First time thinking of a restaurant for Thanksgiving...suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Just the 4 of us, and I don't think I'm up for cooking this year. Most of the family will be disappointed if it isn't 'special.'
Two adults, two tweens. We go out to to eat a lot, but pretty basic food, chains, american cuisine, etc. Looking for something that is outside our usual fare.

Do you generally have to make a reservation?

Any ideas for places? We are in Maryland but could come into DC if there's a good choice there.

[Anonymous]

Do you want a traditional meal? Yes to reservations.

[Anonymous]

I think you better go on Open Table to make a reservation, plug in the date of Thanksgiving ... and hope. Not many places open.

[Anonymous]

Yea you have to make a reservation. We now travel at Thanksgiving and do a restaurant and steakhouses are the ones most reliably open that date.

[Anonymous]

Four Seasons Georgetown if you can still get a reservation.

[Anonymous]

Seasons 52 does thanksgiving well—traditional options plus other options.
We did chef geoff’s one year as well. Also good but I think family overall preferred seasons 52.

[Anonymous]

You definitely have to make reservations. Over the years, pre-COVID, I’ve done Thanksgiving dinner at hotel restaurants. I remember really liking the meal at the Willard in downtown DC.

[Anonymous]

Old Europe in DC has a pretty solid thanksgiving menu.

[Anonymous]

When I was around 20, there were a few Thanksgivings that were just me and my mom. We'd always had plans on Thanksgiving so this was new to us. So we mixed things up a bit. We made the pies the day before, and had a slice with our coffee for breakfast. Then we went downtown to see an exhibit that was normally mobbed, but was WIDE open on Thanksgiving day. Even just a stroll through the American History museum would be fun. Then we walked up and had dinner at Old Ebbitt by the White House. The museums close early though, so our "dinner" was probably around 2 or 3pm.

Then we headed back home and had more pie for dessert.

It's the only time we haven't had big family meals all together. I know my mom was worried I wouldn't feel special without my siblings at home, and it was only a few years into my parent's divorce. But honestly, those are some of my favorite Thanksgiving memories.

[Anonymous]

Mount Vernon Inn

[Anonymous]

Old Ebbitt Grill has a festive, traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You can also order off of the regular menu. You have to reserve quickly, though. Only noon and after 8pm reservations are currently available that day.

[Anonymous]

Founding Farmers
Chef Geoff
Lia's

[Anonymous]

Ritz Carlton Tysons or Pentagon City. Or, if that is more than you wanted, most "nice" hotels have really good Thanksgiving meals. Certainly make a reservation!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just the 4 of us, and I don't think I'm up for cooking this year. Most of the family will be disappointed if it isn't 'special.'
Two adults, two tweens. We go out to to eat a lot, but pretty basic food, chains, american cuisine, etc. Looking for something that is outside our usual fare.

Do you generally have to make a reservation?

Any ideas for places? We are in Maryland but could come into DC if there's a good choice there.

We do this every year, but are in Alexandria so no suggestions on locations. Yes to reservations and they will fill up very fast- as in you should be making them this week.

[Anonymous]

You want something out of your usual fare?
Many of the Asian restaurants are open! You don't need reservations there. Don't get your usual boring general tso chicken, or beef. Get a roast duck or a roast chicken (with the head).