Our family got in the habit of seeking out restaurant buffet options for Thanksgiving dinner back when we used to celebrate with my in-laws. It's kind of an annual hobby to figure out good places to go.

Unfortunately, it takes some digging to find out which restaurants offer a Thanksgiving BUFFET (not just a dinner) and then it's challenging to navigate popular review sites which make you jump through hoops with photo slideshows or clicking to their site instead of another.

I just wanted a simple LIST split into Thanksgiving Buffets, Thanksgiving Dinner, and even a Thanksgiving To Go or Thanksgiving Takeout options for taking the meal home.

I hope my list helps you make plans and answers your "What restaurants are open for takeout on Thanksgiving?" and "What's open on Thanksgiving?" questions this year. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28th in 2024.

2024 Thanksgiving Dinners Orange County

I go through and check all the links multiple times each week - and reservations do start getting booked at the end of November!

As of November 12, 2024 ALL restaurants on the list have released their 2024 menus and reservations are filling up. (If it isn't updated I will have a 2023 marker at the beginning of the post, then you can at least get an idea from 2023 menus and prices. I will also add NEW markers for places readers suggest that are newly added for 2024.)

How Much Does Eating Out on Thanksgiving Cost for a Family of 4?

Eating out used to be more affordable across the entire year! But with prices going up overall and the holiday event demand, I feel like many of these prices are way out of reach this year. Go for it if you can afford it!

So $180-$335 feels like a splurge and something you could save up for ($72-$135 per adult and $35-$65 for 4-12 years old and $0 for 3 and under). But $1000? That could feed my family for a month or more.

Since I keep track of this each year, I can see who is raising their prices and by how much! When most of you won't remember what the prices were last year unless you paid them. Just wanted to give a shout-out to the places I noticed kept their prices pretty stable from last year:

• Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point
• Most of the hotels near Disney
• Aquarium of the Pacific and you get admission to the aquarium included, too
• O'Neills at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
• Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach
• Brio Tuscany Grille in Dana Point
• Wind & Sea + Harpoon Henry's in Dana Point Harbor

And some of the takeout/catering options are better pricing to be around $100/$150 for a family of 6.

2024 Thanksgiving Buffets in Orange County

We are back to 14+ Thanksgiving buffets! I can't tell you the BEST Thanksgiving buffet in Orange County, but you should be able to figure out which one is a good fit for you from this list!

Look further down the post for:

• Thanksgiving dine-in restaurants
• Thanksgiving takeout options
• and Thanksgiving treats.

Thanksgiving Food Coma at Paséa in Huntington Beach - "Celebrate Thanksgiving with the 6th annual Food Coma buffet in Paséa's Sapphire Ballroom, complete with carving stations, live music, favorite fall dishes, photo ops, a kids buffet and more." $135 for adults, $65 for kids 5 - 12 years old, complimentary for kids 4 years old and younger. Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Two hour maximum seating time. For large parties, please ensure all tickets are purchased together in one order. You do have to purchase NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS at the time you reserve. Here's the menu.

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach has 2 buffet options for 2024!

• The Great Room Lobby Lounge & Terrace Thanksgiving Buffet (11am-8:30pm) - Buffet Menu ($165 per adult, $55 for children 12 and under. Pricing excludes additional alcohol, tax & service charge. 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more.)
• Pelican Grill & Bar Thanksgiving BUFFET (11am-8:30pm) - Buffet Menu ($235 per adult, $55 for children 12 and under. Pricing excludes additional alcohol, tax & service charge. 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more.)

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet ($250 per guest, separate child pricing not listed on the ticket page. Pricing is exclusive of tax and 25% F&B House and Staff Charge. Seating is pre-assigned in event space.). It is an incredible spread, but you must pre-pay so there are no cancellations.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at The Laguna Cliffs Marriott above Dana Point Harbor - A Thanksgiving dinner buffet from 2pm-7pm for $165 per adult, $79 for 4yo-11yo children. Tax & gratuity not included.

Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel - "During Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Goofy’s Kitchen will offer a festive buffet for breakfast, brunch and dinner." Breakfast & Brunch Buffets ($65 plus tax adults - 10 & up, $36 plus tax kids - 3-9) and Dinner Buffet ($75 plus tax adults - 10 & up, $39 plus tax kids - 3-9).

Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Character Brunch OR Thanksgiving Character Dinner -- Both on Thanksgiving at Storyteller's Cafe at Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel - 7am-1pm Brunch Buffet ($65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities) and 1:15pm-9pm Dinner Buffet ($85 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $39 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities)

Tangerine Room at the Westin Anaheim Resort - This may be your best bet for variety of food at a relatively reasonable price ($85 adult, $45 for kids 12 and under - tax & gratuity not included). Click on the Thanksgiving menu tab. Reserve through Open Table.

Majestic Garden Hotel near Disneyland and their Garden Court Bistro Thanksgiving Buffet - limited items, but lower price. ($47 adults, $19.95 children 3-10 years of age, children 2 and under free).

Balboa Bay Resort Thanksgiving Buffet (adults $145, children $55 and does not include tax or gratuity. Members and hotel guests enjoy special pricing. 7 day cancellation policy.)

O'Neill's Bar & Grill at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo ($110 per adult or with unlimited Champagne option for $130, $49.95 for kids 5-12 years old with children under 4 free.) Tax and 20% service charge will be automatically added.

Driftwood Kitchen Laguna Beach - Thanksgiving Buffet - This one comes with specialty kid stations!($125 per person, $40 kids 12 and under).

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch - 12pm-4pm buffet for $145 adults, $75 kids ages 4-12. Age 3 and under free. Sales tax and 20% gratuity added. $50 deposit to secure your reservation.

Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knotts Berry Farm - Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch - "Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet that includes all the classics like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, plus the home-style goodness of Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken and countless other offerings. Plus champagne or pumpkin cider!" Book ahead of time starting October 28th. Adults are $72, Seniors 62+ are $65, Children 3-11 are $35.

El Torito All-You-Can-Eat Thanksgiving Buffet (Anaheim, Irvine, Tustin, Yorba Linda) - "Come enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Thanksgiving Buffet with a Turkey and Ham carving station, apple-jalapeno stuffing, chipotle-honey sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, Taco Station, Your Mexican Favorites, Soups and Salads, Dessert Bar with Pumpkin Pie, Unlimited Champagne and more! We will also be offering $6 Margaritas and Beers all-day." Adults $39.50 and Kids $13.50.

NOT in OC, but definitely an experience!

Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is an iconic historic property with a pretty amazing Thanksgiving buffet which will be "in the beautifully restored Crown Room and Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom featuring a recently discovered and preserved original 1888 fresco mural." It's worth going for the dessert buffet alone! $205 adults when reservations made before November 15th and $100 for children (5-10 years old). Children 4 and under get complimentary buffet with paid adult.

Aquarium of the Pacific Thanksgiving Lunch (Long Beach) - Thanksgiving lunch buffet between 11am-4pm and the price of the buffet includes Aquarium admission for non-members. "You can meet over 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean, then savor a traditional spread to be served buffet style on the Rooftop Veranda overlooking Rainbow Harbor. A full cash bar and seasonal cocktails will be available for purchase." $95 per adult (ages 12+), $72.50 per Child (ages 3-11) includes Aquarium admission. Members get a bit of a discount since they already get aquarium admission! $70 per adult Aquarium member, $47.50 per Aquarium member child.

Notes:

• I included prices for the buffets just for comparison purposes. Some of these restaurants may already be fully booked for the holiday.
• In some cases, you may need to pay in advance at the time you make your Thanksgiving reservation. Make sure you call and confirm prices and details when you make your reservation.
• Some reservations are brunch, some midday meals, some dinner.
• These prices can be daunting and they can be something you save up for all year long. We have eaten humble meals at home and saved up for these kinds of incredibly memorable experiences. I do have to say that 2024 prices are CRAZY high compared to when I started this list years ago.

2024 Thanksgiving Dine-In Dinners in Orange County

NEW! Tavern at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano - Serving a Thanksgiving feast menu for $75 adults and $30 children.

NEW! Tartan Room in Orange - Taking reservations for 2 dinner service times (12pm-2pm or 2:30pm-4:30pm) with choice of Prime Rib, Turkey Breast, Honey Ham or Grilled Salmon with all the fixings. $55 per person + tax and tip, $25 children 10 & under. Get menu here.

Salt Creek Grill in Dana Point - Get reservations and order off the Thanksgiving menu with Starters, Entrees, and Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts.

Great Maple (Anaheim location ONLY at Pixar Place Hotel) - Serving a special Thanksgiving prix-fixe in addition to their All-Day Menu. "Enjoy specials like the Maple Brined Turkey & Buttermilk Fried Turkey Duo, or the Rosemary Apple Cider Ham & Luxardo Glazed Ham Duo (or both!) served with all the fixings. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Reservations can be made on their website: thegreatmaple.com/reservations. Newport Beach and Pasadena locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Citrus City Grille in Orange - 4-course Prix-Fix menu for $55 adults and $25 children. Or order off the menu for a la carte items.

Texas de Brazil in Irvine - Serving regular dinner menu and pricing all day long. Location opens at 11am. Make reservations.

Montage Laguna Beach has two options. One is a family-style meal and the other is ordering off a set menu. *Price per person excludes tax and service charge. Reservations required and a 48-hour cancellation policy applies.

• Montage Laguna Beach "Studio Family Style Thanksgiving Feast" (set menu $230+ per adult, $55+ per child)
• Montage Laguna Beach "The Loft Tasting Menu" (four courses $185+ per adult, $55 per child ages 4-12)

Summit House OC in Fullerton - 3 course dine-in menu

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 3-Course Thanksgiving - from 11am-8pm. 3-course and children's menu at Newport Beach and Anaheim locations.

Water Grill in Costa Mesa - 3-course Thanksgiving menu in addition to regular menu.

The RANCH Restaurant and Saloon Anaheim - Thanksgiving menu where you pay for what you order and a children's menu for $45. 2pm to 8pm.

Five Crowns in Corona del Mar - this is a Lawry's restaurant so Prime Rib is the main feature on their Thanksgiving menu.

Bayside Restaurant Newport Beach - 3-course Thanksgiving menu ($82 per adult, $39 per child 12 and under).

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach - Watertable Restaurant 3-course Thanksgiving meal for $105/per person.

Chart House in Dana Point - Thanksgiving with a view. This is part of the Landry's family of restaurants. $69-$78 for meals.

Pacific Hideaway Thanksgiving Dinner Special - $85 at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel

McCormick & Schmicks Restaurant in Anaheim - Traditional Turkey Dinner for dining in ($39 adults, $15 kids).

Prego Restaurant at The District in Tustin - Italian dine-in specials priced separately, also 3 Course Traditional Dine-In Menu (adults $75, children under 10 $35). There is a to go option in the next section.

The Winery Restaurant (Tustin) - 3 course Thanksgiving menu for $85

The Capital Grille in Costa Mesa - Thanksgiving plates served family style

Kings Fish House in Laguna Hills - see the Thanksgiving menu for the 3 course meal

Orange Hill Restaurant - Thanksgiving Day Experience - 4 course menu for Thanksgiving Brunch or A La Carte Dinner menu ($98 adults, $35 children, $30 Bottomless Mimosas)

Bistango Fine Dining in Irvine - Prix-Fixe menu for $82 for adults or kids for $39

NEW! Dana Point Harbor (from Instagram post) - Gemmell's open 12-6pm for a 3 course Thanksgiving Dinner. Turk's open 8am-11 pm for a Classic Turkey Dinner. Coffee Importers open 6 am-2 pm offering a Holiday Turkey Panini, Eggnog Latte, Mexican Hot Chocolate. The Brig open 7 am-Close with Thanksgiving Specials All Day.

Black Angus (Fountain Valley, Buena Park, Santa Ana) - Turkey Feast for $29.99 (adults) and $12.99 (kids).

Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ Thanksgiving Dinner - Open on Thanksgiving Day.

Jack's Restaurant in Dana Point - Thanksgiving menu where you pay for what you order. Maximum 8 guests.

Habana in Irvine Spectrum or Costa Mesa - open on Thanksgiving and serving their Cuban cuisine

Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor - Thanksgiving Dinner with choice of fresh oven-roasted turkey, fresh grilled Atlantic salmon, or prime top sirloin steak with all the trimmings for $49-$59 per person with children eating at half price. Also a Vegetable Casserole option for $29.

Harpoon Henry's in Dana Point Harbor - Dinners similar to Wind & Sea with choice of oven roasted turkey ($49), Atlantic salmon ($49), mahi-mahi macadamia ($49), or prime rib ($68) and each entree includes: a Caesar salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, warm dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Children selections for those under 12 years old (turkey, turkey sliders, hamburger sliders, prime rib).

Choosing Your Options for Thanksgiving Dinner To Go

We have done our Thanksgivings so many different ways over the years.

You can get the complete meal or just parts of the meal while you prepare the rest at home.

As I see it, here are your options:

Option #1 – You can order only the MAIN COURSE (turkey, prime rib, vegetarian option) and make the SIDES and DESSERTS yourself.

Option #2 – You can order just the MAIN COURSE and SIDES, but make the DESSERTS yourself.

Option #3 – You can order the whole deal: MAIN COURSE, SIDES, and DESSERTS.

Option #4 – You can concentrate on making a homemade Thanksgiving feast and just grab DESSERTS from your favorite bakery or specialty grocery.

Many of these are ORDER AHEAD - so don't wait until the last minute to put in your order! Especially this year, they may need some extra time to get supplies.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner Takeout in Orange County

Stefano's Golden Baked Hams in Yorba Linda (feed 4-6 people with a holiday ham or turkey plus 6 sides for $215)

Bad to the Bone BBQ in San Juan Capistrano - order your dinner ahead of time and reheat at home on Thanksgiving Day

Heritage Craft Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano - check out their pre-order which must be in by November 18th and it sells out fast!!!

Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ - Get Thanksgiving Family Feast which feeds 10 or more for $319.99 or Thanksgiving Supper which serves 6 or more for $209.99. You can also just order the main course protein or desserts. Lots of options here! Must pre-order.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations in Orange and Irvine - Takeout feast for 4 people at $195.

The Capital Grille in Costa Mesa - Thanksgiving sides at home. Get a full set up of prepared sides to serve 4 people for $135.

Prego Restaurant at The District in Tustin - 2 Course Traditional Thanksgiving Feast to Go ($50 per person). 1st course is a Caesar salad, 2nd course is the Main + Sides: "Slow Roasted All White Meat Turkey, Green Beans & Carrots, Creamy Yukon Potato Purée, Focaccia Stuffing, Turkey Gravy & House Cranberry." Dessert is an add-on. Orders must be placed by 2pm on November 26th.

Brio Tuscany Grille in Dana Point - To-Go options are: Complete Traditional Turkey Breast Dinner To-Go ($169), Chicken Parmesan Meal ($149), Eggplant Parmesan Meal - Vegetarian ($149), or Herb Roasted Black Angus Tenderloin ($269). Must order by November 20th.

Urban Plates - Family meals, sides, desserts to go. Locations in Brea, Tustin at the Marketplace, Irvine, Aliso Viejo. $175 for a feast that serves 6-8 people includes 2 sides, $30 for additional sides by the pan.

McCormick & Schmicks in Anaheim - order a Thanksgiving Feast To Go for 4 people for $120.00. Must place orders before November 25th.

Taste Catering in Lake Forest - A reader let me know she caters her Thanksgiving meal from this spot. There is an eatery serving lunch during the week, but they offer catering orders for pickup on Thanksgiving day -- you must pre-order. Check the menu for "Holiday" offerings and note that all "buffets" must have a minimum of 8 people.

Popeye's - Order your Cajun-Style Turkey and have it delivered to your door. $99 for turkey. "The Cajun-Style Turkey is delivered to your door pre-cooked so all you have to do is thaw, heat, serve & enjoy. Feeds approximately 8-12 people."

Black Angus (Fountain Valley, Buena Park, Santa Ana) - Turkey feasts to go for 4 ($107), 8 ($211), or 12 people ($315) with the option for ordering whole pumpkin pies

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant Thanksgiving  Turkey or Ham Take Home Dinners - More info to come in November.

NEW! Mr. D's Placentia - Order a Holiday Feast (Mini Feast for $64.99 or Large Family Dinner for $179.99) and you also have the option to donate a meal to a veteran.

Polly's Pies (Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Los Alamitos, Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda) - Dining rooms are closed Thanksgiving Day, but Lots of options to feed 6 or more with a Whole Turkey Feast $194.99 plus tax and tin deposit, Whole Ham Feast $184.99 plus tax and tin deposit, Half Ham Feast $102.99 plus tax and tin deposit, Everything But the Bird with sides only $104.99 plus tax and tin deposit, and all of their Famous Pies priced individually.

Texas de Brazil in Irvine - "Our fully cooked takeout feasts come with everything you need for a memorable meal, all ready to reheat with simple instructions." Starts at $165 to feed up to 10 people.

Whole Foods Market - shop holiday meals by entering your state/store.

Gelson's - Order prepared holiday meals online and pickup

Bristol Farms - Order fully cooked meals from the deli department. Choose pickup or delivery. Locations in Newport Beach and Yorba Linda.

Albertson's/Pavilions/Vons Market - Order turkey, ham, or roast beef holiday meals (choose your store, this link is set to Pavilions on Alicia Parkway)

Ralphs - order "Holiday Meal Bundles" by choosing your store

A few other places to pick up your turkey if you are cooking at home:

• Mother's Market - Thanksgiving meals even with vegan options
• Wild Fork (Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo)
• The Butchery (Costa Mesa, Crystal Cove)

Thanksgiving Treats

Urth Caffé - offers pre-order for their "famous" Thanksgiving pies to pick up in the days before Thanksgiving. There are locations in Orange and Laguna Beach.

Porto's Bakery Thanksgiving - has a few seasonal options including a Turkey & Gravy version of their delectable potato balls! (I tried and they are YUM!). Also pumpkin cheesecake and danishes. And for 2024, you can get their NEW! Thanksgiving Bundle = 1 Pumpkin Cheesecake, plus 1 dozen Turkey & Gravy Potato Balls, and 1 dozen Cheese Rolls.

Blue Scoop Creamery - Ice cream pies for Thanksgiving!! They have Bourbon Ball, Pumpkin, or Cookies & Cream.

Elisa Marie Baking - a favorite stand at Farmer's Markets and you can find her bakery items at hotels & gourmet food shops in OC. She has a Thanksgiving menu with pies, cornbread, and pecan bars. Yum! Support a small business woman!

Pop Pie Co. in Costa Mesa - Offering Thanksgiving Pies. Pre-sale until Friday, November 22nd. 9 inch pies for 6-8 people. Choose from: Pumpkin Pie, Bourbon Pecan, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble, or Apple Cranberry Ginger Crumble.

NEW! Rye Goods Cranberry Sauce & More - I read about this in the Auto Club of Southern California Westways magazine. You can get cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving treats from Rye Goods (Tustin, Laguna Beach, Lido Newport). Order by Nov 24th for pick up on only on Nov 27th.

If you're looking for fun things to do Thanksgiving week, read my post on 7 Fun Ways to #OptOutside During Thanksgiving!