Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Massachusetts (MA)
  4. Cape Cod
  5. Chatham

Chatham for Thanksgiving

Wondering what restaurants in/around Chatham will be open for dinner on Thanksgiving. I have messages into a couple, but thought I’d check with this group too to get feedback. Many thanks (pun not intended!).

Good question — it *can* be tricky to predict exactly which restaurants in or around Chatham, MA will be open for Thanksgiving dinner (or evening meals), because many places either close or run limited hours. That said, there *are* a few restaurants and inns in Chatham that in recent years have offered Thanksgiving meals (or remain open year-round), and those are your best bets. If you go this route, I’d call ahead and reserve — many Thanksgiving-day offerings book up early.

Restaurants / Inns in/near Chatham that have served Thanksgiving or remain open in winter

  • — Their website indicates that they plan to be open for Thanksgiving dinner (serving between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm), which makes them one of the most reliable local options for a sit-down holiday meal.
  • — Their upscale dining venues (like the “Sacred Cod Tavern” or their buffet/seafood-restaurant offerings) often run a full Thanksgiving menu. Note: for this year, the public offerings appear to be sold out except for guests with room reservations — but you might still ask about any last-minute cancellations or “to-go” Thanksgiving meals.
  • — Historically this pub/tavern near Chatham’s Main Street has appeared on some guides listing Cape Cod restaurants open for Thanksgiving. If you're looking for a more casual pub-style meal rather than a formal dinner, this could be worth checking — but you’ll definitely need to call ahead to confirm their holiday hours.

What to expect and what to check when you call

  • Reservations almost certainly required — Thanksgiving dinners tend to book up fast (especially at popular places like Chatham Bars Inn). Waiting-list or “to-go turkey dinner” options may remain if you call ahead.
  • Holiday / prix-fixe menus — Don’t expect a regular dinner menu; many Thanksgiving meals are fixed 3- or 4-course menus or buffet-style meals, often with set meal times.
  • Limited availability / early closing times — Because Chatham slows down for the off-season, many inns or restaurants may close by early evening. Be sure to confirm hours.
  • Consider “take-home” or “ready-to-cook” meal options — Some inns/restaurants offer prepared holiday meals for takeout if dining-in is sold out (or if you’d prefer a quieter evening in). This is a good fallback to keep your holiday plans flexible.

What’s uncertain / what to expect this year

Because each year is different — especially in smaller towns like Chatham — holiday-season staffing, supply, and demand can shift. For example, for this upcoming Thanksgiving, Chatham Bars Inn’s public dinner offerings appear sold out, meaning only guests staying there are confirmed.

That said, restaurants like Pate’s that target both locals and off-season visitors may still offer service, but timing, menu, and pricing may be more limited or adjusted. Also, pub-style taverns like Wild Goose may or may not stay open depending on weather, staffing, and predicted local demand — so calling is essential.

My recommendation

If I were you and booking for Thanksgiving in Chatham, I would: call Pate’s Restaurant first, check for availability; then call Chatham Bars Inn to ask if there are any last-minute seatings or take-home meals; and if those are full, contact Wild Goose Tavern to see if they will be open — or have a relaxed, pub-style meal night. Also, check for “take-home turkey dinners” at inns if you prefer a quiet evening in rather than a formal dinner out.

More Chatham Travel Questions

    The attractions mentioned in this question

    guest
    Many
    Street

    Popular Destinations

    Danxia Mountain
    Yongnian
    Meiling Sun Valley
    Wudaoying Hutong

    Popular Travel Questions