Celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends is a time-honored tradition. But sometimes cooking an entire Thanksgiving feast from scratch just isn’t possible — or what you want to do. Whether you’re short on time, short on energy or short on oven space, there are plenty of great restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day or offering takeout feasts, side dishes, breads, desserts and more ahead of time.
Here’s what we know now. We’ll be updating this story through November, so keep checking back. Know of restaurants open on Thanksgiving that are not on our list? Tag or message us at @SpringsMag. In the meantime, take a look at our favorites for dining out on Thanksgiving or pre-ordering a feast for takeout.
Thanksgiving Dessert First
3.14 Pi Bar
Dessert from 3.14 Pi Bar might steal your whole Thanksgiving show. After all, their Black Bottom Bourbon pecan pie was voted Best Pie in Colorado and Final Four in the nation in 2022 by Good Morning America. For Turkey Day treats, you can choose from options including Wicked Southern Dutchman, Amaretto Cherry, Son of a Peach, Nutella Silk, Pumpkin Pi or more. And this year there are savory options on the menu too, including take and bake savory pies, mac ’n’ cheese, mashed potatoes and more. Just pre-order by Nov. 14.
Adam’s Mountain Cafe
This year Adam’s is offering individual vegan Thanksgiving meals to go and holiday desserts that include Dutch apple, pecan and pumpkin pies, vegan apple spice cake, plus vegan pumpkin pie and vegan apple spice cake. Call 719-685-1430 during business hours to place your pre-order. Order by Nov. 23.
Gold Star Bakery
Gold Star Pies’ Holiday Pie Fest is on, and if you buy seven of the same flavor, you get one free. There are five options that inclues Dutch Apple, Bourbon Pecan, Salted Maple, Pumpkin and Four Berry, and they are all available gluten-free as well. Order by the deadline of Nov. 19. Pies can be picked up at the Ivywild School bakery on Nov. 25 and 26.
Nightingale Bread
David the Baker extraordinaire always has special Thanksgiving breads, pies and fragrant dinner rolls available for pre-order. Watch for the menu release in early November. Pickups will be made on Wednesday, Nov. 26. These will sell out, so don’t wait to order.
Provision Bread + Bakery
Known for its locally sourced ingredients, Provision is offering fresh baked breads, croissants, quiches and holiday pies, including Maple Pecan Pie, Spiced Pear, Caramel Apple and more. Pre-order deadlines are Nov. 19 and 23 for pick-ups on Nov. 23 and Nov. 26, respectively. Bonus: Each week leading up to Thanksgiving, you can get a mini pie to test before the big Thanksgiving feast.
Full Traditional Thanksgiving Meals To-Go
Ephemera
Ephemera is offering pre-order Thanksgiving feasts for four, featuring honey and herb glazed turkey, sherry cream and sage gruyere mashed potatoes, cherry and pecan sourdough stuffing, and more — plus paired wines. Pre-order for pickup on Thanksgiving Day. Ephemera is one of our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs, so you know it will be delicious.
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Homa Cafe at Kinship Landing
The “Everything but the Turkey” kit at Homa feeds four with mashed potatoes, buttered green beans with almonds, sweet potato casserole, sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin or pecan pie. Pre-order by Nov. 25 for pickup on Nov. 27.
Marigold Cafe and Bakery
The Westside French cafe — another of our Best Restaurants — will prepare the feast. You just follow the instructions and pop it in the oven. Choose between prime rib or turkey with servings for four to 15 people. Sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, signature Marigold stuffing and mixed vegetables are included, and you can add breads or additional side dishes and desserts for an extra charge. Order now for pickup or delivery on Nov. 26.
Mimi’s Bistro and Bakery
Pre-orders are open for a hassle-free turkey or ham feast from Mimi’s to serve up to 10. Sides include candied pecan mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, buttered cornbread stuffing and more. You can just order the sides and dessert separately as well. Pickup and reheat starting Nov. 20. Bonus: You can order these feasts all the way through the holidays until Dec. 31.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
The Aviator Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Polaris
Finish your Thanksgiving Day at the stunning rooftop Aviator bar at the Hotel Polaris. They’ll be serving dessert and cocktails with a view from 4 to 9 p.m. As the sun sets, the lounge transforms into a cozy retreat, perfect for unwinding with seasonal craft cocktails, decadent holiday desserts, and the company of friends and family. Online reservations are open, but any parties over six people must call.
Brakeman’s Smash’d Burger Bar
It’s Thanksgiving, Brakeman’s way from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $16.99 Burger + Fries + Apple Cider Mule = comfort food without the chaos.
The Brit Pub
Make your reservations for Thanksgiving at The Brit Pub. After all, the original pilgrims were British. The three-course feast starts with soup or salad and ends with Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart. The star entree is oven-roasted turkey or a vegetarian alternative. Reservations are required.
Flying Horse Resort & Club
Choose between the traditional Fortezza Feast, featuring all the traditional favorites including chef-carved turkey and prime rib from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or enjoy lunch at the Tack Room from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or dinner at the Steakhouse after 4 p.m.. Reservations are required.
Grand View
Step into the uber scenic Grand View at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Nov. 28-30 for Thanksgiving Weekend Brunch, served 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Leave the one-track turkey behind and refresh the palate with a rotating brunch buffet of chef-carved selections, made-to-order omelets and waffles, artisan pastries and locally inspired salads. Toast to the season with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar — or ease back in at Dry Bar, the resort’s altitude-friendly mocktail menu featuring sips like the New Fashioned and Lavender Haze, made with Seedlip Spice 94, lavender, lemon, and elderflower tonic. Reservations are now open. Book an overnight stay, and you can also enjoy holiday festivities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a beautiful holiday lighting ceremony and more.
Ola Juice Bar
Fuel your gratitude with fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls — pre-feast, post-feast, or skip the feast entirely. The fresh restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oro
Step into the stylish new Colorado-meets-Italian restaurant Oro at The Mining Exchange Hotel for a pair of elevated Thanksgiving feasts. First up is Festa d’Oro: A Friendsgiving Celebration on Nov. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Tuscan style meal will feature generous family-style dishes like rigatoni bolognese and whole-roasted branzino. A curated list of suggested wine and cocktail pairings will complement the evening’s menu. And live acoustic music will be provided by local jazz promoter Dizzy Charlie’s.
On Nov. 27, you can enjoy Ringraziamento d’Oro: A Tuscan Thanksgiving Feast. The Thanksgiving table will take on an Italian flair with a refined, family-style feast including herb-roasted turkey, focaccia-chestnut stuffing and carrot agrodolce. Optional pairing suggestions will accompany the menu. Two seatings at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. And reservations are required with a deposit.
Pamela’s at the Hotel Polaris
The Hotel Polaris’ fine dining flagship, Pamela’s, will be hosting a Thanksgiving buffet brunch. Online reservations are open, and you’d better book them fast. Any parties over six people must call.
Piglatin Cocina
Forget the turkey — Piglatin is giving thanks with tacos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For $15, get the Pick-3 Special: any Island Marg, any taco and your choice of Madaros, Yuca Fries or Tostones.
Viewhouse
Wake up, watch the Macy’s Day Parade then continue your Turkey Day celebration at Viewhouse’s Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or dine in with a plated turkey dinner all Thanksgiving weekend. You can also pre-order a Thanksgiving feast to go with turkey, spiral ham or prime rib feast to go for four to six people. If you order before Nov. 10, you get a free bottle of wine. Reservations are required for dine in.
BBQ and Thanksgiving Meals with a Twist
The Chuckwagon 719
Pre-order your Chuckwagon smoked brisket, turkey or hams by Nov. 14 and pickup on Nov. 26. You can also add trays of Sweet Corn Casserole and Peach Cobbler or Candied Yam Cobbler. Email chuckwagon719@gmail.com to order.
Edelweiss
Put a German spin on your feast at the long-time authentic Deutsch favorite. Make your reservation for Edelweiss’ dine-in, traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Or opt for wienerschnitzel, rahmschnitzel, jägerschnitzel and other German favorites. Make your reservations early.
Picnic Basket Catering
Feeding at least 10 people? Check out the Picnic Basket’s Holiday Menu. There’s a wide range of options to build you’re feast around, including Herb Butter Rubbed Turkey, Cranberry Honey Glazed Pork Loin, Grilled New York Strip, Slow Roasted Prime Rib and more. There are also many mouthwatering salads soups, sides, vegetarian and vegan entrees and desserts to choose from. Have it delivered or pick it up. Just order at least 72 hours ahead.
Porkbutt BBQ
How does smoked turkey and all the fixings sound? You can order the full turkey feast, individual turkey plates or a la carte items that also include brisket from Porkbutt BBQ. Don’t miss the dessert menu too, featuring options that include Pumpkin Cheesecake and Mississippi Mud Pie. Pre-order by Nov. 19 for pickup on Nov. 26.
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
If it’s a Texas style Thanksgiving you’re looking for, Rudy’s has smoked turkey breast and spiral glazed holiday ham. Order now, y’all.
Ryze Skyline Lounge
Here’s your prime spot for Friendsgiving or a swanky family holiday gathering. Grabs seats around the scenic fire pits at Ryze Skyline Lounge, downtown’s intimate new rooftop bar, or reserve the semi-private nook for groups up to 10 people. The plates are shareable, and seasonal sips include Dusk ‘Til Dawn, a more sophisticated PSL in cocktail form, with Hamilton 86 Demerara rum, Fruitful Mixology pumpkin cordial, Riga Black espresso liqueur and cold brew from Colorado Springs-based Loyal Coffee. Reservations are highly encouraged, especially for groups.
Give Back
Care and Share Take a Turkey to Work Day
Share the love and the turkey — and help local families in need to experience hope and memories around the table. Nov. 21 is Take a Turkey to Work Day. Donate Thanksgiving turkeys online or drop off a frozen turkey at a participating King Soopers.
Want to Cook Your Own?
Try these three Thanksgiving recipes from local caterers and you’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gathering. This one’s a holiday classic from our archives.
