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Eat Beat: Thanksgiving Dinner

I have this image in my head of a family sitting around the dining table.

They're of various ages, well-dressed and engaged in lively conversation about their lives, love and happiness. The table is covered in white linens, silver and candles and features a flawless turkey as the centerpiece. This is a family at Thanksgiving.



This is not, however, my family.



My family's Thanksgiving involves coaxing pre-made dishes out of Ukrop's containers, decades old arguments over who was loved more and, ultimately, stretchy pants.

For these reasons, my family has given up on the idea of spending Thanksgiving together. We still offer half-hearted invitations, mumbled out and filled with caveats (you're welcome to come, if you can bring the turkey and leave your boyfriend), but it turns out that we're always unavailable.

And in that, we are thankful; my sister is thankful to be left alone with her own family, my brother is thankful to be living in another state and I am always thankful for a "Law & Order" marathon on somewhere.



If your family is anything like mine, you may be ready to branch out on your own this Thanksgiving. Or maybe you're just looking to leave the cooking, cleaning and ambiance to someone else this year. Well, why not try dining out? There are plenty of Richmond restaurants that would be delighted to put up with your family this Thanksgiving. Why not let them?

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving  

Bistro 64 : This West End spot is serving up a traditional Thanksgiving meal topped off with a dessert buffet from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Per plate price is $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for kids 12 and under. Reservations accepted. Richmond Marriott West, (804) 965-9500  

 

The Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel : A traditional Thanksgiving four-course meal will be served at this Shockoe Slip spot for $58 per person. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations accepted. 1200 E. Cary St., 780-1300

 

Farouk's House of India: A special buffet will be available at this Carytown Indian restaurant. Reservations accepted. 3033 W. Cary St., (804) 355-0378

 

The Glen Restaurant : A delicious and diverse Thanksgiving buffet will be available at this place by Virginia Center Commons. Adults $39.95, Children ages 6 to11 $17.95, Children under 5 free. Reservations required. 1000 Virginia Center Pkwy., (804) 727-1480

Half Way House Restaurant: The Half Way House has been a local Thanksgiving stable for generations. It's serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal from noon to 7 p.m. plus plenty of traditional options. The turkey dinner is $28 and its $30 for a baked ham dinner. Other options from the regular menu are available for $32 to $38. Reservations accepted. 10301 Jefferson Davis Hwy., (804) 275-1760

Hondos : This West End steakhouse will have a traditional Thanksgiving buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults are $28.95, Children under 12, $13.95. Reservations accepted. 4024-C. Cox Road, (804) 968-4323

 

Lemaire at the Jefferson : Serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are booked but there is a waiting list (160 people long as of Nov. 14). 101 W. Franklin St., (804) 649-4644

Manakin Grill: Serving a traditional Thanksgiving buffet from noon till 4 p.m. Adults $26.99, Children 5 to 10, $13.99, children under 5 eat for free. Reservations accepted. 12912 Plaza Dr., (804) 784-0544

 

Mandarin Palace: Chinese Cuisine. Reservations not necessary. Open from noon to 9 p.m. 2811 Hathaway Road, (804) 272-8020

 

Michelle's at Hanover Tavern : This Hanover County converted plantation is serving a delicious Thanksgiving buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults $35. Reservations accepted. 13181 Hanover Courthouse, (804) 537-5250

 

Ruchee Unique Indian Cuisine: This Southside Indian spot (and my personal favorite) will be serving its lunch buffet and regular menu from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations not necessary. 9930 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 323-5999

 

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine: For something a little different head over to Midlothian Turnpike for a buffet of Middle Eastern favorites. Sahara will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the buffet is around $10. Reservations not necessary.   9550 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 272-4111

 

Sam Miller's Restaurant: Sam Miller's Thanksgiving feast menu will be a mix of traditional holiday favorites and Sam Miller's specialties (like crab cakes). It's a three course prix-fixe menu for $27 per person served from noon to 8 p.m. Reservations accepted. 1210 E. Cary St., (804) 644-5465

 

TJ's at The Jefferson : TJ's is serving Thanksgiving brunch and a prix-fixe dinner for $42 per person. And, you guessed it, both are booked solid with a waiting list (183 people for brunch as of Nov. 14 and 75 for dinner). Chins up though, there's always next year. 101 W. Franklin St., (804) 788-8000

The Tobacco Company : This Shockoe Slip landmark is serving an old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner. The per plate price is $26.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 12 and under. Reservations accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 pm. 1201 E. Cary St., (804) 782-9555

 

Trevi's : This Shockoe Slip favorite (and former Barlowe's Terrace Restaurant) is serving a traditional Thanksgiving buffet plus other menu options. The buffet is $21.95 per person. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations accepted. 100 S. 12th St., (804) 344-7000

 

Is your restaurant open for Thanksgiving and you don't see it listed here? Send an email to karri.peifer@corp.richmond.com and we'll add it to the list.