Stuffed with NOLA: Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for the good things in life. And here in New Orleans, good food is pretty high on that list.
Of course, not everybody wants to spend the holiday cooking a turkey, washing dishes, and figuring out what to do with all those leftovers. Maybe you’re visiting New Orleans for Thanksgiving. Maybe your family is coming to town. Or maybe you just want somebody else to do the cooking for a change. We get it!
Fortunately, some of our favorite New Orleans restaurants know how to make Thanksgiving extra special. From elegant French Quarter dining rooms to casual spots where you can catch a little football with your feast, there are plenty of delicious ways to celebrate.
Here are some restaurants to keep on your Thanksgiving radar. Be sure to check with each restaurant for its holiday hours, menus, and reservations. We’ll update this list as Thanksgiving plans are announced.
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dinner that’s a little more elegant than elastic-waistband casual, Pelican Club is worth considering. Tucked away on Exchange Place in the French Quarter, this local favorite is known for Chef Richard Hughes’ creative Louisiana cuisine and beautiful dining rooms. The restaurant has even earned national recognition as a Thanksgiving dining destination. Come hungry, dress up a little, and let somebody else worry about the dishes.
Court of Two Sisters SOLD OUT
There are few places in New Orleans more magical than the courtyard at the Court of Two Sisters. With its lush greenery, beautiful surroundings, and famous Devil’s Wishing Well, it’s a setting that makes any gathering feel special. Add a holiday meal with people you love, and you’ve got plenty to be thankful for. Our suggestion? Make a wish while you’re there. Maybe for a Thanksgiving without any family arguments! View 2026 menus and make reservations.
Who says Thanksgiving dinner has to be fancy? At Oceana Grill, just off Bourbon Street, the atmosphere is casual, the portions are generous, and nobody’s going to judge you for going back for more. Known for its hearty Creole and Cajun favorites, Oceana is a great choice for families, friends, and visitors who want a little New Orleans flavor with their holiday celebration. They’ve also offered Thanksgiving catering in the past, which is worth asking about if you’d rather feast at home.
Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House
Turkey is wonderful, but there’s no rule that says you have to eat it on Thanksgiving. If a perfectly cooked steak or an Italian favorite sounds more like your idea of a holiday feast, put Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House in Lakeview on your list. This family-owned restaurant combines old-school hospitality with a menu that gives everyone something to be thankful for. It’s the kind of place where a special occasion feels like one. View 2026 menu and make reservations.
When you’ve been feeding New Orleanians since 1856, you know a thing or two about bringing people together around a table. Tujague’s is one of the city’s oldest restaurants and a French Quarter tradition. Famous for its Creole cuisine and historic charm, it’s a wonderful place to gather with family and friends. After all, Thanksgiving is about tradition, and Tujague’s has plenty of that to go around. View 2026 menu and make reservations.
For some families, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without football. If that’s your crew, Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon in Metairie might be right up your alley. Named for the legendary Saints quarterback, this lively sports restaurant serves up hearty Louisiana favorites in a fun, family-friendly setting. It’s a great place to gather your team, enjoy a big meal, and let somebody else handle the cleanup. And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving at home, ask about their holiday catering options.
In addition to their regular menu (which rocks by the way), Hard Rock Cafe is offering a Thanksgiving feast. Reservations are available online and Prepaid Group Reservations for 15 or more guests are available, too. Make reservations.
Beyond New Orleans
Want to make Thanksgiving feel like a little getaway? Head up the River Road to Houmas House in Darrow. This magnificent estate is known for its beautiful gardens, historic mansion, and Southern hospitality. Stroll the grounds, enjoy the scenery, and make a day of it. Thanksgiving at a place this beautiful is something to be grateful for all by itself. View 2026 menu. Reservations are required. Call the Gift Shop at 225-473-9380 to reserve your table.
The Turkey’s Gone. The Night’s Still Young!
Who says Thanksgiving has to end with pumpkin pie and a nap on the couch? If you’re spending the holiday in New Orleans, why not take your friends and family out for a little French Quarter fun? Whether you’re in the mood for live jazz, a holiday cocktail, or just some good old-fashioned Bourbon Street people-watching, these bars are ready to keep the celebration going.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
If you’ve got out-of-town guests, this one’s a must. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop at 941 Bourbon Street is famous for its candlelit atmosphere, legendary pirate connections, and potent Purple Drank. It’s the perfect place to raise a glass to the people you’re thankful for. Even the ones who drive you a little crazy.
Lafitte Hotel & Bar
For a little French Quarter charm with your post-Thanksgiving cocktail, head to Lafitte Hotel & Bar. Tucked away at 1003 Bourbon Street, this historic spot is a great place to relax, catch up with friends and family, and enjoy another side of the Quarter. Because sometimes the best part of Thanksgiving happens after everybody leaves the dinner table.
Maison Bourbon Jazz Club
Trade the sound of football on TV for some good old-fashioned New Orleans jazz. Maison Bourbon at 641 Bourbon Street is a French Quarter favorite where traditional jazz takes center stage. Bring your music-loving relatives, grab a drink, and let the good times roll. After all, live jazz beats doing the dishes any day.
My Bar @ 635 / Ticklers
Still have some energy after all that turkey? Head to My Bar @ 635, where there’s live music, plenty of Bourbon Street atmosphere, and the famous Voodoo Purple Daiquiri. At Ticklers, dueling pianos turn the evening into a sing-along. It’s a great place to make some Thanksgiving memories that have absolutely nothing to do with stuffing.
A friendly reminder: Holiday hours and entertainment schedules can change, so check with each bar before heading out. And remember, some nightlife venues are for the 21-and-over crowd.
Give Thanks. Eat Well. Enjoy Yourself.
Whether you’re planning a big family gathering, a romantic holiday dinner for two, or a Thanksgiving where you never have to turn on the oven, New Orleans has a way of making every meal memorable.
Just remember that Thanksgiving hours and menus can change, and reservations often fill up early. Check directly with your favorite restaurants before making plans.
From all of us at NewOrleansRestaurants.com, Happy Thanksgiving! We hope your holiday is full of good food, good company, and plenty of reasons to be thankful.
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