Top Austin Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinners So You Don’t Have to Cook

Thanksgiving, a time-honored tradition celebrating gratitude and the coming together of communities. Also an opportunity for spending a sunny Thursday stooped over the stove performing elaborate tasks and accidental steam facials while crouched in front of an overstuffed oven.

While some seem to pull off a feast with a smile reminiscent of ’50s housewives, others think it an apt opportunity to christen their kitchen, impress new in-laws or achieve the lofty goal of transforming into a chef de cuisine.

Not your thing? This year, consider Thanksgiving, a day largely come to symbolize American gluttony, as an opportunity to explore Austin’s vast culinary styles while relishing in uninterrupted time with family and friends. Minus the stress and a mess to clean up.

While many of Austin’s fine dining all-stars will be honoring the holiday and taking the day off, we’ve rounded our top selections of those roasting turkeys and kneading pie crusts, so you can save yourself from the impending Pinterest fails and dish-scrubbing.

Lonesome Dove

Tim Love’s urban western outpost will be serving their dinner menu, chalk full of wild game and innovative pairings like rabbit-rattlesnake sausage and blue-corn lobster hush puppies, along with several more traditional options. Seatings are available from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Arlo Grey

The Line Hotel’s Arlo Grey will offer their novel take on a traditional Thanksgiving menu. If the lakeside spot’s view of Lady Bird Lake isn’t enough to sway your decision, the menu featuring whole wheat spaghetti with blue crab, roasted pheasant and fluffy pumpkin cheesecake might be the swing vote. Dinner will be served 3 – 10 p.m.

LeRoy and Lewis

For the daring BBQ fan, LeRoy and Lewis is offering meats by the pound and sides by the quart. From Local Akaushi Wagyu brisket and 44 Farms beef cheek barbacoa to local turkey breast and Thanksgiving sausage, Leroy and Lewis’ mouthwatering selections are sure to be perfectly tender and seasoned to perfection. We are also intrigued by the desserts — cheddar cheesecake with apple and Ritz Cracker crust and smoked pumpkin cheesecake. If their holiday offerings are anything like the daily plates, don’t question their mastery.

Sour Duck Market

Just evading the laborious pie and bread making? Sour Duck Market is is offering a slew of baked goods for pre-order — parker house rolls, chocolate babka, pecan mesquite pie, and turmeric sweet potato pie. Order online or call in to reserve your treats.

Group Therapy at Hotel Zaza

Austin’s swanky new hotel will celebrate their first Thanksgiving with a four-course dinner, available pre-fixe or a la carte. Entree selections include the conventional turkey and sides, or, for those tired of the bird, a pan-seared sea bass atop a sweet potato and mushroom hash. The pre-fixe route is $60, downtown views included.

Sixth and Waller at East Austin Hotel

East Austin Hotel’s laid back restaurant, aptly named for its location, Sixth and Waller, will be offering an ‘Old School Dinner Plate’ complete with sides and the best of both worlds for dessert — a pumpkin-pecan pie. The dinner plate is a budget-friendly $21 with a $19 vegetarian option and $15 children’s plate.

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon

For a Tex-Mex twist, our everyday favorite, Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon, will be switching up their bird of choice. The South First outpost is offering several options for their loyal fanbase. Try the Signature Roasted Turkey Meal for $285, or forgo the wish-bone and select the Roasted Turkey Breast Meal for $185. The stand-out sides include poblano spinach gratin with cotija cheese and queso fresco and the chorizo stuffing. Opt in for the Next Day Pozole Kit for $14 for people-pleasing leftovers.