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Where to Get a Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dinner, '13

by Eater Staff
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by Eater Staff

It's just one week until Thanksgiving Day. But if you're not interested in wrestling with your own home-cooked turkey, there are plenty of Twin Cities restaurants open on the big day, serving everything from turkey and pumpkin pie to pho and egg rolls. In a departure from the usual Thanksgiving round-up, Eater scoured the menus of restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in 2013, studying each spot's gorge factor and determining Eater's ideal holiday meal at each.

So whether you want to just drop in at a Chinese restaurant for some Thanksgiving dumplings or are in the market for a full-blown turkey dinner, here are 12 Twin Cities restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day, with either no reservations necessary or reservations still available.

Are you headed to another restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner? Let us know in the comments.


—Lucy Nieboer

· All Eater Maps [Eater MPLS]

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Herkimer Pub & Brewery

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2922 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 821-0101
(612) 821-0101
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Good for game day. There will be $6-$12 turkey specials, wings, and nachos galore. Watch the game on the big screen without the screaming relatives. Eater’s ideal meal: Slow roasted “state fair style” turkey leg; sweet potato fries with chipotle ketchup; warm pub pretzel with mixed pepper cheese sauce and jalapeño honey mustard. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

2. Quang Restaurant

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2719 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-4739
(612) 870-4739
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Pick your own adventure. With 25 different noodle soups alone, there is some major menu ground to cover. Eater’s ideal meal: Fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls with peanut sauce; Pho with sliced beef and all the toppings; mango bubble tea. Cost: Varies Reservation availability:Does not accept reservations. Hours: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

3. French Meadow Cafe

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2610 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-7855
(612) 870-7855
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Best for picky eaters. Traditional, vegan, and gluten-free options all grace this year's menu at the French Meadow. Eater’s ideal meal: Ginger squash soup; porcini crusted “turkey” tofu with millet mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, parsnip celery sage stuffing and cointreau orange cranberry chutney; caramel pecan pie with coconut milk frozen custard Cost: $35 Reservation availability: High. Walk-ins welcome.

4. Dancing Ganesha

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1100 Harmon Pl.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-1877
(612) 338-1877
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Exemplary. Thanksgiving Day buffet — need we say more? Eater’s ideal meal: Curried nuts; spiced green beans; horseradish mashed potatoes; cumin and coriander spiced tandoori chicken and turkey; cranberry chutney; stuffing with almonds, raisins and cinnamon; chiffon pumpkin pie with candied ginger. Cost: $21.99, kids $11.99 Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

5. Marin

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901 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 252-7000
(612) 252-7000
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Booze included. A four-course prix-fixe includes a complimentary glass of wine. Eater’s ideal meal: Turkey pate with ramp mustard, butternut squash puree with spiced creme fraiche, turkey roulade, chestnut stuffing, sweet potato puree, brussels sprouts, and turkey jus; pumpkin pie with brandied ice cream and candied pecans. Cost: $45 Reservation availability: High Hours: 
4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

6. FireLake Restaurant

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31 S 7th St
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 216-3473
(612) 216-3473
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Satisfactory. Greens followed by turkey dinner followed by pie make up this simple three course prix-fixe. Eater’s ideal meal: Family style salad with Minnesota Amablu cheese, cranberries, and sherry vinaigrette; apple wood smoked Wild Acres Farm turkey with wild rice stuffing, cheddar herb mashed potatoes, crimini mushrooms and fried shallots; pumpkin praline pie. Cost: $29.95, kids $12.95 Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

7. Nicollet Island Inn

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95 Merriam St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 331-1800
(612) 331-1800
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Classic. Choose between two salads, three entrees, and two desserts for the traditional four-course Turkey Day meal. Pumpkin bisque with a pumpkin seed crumble starts every guest’s meal. Eater’s ideal meal: Waldorf salad with apples, walnuts and celery; turkey with whipped sweet potato mash, green bean casserole, cranberries, stuffing, and gravy; pumpkin cheese cake with maple whipped cream. Cost: $68 Reservation availability: Very limited Hours: 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

8. Hard Times Cafe

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1821 Riverside Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1034
(612) 341-9261
(612) 341-9261
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Diner’s choice. This dive-y spot will be offering its normal (mostly vegetarian) menu for those opting for a casual meal this Thanksgiving. Eater’s ideal meal: An ooey, gooey, gargantuan quesadilla with veggies; any of the vegan muffins, tarts, cookies, or pies. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 6 a.m. - 4 a.m.

9. The Beacon Public House

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615 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 362-6666
(612) 362-6666
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Extended. Three courses plus a take-home “leftover” turkey sandwich. Eater’s ideal meal: Wild rice and roast squash salad; crisp skin arctic char with squash puree, roasted mushrooms and maple relish; egg nog créme brulee Cost: $35 Reservation availability: High Hours: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

10. Napa Valley Grille

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220 W Market
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 858-9934
(952) 858-9934
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Unlimited. This one’s all a la carte. Eater’s ideal meal: Kale salad with butternut squash, toasted pine nuts, goat cheese, and brown butter vinaigrette; turkey meat loaf stuffed with spinach, parmesan & mascarpone cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, served with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, drizzled with sage cream sauce. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

11. Little Szechuan

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422 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 222-1333
(651) 222-1333
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Brings the heat. More heavily spiced than your traditional T-giving spread, many dishes on this menu sport hot peppers, chili flakes, and chili oil. Eater’s ideal meal: Crispy duck; sesame sweet potato cakes; Szechuan spicy tofu; dry sauteed garlic green beans. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

12. Keys Cafe & Bakery

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500 Robert St N
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-4083
(651) 222-4083
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Most bang for your buck. Key’s regular menu features a turkey dinner for $9.95. Eater’s ideal meal: Oven roasted turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, hash browns or tater tots, vegetables, cranberries, stuffing, and homemade bread with butter; a slice of apple pie a la mode. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

13. Kincaid's

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380 Saint Peter St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 602-9000
(651) 602-9000
Visit Website
Gorge factor: Hearty. Various steakhouse style appetizers, creamy seafood soups, and big entrees are a great and gluttonous kick off to the holiday season. Eater’s ideal meal: Jumbo prawn cocktail with spicy chili aioli; turkey with chicken apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry relish and gravy; apple tart with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Limited for large parties. Hours: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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1. Herkimer Pub & Brewery

2922 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Gorge factor: Good for game day. There will be $6-$12 turkey specials, wings, and nachos galore. Watch the game on the big screen without the screaming relatives. Eater’s ideal meal: Slow roasted “state fair style” turkey leg; sweet potato fries with chipotle ketchup; warm pub pretzel with mixed pepper cheese sauce and jalapeño honey mustard. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
2922 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 821-0101
Visit Website

2. Quang Restaurant

2719 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Gorge factor: Pick your own adventure. With 25 different noodle soups alone, there is some major menu ground to cover. Eater’s ideal meal: Fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls with peanut sauce; Pho with sliced beef and all the toppings; mango bubble tea. Cost: Varies Reservation availability:Does not accept reservations. Hours: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2719 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-4739
Visit Website

3. French Meadow Cafe

2610 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Gorge factor: Best for picky eaters. Traditional, vegan, and gluten-free options all grace this year's menu at the French Meadow. Eater’s ideal meal: Ginger squash soup; porcini crusted “turkey” tofu with millet mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, parsnip celery sage stuffing and cointreau orange cranberry chutney; caramel pecan pie with coconut milk frozen custard Cost: $35 Reservation availability: High. Walk-ins welcome.
2610 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-7855
Visit Website

4. Dancing Ganesha

1100 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Gorge factor: Exemplary. Thanksgiving Day buffet — need we say more? Eater’s ideal meal: Curried nuts; spiced green beans; horseradish mashed potatoes; cumin and coriander spiced tandoori chicken and turkey; cranberry chutney; stuffing with almonds, raisins and cinnamon; chiffon pumpkin pie with candied ginger. Cost: $21.99, kids $11.99 Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
1100 Harmon Pl.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-1877
Visit Website

5. Marin

901 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Gorge factor: Booze included. A four-course prix-fixe includes a complimentary glass of wine. Eater’s ideal meal: Turkey pate with ramp mustard, butternut squash puree with spiced creme fraiche, turkey roulade, chestnut stuffing, sweet potato puree, brussels sprouts, and turkey jus; pumpkin pie with brandied ice cream and candied pecans. Cost: $45 Reservation availability: High Hours: 
4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
901 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 252-7000
Visit Website

6. FireLake Restaurant

31 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Gorge factor: Satisfactory. Greens followed by turkey dinner followed by pie make up this simple three course prix-fixe. Eater’s ideal meal: Family style salad with Minnesota Amablu cheese, cranberries, and sherry vinaigrette; apple wood smoked Wild Acres Farm turkey with wild rice stuffing, cheddar herb mashed potatoes, crimini mushrooms and fried shallots; pumpkin praline pie. Cost: $29.95, kids $12.95 Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
31 S 7th St
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 216-3473
Visit Website

7. Nicollet Island Inn

95 Merriam St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Gorge factor: Classic. Choose between two salads, three entrees, and two desserts for the traditional four-course Turkey Day meal. Pumpkin bisque with a pumpkin seed crumble starts every guest’s meal. Eater’s ideal meal: Waldorf salad with apples, walnuts and celery; turkey with whipped sweet potato mash, green bean casserole, cranberries, stuffing, and gravy; pumpkin cheese cake with maple whipped cream. Cost: $68 Reservation availability: Very limited Hours: 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
95 Merriam St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 331-1800
Visit Website

8. Hard Times Cafe

1821 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1034
Gorge factor: Diner’s choice. This dive-y spot will be offering its normal (mostly vegetarian) menu for those opting for a casual meal this Thanksgiving. Eater’s ideal meal: An ooey, gooey, gargantuan quesadilla with veggies; any of the vegan muffins, tarts, cookies, or pies. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 6 a.m. - 4 a.m.
1821 Riverside Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1034
(612) 341-9261
Visit Website

9. The Beacon Public House

615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Gorge factor: Extended. Three courses plus a take-home “leftover” turkey sandwich. Eater’s ideal meal: Wild rice and roast squash salad; crisp skin arctic char with squash puree, roasted mushrooms and maple relish; egg nog créme brulee Cost: $35 Reservation availability: High Hours: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
615 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 362-6666
Visit Website

10. Napa Valley Grille

220 W Market, Bloomington, MN 55425
Gorge factor: Unlimited. This one’s all a la carte. Eater’s ideal meal: Kale salad with butternut squash, toasted pine nuts, goat cheese, and brown butter vinaigrette; turkey meat loaf stuffed with spinach, parmesan & mascarpone cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, served with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, drizzled with sage cream sauce. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: High Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
220 W Market
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 858-9934
Visit Website

11. Little Szechuan

422 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Gorge factor: Brings the heat. More heavily spiced than your traditional T-giving spread, many dishes on this menu sport hot peppers, chili flakes, and chili oil. Eater’s ideal meal: Crispy duck; sesame sweet potato cakes; Szechuan spicy tofu; dry sauteed garlic green beans. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
422 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 222-1333
Visit Website

12. Keys Cafe & Bakery

500 Robert St N, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Gorge factor: Most bang for your buck. Key’s regular menu features a turkey dinner for $9.95. Eater’s ideal meal: Oven roasted turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, hash browns or tater tots, vegetables, cranberries, stuffing, and homemade bread with butter; a slice of apple pie a la mode. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Does not accept reservations. Hours: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
500 Robert St N
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-4083
Visit Website

13. Kincaid's

380 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Gorge factor: Hearty. Various steakhouse style appetizers, creamy seafood soups, and big entrees are a great and gluttonous kick off to the holiday season. Eater’s ideal meal: Jumbo prawn cocktail with spicy chili aioli; turkey with chicken apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry relish and gravy; apple tart with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. Cost: Varies Reservation availability: Limited for large parties. Hours: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
380 Saint Peter St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 602-9000
Visit Website

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