What’s open on Thanksgiving?
I get this question every year, and every year the answer is pretty short. But a few restaurants WILL be open on Thanksgiving Day, whether you’re looking for a traditional buffet or something a little different. Here is a list of places I know are open. If you know of any others, please add them in a comment for the benefit of readers who are on the lookout. Thanks!
419 West is having its traditional Thanksgiving buffet, which I’ve heard in the past is very good. Looks like it will include shrimp cocktail, crab and artichoke dip, Caesar salad, sliced smoked salmon, andouille sausage and sage cornbread stuffing, mashed taters, roasted turkey and maple glazed ham and an array of desserts. That’s just a sampling. Buffet served 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $23.95 for adults; $10.95 for kids ages 6 to 12; free for kids under 5. Check out their website.
The Coffee Pot will again be a refuge for people who want to escape the relatives or dance off some of those Turkey Day calories. Looks like they won’t have a special menu, but they will be open Wednesday through Saturday with live music every night. Thursday night is Doug Clark’s Hot Nuts.
TGIFriday’s will have a full menu on Thanksgiving from 5 p.m. to close. They are suggesting reservations. (540) 362-1475. www.tgifridays.com
Famous Anthony’s is serving breakfast on Thanksgiving from 7 a.m. to noon, so if you’ll be in the kitchen cooking all day, maybe you’d like to boot everybody out for breakfast. They’ll also be offering two entrees for $14.99, including two desserts and two beverages, from 2 p.m. to close. That’s dine in only. Here’s their website.
IHOP will be open, because nothing says Thanksgiving like a Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity. But seriously, you might not want to cook breakfast or lunch that day, and IHOP is there to help by being open regular hours. Check out Wednesday’s Extra section for coupons! They are good until Dec. 15.
Country Cookin’ was one of my Papa’s favorite restaurants. If Grandma’s cooking hadn’t been so darn good, he might have been at CC for Thanksgiving. Country Cookin’ is having a Thanksgiving Day feast (turkey or ham dinner with endless holiday sides) for $8.99 per person. You can’t beat that price with a stick. The breakfast buffet is 7 to 11 a.m. Dinner is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Countrycookin.com
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center will be putting on its Grand Thanksgiving Buffet. Reservations are required and there are several seating times. Click here to see those details.
Preston’s at the Inn at Virginia Tech is also having a Thanksgiving buffet. Seatings are on the half hour from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. For reservations and more info, call (540) 231-0120. Here’s their website.


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Don’t forget the Texas Tavern, if you have a craving for a Cheesy Western on Thanksgiving Day.
On the serious side, there are a number of places that have Thanksgiving buffets that are reasonably priced. Those are always a nice idea for Seniors who don’t have family nearby, or any couples who don’t desire a big fuss for just themselves.
The Roanoker restaurant is also a good idea. They are serving, with six entrees with sides for $12.99 or less. They also have takeout.
I saw that Ryans in C’burg will be open…it was on their marquee. My personal favorite and a place I may find myself will be the NRV Super Bowl. They open after 5pm and have games at 75 cents a person. I’ll bowl a few games at that price!
Denny’s is always open. It’s right down from my house, so I kind of make it a tradition to have breakfast there. If they have to work, they might as well have a friendly customer.
Jeff, you hit on something very important. Those who work on Thanksgiving deserve a TON of credit and vocal appreciation for their sacrifice.
I know that just 20 years ago, you couldn’t really find ANYTHING open on Thanksgiving. It was even a chore finding gas stations, as most of them also closed. You had to be smart & fill up the day before.
Now, many places are open, and many restaurants are open. Even if you don’t go to one, think about those folks who are in there, putting in their time, creating the opportunity for your convenience.
Bless them all…
Yes, I remember working on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve at Roses department store as a teen. Nothing felt worse than working while my family was having fun … except having some grumpy jerk come through my checkout line.
I believe that both of the K&W Cafeteria locations will be open on Thanksgiving.
Golden Corral is open from 10AM till 6PM.
The options at places like Cracker Barrel & Golden Corral are great, but folks, let’s remember those small business owners who have independent restaurants and are not just franchise employees. They are all great, don’t get me wrong, but let’s remember to support the locals first if we can. It really does make a difference…
Frank’s at 622 North will be open Thanksgiving from 6PM-2AM.
Golden Corral are now open 11:00am to 8:00pm on Thanksgiving day!
Nawab Cuisine of India will be open, if you are trying for something non-traditional on Thanksgiving
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea shops
are open until 2:00 PM on
Thanksgiving, We go there with the kids to get out of the house while the meal is being prepared, and we bring back 1 pound of great coffee to have with the pie after dinner.