Thanksgiving restaurants 2024

Question

Hi, Our family will be visiting DC over Thanksgiving. We have never really been to DC before so we are not super familiar with all the areas of town. We are planning on staying at the Embassy Suites on 10th.

I was looking for a good restaurant to enjoy on Thanksgiving, but we don’t feel strongly about eating typical Thanksgiving food. What area of town typically has the most open on Thanksgiving? We’re really open to what we eat. We could be just as happy eating Asian food in Chinatown if that’s where the most happening spot was that evening. Two

adolescents are with us that are good eaters.

Thanks!

Answer

Visiting Washington DC over Thanksgiving can be a fun experience, and many restaurants remain open even if traditional Thanksgiving fare isn’t your priority. Since you’re staying at the Embassy Suites on 10th Street, you’re in downtown DC, which is central to several neighborhoods with restaurants that are typically open on Thanksgiving.

Neighborhoods to consider:

Chinatown: This area has a concentration of Asian restaurants, many of which remain open for regular service on Thanksgiving. You can find Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese options, and the area is lively with both locals and visitors.
Penn Quarter / Downtown: This area is packed with mid-range and upscale restaurants, including American, Italian, and international cuisine. Many establishments open specifically for Thanksgiving and may offer special menus, but also regular dining options.
Georgetown: Slightly further out, but still accessible. Some cafes and casual dining spots stay open, and it’s a scenic area for walking before or after dinner.
U Street / Adams Morgan: Known for casual, eclectic options and vibrant nightlife. Many restaurants serving Latin, Mediterranean, and global cuisine remain open on holidays.

Recommendations for planning:

Make reservations as early as possible. Thanksgiving is a busy holiday in DC, and many restaurants cap seating.
Check restaurant websites or OpenTable for Thanksgiving hours and menus. Even if you don’t want traditional turkey, many spots offer regular dining options.
Consider lunch instead of dinner to avoid peak evening crowds, especially with two adolescents who may get restless waiting.
Walkable options near your hotel include Chinatown, Penn Quarter, and parts of Downtown, which makes it easy to reach multiple choices in a short distance.

Overall, for variety and likelihood of being open, Chinatown and Penn Quarter are the safest bets for a Thanksgiving evening meal that’s both casual and diverse in options.

Thanksgiving restaurants 2024

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