Diners enjoy a meal at Cafe Flora. This year, the vegetarian hotspot will once again host its annual Thanksgiving dinner. Photo courtesy of Cafe Flora.
If you’ve seen A Christmas Story, you know that not every holiday needs to be enjoyed at home. In the film’s iconic ending scene, a chaotic holiday reaches its tipping point as the family turkey is ripped to shreds by neighborhood dogs… and the Bumpus clan must book it to a nearby Chinese restaurant to eat dinner out on the town. Nonetheless, the family enjoys good company and a truly unforgettable feast.
Though we hope your home cooking endeavors don’t take the same tragic turn, why not get a taste for uprooting tradition and dare to dine out on Thanksgiving? A handful of Seattle restaurants are opening their doors and arms to welcome friends and neighbors to their holiday table… but without the Christmas Story-style tableside turkey beheading. And for those eateries who will remain closed on the holiday, limited-time promotions and other wintertime specials promise to save the season. You just need to know where to look...
Ballard Loft | 5105 Ballard Ave NW | 206-420-2737
Holiday hours: Though Ballard Loft staff will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas Day with their families, this is the place to be until midnight on Christmas Eve. While visions of sugarplums will dance in children’s heads, adults can look forward to late night beers and bites.
Seasonal specials: This holiday season, buy a $50 gift card (or more) and receive a voucher for a free appetizer. Pass on the voucher with your gift to spread extra holiday cheer -- but we won’t tell if you keep it for yourself.
More details: Beginning the week of November 28, Ballard Loft will make a minor winter hours change. Saturday hours will temporarily be from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. The Loft will also close on January 2 to honor its employees.
Cafe Flora | 2901 E Madison St | 206-325-9100
Holiday hours: Here it is… The place to be on Thanksgiving for the past 25 years and counting! As usual, this year’s menu is a doozy: Four vegetarian courses teeming with seasonal ingredients. Adults can enjoy delicacies such as Heirloom Potato, Celery Root, and Black Garlic Soup with black pepper shortbread; Marsala Mushroom and Cauliflower Ragout over roasted squash with smashed rutabaga and Yukon gold potato; Green bean fried shallots and fresh pomegranate-Asian pear chutney; and Pumpkin Cheesecake with graham crust, meringue, candied pepitas, and chamomile anglaise.
Each course is also either vegan and gluten-free or available as such. For the kiddos, chowder with crunchy onions, mini Shepherd’s Pie, and Pumpkin Pie are just a few child-friendly entries. Adults eat for $75 and children age 12 and under eat for $25. Check out the full menu and call ASAP for reservations.
Cedars Restaurant | Multiple locations
Holiday hours: Cedars Broadway will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Seasonal specials: Throughout the holiday season, the University District Cedars location will offer $5 off dine-in or take out when customers snap a photo of their meal and tag the restaurant on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Petra Bistro | 2501 4th Ave | 206-728-5389
Holiday hours: Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Seasonal specials: Following Thanksgiving Day and all the way through Christmas, Petra is wishing customers a very happy holiday with 25% off all wine bottles purchased with dinner.
Shingletown Pub | 2016 NW Market St | 206-782-5182
Holiday hours: Ballard Loft’s sister restaurant will observe the same holiday hours. See Ballard Loft above.
Seasonal specials: Buy a $50 gift card (or more) and receive a free Shingletown growler (fill not included).
More details: Beginning the week of November 28, Shingletown will make a minor winter hours change. Friday and Saturday hours will temporarily be from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Shingletown will also close on January 2 to honor its employees.
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers | 17705 140th Ave NE | 425-408-1604
Seasonal specials: Got a bestie or family member who goes nuts for a good burger or an extra-thick milkshake? Purchase gift cards at a $25 value from Teddy’s Woodinville location and receive a free $5 gift card to use for yourself or as a stocking stuffer.
