Where to Dine in Houston This Thanksgiving Day 2015

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it's time to make those Turkey Day plans. From casual meals to fancy five-course affairs, there are plenty of ways to let Houston restaurants do the work for you. Just check out our Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Guide:

Note: Don’t forget to make reservations, as these spots are bound to fill up.

024 Grille 
945 Gessner, 281-501-4350

Brunch, drink and give thanks at 024 Grille’s Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet inside The Westin Houston, Memorial City. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving Day feast ($55/adult; $50/senior; $22/child age 4-13, plus 20 percent gratuity on all checks), with seatings available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Along with a complimentary mimosa, indulge in brunch selections like made-to-order omelets, Andouille hash and Florentine quiche; roasted and carved turkey and herb crusted prime rib with all the fixin’s; a seafood station, and desserts (including a chocolate fountain the kids will love).

Aquarium – Downtown
410 Bagby, 713-223-3474

Enjoy a family-friendly Thanksgiving buffet (seating times start at 10 a.m.) at the Downtown Aquarium. Guests will enjoy a cornucopia of traditional Thanksgiving favorites including carved turkey, cornbread stuffing, and a special buffet for the little ones. But that's not all — guests will also receive a free Shark Voyage Train Ride ticket with the purchase of brunch ($39.95 for adults, $34.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children age 3 to 10).

Aquarium – Kemah 
11 Kemah Boardwalk, 281-334-9010

Enjoy a family-friendly Thanksgiving buffet (seating times start at 10 a.m.) at the Downtown Aquarium. Guests will enjoy a cornucopia of traditional Thanksgiving favorites including carved turkey, cornbread stuffing, and a special buffet for the little ones. Cost is $29.99 for adults, $24.99 for seniors, and $14.99 for children age 3 to 10.

Artisans Restaurant 
3201 Louisiana, 713-529-9111

Let this Midtown tour-de-force take care of Thanksgiving for you. For $75 per person, enjoy an impressive five-course feast, featuring an oyster and cornbread amuse-bouche; choice of sweet potato soup or jumbo lump crab and corn cake; port-braised short rib and goat cheese ravioli; choice of black cod, filet mignon, or roast turkey breast entree; and spiced pumpkin “opera” cake with bourbon ice cream for dessert. Reservations can be made between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Au Petite Paris 
2048 Colquitt, 713-524-7070

This cozy French bistro is taking reservations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a stunning three-course meal for $39.95 per person, with choices including housemade foie gras terrine, French Burgundy escargot, slow-roasted turkey with old-style bacon-stuffing, Scottish salmon, eight-hour braised beef cheeks, and upscale sweets such as lemon choux with Chantilly honey and caramel sauce or chocolate love cake with vanilla English cream.

Babin’s Seafood House 
All locations

All locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 8 p.m.

benjy's in the Village
2424 Dunstan, 713-522-7602

Join Benjy’s in the Village for a special Thanksgiving Brunch. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of innovative Turkey Day brunch specials in addition to the standard brunch menu. Specials will include: pumpkin-spiced French toast; a green bean casserole omelette with mushroom gravy and crispy onions; a Thanksgiving panini with slow-roasted turkey, crispy Brussels sprouts, brie cheese an cranberry jam; and sweet potato pie.

benjy's on Washington 
5922 Washington, 713-868-1131

The Washington benjy’s is ready to serve you a three-course feast this Thanksgiving. For $40 per person, choose from wild rice kale soup or watercress spinach salad before moving onto the main course: a bourbon-glazed herb-roasted turkey, braised pork shoulder with fig port reduction, pan-roasted local catch, or stuffed “garden” steak, all served with the proper T-Day accoutrements. Finish the meal with sweet potato pie, pecan pie, or Mom’s Chocolate Cake. Kids meals, featuring a fresh fruit appetizer, burgers, turkey dinner, or grilled cheese entree, and choice dessert are available for $16/child. 

Bistro Provence 
13616 Memorial, 713-827-8008

From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the French bistro will serve a sophisticated three-course meal ($40 per person, $20 kids menu available). Enjoy your choice of dishes like pumpkin soup, a traditional turducken with chicken cranberry mousseline, ribeye in puff pastry, and pumpkin pie. The kids menu features pumpkin soup with marshmallows, turducken with mashed potatoes, and an ice cream sandwich.

Brennan's of Houston 
3300 Smith, 713-522-9711

Why not wine and dine NOLA-style this Thanksgiving? Enjoy a three-course dinner from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. for $60 per person. Start with dishes like snapping turtle soup, shrimp remoulade, or dirty rice and duck prosciutto (to name a few) before moving on to the big guns. Choose from eight main entrees, including a Texas-Creole-style roast turkey dinner with jalapeño crushed corn pudding, molasses roasted sweet potatoes, and cognac giblet gravy; lamb shank osso buco; or lobster-stuffed flounder. Make sure to save room for desserts like Brennan’s famous tableside Bananas Foster or a big slice of cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie.

Brenner’s on the Bayou 
1 Birdsall, 713-868-4444

This picturesque restaurant will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Brenner’s Steakhouse 
10911 Katy, 713-465-2901

This elegant steakhouse will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Charivari Restaurant 
2521 Bagby, 713-521-7231

From noon to 7 p.m., Charivari invites guests to create their own Thanksgiving Day feast ($50/person). Choose from appetizers such as pumpkin lobster bisque or pan-fried foie gras; and entrées like turkey and stuffing with port wine glace or broiled-pheasant over Prosecco-truffle risotto. It’s like a choose your own adventure book, only more delicious.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
5061 Westheimer, 713-355-2600

Hit this elegant steakhouse for a unique three-course prix fixe menu ($49) – featuring a slow roasted turkey breast with sweet onion apple sausage stuffing and classic sides like sweet potatoes, pan gravy, green beans, and cranberry relish. The restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m

Del Frisco’s Grille in The Woodlands
1900 Hughes Landing, 281-465-0300

The Woodlands location will be open for its first Thanksgiving holiday with a three-course $39 prix fixe menu. Start with butternut squash bisque, hand-carved turkey with cornbread stuffing, gravy and cranberry relish, and choice of two sides – mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach supreme, or shaved brussels sprouts with bacon. To finish, choose from classic desserts including pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a butterscotch pudding jar. The restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Note: Del Frisco’s Grille located in Houston's West Ave will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Etoile Cuisine et Bar
1101 Uptown Park, 832-668-5808

Etoile will be open on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy Chef Philippe’s inaugural three-course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving menu, with dishes including Persimmon Et Saint Jacques Rôties (persimmon and roasted scallop, ginger dressing) and Plat De Côtes De Boeuf Braisés (braised beef short ribs, butternut squash, mousseline, fall vegetables, Cabernet syrup). Cost is $56 for adults / $25 for kids. 

Fish Tales – Galveston
2502 Seawall, 409-762-8545

The restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Fisherman’s Wharf – Galveston
2200 Harborside, 409-765-5708

The seafood grill will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Gabby's BBQ 
3101 North Shepherd, 713-864-5049

This BBQ spot will be serving up down-home Thanksgiving favorites from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Get all the good stuff, like smoked turkey with giblet gravy, baked ham, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole or mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a dinner roll. Finish off with a banana pudding or homemade cobbler, or get a whole pecan or pumpkin pie to enjoy at home.

Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar 
5427 Bissonnet, 713-665-2222

In addition to a regular a la carte lunch, this Kosher steakhouse will be serving a special prix fixe Thanksgiving Feast from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $42 for adults and $28 for children 12 and under.

Grotto Galveston 
5222 Seawall, 409-740-8605

The Galveston location will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Grotto Houston 
4715 Westheimer, 713-622-3663

The Uptown Plaza location will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Grotto Woodlands 
9595 Six Pines, 281-419-4252

The Woodlands location will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Kiran’s
4100 Westheimer, 713-960-8472 

Kiran’s is offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet with three separate seatings: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy bistro-style made to order omelets, pumpkin waffles, tamarind-glazed and freshly carved tandoori turkey, slow-braised leg of lamb, and a plethora of spiced veggie sides. Just save room for desserts like pistachio kheer, ginger cream cheese carrot cake, and pecan pie. Cost is $58 per guest / $25 for children under 12 / under 5 complimentary. 

Landry’s Seafood – Galveston
5310 Seawall, 409-744-1010 

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $39 per adult and $13 per child.

Landry’s Seafood – Katy
22215 Katy Fwy, 281-392-0452 

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $27 per adult and $12 per child.

Landry’s Seafood – Kemah
1 Kemah Rail, 281-334-2513

The Kemah Boardwalk location of Landry’s Seafood will be serving their dinner menu all day, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Landry’s Seafood – The Woodlands
1212 Lake Robbins, 281-362-9696 

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $31 per adult and $12 per child.

McCormick & Schmick's 
All locations (Downtown, Uptown Park, Town & Country)

All locations will be open regular hours, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Thanksgiving Day.

Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar 
1985 Welch, 713-533-0200

The restaurant will be serving a decadent three-course feast from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy starters like lobster bisque or butternut squash soufflé before moving on to your choice of five entrees; including herb-roasted turkey with the works, filet of beef with lobster mashed potatoes; or seared wild salmon with andouille sausage cassoulet. Just save room for the sweet stuff, your choice of pumpkin cheesecake, apple bread pudding, or chocolate pecan pie. Cost is $75 per adult and $25 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Cost for adults with Sommelier’s Wine Pairings is $99, plus tax and gratuity.

Monarch Bistro at Hotel Zaza
5701 Main, 713-527-1800 

Monarch will be offering an a la carte menu featuring sophisticated takes on Thanksgiving classics. Feast on things like Texas quail with smoked butternut squash, prime rib with boursin mashed potatoes, and classic roast turkey with herb stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, haricot verts, and leeks. Just save room for the caramel pumpkin ale cake. Reservations will be taken from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
7 Hope Boulevard, 409-683-4466

Enjoy a bountiful feast with family and friends in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom. The mouthwatering menu prepared by Chef Murphy highlights classic favorites and specialties guaranteed to satisfy all appetites. Complimentary Bloody Marys and mimosas will also be available. Seating times are available every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. with the last seating at 3 p.m. Prices are $52.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $24.95 for children (ages 4–12) and free for children 3 and under. 

Morton’s – Galleria 
5000 Westheimer #190, 713-629-1946

The Centre at Post Oak restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Morton’s Grille – The Woodlands 
25 Waterway, 832-585-0794

The Woodlands restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Pappas Bar-B-Q 
All locations

Head to this all American joint from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m to get a classic turkey day plate for $12.95. Your feast will includes hickory-smoked turkey and pit-smoked ham alongside cornbread stuffing, yams, green bean casserole, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce and a dinner roll. 

Quattro - Four Seasons Hotel Houston 
1300 Lamar, 713-276-4700

This elegant restaurant will be offering two Thanksgiving Day dining options. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. hit the 70-plus item buffet with stations throughout the dining room, private rooms, ballroom and kitchen. Cost is $92 for adults and $39 for kids (ages 5-12). From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Thanksgiving buffet will be offered in the restaurant space only, with appetizers, carving stations (fish, lamb, turkey), and desserts. A limited a la carte menu is also available. Cost is $65 for adults and $35 for kids (ages 5-12). 

Rainbow Lodge 
2011 Ella, 713-861-8666

Houston’s original lodge restaurant, set in an historic 100-year-old log cabin on an acre of beautiful grounds, will be serving a three-course meal this Turkey Day. Choices include starters like smoked duck gumbo and seared scallops with wild boar sausage; entrees such as Southern-style turkey dinner and grilled beef tenderloin; and desserts like croissant bread pudding and pumpkin pie with toasted meringue. And don’t miss out on adding a “Late Night Snack Pack” – just enough fixin’s for a turkey and stuffing sandwich – for $5. 

Ray's Grill 
8502 FM 359, 281-533-0099

This casual American grill will be serving an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving day buffet, featuring everything from breakfast to turkey dinner, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Get made-to-order omelets, Belgian waffles, and a smoked salmon and salad bar alongside freshly carved roast turkey, herb-roasted prime rib, and honey glazed ham; roasted Berkshire pork; truffle mac’; green bean casserole; and country-style cornbread stuffing. A dessert display, featuring mini holiday cakes and pies and homemade pumpkin ice cream, ends things splendidly. Cost is $35 per person and $15 per child.

Saltgrass – Kemah Boardwalk 
215 Kipp #4, 281-538-5441

The Kemah Boardwalk location will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sud Italia 
2347 University, 713-664-7571

In addition to the regular dinner menu, Sud Italia will be offering a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including carved turkey breast with dressing accompanied with grilled asparagus, baby carrots and candied yams. Holiday operating hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
4608 Westheimer, 713-961-0333

The steakhouse will feature a limited dinner menu as well as a $39 three-course Roasted Turkey Dinner. Indulge in a choice salad or soup, hand-carved turkey with sweet onion apple sausage stuffing and cranberry relish, and choice of two sides including sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust, shaved Brussels sprouts with camelized onions and smoke bacon, and hand-shucked creamed corn. Finish the meal on a sweet note with the choice of chocolate pecan pie, bananas foster bread pudding, crème brûlée, and chocolate mousse. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TABLE on Post Oak 
1800 Post Oak, 713-439-1000

Get a view of the parade and tree lighting alongside a grand four-course family-style feast from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $70 per adult and $35 per child. Start with an amouse bouche of gardener’s soup, enjoy appetizers like butternut squash ravioli or seared scallops before moving on to free range roasted turkey with Madeira gravy, chestnut wild mushroom stuffing, and a plethora of other fixin’s. Finish with pumpkin and bourbon pecan pie.

Willie G’s 
1605 Post Oak, 713-840-7190

The Galleria area restaurant will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

We will be updating this list throughout the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Please let us know if you'd like to be included at [email protected].