SD Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving: Dine-In & Takeout Specials 2023

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Thanksgiving nears, falling this year on Thursday, Nov. 23. And you know what that means — it's time to put in place your dining plans.

For those wishing to ditch the kitchen for a relaxed celebration with family and friends, restaurants throughout San Diego County are prepped and ready with dine-in specials, all-you-can-eat buffets and takeout meal deals.

Check out our annual, Thanksgiving dining guide, and scroll through the images above, for some of the best offers at eateries near you.

And have a Happy Thanksgiving, from Patch!

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AMBROGIO BY ACQUERELLO: Special, eight-course Thanksgiving menu from Michelin-starred Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi is underway with signature option ($159/person) & vegetarian option ($139/person). Served 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Among highlights: Trancio di Tacchino in Stile Ringraziamento (turkey/Italian purea/smoked pancetta); Raviolo d’Autunno (chestnut/pumpkin/Fontina); & Torta Morbida alle Noci (pecan/vanilla/persimmon) for dessert. Full vegan menu available with 48-hour notice. Reservations/info. At 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla.

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ANIMAE: The downtown eatery from chef & restaurateur Brian Malarkey offers multi-course, prix-fixe, Asian-inspired Thanksgiving feast from Executive Chef Tara Monsod, paying homage to her Filipino American heritage. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. $110/adult & $42/child. Among menu highlights: ube pan de sal; sweet miso golden beets; hamachi tataki; mussel minataan with kabocha squash; sea beans; sweet potato puree; charred broccolini with Szechuan ginger oil, cashew crumble & sesame puree; plus red bean tart for dessert. Reservations. At 969 Pacific Hwy., San Diego.

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ARLO AT TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT: Thanksgiving Day buffet served 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., alongside live music. Included: Santa Maria grill station; plancha, carving & pasta stations; traditional sides; desserts. Don't-miss highlights: beet salad; Tillamook Bay oysters; turkey & rosemary gravy, Chilean sea bass; brown sugar sweet potatoes; Italian stuffing; & cheesecake s’more. $85/person & $35/children 5 & under. Reservations. At 500 Hotel Circle N., San Diego.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Keep an at-home Thanksgiving simple & with Family Meals To-Go — starting at $103.95 with portions for four to 12. Place orders here for Nov.22-23 pick-up. Or dine at the steakhouse Nov. 23 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special menu ($11.99/kids & $25.99/adults). Both options feature classics as turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, sweet potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter, salad, cranberry sauce, molasses bread & pumpkin pie. Find locales in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido.

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BUCA DI BEPPO: Dine on-site Thanksgiving Day, or select a takeout Feast To Go. Nov. 23 dining features traditional dishes with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, spicy Italian sausage stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce & pumpkin pie. Heat & serve, takeout comes in two sizes (up to three $105, or up to six for $160), with turkey dinner & sides, plus options for Italian classics like baked ziti, chicken carbonara & meatballs. Reserve table, or order to-go here. Find sites in Carlsbad & Mira Mesa.

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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Three-course, Thanksgiving dinners will be on the menu 11 a.m. t0 6 p.m., along with takeout options that serve six to eight. Expect such traditional, holiday options as turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing & pumpkin pie. Info. Find sites in La Mesa & San Diego.

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DEL FRISCO'S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE: Thanksgiving special Nov. 23-26, features Cowgirl ribeye & fresh-shaved black truffles. Chef’s Feature: Prime Cowgirl & Black Truffle Butter ($105). Specialty Cocktail: Santa’s Sleigh Ride ($18). Info here. Locations at 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Holiday heat-and-serve meals make for hassle-free, at-home feasts. Takeout options: Complete Feast (serves 10–12) with smoked or Cajun turkey, prime rib or ham, with sides of cornbread dressing, gravy, baked potato casserole, green beans & rolls; Dinner Feast (for 8–10) with ham, turkey or prime rib, dressing, gravy & rolls; Holiday Big Yellow Box (for 10-12) 4 pounds of sliced turkey & large sides; or À La Carte Menu for individual meats & sides. New to this year's menu is Classic Sweet Potato Casserole. Find shops.

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DOG HAUS: Select locales will be open Thanksgiving serving newest menu addition — Würst Thanksgiving Sausage. The one-of-a-kind, limited-time sausage offers "Thanksgiving in every bite," with melding of turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, stuffing, sage, thyme, rosemary & hint of maple. Check locales near you for November hours.

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DRAFT: In Mission Beach, Thanksgiving dining here offers quintessential, ocean views, plus turkey-day buffet & football games on 31-foot TV. Menu highlights include turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, sausage-apple stuffing, ham, prime rib, red mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, maple-glazed carrots & pumpkin or apple pie. Reservations via OpenTable. Seatings 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. $65/adult & $25/children 12 and under. At 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego.

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EDDIE V'S: Restaurants will open early at 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, serving a feast with all the trimmings. Menu includes turkey, gravy, brioche sage stuffing, cranberry chutney, butternut squash, mashed potatoes & pumpkin pie tartlet. (Adults/$50 & child/20.) Veuve Clicquot champagne by-glass offered, as well as such signature cocktails, as Smoked Old Fashioned, torched tableside on wooden plank, or color-changing Hope Diamond. Full menu available, too. Reservations. See locales in La Jolla & San Diego.
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EL POLLO LOCO: Festive Family Meals start at $24, with eight pieces of chicken, three sides & tortillas. The chain also launches limited-time, pork carnitas holiday menu. With nod to Mexican heritage, options include: Carnitas Tacos (corn-blend tortillas, pork carnitas, avocado salsa, cabbage, cilantro, onion & fresh avocado) ; Carnitas Wet Burrito in green enchilada sauce & cheese; and Carnitas Stuffed Quesadilla. Plus, two items available only via Loco Rewards app: Pork Carnitas Nachos & Pork Carnitas Tostadas. Ordering links. Find locales.

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EL TORITO: All-you-can-eat Thanksgiving Day buffet to feature turkey & ham, apple-jalapeno stuffing, chipotle-honey sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, taco station, Mexican Favorites, soups, salads & dessert bar with pumpkin pie. Unlimited Champagne, plus $5 margaritas & beers available. $38/adults & $12/kids. (Note: Redondo Beach, Monterey & Marina del Rey buffets at $40/adults & $12 kids.) Details. Find restaurants in San Diego region.

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FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR: Reservations are underway for three-course Thanksgiving feast, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., with salad or lobster bisque, turkey, ribeye or filet mignon, plus sides & dessert. Child's menu also offered. Reservations. See location in San Diego.
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GELSON'S MARKETS: Go for stress-free Thanksgiving with pre-cooked traditional favorites, plant-based options & à la carte dishes. Selections include turkey & gravy, spiral-glazed ham, prime rib, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & plant-based hazelnut cranberry roast en croute. Cornucopia floral centerpieces also available. Orders due Nov. 22 for pick-up Nov. 19-24. Order details. Store location finder here.

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GOLDEN CORRAL: Multiple options at this buffet-style chain. Dine-in for endless Holiday Buffet, featuring such seasonal specials as turkey, ham, beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, rolls, pie & more. Or select Holiday Feasts To Go –takeout meals for six to eight with choice of turkey, ham or beef roast, trimmings, sides, rolls & whole pie. Pre-order online or via app. Holiday A La Carte Items To Go offers individual options. Plus, $10 bonus card offered with $50 or more purchase & redeemable Jan. 8 to Feb. 13. Details. Location finder here.

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HANDEL'S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: Fall in love with November's pie-inspired ice cream. Line-up features: Deep Dish Apple; French Silk; Pumpkin Pie; Banana Cream Pie. Offered through Nov. 30 while supplies last. Find locations.

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HARRAH'S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Planned Nov. 23 is traditional Thanksgiving dinner at The Café with a la carte feast of turkey, mashed potatoes & giblet gravy, apple-sage stuffing, glazed baby carrots & more. $24/guest. No reservations required. Website. At 777 Harrah's Rincon Way, Funner/Valley Center.

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HERB & WOOD: The Little Italy hot spot takes Thanksgiving to grand level with four-course meal or takeout feast by Chef Carlos Anthony. On-site diners welcomed 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for prix-fixe dinner with choices of venison carpaccio, lentil salad, seared scallop, turkey & cream truffle gravy, swordfish, family-style sides & dessert. $92/adult $38/child. Thanksgiving to-go option ($500 for up to eight) offers truffle-rubbed, 17-pound turkey, salad, truffle gravy, Champagne cranberries, whipped potatoes, green beans with guanciale, stuffing, carrots, rolls & pie from Executive Pastry Chef Laura Warren. Reservations/orders. At 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego.

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HOTEL DEL CORONADO: Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Del, in the historic grande dame's Southpointe Ballroom. Elegant buffet will be served with traditional favorites, plus salad, vegan curry, arepa & carving stations and desserts, accompanied by live entertainment. Adults: $195; children (4-10): $100; children (3-under) are free. Reservations. At 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado.

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HUNTRESS: Prepare for Thanksgiving feast with artful spin on classics. Along with full menu, the chef's seasonal features include pumpkin agnolotti (roasted pumpkin, pepita gremolada, sage & brown butter), "Truffle Turkey" with winter greens, confit turkey leg crepinette & sour cherries, truffle jus, & Green Bean En Croute (prosciutto, mornay, crispy onions). Book here. At 376 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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LAKEHOUSE RESORT: Celebrate Thanksgiving 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Grill on Lake San Marcos with buffet & live music. Day's fare includes roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, Mediterranean orzo salad, shrimp cocktail, turkey, glazed ham, salmon, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams, pumpkin pie & assorted desserts. $85/adults & $25/children under 12. Reservations via OpenTable. At 1750 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos.

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LAPPER KITCHEN + TAP AT TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT: A la carte Thanksgiving specials to be served 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. along with regular menu. Among the dishes: butternut squash soup; turkey dinner plate; charbroiled halibut; seasonal pies and more. Info/reservations here. At 500 Hotel Circle N., San Diego.

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LITTLE FRENCHIE: Add a touch of Parisian café-inspired bistro charm to your Thanksgiving with to-go treats. Among options: baked brie en croûte; cheese & charcuterie boards; or pies ($45 each), including apple crumble, pumpkin, bourbon pecan and caramel ripple cheesecake. Order here. At 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado.

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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Prix-fixe, Thanksgiving feast planned Nov. 23 with salad, turkey roulade with sage & cranberry stuffing, sides, cranberry relish, gravy & pumpkin cheesecake with sea salt caramel. $59/person. Reservations. See locale in San Diego.

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PENDRY: Thanksgiving dinner of traditional favorites will be served Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m., at Provisional Kitchen, where Chef Brandon Sloan hosts three-course, prix menu. $105/adult & $40/child (ages 12 and under). Optional wine & spirit pairings offered. Reservations. At 425 5th Ave., San Diego.

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RANCH 45: Place your orders for Thanksgiving takeout, with options for smoked turkey legs, prime rib, Cornish game hen, short rib, ribeye, salads, soups, sides & selection of pies & desserts. Place orders here by Nov. 19. At 512 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach.

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RANCHO BERNARDO INN: This secluded North County resort will host Thanksgiving happenings Nov. 23, including: buffet of holiday classics, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in Bernardo Ballroom, ($135 adult &/ $55 child); four-course dinner from Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. in signature restaurant, AVANT ($125/adult & $65/child); plus, pies to-go from Café Granada, with selections of traditional pumpkin with cinnamon cream, Dutch apple, bourbon pecan & cheesecake with orange & cranberry rosemary compote. Info/ordering/reservations. At 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo/San Diego.

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RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA: Bountiful, Thanksgiving Day buffet planned Nov. 23, along with takeout options. For on-site diners: buffet includes raw bar, carving station & dessert bar. Complementing feast will be array of family-friendly lawn games, petting zoo, carriage rides, face painting, bounce house, arts, crafts & more. $195/person; $55/kids 11 & under; under 3 free. Plus, culinary team is prepping Thanksgiving-to-Go option here with pickup Wednesday, Nov. 22. Reservations/info. At 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe.

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RED LOBSTER: Locations will be open Thanksgiving Day for shellfish holiday with limited-time, shrimp & lobster specials. Choose: Lobster & Shrimp Holiday Feast (lobster & shrimp in orange-rosemary sauce); Lobster & Cheddar Bay-Stuffed Shrimp; or Lobster & Shrimp Overboard (lobster tail, linguini & shrimp skewer). Cheddar Bay Stuffing is new side of brioche, Cheddar Bay, bacon & mushroom. Plus, new seasonal cocktails: Snowglobe Sangria; Seaside S'mores Martini; Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. For hosting at home, see to-go Holiday Side Bundles, Party Platters & Family Meals. Purchase Holiday Side Bundle with all five sides & receive two dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits free. Find restaurants.

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RUSTIC ROOT: Celebrate Thanksgiving at Gaslamp Quarter restaurant's lively rooftop or intimate dining room. Holiday classic menu offers herb-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy & more. $32 per guest or $100 for four-person family pack. Book here. At 535 5th Ave., San Diego.

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SALLY'S FISH HOUSE & BAR AND THE LANDING AT MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT: Dine out Nov. 23, with panoramic bay views at Sally's or indoors at The Landing for pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu. $65/person. Among highlights: panzanella salad; turkey; ham; potatoes; stuffing; heirloom baby carrots & pumpkin pie tart. Reservations. At 1 Market Place, San Diego.

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SUSIECAKES: Orders are underway at the bakery chain for Thanksgiving pies, cakes & cookies. Among the seasonal sweets: cranberry orange cake; pecan pie; apple crumble pie; pumpkin pie & decorated cupcakes, mini-cupcakes & cookies. Order links here. Find shops in SD region.

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THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR AT WESTFIELD UTC: Enjoy Thanksgiving Day prix-fixe menu 12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ($85/guest & $30/child 10 & younger). Among menu selections: roasted butternut squash bisque; pumpkin & ricotta ravioli; maple-glazed turkey; short rib; jumbo wild white shrimp; & streusel pumpkin pie & chocolate cheesecake. Reservations. At 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla/San Diego.25 San Diego4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite E-25 San Diego

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THE WISE OX: Chef Brad Wise’s premium butcher shop is taking orders for build-your-own, takeout Thanksgiving feasts with Diestel turkey & fixings. Plus, pies from Chef Jeremy Harville, TRUST Restaurant Group’s executive pastry chef, will be available for purchase. Order info. At 7750 El Camino Real, La Costa & 2855 El Cajon Blvd., North Park/San Diego.

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TOUS LES JOURS: The French-Asian bakery chain offers "Happy Thanksgiving" cake collection, featuring fall flavors, through Nov. 23. Among selections: Apple Pie with Pecan Cake; Pumpkin Spice Cake; and Pecan Tartlet. Details/ordering. Find shop in San Diego.

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VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS: Keep Thanksgiving stress-free with pre-orders for hot & ready to-go meats or Thanksgiving Dinner Bundles. Takeout meats include: Pavo Relleno (stuffed turkey) $79.99; Pollo Relleno (stuffed chicken) $29.99; Pierna de Puerco (roasted pork leg) $79.99. Dinner bundles ($79.99) are heat & serve for six to eight. Included Butterball turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing & cranberry orange relish. See La Cocina Department for ordering. Find stores here.
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VEGGIE GRILL: Vegetarian alert! Check out two, limited-edition specials offered through New Year's Eve: Turk’y Cranwich; & Harvest Mushroom Stew. Sandwich features Prime Roots’ Cracked Black Pepper Koji-Turkey, cranberry aioli, “turkey” gravy, cranberry stuffing, lettuce, tomato on grilled sourdough. Stew is hearty with Fable mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, rosemary & thyme. Info. Find locale in Carlsbad.

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VISTAL BAR & RESTAURANT AT INTERCONTINENTAL SAN DIEGO: An elevated, Thanksgiving Day buffet will be served 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at eatery renown for stunner bay views. Among highlights: turkey with sausage focaccia stuffing & chestnut-leek & apple polenta stuffing; prime rib with horseradish cream & green peppercorn cognac sauce; chilled seafood; antipasti; short rib tortellini; salmon; sweet potato casserole croquettes; & desserts of apple crumble, pumpkin pie & sweet potato panna cotta. $105/adults & $65/children. Reservations. At 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego.

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WOLFIE'S CAROUSEL BAR: The Parisian-inspired, Little Italy eatery will be closed Thanksgiving Day. However, served through the month of November is a seasonal special — Fall Cassoulet, a French stew of braised white beans, merguez sausage & duck leg confit. Reservations. At 2401 Kettner Blvd., San Diego.

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ALSO SEE: San Diego County Thanksgiving Turkey Trots: Guide To 2023