This year, I’m giving thanks for the professional chefs! Because, let’s face it: brining a hefty turkey, dozens of sides, and a buffet of desserts is a lot of stress, especially for those of us who never cook.
Here are seven spots to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Austin without ever turning on the oven.
7 Restaurants to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Austin
Travaasa’s Preserve Kitchen + Bar
Known for using only fresh and locally sourced ingredients, The Preserve Kitchen + Bar features a modern, farm-to-table culinary experience. The special Thanksgiving Day menu available for $55 per person served family style from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Preserve Executive Chef Ben Baker has crafted a special seasonal menu that captures the taste and essence of local Texas Hill Country. Wine pairing is also available curated by The Preserve sommelier Edward Morgan for an extra $45 per person.
Travaasa, 13500 Farm to Market Road 2769.
24 Diner
Still open 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day, executive chef Drew Curren will serve a traditional turkey dinner at 24 Diner starting at 10:30 am.
24 Diner, 600 N Lamar Blvd
chavez
Over 50 sweet and savory offerings including roasted turkey & chile and agave glazed ham carving stations, poached shrimp & oysters on the half shell, chorizo cornbread stuffing, sweet potato sopes, homemade biscuits & cornbread, pumpkin panna cotta, bourbon pecan pie and much more! $49 per person/$19 kids from 11:00am-4:00pm.
chavez, 111 E Cesar Chavez St
Contigo Austin
For the first time ever, Contigo Austin is offering a To-Go Thanksgiving Feast, perfect for taking the guesswork out of the holiday. Not only will Contigo do the cooking, but the menu includes seasonal must-haves and holiday twists on restaurant favorites. The dishes are prepared and portioned, all guests need to do is finish the preparation when it’s time to serve dinner–instructions will be included. Each Thanksgiving Dinner package is $75, and serves four people. Orders can be placed on Contigo’s website, and can be picked up Tuesday 11/25 and Wednesday 11/26 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm at the restaurant.
Contigo, 2027 Anchor Ln
TRACE
The Thanksgiving lunch is a three course prix fixe ($55/person) includes a choice of starter including Mushroom Soup with roasted chestnuts and sautéed apples as well as Crème Du Barry, a French cauliflower soup with crispy chorizo bread crumbs and herbs. The Thanksgiving dinner is a four course prix fixe from 4-9pm, $75/person.
TRACE, 200 Lavaca St
Finn & Porter
Chef Peter Maffei will serve a three-course meal filled with traditional favorites and a modern touch for a memorable holiday gathering. The prix fixe menu will be available Thanksgiving Day from noon to 8pm. The first course presents a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or the Frisee Salad with cranberries, goat cheese, pistachios and mustard sherry vinaigrette. Maffei puts his creative stamp on traditional holiday favorites in the main course, a Thanksgiving Plate of slow-roasted turkey, green bean casserole, sausage apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes and cranberry relish.
Finn & Porter, 500 E 4th St
Ruth’s Chris
This Thanksgiving, make memories worth savoring over with a traditional family meal at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, $39.95 per adult and $12.95 per child. From start to finish – with items such as Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Ruth’s Sausage and Herb Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, and the harvest-inspired duo of Pumpkin Cheesecake and Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert – guests will embark on a truly delicious culinary journey.
Ruth’s Chris, 107 W 6th St