my heart. It reminds me that hospitality isn’t just about serving food; it's about extending kindness and creating a sense of belonging. While enjoying a delicious meal out is certainly a treat, let’s remember the true spirit of Thanksgiving—gratitude for the blessings we have and a commitment to caring for one another. It’s wonderful that businesses are offering options for those who can’t cook or who are far from family, but I hope everyone takes a moment this year to reflect on the importance of strong families and the values that bind our community together.

I've noticed an increasing number of people opting to dine out for holidays, and while that brings convenience, I worry about the impact on traditions. The rituals of preparing a family meal—the shared laughter, the handing-down of recipes—are precious and contribute to a sense of continuity across generations. Let’s strive to balance the ease of dining out with the importance of preserving those cherished family moments.

Even More Festive Choices

Beyond the mainstays, several other restaurants are joining in the Thanksgiving celebration. Little Bear in Summerhill will open on Thanksgiving night with a prix-fixe menu for $75 per person. Johnny’s Hideaway will host a late-night dance party from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., encouraging guests to trade the Thanksgiving table for the dance floor, and Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar in Alpharetta offers a four-course holiday dinner for $115 per adult or $20 per child. The Waldorf Astoria in Buckhead hosts an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet filled with carving stations, holiday side dishes, chilled seafood, and desserts for $185 per adult or $90 per child.

For those looking for takeout options, Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker will offer a Southern-style Thanksgiving dinner to go. Joey D’s Oak Room in Dunwoody is also offering a traditional feast available for dine-in service and takeout, with a family meal option to feed four people for $145. McKendrick’s Steak House in Dunwoody will serve a special holiday menu and offer a small half turkey and sides to go.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Feast

With so many options available, planning ahead is key. Most restaurants strongly encourage or require reservations, especially for larger parties. Check restaurant websites or call directly to confirm menus, pricing, and reservation policies. For a more comprehensive list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in the metro Atlanta area, visit OpenTable and Resy. For those seeking takeout options, be sure to preorder early to avoid disappointment.

Thanksgiving Beyond the Meal

Magnolia Room in Tucker will open for dine-in service at 11 a.m. and will also offer Thanksgiving family meals, sides, and desserts for takeout that day. The Betty, located at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, will serve a three-course Thanksgiving supper from 3-6:30 p.m., starting at $95 per person. The Select in Sandy Springs will offer both dine-in and takeout service on Thanksgiving, with a three-course Thanksgiving feast with dessert from noon-6 p.m., for $89 per adult or $39 per child. Zafron in Sandy Springs will serve both a Thanksgiving menu and its regular menu from noon to 7 p.m.

Fleming’s in Dunwoody will offer Thanksgiving dinner to include filet mignon, prime rib, or herb-roasted turkey, along with a starter and side for $64 per person. A three-course children’s menu starts at $24. The Waldorf Astoria in Buckhead will host an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet filled with carving stations, holiday side dishes, chilled seafood, and desserts for $185 per adult or $90 per child. Le Bilboquet, a French bistro at Buckhead Village, is offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu for $110 per person with a kid’s menu available for just $40.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. The outpouring of generosity from our local restaurants is a testament to the spirit of community that defines our area. This year, as we gather with loved ones, let’s remember the importance of family, faith, and the blessings we enjoy. And while dining out offers a convenient and delicious alternative to cooking, let's also cherish the traditions that make Thanksgiving so special.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!