Thanksgiving is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year: a time to gather with loved ones, make memories, and share good food. For many, it’s traditional to celebrate the holiday from the comfort of their own homes or visiting family. But for a change of pace, consider spending the holiday in beautiful Siesta Key.
A Thanksgiving in Siesta Key means warm weather, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches, a welcome change of pace from the chilly fall weather that’s overtaking much of the country. However, a Thanksgiving away from home begs the question: How can the family celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving meal?
Peppertree Vacation Rentals provide fully-stocked kitchens, but for many, the hassle of grocery shopping in an unfamiliar town plus all of the cooking and cleaning while on vacation isn’t worth the fuss. To make the entire process a little easier, here are a few Siesta Key restaurants open for Thanksgiving.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille steakhouse is renowned for its fine dining and world-class wines and offers one of the best options for a Thanksgiving meal in the Siesta Key area. Traditional Thanksgiving cuisine includes slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans, cranberry pear chutney, and mashed potatoes. The dinner is topped off with delicious pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Guests may also choose to order off the regular menu. The steakhouse offers such delicacies as dry aged porterhouse steak, filet mignon, and fresh Maine lobster. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
The restaurant is conveniently located at 180 University Town Center Dr and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. Private dining reservations are also possible.
Der Dutchman
One of the most popular restaurants open for Thanksgiving, Der Dutchman serves a full all-you-can-eat buffet with all your holiday favorites: turkey, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied sweet potatoes, creamed corns, green beans, dinner rolls, and dessert bar. Der Dutchman also runs a bustling Amish kitchen with traditional baked goods that are sure to delight. Staff are attentive to food allergies and other dietary restrictions, so be sure to advise them of any special needs you may have.
Tickets are affordable, costing $23 for adults and $11 for children. Der Dutchman is located at 3713 Bahia Vista St. in Sarasota and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving tends to be a particularly busy day, so be sure to arrive as early as possible to avoid lines. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds entirely and enjoy the privacy of your Siesta Key vacation rental, it is possible to order a carry out package ahead of time.
Duval’s
Located in downtown Sarasota at 1435 Main St., Duval’s annually prepares a fancy traditional Thanksgiving meal. Wear your stretch pants to make room for these delightful dishes, which include cornbread and rolls, herb and butter roasted turkey with pan gravy, brown sugar mustard glazed ham, smashed potatoes with herb butter, roasted sweet potato casserole, orange-ginger cranberry sauce, roasted asparagus and carrots, and more. Top it all off with your choice of dessert: pumpkin pie or key lime bars.
If you’re not in the mood for a traditional dinner, try something different. An alternative menu offers grilled steak or pork, lobster, shrimp and scallops, blue cheese mushroom fondue, among other options.
Reservations can be made in advance for any time between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The traditional meal costs $36 per adult and $24 for children under 10. The best part? Everyone gets a to-go bag filled with leftovers to bring home!
Siesta Key Vacation Rentals
This fall, like any other Thanksgiving, spend the day with family, sharing food together and making memories. But add to that an afternoon trip to Siesta Key Beach, and it’s a Thanksgiving that will be sure to stand out in everyone’s memory! If you enjoy the area enough (as we’re sure you will), consider also spending the Christmas holidays in Siesta Key with Siesta Key monthly rentals or Sarasota monthly rentals. We invite you to explore our full range of vacation and monthly rentals.