Thanksgiving in New Orleans: Where to Eat & Stay in the French Quarter
Thanksgiving in New Orleans is a little different from Thanksgiving everywhere else — and that’s exactly the point.
If you’re planning to spend the holiday in New Orleans, expect more than turkey and mashed potatoes. A New Orleans Thanksgiving can mean gumbo, seafood, cornbread dressing, pralines, po’boys, and plenty of Creole and Cajun flavors alongside the traditional holiday favorites.
Whether you’re visiting family, planning a Thanksgiving getaway, or simply want to skip cooking this year, New Orleans has plenty of ways to celebrate.
And if you stay in the French Quarter, you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without having to worry about driving, parking, or getting back to your hotel afterward.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in New Orleans
Several popular French Quarter restaurants typically offer Thanksgiving dinner in New Orleans, making them convenient options for visitors staying nearby.
Restaurant holiday menus and reservations can change from year to year, so check with each restaurant for the most current Thanksgiving offerings before making your plans.
Tujague’s
For a Thanksgiving meal with plenty of New Orleans history, consider Tujague’s. Located in the French Quarter, this historic restaurant typically offers a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu with a mix of traditional holiday dishes and New Orleans-inspired options.
Depending on the year’s menu, diners may find choices such as turkey alongside seafood, short rib, or other hearty entrées, followed by a classic New Orleans-style dessert.
Brennan’s
A French Quarter institution, Brennan’s is another restaurant to keep in mind when planning Thanksgiving in New Orleans. The restaurant typically celebrates the holiday with a special prix fixe Thanksgiving menu, offering a more traditional sit-down holiday dining experience in one of the Quarter’s best-known dining rooms.
It’s also an option for families, with Thanksgiving offerings that have included choices for both adults and children.
The Court of Two Sisters
Looking for Thanksgiving brunch instead of waiting until dinner? The Court of Two Sisters is known for its historic French Quarter courtyard and typically offers Thanksgiving dining options that can include both brunch and dinner.
It’s a particularly convenient choice if you want to make Thanksgiving part of your daytime plans rather than dedicating the entire holiday to an evening meal.
The Pelican Club
For a more intimate Thanksgiving dinner in the French Quarter, The Pelican Club is another restaurant worth considering. The restaurant typically offers a special multi-course Thanksgiving dinner, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a holiday meal without venturing far from their accommodations.
Its French Quarter location also makes it easy to continue your evening with drinks, dessert, or a walk through the Quarter.
Make Thanksgiving a French Quarter Getaway
These are just a few of the restaurants that typically offer Thanksgiving dining in New Orleans, with more restaurants across the city offering special menus, brunches, prix fixe dinners, and take-home options each year. Be sure to check current restaurant details as Thanksgiving gets closer, since menus, hours, and reservations can change.
Make the holiday a getaway by staying in the heart of the French Quarter. French Quarter Guest Houses puts you within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, live music, and plenty of places to grab a drink or dessert after dinner. Leave the car parked, skip the cooking, and enjoy a few extra days exploring New Orleans.