Essential Guide to Thanksgiving in Berkeley

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Berkeley with a blend of festive dinner options and seasonal activities that showcase the city’s vibrant charm. Gather with loved ones for a Thanksgiving dinner at one of Berkeley’s exceptional restaurants or indulge in a Thanksgiving meal kit at home. After your holiday feast, enjoy a variety of things to do to make the day special.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

The Berkeley Boathouse

6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Indulge this Thanksgiving at Berkeley Boathouse, a bayfront restaurant with a full bar and all-day, à la carte dining from breakfast to dinner. Feast on Thanksgiving specials like the Maple-Brined Organic Turkey or Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with Smoky Mushroom Jus, paired with pumpkin pie or a bruléed lemon meringue tartlet. Make your reservation on OpenTable to join in the festivities.

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City Cruises

Elevate your Thanksgiving with a holiday cruise! Embark on City Cruises’ Thanksgiving brunch or Thanksgiving dinner cruises to take in breathtaking views of Berkeley’s waterfront while savoring a festive buffet.

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Skates on the Bay

11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Make Thanksgiving special with Skates on the Bay’s three-course dinner, served against the backdrop of the Berkeley waterfront. Their three-course meal includes comforting holiday favorites like a traditional turkey dinner, a seafood trio, soups, salads, and tempting desserts. Reservations can be made on the Skates on the Bay website.

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ZINO Mediterranean Cuisine

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a decadent holiday buffet at ZINO. The buffet menu includes a seafood buffet, chef station with apple and thyme-brined turkey, salt crusted rosemary prime rib and whole roasted salmon, along with traditional sides and an assortment of desserts. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling 510-845-7300.

Thanksgiving Dinner Pre-Orders

Berkeley Bowl (East and West)

Simplify your Thanksgiving with Berkeley Bowl’s pre-order holiday meals. Choose from a range of holiday meal kits, including vegan and traditional turkey dinners, Southern-inspired meals, and surf and turf options. Or order sides, roasts, and desserts à la carte for a personally curated meal. All orders are available for pre-sale only, with pickups scheduled for November 25th through 27th. Just choose your favorites, and enjoy a delicious holiday without the hassle.

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The Butcher's Son

The Butcher’s Son offers a vegan Thanksgiving feast that’s sure to delight! Designed for 4 to 6 people, the meal includes vegan turkey, sausage stuffing, shepherd’s pie, cheesecake, and eggnog. Orders are open until November 10th, with pick ups available from November 18th to 28th at 1954 University Ave in Berkeley. Act quickly—these meals tend to sell out fast!

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Kitchen On Fire

Give yourself a break this year with Kitchen On Fire’s Thanksgiving Carry-Out Feasts. Choose between a turkey dinner with sides or a vegetarian meal with baked delicata squash and sides, plus apple and pumpkin pies available à la carte. Place your order by November 18th at 5 p.m. and pick up your feast in Oakland on November 27th between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

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Rick & Ann's Restaurant

For a traditional Thanksgiving meal, Rick & Ann’s Restaurant has you covered. To receive a meal that is easy to enjoy at home, select the Individual Dinner Entrée featuring organic turkey, sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, and a personal pumpkin pie or order items à la carte. Place your order as early as possible as the Thanksgiving specials sell out quickly. Pick up Wednesday, November 27th between 12 and 5 p.m.

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Skates on the Bay

Bring Skates on the Bay’s flavors home this Thanksgiving with their pre-ordered family meals. Choose between a Turkey Family Meal with all the fixings or a Prime Rib Family Meal, both serving 3 to 4 people and pumpkin pie for dessert. Orders are open until 4 p.m. on November 22nd, with pick ups available on November 27th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or November 28th between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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Things to Do on Thanksgiving

Admire Holiday Lights

Stroll Fourth Street after Thanksgiving dinner to admire Dazzling Holiday Lights. Sparkling lights drape from the trees creating a festive atmosphere. As you wander, enjoy the unique storefronts and seasonal decor that make Fourth Street a favorite Berkeley holiday destination. It’s a great way to end your Thanksgiving with family and friends! Looking to pack your Thanksgiving weekend with unforgettable experiences? Explore our events calendar for all the best things to do for a weekend full of holiday magic.

Take a Sunset Hike

Spend Thanksgiving surrounded by Berkeley’s natural beauty with a sunset hike. Trails, like those up to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the iconic Big C, have stunning views of the Bay Area as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature and family.

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Dining In? We Got You!

If you're taking on Turkey Day in-house, here are a few ways to bring Berkeley to the table!

Natural Wine, Made in Berkeley

Berkeley's local winemakers can add elevate your table with natural, delicious reds, whites, roses, and more. Check out festive bottles from Hammerling, Convenant, Donkey & Goat, Broc, Tessier, and Noria to get things started.

Sandos & Sides

Triple Rock Brewery offers a traditional Thanksgiving sandwich before and after the holiday, best paired with one of the famoius house-brews like the famous house IPAX and classic American Red Rock ale.

Homeroom Berkeley has it going on with mac & cheese for all, making the perfect Thanksgiving side additions.