The Thanksgiving Dining-Out Guide
A Thanksgiving restaurant dinner is not as uncommon as you might think: the National Restaurant Association reports that 15 million people dine out on Thanksgiving (with an additional 4 million placing take-out or catering orders).
Let’s face it, for some families the craziness that is all-day cooking, a packed (and sometimes quite messy) kitchen, and a refrigerator that’s too full are some of the things that make Thanksgiving, well… Thanksgiving. But if you want a fuss-free feast, there’s always the option of dining out. A Thanksgiving restaurant dinner is not as uncommon as you might think: the National Restaurant Association reports that 15 million people dine out on Thanksgiving (with an additional 4 million placing take-out or catering orders). Locally, several restaurants offer full meals on Thanksgiving night itself. Most places require reservations and spots are filled quickly, so it’s best to make yours as soon as possible. Below, we list the top choices in Northern Virginia (Please call ahead to confirm and get details). And if you want the “in between” option—food expertly prepared (by others!) that you still can enjoy in your own home—see our second list for catering and pick-up options.
RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR THANKSGIVING
2941 Restaurant
Falls Church
703-270-1500
2941.com
2941 offers waterfront views of Fairview Lake from almost every table.
America Eats Tavern at Ritz Carlton
McLean
703-744-3999
americaeatstavern.com
BRABO at Lorien Hotel & Spa
Alexandria
703-894-3440
braborestaurant.com
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, this restaurant offers a three course traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Carlyle Club
Alexandria
703-548-5953
thecarlyleclub.com
Enjoy a delicious and delightful three course meal with live music.
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Broadlands
571-209-1200
clydes.com/willow-creek-farm
Gadsby’s Tavern
Alexandria
703-548-1288
gadsbystavernrestaurant.com
George Washington ate here! Their Thanksgiving special dinner is available in both plated and family-style options. Here is 2019 Thanksgiving Menu
Girasole
The Plains
540-253-5501
girasoleva.com
Girasole locally sources their food to create authentic, regional Italian cuisine. Chef Patierno’s Thanksgiving menu will feature the perfect selection for everyone. Whether you want a traditional holiday meal or something slightly different but still seasonal
Goodstone Inn & Restaurant
Middleburg
540-687-3333
goodstone.com
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks
various locations
mccormickandschmicks.com
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
various locations
ruthschris.com
This classic steakhouse, with three locations in Northern Virginia, offers special menu items for Thanksgiving.
Trummer’s on Main
Clifton
703-266-1623
trummersonmain.com
Westfields Marriott Palm Court
Chantilly
703-818-3500
marriott.com
CATERING AND TO-GO COMPANIES
Amphora Catering
Herndon
703-938-3800
amphoracatering.com
Family-owned Amphora offers fresh, hot, and ready-to-serve meal packages with both pick-up and delivery options. Here are Thanksgiving Menus
Boston Market
various locations
bostonmarket.com
Boston Market’s catering options along with more than a dozen hot and cold sides.
dc Taste
Alexandria
202-487-4414
dctaste.com
HoneyBaked Ham
various locations
866-492-HAMS
honeybaked.com
Famous spiral-sliced cooked hams, whole turkeys, and all kinds of side dishes and desserts are offered at their five Northern Virginia locations.
La Madeleine Country French Café
various locations
800-96-LAMAD
lamadeleine.com
Catered Thanksgiving meals include turkey, stuffing, side dishes, and desserts. This bakery also has many American, French, and European pastries and desserts.
Supermarkets
various locations
Large supermarket chains including Safeway, Giant, Whole Foods Market, and Wegmans offer complete Thanksgiving dinners with turkey (or sometimes ham or roast beef); side dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables; rolls; and dessert, usually pies. Most of these packages are “heat and serve,” and many times they sell out in advance, so make your plans early.
