Thanksgiving falls on Thursday November 24 in 2022 — Lexington’s third pandemic-era Thanksgiving —  and while catering and carryout options are plentiful, sit-down dine-in restaurant options on Thanksgiving Day remain limited.

One thing that hasn’t gone away, three years in, is staffing shortages. Supply chain issues are still a problem, complicated by inflation rates that have hit the restaurant industry — and their customers— hard. Should you just hang out at Jacobson Park and hope a great Heron drops a fish into your lap? Maybe.

If you have your heart set on sit-down Thanksgiving Dinner options in an actual restaurant in 2022, you will still find fewer options in 2022 than the 2019 pre-pandemic era.

Will there be anything or anywhere to eat on Thanksgiving Day in Lexington in 2022, especially if you would like to leave the cooking (and maybe the cleanup) to someone else?

Yes, there will be, and a 2022 sampling is offered below. While catered and pickup/grab and go options are plentiful, seated dining remains in short supply. (This list is updated regularly until Thanksgiving Day.) Some restaurants will offer Thanksgiving themed menus in the weeks leading up to the actual turkey day. For hours, pricing, and to confirm menu offerings, please contact the individual venues. All offerings are subject to change, and assume that any or all options may sell out sooner than the deadlines they post for pre-order.
One pro-tip if you’re searching for last-minute dine-in options: check with your favorite Lexington hotel. They don’t always update their websites or socials, but their dining rooms are almost always open on holidays to serve their guests, and they usually offer a holiday menu or buffet. Call them on the phone, like an animal, if you must. Kentucky State Parks and their lodges also typically serve Thanksgiving Menus if you’re looking for a pretty fall drive.

Also, old reliables that typically cater to interstate traffic — Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, iHop, Waffle House — will usually serve up some Thanksgiving fare.

What Restaurants Will be Open on Thanksgiving Day 2022 in Lexington KY

Distilled on Jefferson has posted a prix fixe dine-in menu on their website for Thanksgiving Day.

Frank and Dino’s in downtown Lexington will offer a three-course Thanksgiving dinner, in addition to their regular menu. Reservations via Open Table. Advance catering and takeout will also be available. (Sister restaurant La Folie will be closed for Thanksgiving.)

Heirloom Restaurant in Midway will offer two lunch seatings and a prix fixe menu.

Jean Farris is serving a traditional 4-course meal with all the trimmings, starting at Noon with the last seating at 7 pm. Prepaid reservations available online.

Johnny Carino’s will be open limited hours on Thanksgiving Day serving turkey and sides for dine-in or to-go. (A turkey feast to-go is also available for advance ordering with a deadline of Friday Nov 18 2022.)

The Kentucky Castle will offer special menus for Thanksgiving Day.

Le Deauville downtown will be serving their regular menu, and a Thanksgiving Dinner from noon to 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day 2022.

Lockbox at 21C has a special menu on Thanksgiving Day.

Marriott at Griffin Gate is serving a Thanksgiving Day Buffet from 11:30 am-2 pm and 5:30-10pm.  Reservations via Open Table.

Panda Cuisine will host a Buffet on Thanksgiving Day, 11 AM to 9PM.

Red Lion in Science Hill is planning a Thanksgiving Menu.

Texas de Brazil in the Summit will be open for dine-in on Thanksgiving Day 2022, serving their dinner menu along with Thanksgiving classics. (They also have a Thanksgiving Feast order-in-advance option.)

Ordering Thanksgiving CarryOut?

Prefer to stay in, but prefer not to cook? Here are a few order-ahead, grab and go options for Thanksgiving menus in Lexington for Thanksgiving 2022 in Lexington:

Athens Lunchroom will offer a full Thanksgiving Menu available for pickup. (They are also serving Thanksgiving fare on Monday and Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving.)

Bella Notte will offer a Thanksgiving dinner pickup option that feeds 6 to 8 people and includes dry-brined roasted turkey breast with sides like stuffing with chestnuts and fresh sage.

New in town is The Celiac’s Table, offering gluten-free pumpkin pies for pickup.

La Bonne Vie has moved in to the former Wild Thyme space on Chinoe and is offering a variety of organic Thanksgiving menu options for pickup.

Local Feed’s pickup options in Georgetown will include rolls, deviled eggs, cranberry salad, and smoked or roasted turkey.

Martine’s is baking up desserts for pickup including pumpkin rolls, pies, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more. 

Minton’s at 760 has an order-ahead option.

Old Vine Bistro is a new entry on this year’s pre-order scene. Their Small package serves 10 to 15 and the large serves 15 to 20.

Proud Mary BBQ is offering a pickup menu that will include options like fried turkeys, smoked turkeys, whole ham, prime rib, whole tenderloin and more.

Selma’s Catering has announced this year’s pickup offerings which will include items from appetizers to sides to turkey and gravy and desserts like pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie and more. (Delivery within Fayette County is also offered for a fee.)

Stein’s by Addies will be offering pick-up for sides and desserts, including cornbread stuffing, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, and roasted maple brussel sprouts. Order in advance.

Deep Frying at home? 

If this is the year you finally plan to tackle deep frying a turkey at home, we are sharing one of our favorite archives from the beloved late great Chef Tom Yates. He has you covered with this step-by-step guide. Have you been invited to Holiday Dinner and plan to bring the most impressive Thanksgiving side? Chef Tom had you covered there too with this archived collection from a decade ago in Ace.

Does deep frying sound messy? 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 25 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).

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