Planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a Thanksgiving dinner can be time consuming and expensive. And, sometimes, you feel like you hardly spent time with the people you invited over to share it with.
If the thought of fighting crowds at the grocery store for the perfect turkey sends shivers down your spine, you can simply step away from the shopping cart. Thanksgiving is meant to bring you closer to friends and family, not to inflict undue stress. If you’re looking for a new stress-free, mess-free alternative this year, we’ve curated a list of restaurants in Carrollton and the surrounding area that will be OPEN Thanksgiving day. Instead of making a turkey with all the accruements, pick up the phone and make a reservation to eat like royalty without the work!
Fine Dining
It’s a holiday, so let yourself celebrate with a meal that’s outside your traditional restaurant rotation. Gourmet food could be on the menu this year.
- Seasons 52 – This restaurant celebrates each season with a constantly changing menu to highlight the freshest ingredients available. For Thanksgiving, enjoy a traditional pre-fixe menu featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
- The Capital Grille – Trade in bird for beef at this legendary steakhouse. For Thanksgiving, diners can choose from the daily a la carte menu that features juicy steaks and irresistible side dishes—or order from the Thanksgiving menu!
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room – Dine like they really did at the first Thanksgiving with a table of fresh seafood. From oysters to lobster, the freshest seafood is all they offer. If you want to pair your turkey with tuna, traditional Thanksgiving options will also be available.
Eat Local
Don’t wait until the Saturday after Thanksgiving to celebrate Small Business Saturday! Eat local on Thanksgiving Thursday for a great meal and a great cause. Restaurant owners are a vital part of our community, so show them how much they mean to you by heading their direction for your Thanksgiving meal.
- Hannah’s Off the Square – Stop into this local favorite for a unique spin on the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Substitute turkey for the Cornish game hen with all the traditional sides. Reservations are required, so call soon to save your spot!
- III Forks Steakhouse and Seafood – This local restaurant boasts beautiful interiors, but remains family friendly. Be prepared for a mouthwatering four-course meal featuring turkey next to their famous steaks. This is a great choice if you family is full of foodies!
- Lark on the Park – This contemporary restaurant brings a unique global flare to traditional favorites. After the Turkey Trot if you’re looking for a great brunch spot, then look no further. Lark on the Park will serve their traditional brunch menu in addition to more traditional favorites.
No Turkey, No Problem
What’s that? Your family isn’t a big fan of the traditional Thanksgiving fare? No problem! Take a spin around the world with cuisines that highlight something new this year. The best part of these restaurants: guaranteed leftovers that aren’t turkey!
- Buca di Beppo – Filled with memorabilia and knickknacks, this restaurant is just like sitting in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. The food here is served family style, so be prepared for heaping portions of pasta and salad. Bring your appetite and doggy bags!
- Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse – If you have a family of carnivores, then look no further than this legendary Brazilian steakhouse. Armed with a card that has a “green” side and a “red” side, diners are encouraged to eat all the meat they can handle from the roving waiters. Only when you turn your card to red side will they bypass your table. Don’t eat breakfast before this dining experience!
- Oma – This Korean restaurant showcases Asian-fusion cuisine. Located in the Marriott, it’s a good option for those who have family staying at the hotel.
Don’t let holiday season create undue stress and put pressure on your family. There are a multitude of great, local dining options open on Thanksgiving in the North Texas area. From the picky eater to the traditionalists, this list of dining options will have something for everyone. If there is an option you think we’ve left out, leave us a comment so we can build them in!