Need a place to go for Thanksgiving? These Knoxville restaurants are open on the holiday
It’s become tradition to gather around the table with family and close friends each Thanksgiving. The table is adorned with an array of casseroles, savory sides and sweet pies all surrounding a delicious turkey. But who says that Thanksgiving dinner table has to be your own?
If you're looking to enjoy Thanksgiving without the hassle of cooking every part of the feast or washing up afterward, several Knoxville restaurants are prepared to welcome you and all your guests on Nov. 23.
Here are some Knoxville restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. And if none of these options float your gravy boat, let us know if there's a restaurant we missed, and we’ll add it to the list.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill
Sevierville's Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill will be open for Thanksgiving from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a whole feast prepared for guests to dine in.
With a cost of $32.99 per person or $12.99 per child, Applewood's Annual Thanksgiving Feast includes its famous apple fritters, roast turkey with gravy, roast prime rib, apple glazed sugar ham, sweet potato casserole, sides, and desserts.
Applewood's also has a Thanksgiving to-go feast and a mini to-go feast. You must pre-order the feasts and any other Thanksgiving food by calling 865-429-5700 ext. 1113.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Have Thanksgiving the Italian way. Bravo! is offering a traditional three-course Thanksgiving menu on Thanksgiving Day. The main course is sliced white turkey with homestyle gravy and all the trimmings including, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Italian sausage stuffing, seasonal vegetable, and cranberry sauce. And enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. The feast is $39.99 per person. Reservations and more information at bravoitalian.com.
You can also order a Thanksgiving meal to-go if you don’t want to dine in. Bravo! is located at 106 Major Reynolds Place. The Italian restaurant’s regular menu is available on Thanksgiving, too.
Calhoun's
With locations all around Knoxville, Calhoun's is open for Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its Knoxville locations. Hours might vary at locations outside of Knoxville.
Calhoun's also has Holiday Packs available to order throughout the holiday season. These packs come with ham, turkey or smoked prime rib, and each features a slew of sides and desserts. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance, or 72 hours ahead for the ribs.
Chesapeake's
For seafood lovers, Chesapeake's is open and serving this Thanksgiving at both of its Knoxville locations. Reservations can be made at chesapeakes.com.
The downtown location at 415 Locust St. is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The west location at 9630 Parkside Drive is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Copper Cellar
In a fine dining setting, Copper Cellar is open for Thanksgiving. Located at 7316 Kingston Pike, the restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. To make a reservation, call the restaurant at 865-673-3422.
Cracker Barrel
Whether you're in town or on the road, rest assured that Cracker Barrel will be open on Thanksgiving.
Each location will be open for regular hours with a limited menu. Starting at 11 a.m., there will be holiday dishes available, including the Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing or the Country Fried Turkey plates.
Along with the dine-in options, you can also pre-order meals to heat up and serve at home.
More: Ready-made Thanksgiving meals! Where to order to-go feasts in Knoxville for holiday season
Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro
All the way over in Townsend, the Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro at 7140 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway will be serving a Thanksgiving feast. From noon to 5 p.m., the Dancing Bear will serve a buffet of delicious holiday dishes. The restaurant's website states its Thanksgiving dinner is sold out, but you can call 865-448-6000 if you'd like to be added to the waitlist.
Fleming's Steakhouse
Fleming's Steakhouse is offering a three-course meal this Thanksgiving that's sure to leave you feeling stuffed. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m.
At $56 per person, the meal comes with an entrée choice of herb-roasted turkey, Filet Mignon or prime bone-in ribeye steak. The meal includes starters and dessert. The children’s menu starts $26.
If the three-course meal isn't what you desire, the full menu is also available. Reservations can be made online.
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
For some fine Thanksgiving dining, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro is prepared to fill your plate with a three-course Thanksgiving feast.
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant has a special menu for Thanksgiving created by the chef. Reservations can be made by either calling the restaurant at 865-999-5251 or online at lonesomedoveknoxville.com/reservations.
Oliver Royale
A downtown classic, the Oliver Royale has a special three-course meal planned for Thanksgiving.
The first course features a choice between two salads or fall squash bisque. The second course has four options, including turkey, lamb shank, hanger steak or sea bass. End the dinner with pumpkin cheesecake, apple and cranberry cobbler or tiramisu for dessert. The special menu is $79 per person.
Oliver Royale is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are accepted. Reservations can be made at oliverroyale.com or by calling 865-622-6434.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at 950 Volunteer Landing has a Thanksgiving feast prepared with all the trimmings.
The main dish is sliced oven roasted turkey, sausage and herb stuffing, homemade turkey gravy and cranberry relish.
Guests will pick between two salads or lobster bisque for a starter. Sides include garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, sweet potato casserole and green beans with garlic. Dessert is pumpkin cheesecake with ice cream. The meal costs $44 per person or $17 for kids.
You can reserve online or call 865-546-4696 to save your seat at the table. The regular menu will be available and there also are Thanksgiving takeout options.
Shoney's
From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., every Shoney's location will be open on Thanksgiving day. Beginning at 11 a.m., the restaurant chain is serving slow-roasted turkey breast and dressing, baked ham with pineapple topping, sweet potatoes, macaroni & cheese, pinto beans, cranberry sauce and more. A free slice of pumpkin pie is available for dessert.
Waffle House
If you just need a quick fix before all the feasting, Waffle House is open all day Thanksgiving.
There aren't any specials, but you can pick anything from the regular menu. It just might be packed all day, so make sure you've got time!
Know of another restaurant open for Thanksgiving? Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: These Knoxville restaurants are open for Thanksgiving 2023
