Thanksgiving. It’s a time for giving—and thanks. And turkeys. And the beginning of a busy holiday season filled with travel, and house guests, and stressful dinners featuring mind-boggling dishes like canned cranberries. (But seriously, what are those about?) Thanksgiving dinner in my family means really bomb stuffing with oysters, grandmama’s homemade rolls, and at least an hour of immature finger puppet shows featuring black olives—my favorite, “Here eat these, the turkey isn’t ready!” snack.
But not everyone is looking to create a Thanksgiving feast of their own this year. If you’re looking to eat out in Boulder this holiday, we’ve put together a list of Boulder restaurants that are open and taking reservations now for a special, expertly-prepared Thanksgiving meal that you can enjoy solo, or with all of your crazy house guests—after you accidentally burn the turkey and torch the sweet potatoes…
Black Cat Farm ~ Table ~ Bistro and Bramble Hare
Chef Eric Skokan and his wife Jill, are opening the doors to both of their Boulder restaurants on Thanksgiving to serve a prix fixe meal featuring your choice of appetizer, entree, a variety of sides served family-style, and your choice of dessert. This Turkey Day meal is $65 per person and by reservation only. Seating will occur at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Call 303.444.5500 to reserve space for your party.
The Hotel Boulderado is one of the most charming buildings to visit during the holidays. The hotel is once again serving a Thanksgiving buffet with seating beginning at noon and a final seating at 4 p.m. The buffet menu features a mouth-watering selection of traditional and modern takes on Thanksgiving dishes including Chef-Carved Whole Roasted Turkey with Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish and House-Made Sage Gravy, Shrimp Cocktail and Crab Claws with Lemon and Cocktail Sauce, and Pumpkin Pie with Sweet Cream. (By reservation only.) Click here for details.
Chautauqua Dining Hall
The Chautauqua Dining Hall will be serving a Thanksgiving menu (reservations only) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 27th. Diners will have their choice of family-style appetizers, salad, entree, and dessert.
Cost: $36 Adults/ $20 Kids (Beverages and gratuity not included). Details here.
Colterra
Colterra is serving up a traditional turkey dinner along with other tasty entrees such as Local Lamb Loin Chops, Grilled Pastured New York Strip Steak, Late Fall Local Vegetable Tasting, and Pan-Roasted Mahi Mahi. Details here.
Jill’s Restaurant at the St. Julien
Jill’s will be serving a Thanksgiving brunch this year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—and happy hour from 4-6 p.m.
Details here.
Boulder’s favorite French restaurant is serving up an extensive menu on Thanksgiving featuring dishes such as Lobster Ravioli, Pork Florentine, Veal Au Jambon, Elk, Scallops, Bouillabaisee, Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, and more. Details here.
The Millennium Harvest House is serving a bountiful Thanksgiving meal from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. this year, with a menu that promises all of the trimmings with a mix of classic and contemporary favorites. Pricing is as follows. Reservations are strongly recommended. Details here and pricing below.
$40 per adult
$34 per senior citizen (ages 65+)
$17 per child (ages 6-12) Age 5 and under complimentary
Murphy’s & Murphy’s South
In addition to their self-proclaimed “famous”Thanksgiving menu, both Murphy’s locations are also serving up their regular menu from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a 7-course Thanksgiving meal for $26 per person, or—if your own Thanksgiving menu needs a little help this year, Murphy’s is also offering traditional Thanksgiving dinner platters for carry out…no one needs to know. Details here.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cream Fraiche and Warm Caramel Sauce is one of the decadent dessert options that will top off a 3-course prix fixe Thanksgiving meal at Spruce Farm and Fish in the Hotel Boulderado. $55 per person. (By reservation only.) Online reservations available at Open Table.
Like it’s sister restaurant, Colterra, Salt the Bistro will be open on Thanksgiving and serving a feast in the form of a 3-course prix fixe menu featuring Prime Rib and Lobster Mac & Cheese. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 303.444.7258. More details here.
Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner served with all the fixings for $25 for adults and $13 for children 10 and under. Reservations required. Details for this north-of-Boulder classic here.
And if we missed anything, let us know in the comments. Be thankful, Boulder — and may you spend the week in the company of those you love getting into trouble with most.
