Some years we’re all about the fuss and rush of making traditional turkey and trimmings. Other years, we’re more laid-back, open to the idea of dining out on Thankskgiving with family and friends.
Is this the year that you want to let someone else do the cooking and cleanup? If so, good news! We’ve got an eclectic list of fun restaurants ready to serve up your Thanksgiving feast.
Always double-check with your restaurant of choice to confirm the following details and before driving long distances.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q (Leon Springs, pictured above)
Situated up IH-10 on the edge of San Antonio—just past the start of the Balcones Escarpment that signals the start of the Texas Hill Country, stands the original “Rudy’s.” Folks come far and wide to see (and smell!) the wood-fired pit in action. A few years ago the joint started opening up for holidays to serve up their brisket, smoked turkey, sausage, chicken, cream corn, slaw, and beans. Sure, other restaurants in the chain are worth checking out, but there’s something special about dining in the original Rudy’s. Prefer to get your BBQ and fixing as a to-go order? While Rudy’s famously accepts orders for custom holiday hams, turkeys, sides, and pie several weeks in advance (and now online), you can also pick up their usual menu items on Thanksgiving Day. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Price: Varies. Telephone: 210-698-2141.
Green Vegetarian Cuisine (San Antonio)
Go “all in” with vegan cuisine this year at one of the Alamo City’s best restaurants. Seating is first-come, first-served at both the Pearl Brewery and Alon Market locations. The menu includes vegan turkey and ham, herb mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, sausage apple stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, dinner roll, and pumpkin or pecan pie. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price: $30 per person. Telephone: 210-320-5865 (Pearl Brewery location); 210-233-1249 (Alon Market location).
Hoover’s Cooking (Austin)
Their tagline is “Honest to goodness Texas cooking” and a friend who’s celebrated Thanksgiving at Hoover’s encourages readers to “Skip breakfast and come hungry.” This year’s menu includes an entree (cajun pork roast, Jamaican jerk chicken, turkey, ham steak, brisket, fried chicken, or a vegetarian medley) and two traditional sides plus cornbread dressing, salad, and bread. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Price: $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 12 and under. Telephone: 512-479-5006.
Ausländer Restaurant and Biergarten (Fredericksburg)
This popular F’burg German-style eatery is closed for lunch on Thanksgiving Day, but after five they will open up to serve their usual menu, featuring a farmer’s platter (meats and cheeses with crackers and pumpernickel), sauerbraten, cabbage rolls, grilled salmon, and ribeye. Thirsty? They’ve got an impressive selection of beer and wine. Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Varies. Telephone: 830-997-7714.
Faust Brewing Company (New Braunfels)
Looking for an all-American meal with turkey, gravy, ham, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes? Then hurry to make your reservations (required) at the Faust Hotel for their in-house brewpub’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Price: $30 for adults, $15 for kids 6-10, and free for 5 and under. Telephone: 830-625-7791.
Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort (Boerne)
[Update: Due to a fire at the resort on November 4, 2017, we’re sad to report that this restaurant is no longer an option.]
Revel in a mid-day holiday brunch at this popular destination. In addition to the classic turkey and ham main course, there will be a prime rib on offer. Feeling more adventurous? Go for the ceviche, shrimp and mussels, or vodka-cured gravlax and a Bloody Mary. Sides include green beans, a butternut squash bisque, maple-and-rosemary glazed carrots, and more as seen on the full menu. Be sure to check out their “Breakfast with Santa” event on November 25th, too. Reservations are required. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Price: $65 per person, $25 per person for children under 12. Telephone: 844-207-9165.
