Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Chicago

21 Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Chicago – 2024

ByKashish Jamal Hashmi

Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the USA and is the leading destination to celebrate Thanksgiving with a lot of piquancy. The metropolis has accumulated its reputation as the most festive city to ever exist, which not only exudes a sense of enchanting city life but also is a heaven for commemorating almost any occasion.

So celebrating Thanksgiving here is a wise decision as the many gorgeous restaurants with different budgeted options available here will give you the best Thanksgiving dinner night experience you might have ever undergone.

Let’s look at some of the best Thanksgiving Open restaurants in Chicago to look forward to an enthusiastic night ahead.

Best Thanksgiving Restaurants Chicago This Year

1. Gene and Georgetti

Gene and Georgetti

Why it’s a must visit?

The Gene and Georgetti restaurant was recently opened in the year 2020 and has quickly become the most adored destination to visit for Thanksgiving.

This recently remodeled restaurant has acquired a lot of success due to its superb food choices that continue to enamor its visitors.

The restaurant was initially established with a theme of a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chicago but now has become one of the most excellent places to celebrate various special holidays.

Chef’s Choice

The entirety of this restaurant’s achievement is credited to its gorgeous collection of serving main course dishes like beef tenderloin, Atlantic salmon, and roasted turkey that have a divine taste.

One not only discovers the most gracious variety of main entrées here but continues to get surprised by its numerous decadent flavored desserts that come in a rainbow range.

So when it comes to desserts, their delicious tiramisu and pumpkin pie give you the most toothsome treat, which is a perfect way to end your meal.

2. The Smith – Chicago

The Smith - Chicago

Why it’s a must visit?

The Smith restaurant is one of the most refined restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the blooming state of Chicago.

This restaurant has a very cosmopolitan air to it, and of which many people might find its food to be a little expensive, but the food and the quality live up to its price.

The menu might not be modest in price, but it is undoubtedly affordable, as kids under the age of 12 are given food choices at a discounted price.

Because of its particular policy, the restaurant has become one of the best destinations to visit on Thanksgiving for a fruitful day out.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant follows the French way of serving dishes in three formulations, starting with an appetizer, then proceeding with their main entrée, and finishing it up with a decadent treat in the end.

When it comes to the main entrées, their ricotta gnocchi and squash soup are an excellent way to start your meal.

Another superb yet underrated dish that will tingle your taste buds is their cockles which are genuinely magnetic.

But nothing could beat their lovely turkey pot pie or efficiently made braised turkey dumb sticks that are sure to leave you gratified.

But if you are a huge fan of beef, then make sure that you try their red wine braised short ribs, which have the finest quality in them.

3. Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Why it’s a must visit?

If you consider yourself a vast steak fanatic and are wondering where to eat, then this Chicago cut steakhouse will surely be a paradise for you as it’s rated to be among the top restaurants open Thanksgiving.

The menu might not be as extensive as one can imagine, but its rapid delivery and decent variety render it quite impressive.

But with this many pros, the restaurant also has some cons, like how a person is only allowed to sit at this place for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Even though the restaurant might have its cons, it still gets a lot of attention as the place is always packed with people who love to feast on its many exciting dishes.

Chef’s Choice

This steakhouse is now one of the biggest HubSpot in Chicago for not only indulging in delicious steak dishes but also to feast on some delicious seafood variety with other dishes like shellfish and meat.

The steaks at this restaurant are considered to be very juicy and lovely and get served in an elegant fashion.

Not only are its steaks the highlight here, but its several seafood varieties and red meat options are also commendable here.

4. Maple & Ash

Maple & Ash

Why it’s a must visit?

The Maple and Ash restaurant has become one of the trendiest locations in Chicago to visit during Thanksgiving.

The most incredible aspect of this restaurant is that it has a vast menu that presents several inspirit dishes that will tantalize you.

The restaurant not only caters to the diet preferences of adults but also pays equal attention to children’s needs too, by displaying a respective menu for them.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant has one of the fetching selections of Thanksgiving dishes like fresh farm turkey, which is prepared with their handmade butter and contains generous stuffing of assorted ingredients.

It’s not just its dishes that garner a lot of bouquets here, but its drinks are also impeccable in taste.

So when it comes to side dishes and drinks, their black tiger shrimp cocktail paired with their unique salads makes the entire banquet a lot more flavorsome.

Also don’t leave this place without trying their herb butter which will delight not only adults but children as well.

5. Etta

Etta

Why it’s a must visit?

The Etta restaurant has successfully laid down its reputation as one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving for several decades.

Almost everything here is quite fabulous and charming as it’s also a market complex too where people can buy the ingredients which are used to make their glamorous dishes.

The restaurant also offers several pickups and dinner delivery services that have made it a pretty convenient place to visit for a beautiful Thanksgiving day ahead.

Chef’s Choice

It would be a shame to visit this restaurant and not try their main draw, which is turkey, and is the star of the menu.

Also, their other meals, like mashed potatoes as side dishes and their freshly caught mushrooms, are a fabulous treat.

In the same way, their numerous roasted vegetable dishes deserve considerable appreciation here for their smoky flavor.

6. Prime & Provisions

Prime & Provisions

Why it’s a must visit?

If you want to experience the most magical Thanksgiving night of your entire life, then the prime and provisions restaurant will surely deliver you that fancy of dining in the most splendid sense.

The restaurant serves you the option of dining either indoors or outdoors, but our personal suggestion would go for dining outdoors as the upscale atmosphere outdoors will leave you spellbound.

The restaurant completely envelops the theme of an alfresco dining experience with its beautiful lighting and heating facility available at every corner.

Another good thing about this place is its fixed-price menu which remains the same no matter the occasion or demand.

Chef’s Choice

Rejoice is the loveliest turkey dish which comes in a free range that has managed to sway lots of people.

The restaurant also offers people various trimming choices that are absolutely enchanting in flavor.

Also, the drinks here are flawless and deserve a definite try.

7. Shaw’s Crab House

Shaw's Crab House

Why it’s a must visit?

The Shaw’s crab House has held its legacy for several years in being one of the best Thanksgiving restaurants near me.

As you might have figured out from its title, the restaurant specializes in serving exquisite seafood varieties in mouthwatering flavors.

The place has always remained a top choice for loyal patrons to visit during Thanksgiving as its convenient facilities, and extensive menu have continually upgraded it against other restaurants.

Chef’s Choice

Even as the occasion demands turkey as the main dish, it’s the seafood here which is the star of the menu.

But if you want to observe Thanksgiving in a traditional sense, then you can always go for the classic dish named herb roasted turkey breast, which has a lovely flavor.

Whereas in seafood, the shrimp cocktail takes the crown here, along with their Alaskan king crab legs and Alaskan cod ceviche.

After you have indulged in their savory main entrées, make sure that you finish your meal with a bite of their delicious pumpkin pie slices, which are heavenly.

8. Bistronomic

Bistronomic

Why it’s a must visit?

If you get a sudden craving for indulging in specific French cuisine, then this place is something you should definitely check out.

The bistronomic is one of the most outstanding restaurants in Chicago, open for Thanksgiving.

Also, its chic interior, channeled with its Parisian themes, has made it not only a fancy place to dine out but also a place to enjoy the most scrumptious feast.

One also gets the option to order something off the menu as the entire experience comes as unique, especially during a spirited Thanksgiving night.

Chef’s Choice

As soon as you head to this place, you will find yourself enthralled by its fixed-price meals that come in a lot of variety.

Among its wide delicious variety are its foie grass, short ribs, and turkey breast, which are some of the most frequently ordered dishes here.

Don’t forget to pair those splendid dishes with their old-age wines, which will give you an authentic French venture.

9. The Lobby at the Peninsula

The Lobby at the Peninsula

Why it’s a must visit?

The Lobby at the peninsula restaurant is a unique four-course meal restaurant that no other diner can rival.

All of the dishes here are prepared with the highest quality ingredients and therefore have a truly remarkable flavor to them.

Almost everything here is a blessing to the eyes as the aesthetic details on the dishes make anyone swoon.

Chef’s Choice

Every single dish mentioned on the menu has a fascinating taste which several other restaurants in Chicago try to copy.

As it’s a four-course meal restaurant, the turkey and Peking Duck are the most favorable main course choices here.

Not only are its main entrees a treat to the eyes and taste buds, but its elaborate designed desserts deserve huge praise too.

10. Cira

Cira

Why it’s a must visit?

The Cira restaurant offers people a contemporary twist to its classic dishes, which is perfect if you are looking for something experimental and distinct for your Thanksgiving day out.

The restaurant deviates a lot from other restaurants with its classic dishes, as this restaurant offers people the most exemplary modern twist with meals that can’t be found anywhere else.

It not only provides people with an unconventional way of serving dishes but also adds flavor to Mediterranean cuisine that feels exceptional.

Chef’s Choice 

With its many contemporary Mediterranean dishes, the restaurant takes into consideration comfort food choices that feel familiar and tasty.

Also, it’s worth noting that the entire menu is primarily made up of small, shareable platters that are great if you wish to try multiple dishes in small portions.

Couple those tasty dishes with their exuberant atmosphere, and you will find yourself immersed in the most fun day out on Thanksgiving.

11. Coco Pazzo

Coco Pazzo

Why it’s a must visit?

The Coco Pazzo is a beloved Italian restaurant that has become a favorite of the residents of Chicago due to its flavorsome Italian dishes.

It’s not only its Staples dishes that are highly adored here, but it’s baked goodies that have garnered a lot of love.

Because of its extensive menu options and luscious food, the place is something that you will visit again and again.

Chef’s Choice

Besides its delicious staple varieties, it’s the turkey, soups, and fish dishes here that have become a highlight.

Also, its several baked dishes have remarked this place as a fascinating parlor that specializes in bread varieties.

Among its baked goods, its breadsticks, focaccia, and desserts take the crown here.

One will forget almost every diet restriction here as all of the dishes here are beyond amazing.

12. WoodWind

WoodWind

Why it’s a must visit?

The one restaurant for which we take the wow that it will never disappoint is the woodwind diner, whose impressive list of contemporary dishes has surprised people.

Because of its immersing setting, and charming food choices, the place has won the hearts of people.

It’s also gorgeously located 18 floors above the ground area, because of which one gets to take pleasure in its breathtaking skyline views that cover the entirety of Chicago.

So if you want something distinct and classy, this place will be your top destination to give visit.

Chef’s Choice

One of the most distinctive aspects of this restaurant is that it deviates from the conventional notion of serving traditional dishes but makes them in a modern sense by employing trendy techniques.

Instead of serving simple traditional turkey, the restaurant makes sure that it creates several innovations of turkey-inspired dishes that deviate from its convention of value.

Another cool aspect of this restaurant emerges from its unique approach to delivering creative dishes that are perfect for anyone enthusiastic about experimental food.

13. Devon Seafood + Steak

Devon Seafood + Steak

Why it’s a must visit?

The Devon Seafood + Steak restaurant envelops the entire theme of the ultimate American Grill experience by serving specialized roasted dishes in the most favorable way.

The pickup service here is truly exceptional as one gets to order their platters by evenly categorizing their feast either in one or three meal courses.

The restaurant also has proven consistency in serving high-quality dishes that have never received a negative review.

Chef’s Choice

As the restaurant features first and secondary food choices, one of the most favorable first dishes you can try here is their Maine lobster bisque which is a genuinely extravagant dish, or their baby greens for a superb Thanksgiving feast.

Also, their delicious butternut squash soup is worth a try to help you warm up your stomach for heavier meals.

Another must-mention dish here is their traditional roasted turkey which not only comes grilled to the core but also arrives with several delicious side options.

It’s worth noting that its desserts are off the charts and deserve a try.

So no matter what you decide to go for, you are sure to have a good time here.

14. Tzuco

Tzuco

Why it’s a must visit?

If you want your Thanksgiving dinner to be full of fancy and extravagance, then this Tzuco restaurant could be your top destination to visit.

The restaurant not only appeals to your taste buds but also to your visual senses as well because of its intricate decoration details and great food options.

The entire restaurant displays an exuberant ambiance that is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and is a perfect destination to go for a romantic day out with your significant other.

Chef’s Choice

One of the most surprising reasons why this place has earned such a pleasing crowd following is its impeccable fusion of French and Mexican flavors that have become beloved by Chicago residents.

Among its many gracious menu choices, it’s the Teloloapan turkey has achieved a lot of love from the people because of its decadent taste.

Also, make sure that you save some room for their out-of-the-world desserts, which would make for a fantastic way to end your feast.

15. Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Luella's Southern Kitchen

Why it’s a must visit?

At some level, one wants to feel at home at Thanksgiving as this memorable holiday reminds people of the nostalgia of their grandmother’s cooking.

So enveloping that sense of belongingness, this Luella’s Southern Kitchen proves its excellence in providing several southern comfort food choices that contains various enjoyable staple dishes.

This restaurant specializes in staple southern cuisine that is perfect for Thanksgiving if you want some homey meals at low prices and at the last minute.

But if you want to feast on these homey dishes at your house, then you can always get their takeout service at low prices.

Chef’s Choice

Even the three-course meal here is offered at budgeted options with simple food that is highly familiar.

So when it comes to southern staples, their sweet potato pie, roasted turkey, and mac & cheese are the best combinations.

And when those dishes are combined with their drinks, everything feels otherworldly.

16. Travelle at the Langham

Travelle at the Langham

Why it’s a must visit?

The Travelle at the Langham restaurant is one of the most celebrated and oldest diners in the downtown area of Chicago that has never disappointed its visitors.

Because of its raved hospitality, the restaurant has continued to expand its base, becoming bigger and bigger each year.

Also, its fixed price setting has made it a perfect destination to visit for celebrating special holidays.

The restaurant also has suitable timing of being open during the late morning and staying open till midnight.

Chef’s Choice

The prices here are reasonable too, but it might look a bit expensive for those who are looking for budgeted options. But despite the high price here, one is sure to have a satisfying experience here.

When it comes to starter options, their celery soup is the best choice here, as its warm texture makes for a perfect seasonal soup to try.

As for the main entrées, their turkey breast, which comes buttered and loaded with cranberry sauce and tortillas along with other generous ingredients like brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, and corn, makes for a gracious choice here.

As the festival demands it, the drinks here should definitely be given a try as they have a genuinely rejuvenating feel to them.

17. Adorn Bar and Restaurant

Adorn Bar and Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The adorn bar and restaurant is one of the most favored staple dishes providers in Chicago and is spearheaded by the son of the James Beard award-winning chef named, Jonathan Sawyer.

Because of its highly reputed genius chefs, the restaurant keeps attracting food enthusiasts who want to get a taste of their masterful dishes.

The prices of this place lean towards the more expensive side, but its overall hospitality, which has often been given a catchphrase of ‘Great British holidays supper,’ has rendered it a fascinating place to visit.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant treats everyone as if they are royalty and has quite a quirky menu that features funny names like ‘your grandma’s favorite,’ ‘you’re late, but she made you a plate that has intrigued gastronomists who wish to take a peek into unfamiliar food choices.

But when it comes to staple food choices, their prime aged beef ribs, sweet potatoes, and figgy pudding are the highest in demand here.

As for heavy main course meal choices, their turkey Reuben on rye, turkey Ramen noodles, and tonkatsu is the most delightful dishes here.

18. The Godfrey Hotel

The Godfrey Hotel

Why it’s a must visit?

The Godfrey Hotel is a place one should visit if one wants to please themselves with the beautiful breeze of Chicago’s magnificence and want to surprise themselves with the breathtaking views of its skylines.

The reason why such a fancy description goes for this simple restaurant, it’s due to its rooftop setting, which has quite a royal atmosphere to it.

The restaurant remains open from late morning to midnight, and it’s pretty hospitable to almost anyone because of its professional staff.

Also, the restaurant is excellently overseen by the well-known Alfonso Martinez who makes sure that the dishes are prepared in the most distinctive way without any disappointments.

But as Thanksgiving happens during the month of November, dining at the rooftop might seem a bit chilly, as the cold breeze will leave you shivering and biting down your teeth. Because of this, we would recommend that you dine indoors unless you have an excellent cold tolerance.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant celebrates turkey day on Thanksgiving as one can obviously make out by presenting several Buffet categories that one can choose as per their liking.

They also have a separate carving station that serves both prime rib and turkey dishes with several tasty side options like bourbon-glazed carrots, salads, and freshly ground potatoes.

The restaurant also has a distinct dessert bar that is served on the rooftop, which makes for a memorable treat.

19. The Signature Room at 95th

The Signature Room at 95th

Why it’s a must visit?

The signature room at 95th is famously known as the Hancock Tower, which a lot of Chicago residents call by its name.

Its location inside the most well-known building in Chicago, which is also the second tallest, has made it the ultimate destination to experience lovely skyline views of the city.

The restaurant remains open from late morning to early evening, which on a personal level, we would recommend that you visit during the evenings to get the most out of its picturesque skyline scenery.

The restaurant envelops a sense of luxuriousness to it by presenting not only a stunning view of the city but also offering rich food choices with entertaining live performances.

It’s good knowing that this restaurant pays equal attention to kids as well by featuring a separate child’s menu.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant follows the technique of a three-course meal, especially for dinners that contain the most gourmet food choices.

Among the many gourmet food options are their sea scallops which are roasted and grilled efficiently, and their burrata and turkey, which make for fabulous main course choices.

Their desserts are pretty palpable, too, with treats like classic pumpkin pies, mascarpone cheesecake, and sweet potatoes.

20. The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago

Why it’s a must visit?

The peninsula Chicago restaurant is another highly acclaimed diner that has proven its stance as a fantastic place to visit for Thanksgiving dinner.

The restaurant provides outrageously sinful four-course brunch meals along with exquisite dining options north of the loop that feels almost divine.

Even though the restaurant has quite a fancy layout to it, its main attraction goes towards its excellently laid out buffet stations that are entirely enamoring.

Also, it’s worth remembering that this diner follows a policy of fixed prices and therefore has no hassles with its hospitality.

Chef’s Choice

Apart from their classic turkey dish, you also get to enjoy numerous other red meat favorites that are served in a contemporary fashion.

In the red meat category, the rack of lamb and prime rib toast is the most spectacular dish here that has maintained its reputable consistency.

Also, its extensive range of seafood dishes like oysters, caviar, gulf shrimp, and crabs are delectable dishes here that are not only domestically made, but sometimes get imported from outside so that one can experience a sense of exoticness in their flavor.

Their separate charcuterie and cheese board feature a distinctive dessert plate named ‘decadent,’ which, as its name implies, is genuinely decadent in flavor.

Also, the price is different for kids and adults, which is somewhat reasonable.

21. River Roast Social House

River Roast Social House

Why it’s a must visit?

If you love botanical experiences while eating, then the river rose social house will become your most beloved destinations to visit for Thanksgiving, as the space exudes the freshest breeze of the river in the city.

The hospitality of this place is exceptional, as the staff attends to your every query with great refinement.

As soon as you enter this place, you will be welcomed by the amiable atmosphere of the site that makes sure that you get the most comfortable dining experience as you feast by the ends of the river.

With such a sampling of a great view and delicious food, one encounters a fascinating Thanksgiving dinner in serenity.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant follows the policy of a three-course meal, starting with appetizers like their cheeseboard and charcuterie along with their herb-brined and roasted turkey that is served alongside with layering of cranberry dressing.

The appetizer comes not only comes with some roasted turkey meat but its side ingredients like carrots also come dipped in yogurt with a loaded stuffing of house sausages and fresh apples.

Their complementary dishes here are also exceptionally pleasing to your taste buds, like their mac & cheese, brussels sprouts and potatoes, and especially salads.

After this heavy meal course, it’s highly suggested that you finish your meal on a sweet note by trying their classic pumpkin pie, carrot cake, or apple cobbler as elegant dessert options.

Final Thoughts

To experience a magnificent Thanksgiving night of a lifetime, Chicago is the destination that an enthusiastic adventurer should visit to encounter the wide varieties of Thanksgiving-focused cuisine and celebration.

The bright fireworks here, and the usual positive energy of the crowd, have made Chicago a place that is ideal for celebrating almost any festivity or occasion.

So if you are particularly visiting Chicago for a Thanksgiving dinner, it’s necessary that you must be familiar with some decent Chicago restaurants open Thanksgiving. Therefore to help you with that, we created this list, and we hope it has helped you deliver its purpose.

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