How do you get a table now for Thanksgiving in Fort Worth? Line up or pay up
The closer it gets to Thanksgiving, the more you need a lunch reservation.
Otherwise — particularly for a big family — expect to wait in line at one of the locally owned restaurants serving a midprice turkey dinner or to eat at a national chain.
Fort Worth and Arlington have new options this year along with the old favorites. The four Blue Mound Cafe locations will serve Thanksgiving, along with the usual country-style Heaven’s Gate buffet on North Main Street and both locations of the 62-year favorite Ol’ South Pancake House.
New on the list of chains: both Black Bear Diner locations in far north or far south Fort Worth, serving turkey and dressing along with prime rib. Cracker Barrel is also open, along with Texas’ all-time favorite, Luby’s.
Tannahill’s, Lonesome Dove, Fitzgerald
If you’d like to try somewhere nicer, I’m afraid the prices are nice, too.
Show the family the Stockyards and lunch at Tannahill’s Tavern, 122 E. Exchange Ave.,serving turkey roulade for $40 or a smoked rib-eye and stuffing for two, $80.
Or step up to Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, 2406 N. Main St., serving a turkey dinner for $65.
▪ Fitzgerald in Ridglea will serve a Cajun turkey dinner with cornbread stuffing, crawfish mac-and-cheese, sides and dessert. It’s $55.
▪ Bricks and Horses in the Bowie House, Auberge Resorts hotel will serve a choice of turkey, beef filet or poached lobster with appetizers and desserts for $105.
▪ Winslow’s, newly remodeled at 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd., is celebrating with a buffet lunch before the Cowboys play. The menu includes turkey, prime rib and more, for $85.
▪ Jellico’s in the Westin Southlake also has a buffet for $65.
Steakhouses: Del’s, Mercury
For a steakhouse, the best availability at mid-November was at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle or Mercury Chophouse in downtown Fort Worth.
▪ Capital Grille and Eddie V.’s, usually the first to book up, were still offering a few seating times early Thanksgiving or at mid-afternoon.
It’s always easier anywhere to get a table after the Cowboys kick off. If there’s any turkey left.
Buffets: Blue Mesa, Heaven’s Gate
Besides the everyday lunch deal at Heaven’s Gate, Blue Mesa Grill will offer a special extra-long buffet.
Blue Mesa has been mentioned here before, but it’s notable for opening time: 8 a.m., with closing time at 4 p.m. It’s $40 including mimosas.
▪ One update: The El Fenix Restaurants and upscale cousin Meso Maya will not be open after all. The company canceled plans to serve Thanksgiving lunch but will be open for a regular schedule other days.
This story was originally published November 18, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
