Best Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving In Pittsburgh

Even if you enjoy preparing your annual Thanksgiving feast for family and friends, there's no denying that sometimes it's nice to let someone else take care of the turkey, desserts and all of the dishes. This year, take the stress out of planning the perfect meal while trying to please every picky palate and treat yourself to a Thanksgiving feast cooked by the region's best chefs. There's something for everyone, from traditional fine dining options to a unique dinner cruise on the city's three rivers. If you enjoyed last year's holiday dinner at one of the many Pittsburgh restaurants open on Thanksgiving, grab the gang and get ready to gobble until you wobble at these five restaurants open and ready to serve you this Thanksgiving.

For a traditional dinner with an untraditional twist, board one of the Gateway Clipper riverboats and set sail on its Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise consistently rated among the best places in the 'Burgh to spend your Thanksgiving. An extensive buffet-style menu of essential Thanksgiving fixings will be served by the fleet's personal Chef Logan, including turkey and ham, vegetables, mashed potatoes, seasonal pies, fresh fruit and hot coffee and tea. Multiple cruises are offered on Thanksgiving; however, reservations are required. Tickets for the Gateway Clipper Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise are $45 per adult and $20 per child.

Michael's Restaurant & Lounge has been a longstanding favorite in Pittsburgh's Baldwin neighborhood and just one bite of any entrée from its menu makes it easy to see why. Its Thanksgiving Day menu, however, really raises the bar with an impressive special menu to feed the entire family. Choose from carved roast beef, ham or turkey paired with your choice of four sides, including salad, stuffing, green beans, yams, mashed potatoes and more. Don't forget about dessert—you'll get that as well. Michael's Restaurant & Lounge is open on Thanksgiving day from 1 to 7 p.m. Reservations are required.

If you'd prefer to chow down on Thanksgiving favorites earlier in the day, then the Omni William Penn Hotel's Thanksgiving Day brunch is perfect for you. Dine in the stunning Terrace Room while sharing an appetizer like herbed goat cheese, truffled wild mushrooms or roasted apple hummus. Save room for your entrée though; you won't want to be too stuffed to enjoy the restaurant's roasted turkey breast, prime rib roast of beef or butternut squash lasagna. To complete your meal, the Terrace Room offers several sweet endings, including mini pumpkin pie, truffles, apple tarts, macaroons and mini pecan pies. Brunch is available Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (412) 553-5325.

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Perhaps Spanish cuisine better suits your Thanksgiving Day cravings. If so, head to Mallorca Restaurant. Make a reservation early to ensure a table on Thanksgiving so you don't miss out on a flavorful and festive feast featuring vegetarian options, soups, entrees and appetizers. An award-winning wine list is also available. Mallorca Restaurant is located in the city's South Side neighborhood in a beautifully maintained three-story townhouse atmosphere.

If your Thanksgiving Day travels find you at the Pittsburgh International Airport, the Olive Press Restaurant will be open to serve you a welcoming and delicious feast. Traditionally, a four-course dinner has been offered, featuring an iconic turkey dinner as an entrée option. Fill up on regional dishes made from fresh and local ingredients, which pairs well with the bar's extensive wine list. Tired, hungry travelers won't have to go far to feast of their Thanksgiving fare. The Olive Press Restaurant is located inside the Hyatt Regency, conveniently attached to the Pittsburgh International Airport.

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