Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in Connecticut - Fairfield

1. Cafe on the Green — Danbury

Overlooking the Richter Park Golf Course, families can enjoy an affordable, straight-forward holiday meal. Four courses are available for Thanksgiving Day, including dessert. Sink your teeth into a wonderful shrimp cocktail or penne a la vodka for an appetizer. Choose from rack of lamb, salmon, pan seared red snapper, filet mignon, or a traditional turkey breast with stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. And there are so many desserts to choose from: chocolate mousse cake, carrot cake, Tiramisu, and more.

Why this is a great place for families? The meal can be served family-style, at a circular table, just like you would eat at home. The environment is casual and the tables can seat 2, 4, 6, or 8 (for a squeeze).

 
The Thanksgiving decor is gourd-geous at these Connecticut restaurants. Photo courtesy of Artisan in Southport

2. Harbor Lights Restaurant — Norwalk

Eat at a beautiful, waterside restaurant with your family. Reserve a table for a large group so you can all eat together. Starters include Oyster Rockefeller, clam chowder and Caesar salad; then choose from entrees such as salmon, ham, shrimp and of course, turkey. 

Why this is a great place for families? After you get your fill of tasty food, take the kids for a walk on the waterfront.

3. B.J. Ryans — Norwalk

Come to Ryan's to enjoy a full Thanksgiving layout including turkey, stufing, mashed potatos and all the sides. It's very affordable and open from lunchtime to midnight!

Why this is a great place for families? You know what that means...if the kids are not digging the Thanksgiving meal, you can get a cheeseburger instead.

4. Jacob's Pickles — South Norwalk

Treats your pallet to Thanksgiving with a Southern twist. You had me at Buttermilk Bicuits with Maple Butter. There is also turkey, cranberry sauce, their famous mac n cheese and pumpkin cheesecake jars for dessert!

Why this is a great place for families?  Your kids can just eat mac n cheese and be full, right? And Kids 12 and under eat free!

5. Washington Prime — Norwalk

Thanksgiving at Washington Prime is amazing - so bring your appetite. A three-course menu includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Choose turkey or steak or fish or...whatever! 

Why this is a great place for families? Not into turkey? That's ok, choose something else from their vast menu!

6. Artisan Southport — Southport

Celebrate the holiday at Artisan with a three-course feast. Brandied lobster chowder, Florida rock shrimp, Tuna Crudo...and that's before you even get to Turkey. The options abound.

Why this is a great place for families? There is a kids menu and they only cost $20 and there is even a "young adult" price for 12 and under.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Near Hartford 2025

 
These Connecticut restaurants have so much to offer for Thanksgiving 2025. Photo courtesy of  the Avon Old Farms Hotel 

1. Seasons Resaurant and Tap Room — Avon

Take in autumn colors at the picturesque Avon Old Farms Hotel. Then enjoy the Thanksgiving buffets for breakfast or lunch. Choose from fresh pastries, smoked bacon, and sausage, or eggs Benedict. If you come for lunch or dinner, dig into the amazing plates like acorn squash, whipped potatoes, and Peruvian roasted chicken. You can choose either slow roasted turkey or prime rib at the carving stations.  Finish your meal with fresh baked pies and a selection of gluten free and vegan desserts.

Why this is a great place for families? Besides the reasonable price for kids eat, they have a table especially created for kids to eat from! They can choose chicken tender, mac n cheese and other favorites. Also, wander outside and see if you can find the giant size chess board.

2. Millwright's — Simsbury

What a beautiful place to have a memorable holiday dinner! Reserve seats early enough, and you could request to sit near the outdoor waterfall. Enjoy a pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu, including 3 courses and a dessert. Choose from Butternut Squash soup, organic roast turkey, maple-glazed ham, and so much more. All the traditional sides are available such as winter squash, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and cheesy mashed potatoes. 

Why this is a great place for families?  You're kids will love the property and will ask you to take them to see the waterfall for sure. Desserts are served "family-style" so you all can dig in.

 
The Simsbury Inn will offer a number of stations for its Thanksgiving Buffet. Photo courtesy The Simsbury Inn, Facebook

3. Simsbury Inn — Simsbury

The Simsbury Inn is offering a relaxed, buffet-style meal. Start with something from the Fall soup station, followed by a taste of seafood and baked brie topped with honey and cranberries. Then dive into the dinner portion of the buffet, with turkey and gravy, cheddar crumb-crusted cod, and veal stew. There are lots of Gluten Free options. There is also a dessert menu. Call to reserve your table.

Why this is a great place for families? With three seatings, you can choose the time you know your kids will be at their best (not too hungry and not nap time). The kids meal price is still in the reasonably price range too.

4. River Restaurant — Wethersfield

A waterfront restaurant where you and your family can eat a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Start with soups or salads or an appetizer and then a Thankgiving fest including whipped potatoes, brussels sprouts, chedder corn bread and sausage stuffed turkey. The menu is ala carte, so only choose what you want. 

Why this is a great place for families?  This is a big place with lots of rooms for families of all sizes and you can reserve a table right by the large window. The time frame for eating is wide-open, so reserve a time that works for your family.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in Connecticut - Litchfield 

7. Hopkins Inn on Lake Waramaug — Warren

Sitting on the north end of beautiful Lake Waramaug, Hopkins Inn will be full of scenic autumn colors. Families can soak in the view and take part in a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal with some German touches. Enjoy hearts of artichoke or Bundnerteller for an appetizer. The main course selections include roast turkey, veal piccata, sea scallops, or Wiener Schnitzel. End your holiday meal with one of 13(!) desserts, from a Linzer torte to a Toblerone sundae. Call for reservations.

Why this is a great place for families? This restaurant is offering a huge dessert menu - something for every kid. 

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Connecticut - New Haven 2025

8. Stonebridge Restaurant — Milford

Celebrate the holiday with family at a place that knows how to handle large groups. Enjoy a starter of butternut squash bisque or garden salad and then dive into your roast turkey, honey glazed ham, or salmon. Enjoy a cup of coffee with some apple or pumpkin pie or a slice of cheesecake. 

Why this is a great place for families? This is a very comfortable restaurant for families, casual interior and relaxed. It is located on water and has table near the window for a great view.

 
Save room for the sumptuous Thanksgiving desserts offered at Connecticut's restaurants. Photo courtesy of The Wharf Restaurant

9. The Wharf Restaurant — Madison

The Wharf is serving a Thanksgiving buffet again this year, and there are so many delicious choices. Start with a soup or salad, and be sure to check out the raw bar. Get a slice of turkey or Prime Rib from the carvery. You can also enjoy lasagna as your entree. End your meal with a choice of 7 different desserts. 

Why this is a great place for families? This restaurant is located at the Madison Beach Hotel. Stay the night or go for a walk on the beach after your meal. 

11. Fresh Salt — Old Saybrook

Fresh Salt will be seating families on Thanksgiving Day from 11 am to 4 pm for an amazing holiday buffet. Savor traditional favorites like roasted natural turkey with herb stuffing, prime rib, and smoked ham and more. Then dig into Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Tartlets, and a playful s’mores cake pop station. 

Why this is a great place for families?  A beautiful place on the water. Kids will love the cake pop station and s'mores.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Eastern Connecticut

12. The Captain Daniel Packer Inn — Mystic

Have your Thanksgiving 2024 dinner at a 250-year-old historic inn. Enjoy the prix fixe menu which includes pumpkin bisque, stuffed Portabello mushrooms, to start. After you have had your salad course, dig into traditional roast turkey, with herb sausage stuffing and mashed potatoes, or lemon chicken. Several items can also be prepared gluten free and there is a vegetarian entree too! 

Why this is a great place for families? Very cool rustic interior, tables near the window or fireplace. 

13. The Griswold Inn — Essex

This is one of the oldest continuously operated inns in Connecticut. Seatings will be available at the The Griswold Inn from 11 am to 7 pm. The Inn will be offering a vast menu for the holiday, starting with seasonal salads and warm rolls. For your entree, you may choose from like slow roasted turkey, pork loin, or baked salmon. Pumpkin pie, chocolate torte and apple pie await you at the end of your meal. 

Why this is a great place for families? Your kids will love being inside this historic Inn. Many conversations can be had talking about the ships on the walls, and framed paintings. This Inn is quite homey. And if you stay for more than one night, you need to make sure to take the kids to some of the area's attractions.

14. Hilton Mystic — Mystic

Hilton Mystic is serving Thanksgiving at five seatings, starting at noon. Come to the ballroom with family and relax while the meal is served. The menu is an "all yuo can eat" buffet style including: charcuterie, soups, veg from local markets, turkey, prime rib, and a mashed potato bar. A children's menu is available. 

Why this is a great place for families? This location is easy to get to, has large space seating for big families and the prices went DOWN this year! Even your most picky eaters will go home with a full tummy.

 
Save time and effort with Thanksgiving takeout from these CT restaurants. Photo courtesy of Canva

Order Thanksgiving Takeout in Connecticut 2025

16. Milwright's — Simsbury

Milwright's is offering take-out as well, if you'd rather eat at home. Roast turkey or salmon? The maple glazed ham or smoked sirloin? You choose. Throw in a side of cranberry sauce, and cheesy loaded potatoes. 

17. Bear's Smokehouse — Windsor, Hartford, New Haven

Try Bear's for something different this Thanksgiving. This smokehouse has a huge menu, from whole smoked turkey and smoked glazed ham to baby back ribs. There are sides like mashed sweet or red potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted carrots, and more. Pick up in four different Bear's locations on Thanksgiving.

18. Anthony's Ocean View — New Haven

Enjoy the holiday and let Anthony's put the Thanksgiving meal together for you. The all-inclusive spread includes turkey (16 lb), stuffing, gravy, ziti, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and apple or pumpkin pie.

19. Bridge House Restaurant — Milford

The take-out menu for Thanksgiving 2025 is already up and includes enough food for groups of 8-12 or 15-20. The menu includes a 16-20 or 20-25 lb. turkey, cornbread sausage stuffing, Red Bliss smashed potatoes, and more. For dessert, your group can dig into a full size pumpkin pie. A heat and eat from Bridge House helps guarantee a relaxed holiday!

20. Love it Vegan — Torrington

Love it Vegan calls it "ThanksLIVING". They offer several plates for a vegan Thanksgiving, including Seitan turkey, mashed potatoes stuffing, pumpkin soup, and much more. There are tons of dessert options. Pick up is Wednesday, November 26. Email the restaurant to preorder. 

21. Cracker Barrel — Various

Yep, you can get down-home, tasty country grub for Thanksgiving. Cracker Barrel's "Heat n Serve Feast" fits groups of 4-6 or 8-10, complete with turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls, sweet potato casserole, and more. Extra sides and whole pies are available too.

22. Founders House — Milford

Choose from 3 different packages for your Thanksgiving, from as small as 4 people to 20 people. Meals will include a variety of items perhaps including: salad, stuffing, red potatoes, candied yams, turkey and pumpkin pie.