Lexington Thanksgiving guide: Where to dine out, order turkeys, sides, pies & more
Election Day is in the rearview mirror, and Thanksgiving and the holiday season are nearly upon us.
If you need help making plans, here is a guide and list of places to go for holiday help. Whether you are looking for an open restaurant to dine in, someplace to cook the entire meal for you to take home, or you just need someone to handle parts of your feast, we have you covered.
If you’re looking for places to buy local turkey, ham, veggies, breads and more, check out the vendors at Lexington Farmers Market, which is in downtown Lexington on Saturdays. You’ll find seasonal items including pumpkins and jams and may still be able to pre-order holiday items.
Lexington, Central Kentucky restaurants open on Thanksgiving
▪ The Brown Barrel, 204 N. Gratz St. in Midway and 204 W Broadway in Frankfort, will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving a Thanksgiving buffet with turkey, dressing and baked ham, plus traditional sides and desserts for $29.99 for adults, $24.99 for seniors 65 and older, $16.99 for kids 10 and under. Call 859-403-2003 for details and to make reservations.
▪ CRU Food & Wine Bar, 107 Summit at Fritz Farm, will host Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 9 p.m., three courses for $55. Kids 12 & under $28. Menu includes savory breadbasket, starters of butternut squash bisque, Brussels sprouts & arugula salad, lobster & saffron risotto or pumpkin ricotta tortellini for starters; roasted turkey breast with sides or the barolo braised short rib, salmon with jumbo lump crab as a main; and pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie or chocolate mousse cake with fresh raspberries for dessert. Call 859-971-9463 for reservations.
▪ Le Deauville, 199 North Limestone, will be open from noon to 6:30 p.m. offering the regular dinner menu as well as a Thanksgiving special with turkey and all the trimmings. Call 859-321-7191 for reservations.
▪ Distilled On Jefferson, 157 Jefferson Street, will be open with a three-course Thanksgiving feast with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $75 per person. Call 859-255-0002 for reservations.
▪ Frank & Dino’s Lexington, 271 Short St., will have a Thanksgiving special as well as the regular menu. Special for $42.95 includes squash soup, turkey gravy, free-range turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, string beans and pumpkin pie. For reservations, call 859-303-4007.
▪ Gibson’s, 131 E. Main St. in Midway, will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. serving a Thanksgiving buffet turkey, stuffing, gravy, ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, pumpkin pie and more for $40 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $25 for children. Reservations recommended, call 859-486-4077.
▪ Granddam at The Manchester, 941 Manchester St., will have a special prix fixe menu from 2-7 p.m. with breads, proper Thanksgiving dinner with choice of prime rib or turkey and choice of dessert, either pecan pie or bread pudding, for $65. Full regular menu also available. Reservations available on OpenTable. Granddam Lounge menu will be available until 9 p.m.
▪ Hall’s on the River, 1225 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Winchester, will serve a buffet on Thanksgiving Day with seatings at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. It’s $59.99 for adults, $19.99 for kids and under. All-you-can-eat buffet includes all-white meat turkey breast, spiral cut ham, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn pudding, cranberry relish & dinner rolls, and a salad bar. For dessert there’s blackberry cobbler, cheesecake and peach cobbler. Call 859-421-6827 or email susan@hallsontheriver.com for reservations.
▪ Good Foods Co-op, 455 Southland Drive, will have its buffet this year with turkey, vegetables, sides and no-meat options from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store also will have a grab-and-go section with sides and pies and is taking reservations online for whole turkeys and hams.
▪ Heirloom, 125 E. Main St. in Midway, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving a three-course Thanksgiving feast for $75 per person. Call 859-846-5565 or go online at heirloommidway.com to make reservations.
▪ Kentucky State Parks lodges, various locations, will serve a buffet that will include ham, turkey and dressing with cranberry sauce, sides, desserts and more for $25.99 for adults, $12.99 for kids 6-12, plus tax and tip. Hours and items vary by park. Reservations only, call park of your choice.
▪ Lockbox at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, 167 West Main St., will offer family-style shared plates of Thanksgiving favorites, individual main options including Pasture-Raised Herb Roasted Turkey ($55), Slow Roasted Brisket ($60), and Grits al Forno (vegetarian) ($50), and individual dessert options of Pecan Pie, Sticky Pudding Cake, and Chocolate Mousse. Kids’ menu $20 for turkey dinner, $16 for penne pasta or grilled cheese. Reservations at lockboxlex.com or 859-899-6860.Lockbox also is offering ready-to-eat meals available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call ahead to order.
▪ The Woodford Inn, 140 Park St. in Versailles, will have a buffet with seatings at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Buffet includes roasted turkey, brown sugar glazed ham, boiled cod with lemon thyme butter, garlic red skinned mashed potatoes, home-style green beans with bacon, honey ginger glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, traditional stuffing, fresh cranberry relish, corn pudding, turkey gravy, vegetable & relish trays, assorted cheeses and crackers, garden salad, bread and rolls, assorted desserts, for $34 for adults, $18 for children 10 and under; 20% tip and tax additional. Reservations required, call 859-214-0450.
Hotels and chains
▪ Bob Evans, 2566 Richmond Road and 121 Marlene Drive in Nicholasville, will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dine-in or carry-out. You can also pre-order the Farmhouse Feast, a fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner, packed cold, ready to heat and serve, with your choice of one of three entrée options, including signature turkey, slow-roasted pot roast, or hickory-smoked ham, to take home. Order online at Bobevans.com/menu/farmhouse-feast at least 24 hours in advance.
▪ Cracker Barrel, 2220 Elkhorn Road and 1927 Stanton Way, is always busy. But Thanksgiving is the chain’s busiest day of the year. The restaurants will serve a special holiday meal 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., including roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing and gravy, country green beans, sweet potato casserole topped with pecans, cranberry relish and more in-store or to-go. You can also order heat-n-serve meals online for a group, requires 24 hours notice.
▪ Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate is offering a buffet-style Thanksgiving for $60 for adults, $27 for ages 9-17, ages 8 and below eat free. Seatings 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feast includes appetizer station, salad station, dinner with turkey carving, baked ham, braised beef short ribs, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, country style green beans, gingered carrots, dessert station and non-alcoholic beverages. Book tickets online at griffingateevents.com.
▪ Triangle Grille inside Hilton Lexington downtown, 369 West Vine will serve a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring classic country roast turkey and sliced honey-glazed ham medallions; with a salad display, traditional sides, and desserts including an assortment of cakes, pies, cookies and brownies. It’s $52 for adults, $21 for children 6 to 12. Reservations highly encouraged; call 859-281-3773 or opentable.com/triangle-grille.
Lexington restaurants with Thanksgiving takeout meals, feasts
▪ Bayou Bluegrass Catering, 903 Manchester St., will do turkeys, including Cajun fried, pecan-smoked and traditional baked; brown-sugar-glazed hams; smoked barbecue beef brisket; sides including corn pudding, pecan praline sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, country-style green beans, sage cornbread dressing, yeast dinner rolls, turkey gravy, Creole mayonnaise; and desserts including pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cinnamon apple crisp and New Orleans bread pudding with bourbon sauce. All items are available a la carte, priced by quantity, at bayoubluegrass.com. Order by email, tock@bayoubluegrass.com or call 859-523-7915. Pick up hot or cold Nov. 25-28 and Nov. 30.
▪ La Bonne Vie Personal Chef and Catering, 1060 Chinoe Rd. Suite 108, will have Chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals of all kinds, including organic, allergen-friendly friendly and special diet-friendly options, plus individually packed dinners. You also can get a ready-to-bake turkey or have it pre-cooked and sliced, along with a variety of sides and desserts. Order online at lbvcooking.com/turkeyday. Deadline to order is midnight Nov. 20.
▪ The Fresh Market, 3387 Tates Creek Rd., will offer several options from the Ultimate Holiday Meal to serve up to 14 for $199.99, smaller options for fewer people also include a Prime Rib Meal for two for $59.99, and a Holiday Turkey Market Meal Kit for two for $19.99. A la Carte turkey, ham and sides are also available for ordering in advance through Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Order online at thefreshmarket.com/our-products/holiday-meals. Order pick up in-stores Nov. 25-28.
▪ Holly Hill and Co. is taking orders for its annual takeout Thanksgiving dinner. The menu includes roast turkey breast, old-fashioned dressing, real mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy spinach casserole from Chef Ouita Michel’s grandmother’s recipe, cranberry relish, Midway Bakery rolls and pumpkin pie.Reheating instructions included. Cost is $74.99 for dinner designed to serve two. Orders may be picked up any time 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Wallace Station 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, just outside Midway, or Zim’s Cafe in downtown Lexington or the Sales Pavilion at Fasig-Tipton. To order online, go to Hollyhillinn.com/thanksgiving-dinner-2024; email donna@hollyhillandco.com for more information.
▪ Kroger.com. Kroger deli departments are taking orders for holiday meals which range from $75 to $170. Options such as ham, turkey, prime rib, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, honey-pecan sweet potatoes. mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. There is also a Hispanic bundle which includes tamales, rice, beans, salsa, chips and queso. Stop by any Kroger location and speak with our deli teams who can assist in finding the best bundle to fit your event and number of guests. You also can order fully cooked ham and turkey online from Home Chef Holiday Meals, as well as holiday sides and complete dinners at Kroger.com/order-ahead. Thanksgiving Feast bundle serves 8-10 for $170, and it includes proteins and sides. Must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. All items are fully cooked and packaged cold at time of pickup. Reheating instructions are included.
▪ Minton’s, 760 N. Limestone, is preparing whole-meal, a la carte appetizers and desserts for pick up on Nov. 27. You can get herb-roast turkey breast, brown butter and sage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, brown sugar and pecan sweet potato casserole, Southern green beans, turkey gravy, honey-glazed carrots, cranberry orange chutney and buttered yeast biscuits for four people for $150, or for eight people for $265. Sides also available a la carte. Appetizers include baked brie en croute and bourbon pecan cheese ball. Desserts include apple pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice cake, pecan pie and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake. Call 859-948-1874 to place an order or order online at mintonsat760.com. Deadline for order is Nov. 23.
▪ Ramsey’s Diners has full heat-and-eat dinners (for four or more); for $29.95 per person you get sliced turkey breast with gravy, cornbread stuffing fresh cranberry sauce and dinner rolls with your choice of three veggie sides. Individual pans of veggies to serve four or more available for $17.95 each; for six or more $24.95. Sides include honey mustard carrots, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, country-style green beans, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, cole slaw and broccoli casserole. Deadline for ordering is 4 p.m. Nov. 24. Pick up Nov. 27. Call 859-252-7926 to order.
▪ Seasons Catering, 333 North Ashland Avenue, will do a complete meal for 10 people for $345 plus tax. That includes a whole roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, gravy, country-style green beans and more, including a choice of two pies. You can also have your turkey carved and can add a ham or other special sides. Deadline for orders is noon on Nov. 25. Pick up at Seasons Nov. 27-28. To place an order, email kellie@seasonsevents.com or call 859-266-6661.
▪ Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd. in Harrodsburg, is sold out for dining in on Thanksgiving Day but you still can get a meal to carry out, including dinner, dessert, beverage tax and tip. It’s $58 for adults, $29 for children 6-12 and $10 for children 5 and under. Menu includes relish bowl, bakery breads, cranberry relish, roasted turkey, baked country ham, cornbread dressing, smoked turkey gravy, corn pudding, sauteed green beans, mashed potatoes, glazed butternut squash, with choice of lemon pie, pumpkin pie, maple cake, seasonal fruit crisp or chocolate cake with bourbon buttercream for dessert. Those under five get a choice of PB&J with fresh cut fruit or grilled cheese with fresh fruit. Pick up from noon to 7 p.m. Order online at shakervillageky.org/the-trustees-table/.
▪ Texas de Brazil, 151 La Rue, is offering take-home holiday feast starting at $165 with options to feed up to 10, including roasted turkey, Italian sausage stuffing and more for pick up or delivery on Nov. 27. The restaurant also will open at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving day for full rodizio-style menu including the 50-item salad area and churrasco grilled meats. It’s $49.99 per person. Call 859-559-4000 for orders and reservations.
▪ Whole Foods Market, 4059 Finn Way, has a Vegan Meal for Two for $39.99. Many traditional Thanksgiving items are available as oven-ready feasts; orders must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Pick up Nov. 22-28; order deadline is Nov. 26. You can also get just a turkey and other items a la carte; pre-order online at WholeFoodsMarket.com. The store will be open 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Lexington restaurants for Thanksgiving turkey, sides, desserts, more
▪ Blue Door Smokehouse, 226 Walton Ave., will offer whole smoked bone-in turkeys for $70, whole boneless turkeys for $75, and smoked hams for $65. Call 859-252-4227 to place orders. Order early to ensure you get one; pick up Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
▪ Chocomania, 117 N. Broadway in Georgetown, has whole pies for $25, whole cheesecakes for $75, as well as slices in the grab-and-go. Apple, pumpkin, banana cream, peanut butter chocolate, chocolate cream, chocolate meringue, cookies ‘n cream, custard, coconut custard, pecan, bourbon chocolate pecan and sweet potato pies are available. Pumpkin spice cheesecake, cookies ‘n cream cheesecake, turtle pecan cheesecake, baklava cheesecake and tiramisu cheesecake are available. Email sales@chocomaniaky.com to reserve yours or call 502-316-1345 to order.
▪ Critchfield Family Market, 398A Southland Dr., has sides including broccoli casserole, green bean casserole, corn pudding and sage dressing, pies, cakes, cranberry relish and loads more to go with cooked whole turkey, cooked breast or uncooked whole turkeys. (The turkey gravy goes quickly, so order early.) Or order a baked country ham or a tray of country ham on rolls. Beaten biscuits and whole-cooked meals are also available. Order online at Critchfieldmeats.com or call 859-276-4965.
▪ J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar, 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, will do a smoked turkey for $75, a smoked ham for $60 and pans of holiday sides for $35. Each pan serves 24-25. Sides available include hashbrown casserole, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole and Mary’s corn pudding. Other sides priced $16-$30 include mashed potatoes, green beans, smoked mac & cheese, sweet molasses baked beans, creamy cole slaw, Render’s potato salad, sweet jalapeno cornbread and Brussels sprouts. Desserts for $30 include banana pudding, bourbon & cola glazed chocolate cake, bourbon bread pudding and peach cobbler. Call 859-533-9777 to order. Deadline to place orders is Nov. 22.; pick up on or before Nov. 25. J. Render’s also will be open and serving its regular menu on Thanksgiving Day, noon to 5 p.m.
▪ Martine’s Pastries, 400 E. Third St., has pies, pastries, cakes and savories available for pre-order or walk-in on Nov. 26-27. You can get apple, pumpkin, pecan, cherry streusel, chocolate buttermilk, blueberry streusel, brown butter cookie, French coconut and chess/transparent pie. Also available are pumpkin rolls and decorated gingerbread cookies, as well as a cookie box with lemon drops, pistachio cranberry, pfeffernusse, mini confetti and mini triple chocolate cookies. Call 859-231-9110 to pre-order.
▪ The Midway Bakery, 510 South Winter Street, Midway, has a variety of pies and cheesecake as well as dinner rolls, mini butter biscuits, fresh bagels, muffins, cookies and cinnamon rolls. Call The Midway Bakery at (859) 846-4336 or order online at themidwaybakery.com/order-for-pickup/.
▪ Missy’s Pies, 502 E. High St., is taking orders for holiday pies. Call 859-253-0449. Order soon before cut-off limit is reached. Order by Nov. 24; pick up Nov. 26 or 27. Pies include chocolate brownie, peanut butter, combination of the two, chocolate cream, coconut cream, butterscotch, cherry, black bottom banana, Mayday, pecan, key lime, sugar-free apple, apple, and pumpkin.
▪ Nanny Bee’s, 428 Southland Dr., is offering desserts for Thanksgiving. Call or text 859-629-9071 for details and to place orders.
▪ Peach Cobbler Factory, 561 S. Broadway #145, has whole cobbler pans, whole pudding pans and more.Order online at peachcobblerfactory.com/catering. Order 24 hours in advance.
▪ Proud Mary BBQ, 9079 Old Richmond Road, will do a smoked or fried turkey for $70;honey ham, smoked brisket, whole prime rib, whole smoked beef tenderloin, and side dishes including jambalaya, sweet potato casserole, mac-n-cheese, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, corn pudding, cranberry salad, collard greens and desserts also are available. Or you can order a family meal of turkey, gravy, dressing, and fresh cranberry salad, two sides, bread and a dessert for $199. Call or text 859-913-5611 to order or go to proudmarybbq.com. Pick up orders Nov. 27-29 8a.m. to noon.
▪ Staxx BBQ, 11 Carson Place in Frankfort, is accepting orders for smoked hams and turkeys, fried turkeys. Call 502-352-2515 to place orders by noon on Nov. 22.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
