Where to eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Lexington, KY 2019

It’s never too soon to start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner.

Will there be anything or anywhere to eat on Thanksgiving Day in Lexington, especially if you would like to leave the cooking (and maybe the cleanup) to someone else?

Yes, there will be, and we have the answers for 2019. 

Thanksgiving is late for 2019 — falling on Thursday, November 28 — but many restaurants are also offering Thanksgiving themed menus in the weeks leading up to the actual turkey day. 

Thanksgiving Themed Menus:

Alfalfa’s is hosting a Vegetarian & Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 21 at 5 pm.

Azur Restaurant & Patio presents a World of Thanks, a five course dinner inspired by Thanksgiving foods from around the world along with a wine pairing on Tuesday, November 26 at 7 pm.

The 4th annual Friendsgiving at Bourbon n’ Toulouse is Thursday, November 15 at 6 pm. Red State BBQ is providing the smoked turkey for the occasion.

Brews-giving at Pies & Pints on Wednesday, November 27 at 6 pm.

Lexington Rescue Mission is hosting a Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Broadway Christian Church on Wednesday, November 27 at 5 pm.

Celebrate the start of the Thanksgiving holiday at Drake’s Lexington with their Pre-Feather Get Together featuring live music and drink specials starting at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 27.

Good Foods Co-Op is hosting Thanksgiving sampling events on three Saturdays in November from 11 am to 2 pm. The first one is on November 9 and continues on November 16 and November 23.

Lexington Public Library is having No-Bake Thanksgiving Treats for teens on Sunday, November 10 at 2 pm. Registration is required.

NoBaked Cookie Dough Lexington is giving thanks early this year by offering all flavors of Pint Jars for only $10 during their Thanksgiving Pint Jar Special on November 24 all day from open to close.

Whiskey Bear is hosting a free Pre-Thanksgiving Party on Wednesday, November 27 at 6 pm. Bring your favorite snacks, games, and enjoy time with family, friends and loved ones while sippin’ on your favorite whiskey, cocktail or beer.

What restaurants will be open in Lexington on Thanksgiving Day?

Bigg Blue Martini at the downtown Hilton is open from 3 pm to 1 am with food service until 11 pm.

Bob Evans is open Thanksgiving Day until 8 pm offering a special holiday meal. Your choice of Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing, Hickory-Smoked Ham or Country-Fried Steak, three sides, endless bread and a slice of pie for just $14.99. Dine-in only. 

Boone Tavern in Berea will be open for Thanksgiving and offer a traditional buffet from 11 am to 4 pm. 

Bru Burger will be closed for Thanksgiving.

Cracker Barrel is open regular business hours serving a special Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing meal starting at 11 am. 

Cru Food and Wine Bar at The Summit at Fritz Farm will be serving a prix fixe three-course Thanksgiving menu from noon to 9 pm.  By reservation only. Kids 12 & under are half off. 

Denny’s is open every day of the year, so you can still enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner there on Thanksgiving day. 

Distilled at The Sire will be open with a three-course Thanksgiving-inspired menu with two seatings at 11 am and 1 pm.

Good Foods Co-op will offer a special holiday hot bar on Thanksgiving Day from 10 am to 4 pm with complimentary spiced apple cider. There will also be Grab & Go Thanksgiving pre-packaged options available. 

Hall’s On the River is hosting a Thanksgiving Buffet with turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn pudding, mini salmon croquettes with Hall’s Beer Cheese Mornay sauce, green beans, cranberry relish, dinner rolls and a salad bar. Dessert includes blackberry cobbler and banana pudding. Seating times are 11:30 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Call for reservations. (A portion of each reservation will be donated to Stride, a non-profit that provides kids and adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities therapy, day training program, one on one community access, respite and therapeutic recreation activities.)

IHOP restaurants nationwide will be open on Thanksgiving day, though it is recommended to call your local restaurant for specific hours, which may vary by location.

JW’s Steakhouse at the Griffin Gate Marriott is serving a 3-course prix fixe meal from 11 am until 9 pm. Meal includes a starter salad, entree of smoked turkey, gravy, and traditional Thanksgiving sides, and your choice of pumpkin or pecan pie. Taking reservations now.

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet with Kentucky State Parks on Thursday, November 28 from noon until 7 pm.

Le Deauville will offer the regular dinner menu as well as a Thanksgiving special with turkey and all the trimmings from noon to 6 pm on Thanksgiving.

Lockbox is offering a four-course prix fixe menu including pre-set platters for the table, a family style salad course, and the choice of one meat, three sides, and one dessert for the table from noon to 6 pm. Breakfast is available from 7 am to 10 am and the bar menu from 11 am to 7 pm.

Panda Cuisine is offering an all-day buffet including dim sam, Sichuan style foods and seafood on Thanksgiving Day.

Sidebar Grill is open at 5 pm, bar only.

Ted’s Montana Grill in Hamburg will offer a special Thanksgiving menu.

Texas de Brazil in The Summit at Fritz Farm will be open on Thanksgiving Day serving their regular dinner menu alongside more traditional favorites starting at 11 am. 

Triangle Grille at the downtown Hilton offers a special buffet menu on Thanksgiving Day. Their regular breakfast and brunch menu is available from 6:30 am to 11 am and their Thanksgiving menu from 11 am to 3 pm.

Whole Foods is open on Thanksgiving from 7 am to 4 pm.

Can’t whip up a fancy meal this year? Want to spend more time with guests than in the kitchen? 

Here are a few order-ahead, grab and go options for Thanksgiving menus in Lexington for 2019:

Bayou Bluegrass Catering, will offer turkeys, including Cajun fired, honey-smoked and traditional baked; honey-glazed hams; smoked barbecue beef brisket; along with a variety of holiday sides and desserts. All items are available a la carte. Orders need to be placed at least seven days in advance, and deadline for orders is November 24 at 5 pm. Pickup begins on November 25 until Thanksgiving Day at 2 pm.

Let Bear & The Butcher handle the Thanksgiving cooking this year with a smoked turkey and a variety of holiday sides like 3 cheese mac, cornbread and sausage dressing, cauliflower and goat cheese casserole, and more available for ordering. Last pick up is November 27 at 4 pm and please allow for 48 hour notice on orders.

Blue Door Smokehouse will offer whole smoked turkeys, whole boneless turkeys, and smoked hams. Call to place orders. Pick up on Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving between 11 am and 3 pm.

Bob Evans will take care of your holiday meal planning this year with their three to-go options: Ham Farmhouse Feast, Turkey Farmhouse Feast, or Premium Farmhouse Feast. 

The Brownie Bae, a local gourmet brownie company, is offering select brownie flavors available for pick up on Wednesday, November 27. Orders must be placed by Monday, November 25.

Cracker Barrel offers Heat n’ Serve Holiday meals available for pickup between November 23 through December 1, while supplies last. The meal kit comes chilled and ready to heat and includes two oven-roasted turkey breasts, turkey gravy, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish, three country sides, and pie for dessert. Payment and a 24-hour notice is required at time of order.

Critchfield Meats has a Thanksgiving menu that includes half and full cooked turkeys along with sides to take home. Order online or by phone.

The Fresh Market offers Essential, Traditional, and Delux Holiday Meal menus. All meals include some, if not all, of the following: fully cooked turkey breast, Yukon gold whipped potatoes, [new & improved] traditional herb stuffing, green beans, home style turkey gravy, cranberry relish with walnuts, and more. Order in-store or online by 2 pm on November 23. The earliest pick up date for these meals is November 25.

Great Bagel & Bakery has a new holiday pre-order menu this year featuring brunch boxes, sweet buns, dinner rolls, and a variety of pies. Place orders in-store, through email, or call by November 25 and pick up at the Boston Road location on November 27 from 1-3 pm and November 28 from 7-9 am.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is now taking orders for their world famous pies for Thanksgiving day.

IP&J Cuban Food, offers a special holiday menu available with the choice of an entree (Mojo citrus turkey, Cuban roast or vegan roast); two sides (including tostones crispy plantains, plantain chips, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, Cuban stuffing, among many more). A choice of sauce (mango salsa, gravy or cranberry); and a dessert (buttermilk pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, flan or chocolate flan). Extra items are available a la carte. Pick up or delivery on Thanksgiving is available.

Let J Render’s BBQ help you with your holiday cooking this year with a smoked turkey or ham and various holiday sides. Minimum 48 hours notice and all orders must be placed by November 24 and picked up by November 27.

La Bonne Vie Personal Chef is offering organic Thanksgiving meals this year with gluten-free, vegan, and special allergy options. Options include a Thanksgiving package, a pre-brined classic turkey, an herb and butter turkey, and an array of sides.

Lexington Diner has a Holiday Pickup Menu featuring herb rubbed boneless turkey, bone-in spiral cut ham, rosemary and garlic encrusted beef tenderloin, leg of lamb, pork tenderloin, and a variety of classic Thanksgiving sides. Specialty cakes and pies available from Dutch’s Bake Shop. Orders must be placed by November 25, orders available for pick up until 3 pm on November 27.

Martine’s Pastries has holiday pies available for order and pick up by Tuesday, November 26.

Order your homemade dessert or rolls at Midway Bakery and pick-up at the bakery, Honeywood, Windy Corner Cafe, or Zim’s Cafe. Your dessert options are: Traditional Southern Pecan, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan, Bourbon Buttermilk Chess, Chocolate Chess, Peanut Butter Mousse, Pumpkin, or Cranberry Crunch.

Minton’s will offer meal and dessert pickups the week of Thanksgiving. Roast turkey breast, old-fashioned dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, green bean casserole, corn pudding, cranberry and orange compote, yeast rolls, and apple, pecan or pumpkin pie. Deadline to order is November 24.

Missy’s Pies will take orders for Thanksgiving and have the pies available the day before the holiday. Call to place your order.

Proud Mary BBQ is taking orders for fried or smoked turkey, whole smoked brisket, and all the holiday sides this Thanksgiving. If you don’t see something on their menu that is a tradition in your family, just ask and they will try to accommodate. Call or text to place your order.

Ramsey’s Diner offers Heat ‘n Eat Thanksgiving dinners including sliced turkey with gravy, corn bread stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and your choice of three veggies. All orders must be placed by the Sunday prior, November 24, and picked up after 4 pm on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Call to place your order.

Ranada’s Bistro offers a holiday catering menu which includes your choice of roasted turkey with apple and sage stuffing or deep fried turkey with herb stuffing along with a variety of sides and desserts.

Seasons Catering will cook a complete meal for 10 people that includes a whole roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, gravy, country-style green beans, fresh cranberry pineapple salad, rolls with butter and a choice of two pies from pecan, pumpkin or apple. Option to have your turkey carved, or add a ham. Deadline for orders is November 25 at noon and pick up on Thanksgiving day before 11 am.

Spark Community Cafe offers a Thanksgiving takeout menu with entrees, sides and desserts. Orders must be placed by 12 pm on November 25. Pickup is at 175 N. Main Street in Versailles on November 27 from 9 am to 6 pm.

Stein’s by Addie’s is offering roasted turkey breast (sliced), turkey gravy, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and more along with desserts and extra sides for order through November 24. Call or email to order, pick up is on November 27 from 3 pm to 8 pm.

Sunrise Bakery is taking orders for Thanksgiving including rolls, pies, and cookies. Call to place your order.

Sweet Matriarch Bakery is offering Thanksgiving desserts including pumpkin rolls, seasonal cakes, and seven varieties of pies for pre-order and pick up on November 22, 23, 26 and 27.

Texas de Brazil will offer flame-grilled meats, hot dishes, salads and fresh sides by the pound. A 24-hour notice is required on all orders.

Wallace Station Deli is taking orders for its annual deluxe takeout Thanksgiving dinner including roast turkey breast, old-fashioned dressing, real mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy spinach casserole, cranberry relish, rolls and for dessert, pecan or pumpkin pie, all packaged and ready to eat or to serve. Orders must be placed on Sunday, November 24 at 8 pm and picked up by November 27 between 9 am and 6 pm. You can choose to pick up at Wallace Station, Windy Corner Market, Zim’s Cafe, or Honeywood.

Wild Thyme offers an a la carte menu including whole roasted turkeys and an array of sides and desserts. All orders must be received no later than Friday, November 22 and orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 27 by 4 pm.

Whole Foods offers holiday meals including both roasted and uncooked turkeys along with a variety of sides to choose from for pickup this Thanksgiving.

Just wanting a little help with the turkey?
Double H BBQ hosts an annual Turkey Fry on Thanksgiving Day. Bring your turkey by and they’ll fry it for you. The turkey must be thawed, dressed and weigh 18 pounds or less. There is no charge, but toy and cash donations will be accepted to benefit the Lexington Firefighters’ Toy Program.

Drop off times are Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26 during normal business hours. Pick up times are Wednesday, November 27 from 4 pm to 8 pm, or Thursday, November 28 from 8 am to 2 pm at Double H BBQ.

Cooking at home? In need of a free place to recycle used cooking oil from your Thanksgiving dinner?

Redwood School will host Lexington’s annual Gobble Grease Toss on Friday, November 29 between 10 am and 2 pm. Tips for the event: cooking oil only, bring cooking oil in a disposable container with a lid, and Lexington residents only (no businesses, please).

In charge of making the turkey this year? Check out Chef Tom’s tips for how to make Bourbonized Thanksgiving Turkey.

Will any grocery stores be open on Thanksgiving? No worries, if you forget a last minute ingredient. Here’s what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving, including a list of grocery stores.

When are stores opening on Black Friday this year? Here’s a sampling of stores open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2019.

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