If spending time in the kitchen isn’t on your agenda this Thanksgiving, you’re in luck! Tuscaloosa has a variety of restaurants open on Thanksgiving ready to serve up delicious meals for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to dine in or enjoy a special to-go meal, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of local spots that will be open on Thanksgiving Day, along with a separate list of restaurants offering convenient to-go options, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday without the hassle of cooking!
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
This Thanksgiving Day, Forte will be serving a Thanksgiving-inspired menu starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until their final seating at 8 p.m. The cost is $55 per person, which includes a choice of either turkey or ham, three sides from a selection of stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cranberry sauce. For dessert, guests can choose from bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin pie, or apple pie, all provided by Greensboro Pie.
This Thanksgiving Day, Sitar of India invites you to indulge in a special Thanksgiving lunch buffet! They’ll feature a mouthwatering selection of all-you-can-eat Tandoori Turkey, shrimp, and more! Enjoy a feast of “tons of veggies and sides,” freshly baked bread, fragrant chai tea, and a crisp salad bar. To top it off, choose from a variety of complimentary Indian desserts for the perfect sweet finish. All of this, plus endless servings, is available for just $19.99! Join them for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then savor their traditional dinner menu from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Whether you’re craving a holiday feast or classic Indian flavors, Sitar has something to satisfy every appetite.
Legends Bistro, located inside Hotel Capstone, is open on Thanksgiving offering a special Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They’ll feature a delicious array of traditional holiday favorites. Afterward, they’ll resume regular business hours, ensuring guests can continue to enjoy its exceptional dining experience throughout the day. It’s the perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Chuck’s Fish is hosting its annual Thanksgiving feast! This is a beloved community tradition held on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This heartwarming event offers a delicious, completely free meal to anyone who would like to join. It’s an opportunity to gather with neighbors and friends over a festive spread, complete with all the traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together to make this tradition happen. While the meal is free, donations are welcome. All contributions will benefit Habitat for Humanity, helping to support affordable housing initiatives in the Tuscaloosa area.
Ell’s Kitchen at Druid City Brewing
For another taste of home, head over to Parkview Plaza, where Druid City Brewing Company hosts its annual Thanksgiving potluck. The brewery will provide turkey and ham, while guests are invited to bring their favorite sides. Pay-what-you-can donations are welcome to help keep the festivities going.
The University Club is now accepting reservations for Thanksgiving Day service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $60 for adults, $25 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. The holiday feast will include roast turkey and a variety of sides such as cranberry sauce, cornbread dressing, whipped potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, creamed corn, as well as sweet potato, pecan, and pumpkin pies for dessert.
Restaurants Offering To-Go Meals
This Thanksgiving, 2059 Restaurant & Bar is offering a variety of delicious options for pickup to make your holiday meal stress-free and flavorful. They’ll have a selection of hearty side dishes available by the pan, including Cornbread Dressing, White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Braised Cabbage, Squash Casserole, and Green Beans. For the main course, you can also order Pork Tenderloin or Smoked Chicken by the pound. Visit their website at 2059restaurantandbar.com or check our Facebook page for pricing details. Be sure to place your order by Monday, November 25th, to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving feast!
Jim ‘N Nick’s makes holiday meals easy with their Holiday Gathering Meal for 12. This which includes smoked turkey breast, country ham, 3 seasonal sides, cheese biscuits, iced tea, and paper goods for just $210. Add one of their legendary homemade pies for the perfect finish. These meals are perfect for takeout with 48 hours’ notice required for all holiday orders. Online pre-ordering is available up to 7 days in advance. A la carte options like sides and desserts are also available. Make your holiday hassle-free with Jim ‘N Nick’s!
Metro Diner in Midtown Village is offering convenient heat-and-serve holiday feasts for takeout, perfect for any size gathering. Options include meals for one ($16.79), four ($63.99), or eight or more ($125.49 and up), featuring baked ham or roasted turkey, along with sides like cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, or street corn. Orders for Thanksgiving Day must be placed by November 26, and the same meal deal is available for Christmas Day with orders due by December 23. Metro Diner will also be open for regular service from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, closing early to give staff a half-day off.
Full Moon BBQ is offering a customizable catering spread featuring hickory-smoked turkey, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, slaw, and more. For dessert, enjoy carrot cake topped with pecans and cream cheese frosting, banana pudding, or a selection of pies in coconut, chocolate, and key lime.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic holiday feast or something unique, the restaurants on this list offer a variety of delicious options to make your Thanksgiving celebration both stress-free and unforgettable. From sit-down meals to convenient takeout and catering, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy great food and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your holiday, and let these local eateries take care of the cooking!