Reservations are filling up fast for dine-in Thanksgiving options around Salt Lake City. At this point, your best bet is to look for smaller parties and earlier dining times. If you missed out on a reservation this year, save this list for next Thanksgiving and set yourself a reminder to book on Halloween. Yes, really.
Fancy, Multicourse
If you want to spend a little more but don’t want to drive up to Park City or fight your way through a buffet line, I recommend Franck’s. It’s a beautiful setting, and I really like the idea of someone else making all the decisions about what goes on my plate. The five-course, prix fixe meal is $125 and features all the best flavors of Thanksgiving. It’s a good option if you want the holiday to feel like a special occasion without having to cook, clean, or negotiate over who gets the last dinner roll.
Buffet-Style
I love the old-school feel of Little America and Grand America, especially during the holidays. I do prefer the Little America buffet over Grand America’s, particularly for a holiday meal. The Little America Thanksgiving Ballroom buffet is sold out this year, but you can still visit the Lucky H buffet on a first-come, first-served basis. Afterward, head over to the Grand America to check out the Christmas windows and make an afternoon of it.
For a more low-key buffet, check out Hub & Spoke Diner, one of the more affordable dine-in options. Thanksgiving dinner is $50 for adults, $23 for kids ages 5 to 12, and $10 for kids younger than 5. You can make a reservation or just show up, but plan to eat on the patio!
Nontraditional
If turkey isn’t your thing, Thanksgiving is a fun opportunity to try something a little more experiential. Skip the traditional dinner and gather around a seafood boil at Seafood Bucket on State Street or try hot pot at Hero Hot Pot in Chinatown. Both offer a more interactive meal, which can be especially fun for a group.
If you still want the spirit of a traditional Thanksgiving with a twist, try 'mina’s family-style Sicilian Thanksgiving for $95 a person. The menu features turkey or porchetta, butternut squash lasagna, and focaccia stuffing. It's a nice middle ground for anyone who wants familiar holiday flavors but is ready to give the usual turkey-and-mashed-potatoes routine a break.
