Thanksgiving Day is such a special time to gather with the people you love, slow down for a moment, and celebrate the start of the holiday season. But if you’re anything like me, there are years when the idea of prepping a giant feast from scratch sounds… exhausting. Between kids, schedules, travel, and everything else that comes with November, sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is letting someone else handle the cooking. If you’re searching for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Indianapolis, you’re in the right place.
There are so many wonderful local spots and national favorites ready to welcome your family on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you want a traditional turkey dinner with all the classics, a cozy brunch before your afternoon festivities, or a place that can seat your entire extended crew without you washing a single dish, Indy has you covered. Making reservations at one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving means you can sit back, relax, and actually enjoy the holiday with the people who matter most. Honestly, that feels like something to be thankful for all on its own.
If you know of a restaurant serving Thanksgiving dinner that we haven’t listed yet, please send it our way. We love keeping this guide as helpful and up-to-date as possible for Indy families. And if you’d prefer to celebrate at home without doing the heavy lifting, check out our guide to Thanksgiving meals to go in Indianapolis.
From our family to yours, we’re wishing you a warm, joy-filled, and delicious Thanksgiving!
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Open in Indianapolis
If your family loves the classic Thanksgiving meal, complete with roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, these restaurants offer a holiday dining experience without the work of cooking at home.
Hollyhock Hill
An Indianapolis tradition—but be aware, turkey takes the place of Hollyhock Hill’s famous fried chicken on Thanksgiving Day. Meals are available for dine-in or carry-out. Open 4–8 pm.
Hollyhock Hill is one of those classic Indy spots where Thanksgiving just feels like Thanksgiving. On the holiday, they swap their beloved fried chicken for a beautifully prepared turkey dinner with all the traditional sides families love at Thanksgiving. The cozy, historic dining rooms make it a warm and welcoming place to gather for a no-stress meal. If you’d rather celebrate at home, their carry-out option brings the same homemade comfort right to your table. With hours from 4–8 pm, it’s an excellent choice for an early or evening holiday meal. It’s a true Indianapolis Thanksgiving tradition worth experiencing.
Published pricing is $42.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under.
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Rick’s Café Boatyard
Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal with one of the best waterfront views in Indianapolis at Rick’s Cafe Boatyard. Their full Thanksgiving menu makes the holiday feel special without any of the work. Rick’s is open 11 am–9 pm on Thanksgiving Day, giving families plenty of flexibility for lunch or dinner. Reservations are required, so book early; this scenic spot fills up fast. Published pricing is $33 for adults and $16 for children 10 and under.
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Capri Italian Restaurant
Capri Italian Restaurant offers a Thanksgiving buffet for those who enjoy having plenty of options. New this year, the FULL MENU will also be available for guests, along with an option a traditional turkey dinner. The restaurant’s published holiday hours are 11 am-5 pm, making it an option for families who prefer an earlier Thanksgiving meal. Published pricing for the Thanksgiving Buffet is $49 for adults and half-price for children 12 and under.
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Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, classic holiday sides, and dessert. The published Thanksgiving menu is priced at $49 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under.
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Buca di Beppo
Gather the family around the table at Buca di Beppo for a Thanksgiving meal with traditional holiday favorites. Buca di Beppo is open 11 am-10 pm on Thanksgiving Day and serves up hearty, family-style holiday favorites. Catering is available for pickup both before and on Thanksgiving, making it easy to feed a crowd at home. Be sure to make online reservations, as Thanksgiving tends to book up quickly.
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Seasons 52
Located at Keystone at the Crossing, Seasons 52 is open 11 am–8:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day and features a special seasonal holiday menu. It’s a great option for families who want a lighter, fresher take on Thanksgiving favorites. Make your reservations online to guarantee your spot.
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Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s is open 11 am–8 pm on Thanksgiving Day and serves a warm, family-style holiday meal that feels like a home. Online reservations are recommended to secure your spot. Make online reservations.
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Steakhouses and Upscale Thanksgiving Dining
For families looking to make Thanksgiving dinner a special occasion, several Indianapolis steakhouses offer holiday menus alongside their traditional restaurant offerings.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse offers a Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu with traditional turkey dinner options, filet mignon, and prime rib. The restaurant’s published holiday offering starts at $64, with a three-course children’s menu starting at $24. Thanksgiving service begins at 11 am.
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Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke
Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke offers a Thanksgiving prix-fixe dinner for guests looking for a special holiday dining experience. Published Thanksgiving hours are noon to 8 p.m and the dinner is $89 per person.
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Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is another option for an upscale Thanksgiving meal. The restaurant offers holiday dining with published Thanksgiving hours of noon to 9 pm.
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Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers a three-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring traditional turkey and holiday favorites. Guests can also enjoy selections from the regular dinner menu. Published Thanksgiving hours are 11 am to 8 pm, with pricing of $55 for adults and $30 for children.
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The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille serves a Thanksgiving meal featuring slow-roasted turkey, sage stuffing, green beans, cranberry chutney, and other holiday favorites. Guests can also choose from the restaurant’s regular dinner menu.
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McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s is open 11 am–9 pm on Thanksgiving Day, offering both dine-in seating and holiday meals to go. Make online reservations if you plan to dine in, as the holiday fills up quickly. Published pricing is $39 for adults and $17 for a children’s turkey plate.
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The Oceanaire
The Oceanaire serves a special Thanksgiving menu and is open 1–8 pm on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a great pick for families looking for an elevated holiday dining experience. Choose between the Classic Thanksgiving Dinner, starting at
$59 per guest, and the full menu is available.
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Thanksgiving Restaurants Serving Something Different
Not everyone wants turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving! If your family would rather enjoy a different type of cuisine, these Indianapolis restaurants offer alternatives to the traditional holiday meal.
Jasmine Thai Restaurant
For something different this Thanksgiving, consider Jasmine Thai Restaurant. With Thai cuisine on the menu and published holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., it’s an option for families who want to skip the traditional Thanksgiving spread.
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Eagle’s Nest at Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Make Thanksgiving memorable with a meal at Eagle’s Nest, the revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. Families can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Indianapolis while dining. Published Thanksgiving dining hours are noon to 7 p.m.
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Fogo de Chão
If your family enjoys Brazilian steakhouse dining, Fogo de Chão is another Thanksgiving option. The restaurant is open 11 am–9 pm on Thanksgiving Day and offers its signature tableside service, featuring a variety of grilled meats and an extensive salad bar. Since it’s a holiday, dinner pricing applies all day, but the experience is worth it for families looking for something
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More Indy-Area Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Metro Diner
Metro Diner closes at 2:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day, making it a convenient option for early holiday meals. Hours can vary slightly, so confirm with your nearest location for Thanksgiving hours.
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Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is open 11 am–8 pm on Thanksgiving Day, offering a comfortable, familiar spot for a relaxed holiday meal.
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Bob Evans
Bob Evans is a reliable spot for a cozy, homestyle Thanksgiving meal without the cleanup. Most locations are open 8 am–7 pm and offer both dine-in and carry-out holiday options. Since hours can vary, check your nearest location for Thanksgiving Day details before heading out.
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel is open during regular business hours on Thanksgiving Day, and their traditional holiday meal is available starting at 11 am. It’s a dependable option for homestyle comfort food and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
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Denny’s
Denny’s is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all holidays. If your family needs an early breakfast, a mid-afternoon bite, or a late-night Thanksgiving meal, Denny’s is always ready.
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Golden Corral
Golden Corral is a popular choice for families who want variety on Thanksgiving. Hours vary, so contact your nearest location to confirm Thanksgiving Day availability.
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IHOP
Some IHOP locations stay open until 3 pm on Thanksgiving Day, making it a great option for a relaxed breakfast or brunch. Hours differ by restaurant, so check your local IHOP before heading out.
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Waffle House
Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect go-to for families needing a no-fuss holiday breakfast, a late-night bite, or a warm, reliable meal any time of day.
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Thanksgiving Dining Tips for Families
Before heading out for Thanksgiving dinner, keep a few things in mind:
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Make reservations early. Thanksgiving is a popular dining holiday, and many restaurants fill their tables well in advance.
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Check children’s pricing. Some restaurants offer discounted holiday meals or special children’s menus.
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Confirm holiday hours. Restaurant hours may differ from their regular schedules.
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Ask about takeout. If you’d like to enjoy Thanksgiving at home without cooking, some restaurants offer prepared holiday meals for pickup.
What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day in Indianapolis?
Many Indy restaurants open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, offering everything from traditional turkey dinners to upscale prix fixe menus. Options vary by neighborhood, budget, and whether you want dine-in or take-out. Check each restaurant’s hours and reservation requirements, as some fill up fast.
Do Indy restaurants require reservations for Thanksgiving?
Most sit-down restaurants in Indianapolis do require reservations on Thanksgiving, especially family-friendly dining rooms and buffet-style holiday meals. Some chain restaurants allow walk-ins depending on location, but booking ahead ensures you get your preferred time.
Are there family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Indianapolis?
Yes! Many restaurants on the list offer kids’ menus, high chairs, and relaxed environments that work well for families. Some even offer Thanksgiving platters sized for kids or options that are easy for picky eaters.
Which Indianapolis restaurants offer Thanksgiving take-out or catering?
Several local restaurants and national chains offer Thanksgiving take-out, heat-and-serve meals, or full catered dinners. This is a great option if you want the holiday meal without the cooking or want to host a smaller group at home.
Can you find budget-friendly Thanksgiving dining options in Indianapolis?
Absolutely. Alongside upscale buffets and prix fixe dining rooms, many Indy chains offer affordable Thanksgiving plates or family meals to go. Some local restaurants offer lunch-priced specials earlier in the day.
Are any restaurants near me open for Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch?
Yes! A handful of Indianapolis restaurants open early with holiday breakfast or brunch options. If you’re looking for pancakes, pastries, or coffee before visiting family, check the breakfast-friendly spots on the list.
Do any Indianapolis restaurants serve traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinners?
Many do. From roasted turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, several Indy restaurants offer full traditional meals—either all-you-can-eat or plated.
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Here’s where you can grab carry-out for Thanksgiving this year.
