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Holidays — Family

Where Seniors Can Find a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Meal in 2025

From steakhouse splurges to take-home bundles — and plenty of budget-friendly options

,   and  Smart Senior Daily Staff
4 min read

For many seniors, Thanksgiving is still “your holiday” — the one where the family lands at your doorstep expecting turkey, sides, and maybe your famous pie. But if cooking for a crowd isn’t in the cards this year, more restaurants than ever are offering full Thanksgiving dinners you can pick up, heat, or enjoy in-house.

Below is a clear rundown of what’s available, what it costs, and who it’s best for. And, by the way, these deals will probably be available at Christmas, too.

Upscale, No-Mess Options

Capital Grille

A little pricey, but ooh la la, what an experience. Dine-in roasted turkey dinner with brioche stuffing, Sam’s mashed potatoes, cranberry-pear chutney — plus à la carte steaks for those who’d rather skip turkey altogether.

Best for: Seniors wanting a quiet dining-room holiday without cleanup.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Offering a three-course turkey or filet mignon dinner, plus a take-home family package at select locations.

Best for: Couples or small families who want something nicer than traditional turkey.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

A couple of options here: A higher-end option with Caesar or Steak House salad, roasted turkey, au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, sweet potato casserole, Brussels sprouts, and sausage-herb stuffing. Or sides you can pre-order and take home like Caesar Salad, Steak House Salad (choice of dressing), Au Gratin Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Sweet Potato Casserole, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sausage & Herb Stuffing.

Best for: Seniors hosting adult children or small gatherings and want an elevated meal without cooking. Pre-order required; pricing varies by location

Budget-Friendly & Reliable Chains

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Heat-&-Serve Feasts and Dine-In Plates
Bundles for
• 4–6 people — around $104.99
• 8–10 people — around $154.99
Includes turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sides, and dessert options.
Open Thanksgiving Day at many locations.

Best for: Seniors needing predictable pricing and easy pickup.

Making sure you get a seat at Cracker Barrel: Cracker Barrel does not take reservations for Thanksgiving, but you can use their online waitlist to reduce your wait time upon arrival. You can add your name to the list through their website or app to be notified when your table is ready. Use the online waitlist: To get ahead of the crowd, check wait times and join the waitlist online or through the Cracker Barrel app before you go. Large groups: For groups larger than 15, you can contact Cracker Barrel ahead of time to have your group placed on the waitlist 30 minutes before your arrival, although it's not really a "reservation," like we think of one.

Bob Evans Farmhouse

Heat-and-serve meals start around $82, with turkey, ham, sides, rolls, and pie.

Best for: Small-family gatherings or seniors who’d like leftovers.

Boston Market

Full turkey or ham meals both dine-in and take-home, with stores typically open on Thanksgiving Day.

Best for: Seniors who want traditional comfort food without the fuss.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Offers:
• Whole roasted turkey take-home packages
• The Turkey Gobbler Sandwich for grab-and-go holiday flavor

Best for: Low-stress celebrations or solo seniors.

Italian, Buffets, and “Skip the Turkey” Meals

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Three-course dine-in or takeout Thanksgiving menu
Options include turkey, ham, tilapia, pastas, salads, sides, and Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake.
• In-house: $36.95 (adult) / $17.95 (kids)
• Take-home for 5: around $185

Best for: Italian-loving families and seniors who want a crowd-pleaser.

Olive Garden

Most locations open, serving regular menu + holiday add-ons like turkey tortellini (varies by market).

Best for: Seniors with picky eaters in the family.

Golden Corral

A full Thanksgiving buffet with turkey, ham, pot roast, sides, rolls, and dessert — plus take-home meals.

Best for: Seniors feeding a mix of adults, kids, and big appetites.

Shoney’s

Several locations offer an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving Day buffet with turkey, ham, fried chicken, vegetables, and desserts.

Best for: Classic Southern comfort food fans.

Important Notes for 2025
Pre-order early. Many chains sell out of take-home meals two weeks before Thanksgiving.
Ask about senior discounts. Several restaurants offer 10%–20% off (varies by location).
Check holiday hours. Even 24/7 chains sometimes close early.
Plan transportation. If mobility or driving is an issue, many restaurants offer curbside pickup.

Quick & Convenient Options (Great for Solo Seniors)

Arby’s

Deep-Fried Turkey Gobbler or Club sandwiches.

Best for: A simple holiday treat without a full spread.

IHOP

Homestyle Turkey & Stuffing Dinner + seasonal pancakes.

Best for: Early risers or seniors eating out before family gatherings.

Denny’s

Turkey & Dressing Dinner and seasonal pies, plus take-home turkey packs at select locations.

Best for: Seniors who want a budget-friendly dine-in option.

Waffle House

Open 24/7 — not a turkey meal, but a beloved tradition for many seniors spending the holiday low-key.

Best for: Seniors who want company and a warm place on Thanksgiving.

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