Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday a time to sit with loved ones, swap stories, and dive into a meal that is like a big hug. But let’s be real: the cooking marathon, random trips to the grocery store, and oven space juggling can turn delight into stress. This year, I found a smarter way to celebrate in the DMV region (and beyond): delegating the feast to restaurants. With 23% of individuals choosing pre-prepared Thanksgiving fare and another 22% incorporating restaurant offerings, as estimated by Technomic, it’s evident that I’m in good company when I crave convenience without losing flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for an upscale dine-in experience or gourmet fare at home, here’s my rundown of the top Thanksgiving picks that allow you to concentrate on thankfulness, not plates.
A Stress-Free Holiday Feast
The joy of outsourcing Thanksgiving is the time it saves to actually enjoy the day. No more rising at dawn to fight a turkey or worrying about lumpy gravy. From high-end steakhouses to neighborhood taverns, the DMV’s restaurants (along with some national chains) have everything from decadent multi-course meals to takeout packages that make entertaining a snap. I’ve scouted out a variety of places to determine the best, striking a balance between classic and innovative, so you can choose the ideal spot for your holiday atmosphere.
1. Lincoln: A Carving Station Extravaganza
Lincoln is a Thanksgiving lover’s dream for those who appreciate diversity. Their all-you-can-eat carving station won me over the moment I laid eyes on it: juicy roasted turkey served with rich gravy, tender beef tenderloin, and maple mustard-glazed salmon that melted in my mouth. The sides? Boundless. Think creamy mac and cheese, cheddar grits, and creamed kale that even veggie skeptics will adore. You begin with four options for appetizers and finish with one of four desserts, so it will feel indulgent but also personalized. At $71 an adult and $32 for children ages 12 and under, it’s a treat worth every penny for a family-friendly celebration meal that’s also festive.
2. Blue Duck Tavern: Michelin-Starred Elegance
Installed in the Park Hyatt D.C., Blue Duck Tavern is where luxury greets Thanksgiving. Their three-course meal ($165 adult, $65 children) is a lesson in elevated comfort. I opted for the roasted turkey, which came with light-as-air whipped potatoes and a green-bean-and-mushroom casserole that pushed the envelope. Other choices, such as prime rib or squash risotto, have something for everyone. You choose among five appetizers and two desserts to guarantee a personalized experience.
For in-home celebrations, their $595 takeout feast feeds a group with a 12- to 14-pound turkey, artisanal bread, five sides, and two pies. I added in their charcuterie board for an extra touch. It’s expensive, but the quality is superior.
3. Teddy & The Bully Bar: Presidential Plenty
Channeling Theodore Roosevelt’s fondness for hearty American cuisine, Teddy & The Bully Bar has an all-you-can-eat carving station that’s just comfort food. For $75 a person and $28 for kids, you have roasted turkey, prime rib, and wild salmon, in addition to ten sides such as caramelized yams and stuffing. I couldn’t help but try the mac and cheese it’s the kind you sneak seconds of. Choose from five appetizers and four desserts to round it out. The vibe is warm and welcoming, perfect for families who want a big meal without the cleanup.
4. Sfoglina: Italian-Inspired Thanksgiving
Sfoglina, chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Michelin-starred gem, brings an Italian twist to Thanksgiving. You can have their entire pasta, meat, and seafood menu, but their holiday specials are the real stars. I indulged in their roasted turkey with stuffing and whipped potatoes, along with a bowl of tortellini en brodo that tasted like a hug from a friend. Dessert, of course, was a pumpkin cake that’s sheer fall. Their takeout box ($125, serves 2-3) comes with bread, salad, turkey, three sides, and that heavenly cake. It’s ideal for a stylish yet warm home dinner.
5. Unconventional Diner: New Comfort Food
Unconventional Diner in downtown D.C. reinvents Thanksgiving with a bold, $55-per-person menu ($28 for children). The spread consists of roast turkey, cranberry relish, cornbread muffins, mushroom-sage stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes, topped with pumpkin pie and a mushroom bisque appetizer. I enjoyed the crisp, bold flavors. Their $95 take-out bundle (serves two) is a replica of the dine-in menu, with add-ons such as apple crumble or pecan pie for bigger groups. It’s perfect for family families who desire a modern touch without the hassle.
6. Estuary: Elegant Grandeur
In the Conrad hotel, Estuary’s four-course dinner ($135 for adults, $50 for children) is a crowd-pleaser. It begins with plated hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing salad, followed by a carving station featuring turkey and ham. Family-style sides such as mashed potatoes and stuffing are indulgent and comforting. The dessert table is a sugary finish. The elegant setting makes it perfect for a special occasion. Their heat-and-serve takeout ($135, no turkey or dessert) is a solid option for home dining.
7. Osteria Morini: Italian Comfort in Navy Yard
Osteria Morini’s three-course, family-style dinner ($70 per adult, $35 for kids) blends Thanksgiving staples with Italian flair. The turkey was tender, but the wild mushroom rigatoni stole my heart. Sides such as stuffing and whipped potatoes remained traditional, and the caramel apple crumble pie was a wonderful ending. Their $125 takeout package (2-3 people) features four appetizers, turkey, vegetable lasagna, five sides, and pie of choice. It’s a warm, flavorful option for dine-in or home.
8. La Ferme Restaurant: French Country Charm
La Ferme in Chevy Chase is a French farmhouse getaway. Their three-course meal ($72 per person) features six appetizers (I adored the squash soup), seven entrées (turkey, strip loin, or cod with oysters), and five desserts. The warm, elegant atmosphere is ideal for a sophisticated holiday. Each dish was like an ode to autumn.
9. Founding Farmers: American Classic
Founding Farmers has outposts throughout the DMV and offers a consistent three-course meal ($47.50 for adults, $22.50 for children). The menu is a repeat of their sister restaurants (Farmers & Distillers, Farmers Fishers Bakers) with turkey, sides, and pie. Their takeout offering shot and ready or partially cooked to finish at homemake it convenient. The $75 Leftover Kit is a novelty addition for after-holiday sandwiches.
10. Gadsby’s Tavern: Historic Holiday Atmosphere
Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria whisks you away to the 19th century with its three-course meal ($72 adults, $36 children). Begin with peanut soup or salad, followed by turkey and ham or rockfish and cornbread and traditional sides. Pumpkin or pecan pie puts the final touches on it. Historic charm is added with the ballroom option for groups.
11. L’Auberge Chez Francois: French Extravagance
L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls features a seven-course banquet ($122-$132 for adults, $75 for children). The turkey is perfect, but lobster or lamb alternatives add interest. With three seating times, it’s a decadent way to mark the occasion. The Alsatian atmosphere is intimate and makes each mouthful special.
12. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Upscale Comfort
Ruth’s Chris applies its steakhouse skills to Thanksgiving with a customized menu (cost varies). In New Jersey, I had Caesar salad, turkey, sausage stuffing, and pumpkin cheesecake. Their takeout deals, such as “Thanksgiving at Your Table” for four people, make dining at home convenient.
13. Cracker Barrel: Homestyle Heaven
Cracker Barrel’s homestyle charm shines with their Thanksgiving Day To-Go Menu (turkey, chicken, or veggie plates) and Heat N’ Serve bundles for 4-10 people. The cornbread dressing and cranberry relish are crowd-pleasers, perfect for a casual holiday.
14. The Capital Grille: Refined Tradition
The Capital Grille’s $50-per-adult ($30 kids’ meal) dinner includes slow-roasted turkey, brioche stuffing, and cranberry-pear chutney. Family-style sides such as pecan-crusted sweet potatoes enhance the experience. Their heat-and-serve $135 dinner option (no dessert or turkey) is an excellent choice for home.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Thanksgiving
DMV’s Thanksgiving scene, supported by national chains, has something for everyone whether you’re in the mood for a French-infused meal, a historic tavern experience, or a comfortable takeout affair. My top choice? Blue Duck Tavern for dine-in sophistication, Founding Farmers for multi-purpose takeout. Avoid kitchen commotion this year and have these places make your holiday delectably unforgettable.
