Thanksgiving Restaurants Open in Chicago 2026: 10 Best Spots Serving Turkey Dinner

Hunting for thanksgiving restaurants open in Chicago in 2026? The Windy City takes Thanksgiving dinner seriously. On Thursday, November 26, 2026, restaurants across the Loop, River North, the Gold Coast, and the neighborhoods serve everything from sky-high brunch buffets and classic steakhouse feasts to Catalan-inspired tasting menus and a legendary London import doing Thanksgiving its own way. Here are the 10 best spots, with areas, styles, and reservation tips.

As always with holiday dining, treat the menus and prices below as a well-researched guide based on recent seasons — restaurants typically finalize Thanksgiving plans in October and early November. Confirm 2026 holiday hours and menus on each restaurant’s official site or by phone before you finalize anything.

Watch

Start your Thanksgiving in Chicago the way the city does — with the State Street parade. Here is a look at Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rolling through downtown, the perfect prelude to a holiday meal.

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Restaurants Open in Chicago 2026

1. Hawksmoor Chicago — River North

Hawksmoor Chicago has confirmed it is open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. — published well ahead of the holiday, which makes planning easy. The London steakhouse’s Thanksgiving menu is British-inspired but unmistakably holiday: the Ultimate Sharing Roast built for the center of the table, with prime rib cooked over open fire and carved thick, crisp beef-dripping potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings, buttered seasonal greens, cauliflower cheese, and proper bone marrow gravy, finished with signature desserts like the famous sticky toffee pudding. The full a la carte menu is available all day too. In a city of steakhouses, Hawksmoor stands out for doing something genuinely different — and the River North location keeps you near the parade route and the river.

2. Sixteen — River North

Sixteen, the two-Michelin-starred dining room with sweeping views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, does Thanksgiving at full grandeur. Recent seasons featured a festive brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — traditional Thanksgiving favorites plus specialty items, with a string trio and even a petting zoo for the kids — followed by dinner service with the chef’s tasting menu plus special holiday additions. Past pricing ran about $158 per person for brunch ($50 for children 5–12) and $130–$190 for dinner menus. If Thanksgiving 2026 is the year to go all out, this is the room. Book the moment reservations release.

3. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab — River North

Joe’s at 60 East Grand Avenue is a Lettuce Entertain You classic that does Thanksgiving with surf-and-turf confidence. Recent holiday service ran 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a traditional spread — sliced turkey breast with leg and thigh confit and pan gravy, classic stuffing, mashed potatoes, citrus cranberry relish, green beans, butternut squash with toasted marshmallow — plus pumpkin chiffon pie, alongside the regular menu. Past pricing was about $79.95 per person ($39.95 for children 5–12). It is polished, reliable, and great for groups that want the traditional meal executed flawlessly. Reservations are limited; call early.

4. Gene & Georgetti — River North

Gene & Georgetti, the longtime Chicago steakhouse institution at 500 North Franklin, celebrates Thanksgiving with its annual prix-fixe dinner — in recent years running 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Starters have included pumpkin soup and the famous garbage salad, entrees like roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and Chicken alla Joe, with add-ons such as a 38-ounce USDA prime tomahawk ribeye and sides like Ida’s Stuffing, finishing with tiramisu or chocolate flourless cake. This is old-school Chicago at its best: red leather, white tablecloths, and a room full of families who have been coming for decades. A genuinely special Thanksgiving choice.

5. I|O Godfrey — River North

For Thanksgiving with a view, the I|O Godfrey rooftop lounge at 127 West Huron serves a special holiday dinner buffet — recent seasons ran 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with roasted butternut squash soup, salads, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cornbread stuffing, creamed cipollini onions, bacon collard greens, bourbon-glazed carrots, and a dedicated carving station with turkey, prime rib, and salmon, ending with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple-pear crumble, and tiramisu. Rooftop + carving station + Chicago skyline is a combination few cities can offer in late November (the space is enclosed and heated). A festive pick for groups that want variety.

6. Kanela Breakfast Club — Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park, Streeterville

If Thanksgiving brunch is more your speed, Kanela Breakfast Club serves it across four neighborhoods — Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park, and Streeterville. Recent holiday specials included a roasted turkey Benedict with cranberry sauce and gravy (about $11), plus the regular brunch menu everyone loves. It is affordable, cheerful, and perfect for families who want to eat well in the morning and be home for football by kickoff. No white tablecloths, no prix fixe pressure — just a really good Thanksgiving brunch. Multiple locations mean you can pick the one closest to you.

7. Mercat a la Planxa — South Loop

Mercat a la Planxa, inside the historic Blackstone Hotel at 638 South Michigan Avenue, gives Thanksgiving a Catalan twist. Recent holiday menus featured elevated comfort classics — turkey rillette with cranberry coulis, confit turkey thigh with sourdough dressing, butternut squash puree with turkey jus — plus seasonal sides and festive cocktails, typically served from 3 p.m. to close. It is the pick for adventurous eaters who love the holiday’s flavors but not its cliches, in one of the city’s most beautiful hotel dining rooms. A great date-night or friends-group Thanksgiving.

8. Coco Pazzo — Streeterville

Coco Pazzo at 636 North St. Clair brings an Italian accent to the holiday. Recent Thanksgiving service offered guests a choice between Italian menu items and a three-course prix-fixe of traditional dishes — beet salad or butternut squash soup, herb-roasted turkey with traditional sides or Lake Superior whitefish, and apple tart or hazelnut mousse for dessert, previously about $65 per person with seatings from 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. It is an elegant, calm alternative to the big buffet rooms, ideal for smaller parties that want a proper sit-down dinner. Confirm 2026 seatings when the holiday plan is announced.

9. Prime & Provisions — Loop

Prime & Provisions in the Loop does Thanksgiving as a carnivore’s buffet: carved prime rib, maple-glazed ham on the bone, herb-roasted turkey, smoked mustard-glazed salmon, and fried chicken for the table, plus a raw bar and all the traditional sides served buffet-style. Past pricing ran about $79 for adults and $30 for children. The downtown location makes it convenient for anyone staying in the Loop, and the buffet format is unbeatable for groups with varied appetites — everyone builds their own perfect plate. A strong value for the quality and variety.

10. Falafill — Lake View

Here is the wildcard. Falafill at 3202 North Broadway keeps its full menu on Thanksgiving (recent hours 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and adds a holiday special: turkey-falafel balls, cranberry hummus, sweet potato fries tossed in buttered sage, and pickled onions — previously $7.50. It is cheap, fun, and completely unpretentious, and a dollar from every wrap sold in November has gone to a local shelter. For anyone who wants Thanksgiving dinner without the production — or a great lunch before the big evening meal — Falafill is a delightfully Chicago choice.

In Pictures

Thanksgiving in Chicago means river views, steakhouse glow, and dining rooms dressed for the holiday. Here is the scene you are booking into.

At a Glance

Planning Your Chicago Thanksgiving Meal

Pair dinner with the parade. Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs down State Street in the morning. River North restaurants put you within easy reach of the route — do the parade at 10, lunch or dinner after. Our Chicago Thanksgiving parade guide has route and viewing details.

Book brunch or dinner — not both. Decide which meal is your main event. A big brunch at Sixteen or Kanela means a light evening; a dinner at Hawksmoor or Gene & Georgetti means a light day. Chicago does both meals well, but doing both is a marathon.

Dress for the weather. Late-November Chicago is cold, and you will likely walk between the parade, dinner, and transit. Layers and a real coat matter — especially for rooftop venues, even heated ones.

Confirm 2026 details. Holiday menus, prices, and hours are typically finalized in October and November. A quick call confirms the current-year plan and any deposit requirements for large parties.

Consider the Bears. Thanksgiving evening often means football, and sports-friendly spots fill with fans after dinner. If your crew wants the game on, ask about bar seating when you book.

For more holiday planning, browse the Thanksgiving hub, and if you are hosting at home, our Friendsgiving dinner ideas guide has you covered.

Thanksgiving Weekend in Chicago: Beyond the Table

The meal is the centerpiece, but Chicago layers a full holiday weekend around it. Thursday morning: the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down State Street — our parade guide has the route, viewing spots, and broadcast info. Thursday evening: dinner from the list above. Friday: the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival traditionally lights up Michigan Avenue the Saturday before Thanksgiving, so by the holiday weekend the city’s grandest boulevard is fully dressed — walk it at dusk. The Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s beloved German Christmas market, typically opens in Daley Plaza in late November with gluhwein, bratwurst, and handmade gifts; confirm 2026 dates on its official site. Saturday: ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (free with your own skates, rentals available), then the Chicago Riverwalk for skyline views. Sunday: a museum morning — the Art Institute of Chicago is world-class and a perfect cold-weather refuge — before heading home.

Getting Around Chicago on Thanksgiving

Chicago’s transit is your friend on the holiday. The CTA ‘L’ trains and major bus routes run on Thanksgiving Day, typically on a Sunday or holiday schedule — check the CTA’s official holiday schedule before you travel, since frequencies are reduced. Metra commuter trains also run on a holiday schedule, which matters if you are staying in the suburbs. If you are driving, downtown parking garages generally operate normally, but street parking is easier than usual with many offices closed. Rideshares surge around parade dispersal and again after dinner seatings, so build buffer time into your plans. The most stress-free strategy: stay in the Loop or River North, walk to the parade, take the ‘L’ or a short ride to dinner, and skip the car entirely.

Thanksgiving Takeout & Catering in Chicago

If you would rather eat at home, Chicago’s takeout and catering options are excellent. Mariano’s, the city’s beloved grocery chain, offers complete holiday meals for order ahead — turkey, sides, and desserts ready for pickup. Whole Foods locations across the city run similar Thanksgiving programs. For a classic shortcut, HoneyBaked Ham stores do a brisk holiday business with hams, turkeys, and sides. Many Chicago restaurants also offer full Thanksgiving catering: hotel restaurants and neighborhood favorites alike sell complete feasts for pickup in the days before the holiday, so call your shortlist in early November — order deadlines typically land the weekend before Thanksgiving. And do not overlook the city’s legendary delis and Italian grocers, where you can assemble a spectacular spread of prepared sides, breads, and desserts without cooking a thing.

Chicago Thanksgiving Weather: What to Wear

Be honest with yourself about late-November Chicago: highs typically in the low 40s Fahrenheit, lows in the 20s and low 30s, with wind that makes it feel colder — especially along the river and the lakefront. For the State Street parade, dress like you are going skiing: thermal base layer, warm mid-layer, insulated coat, hat, gloves, and warm boots, plus hand warmers if you run cold. You will be standing still for a long time, which is when the cold bites hardest. For dinner, Chicago restaurants are well-heated and coat checks are standard, so you can dress up underneath the parka. The silver lining: the cold makes the city’s holiday lights, the Christkindlmarket’s gluhwein, and a hot Thanksgiving dinner taste even better.

A Sample Thanksgiving Day Timeline in Chicago

8:00 a.m.: bundle up in full winter gear and head to State Street. Claim a viewing spot between Randolph and Van Buren for the best sightlines. 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade — marching bands, floats, and giant balloons rolling through the Loop. 12:00–1:30 p.m.: warm up with hot chocolate and a walk through the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, just steps from the parade route. 1:30–3:00 p.m.: rest at the hotel; change for dinner. 3:00 or 4:00 p.m.: early dinner seating — Hawksmoor’s sharing roast, Gene & Georgetti’s old-school feast, or Joe’s surf-and-turf spread. 7:00 p.m.: after dinner, walk the Magnificent Mile’s lights or catch the end of the Bears game at a River North bar. Alternative — the brunch plan: sleep in, do the 10:30 a.m. brunch buffet at Sixteen or a late-morning seating at Kanela, spend the afternoon at the Art Institute, and keep the evening light with leftovers and football. Either timeline gives you the parade, the meal, and the city at its most festive.

FAQ

Which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in Chicago in 2026?

Many Chicago restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, including Hawksmoor Chicago (confirmed 11:45 AM–8 PM), Sixteen, Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Gene & Georgetti, I|O Godfrey, Kanela Breakfast Club, Mercat a la Planxa, Coco Pazzo, Prime & Provisions, and Falafill. Confirm 2026 holiday hours on each restaurant’s official site or by phone.

Where can I get Thanksgiving brunch in Chicago?

Sixteen serves an upscale holiday brunch buffet with river views, and Kanela Breakfast Club offers a more casual Thanksgiving brunch (including a turkey Benedict special) at four neighborhood locations. Both are popular — book ahead.

How much does Thanksgiving dinner cost in Chicago?

Based on recent seasons, expect about $65–$80 per person at mid-range prix-fixe and buffet spots, $130–$190 at fine-dining rooms like Sixteen, and under $15 at casual options like Falafill. Prices change yearly; verify the 2026 menu.

Do Chicago restaurants require Thanksgiving reservations?

Yes, for nearly all sit-down holiday service. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest dining days of the year. Book as early as possible in the fall; casual spots like Falafill and Kanela are more walk-in friendly.

Can I do the Thanksgiving parade and dinner in the same day?

Absolutely — it is the classic Chicago Thanksgiving. The State Street parade runs in the morning, and River North and Loop restaurants are a short trip away. Book a lunch or early-dinner seating and you will have time for both.

Are there non-traditional Thanksgiving options in Chicago?

Yes. Hawksmoor’s British sharing roast, Mercat a la Planxa’s Catalan menu, Falafill’s turkey-falafel special, and Prime & Provisions’ meat-heavy buffet all break from the standard turkey dinner.

What is the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade route?

The parade traditionally marches south down State Street through the Loop, starting in the morning and running for a few hours. The stretch between Randolph and Van Buren offers some of the best viewing, with the street closed to traffic and crowds lining both sides. Arrive early — front-row spots fill well before the 10:00 a.m. step-off — and check the official parade listings for the confirmed 2026 route and start time, since details are finalized in the fall.

Is downtown Chicago crowded on Thanksgiving Day?

Yes, in the best way. The State Street parade draws big morning crowds, the Magnificent Mile stays busy with holiday shoppers and sightseers, and popular restaurants run full seatings all day. But it is a festive, family-oriented bustle rather than commuter chaos — most offices are closed, so the Loop feels like a holiday stage rather than a workday. Book restaurant reservations and allow extra transit time, and you will love it.

Is Sixteen worth the price for Thanksgiving?

If Thanksgiving 2026 is a milestone — an anniversary, a reunion, a year you want to remember — yes. Sixteen’s holiday brunch and dinner pair two-Michelin-starred cooking with what may be the best dining-room view in Chicago: the river, the lake, and the skyline in one panorama. The brunch adds live music and a petting zoo that kids love, and the dinner tasting menu gets special holiday additions you will not find on a normal night. It is the priciest option on this list by a wide margin, so it is not the everyday pick — but for a once-a-year splurge, the combination of food, view, and occasion is hard to match anywhere in the Midwest. Book the moment reservations release; it sells out.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving restaurants open in Chicago in 2026 give you the full spectrum — Michelin-starred brunch buffets, century-old steakhouses, a London import’s fire-cooked roast, rooftop carving stations, and a $7.50 turkey-falafel special. Decide whether brunch or dinner is your main event, confirm the 2026 holiday plan in the fall, and book early. Then enjoy the most delicious day on the Chicago calendar — preferably with a window view of the river and a second helping of pie. Whatever you choose, make the reservation early and savor every bite. Chicago does Thanksgiving with heart, and the city’s dining rooms are ready to welcome you.