Don’t want to cook? A few restaurants in and around Tacoma are open on Thanksgiving
Dreading Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen? Skip it and leave the cooking to the handful of local restaurants open on Nov. 28 with special holiday plates and, in some cases, the full menu.
Many places previously known for staying open have opted in recent years to give their staff the day off — respect. There are a few restaurants around Tacoma that are serving on Thanksgiving Day, though.
Don’t forget to make a reservation and to tip your servers kindly.
CITRON EUROPEAN BISTRO
▪ 10716 A St. S., Tacoma, 253-212-1153, facebook.com/CitronEuropeanBistro
▪ 4-9 p.m. - call to reserve
This super cozy French bistro in Parkland serves a special Thanksgiving plate, but you can also order from the regular menu, featuring classic dishes like escargot, onion soup and bouef bourguignon. An affordable wine list (most bottles are under $40) makes it feel like the special occasion it is without punishing your wallet.
COOPER’S TACOMA
▪ 5928 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-503-0329, cooperstacoma.com
▪ 11 a.m.-10 p.m. - call to reserve
A family-friendly choice with a casual atmosphere, Cooper’s will offer a three-course Thanksgiving dinner that’s an awesome value at $40 for adults and $19 for kids. Everyone will start with a Waldorf salad, then choose your entree — turkey with garlic butter or homemade vegetarian meatballs in marinara. The set comes with six sides, including mac and cheese, herbed stuffing, maple-garlic carrots and house cranberry sauce. Finish off with a slice of apple or pumpkin pie. The bar will also whip up some holiday cocktails.
MCMENAMINS ELKS TEMPLE
▪ 565 Broadway, Tacoma, 253-300-8777, mcmenamins.com/events/259220-thanksgiving
▪ 8 a.m.-11 p.m. - reserve online or by phone
McMenamins Elks Temple is always open! The Pub hosts Thanksgiving with a $26 holiday plate (roast turkey with gravy, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, dressing, garlicky green beans and cranberry relish), also available in vegan form with Field Roast “turkey” and meat-free gravy. Other specials include wild Alaskan cod in a beer-laced herb cream sauce and pumpkin cheesecake. The pub’s full food and drink menu is also available.
COPPER & SALT AT SILVER CLOUD - POINT RUSTON
▪ 5125 Grand Loop, Ruston, 253-319-8290, copperandsaltnw.com/menus/thanksgiving
▪ 7 a.m.-8 p.m. - call to reserve
The restaurant inside Silver Cloud at Point Ruston boasts stunning views of Commencement Bay and will serve both breakfast (7-10 a.m.) and dinner (starting at 11 a.m.) on Thanksgiving Day. The prix fixe starts with your choice of three apps (winter citrus or kale salad, baked brie Wellington with berry compote and candied walnuts) and moves to a selection of five entrees. There’s a double-turkey plate, spaghetti and meatballs, seared steelhead or prime rib, plus a veg-friendly mushroom lasagna. Wrap with a slice of pumpkin or chocolate cream pie.
DOYLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE
▪ 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-7468, doylespublichouse.com/orders/thanksgiving-from-doyles-to-you
▪ 9 a.m.-2 a.m. - walk-ins only
Doyle’s prides itself on being open 365, and it’s a lively option should you be interested in socializing with strangers. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a friend you know or make a new one. Chef Ben Marcus and staff always conjure a holiday special — turkey, potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pie — but the full pub menu is also on tap. The beer lines are some of the tidiest around (you won’t regret that crisp Carlsberg), but the bar here also makes some great cocktails. (Note that pre-orders for take-home dinner are no longer available.)
Reporter’s Note, 11/25/2024: This article has been updated to remove a restaurant that will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 11:06 AM.