Milwaukee Area Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Skip the cooking and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving feast this year. From elegant buffets to beloved local supper clubs, Milwaukee and its surrounding communities offer dozens of delicious dining options on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Whether you're looking for a traditional turkey dinner, an upscale brunch experience, or convenient takeout, this comprehensive guide has everything families need to plan the perfect holiday meal.

Reservations are filling fast at popular venues, so bookmark this page and start making calls today. We've organized options by location, budget, and family-friendliness to help you find exactly what works for your crew.

North Shore community dining options

For families living in Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Fox Point, Bayside, and Mequon, local options are limited but excellent. Most neighborhood restaurants close on Thanksgiving, making advance planning essential.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

This 110-year-old supper club stands as the cornerstone Thanksgiving dining option directly within North Shore communities. Located at 1319 E. Henry Clay Street in Whitefish Bay, Jack Pandl's serves both traditional turkey dinner and their signature German and American specialties including duck, schnitzel, and salmon wellington.

Hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Reservations: Strongly recommended — this spot fills up fast. Call (414) 964-3800 or book through OpenTable.
Family-friendly features: Historic supper club atmosphere, attentive staff experienced with families, heated outdoor patio, and a full menu with kid-friendly options.

Outpost Natural Foods Mequon

Families with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs will appreciate Outpost Natural Foods at 7590 W. Mequon Road. Their take-and-heat Thanksgiving packages are ideal for enjoying restaurant-quality food at home.

Pricing:

• Turkey Dinner for Two: $49

• Turkey Dinner for Four: $95

• Family Turkey Dinner: $196

• Vegan Celebration Roast Dinner for Two: $38

Order deadline: November 19, 2025
Pickup: November 24-26 during store hours
Contact: (262) 242-0426 or shop.outpost.coop

Downtown Milwaukee's Thanksgiving options

Downtown offers the widest selection of Thanksgiving dining, from lavish hotel buffets to prix fixe fine dining. All locations are within 10-15 minutes of North Shore communities.

The Pfister Hotel — Milwaukee's elegant Thanksgiving brunch

The newly renovated Grand Ballroom at 424 E. Wisconsin Avenue hosts the city's most spectacular Thanksgiving spread. This AAA Four Diamond property delivers a truly memorable experience.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Pricing: Adults $104 | Children (3-10) $35 | Under 2 FREE
Menu highlights: Fresh seafood on sculpted ice, meat-carving station, artisan Wisconsin cheese station, made-to-order egg dishes, and traditional Thanksgiving trimmings.
Reservations: Required with full prepayment through Tock. Refundable with 72+ hours cancellation notice.
Contact: (414) 273-8222

Mason Street Grill — Refined three-course dining

Inside The Pfister at 425 E. Mason Street, Mason Street Grill offers an intimate prix fixe experience for families preferring plated service over buffet-style dining.

Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: $74 per person
Menu: Choice of butternut squash soup or chopped salad; Amish free-range turkey or prime rib with all the fixings; carrot cake, flourless chocolate torte, or pumpkin pie for dessert.
Bonus: Take-and-bake dinner available for $57.26/person — order by November 24, pickup November 26.
Reservations: Book through OpenTable

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

This boutique arts hotel at 139 E. Kilbourn Avenue offers a Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner in a creative, welcoming atmosphere.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: Adults $79 | Children (3-10) $35 | Under 2 FREE
Menu: Herb roasted turkey, chopped salad, crisp Brussels sprouts, whipped sweet potatoes, green beans, sausage and fennel stuffing, and pumpkin cheesecake.
Reservations: $10/person deposit required through OpenTable (refundable with 72+ hours notice).
Contact: (414) 270-4422

The Capital Grille — Upscale steakhouse tradition

At 310 W. Wisconsin Avenue, this elegant steakhouse serves both a special Thanksgiving menu and their full dinner offerings.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: Adults $50 | Children $20
Menu: Slow-roasted turkey with brioche sage stuffing, French green beans with almonds, cranberry-pear chutney, and Sam's mashed potatoes. Add pecan-crusted sweet potatoes or pumpkin cheesecake for an extra charge.
Takeout option: Sides package serves 4 for $135 — pickup November 26-27.
Reservations: Book online at thecapitalgrille.com

Tre Rivali at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Located in the Historic Third Ward at 200 N. Broadway, Tre Rivali offers a unique Mediterranean-influenced Thanksgiving buffet that's perfect for adventurous families.

Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Pricing: Adults $70 | Children (12 and under) $30
Menu highlights: Carved turkey and ham, omelet station, pita-quiles with turkey confit, focaccia and date stuffing, honey Berbere smashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin-tahini cheesecake bars, and white chocolate-cranberry bread pudding.
Reservations: Book through OpenTable
Contact: (414) 291-3971

Mader's Restaurant — German-Thanksgiving fusion

This historic Milwaukee landmark at 1041 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive has been serving the community since 1902. Their unique dual-buffet format lets you choose between brunch and dinner service.

Hours: Brunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM ($47.95) | Dinner 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ($49.95)
Brunch menu: Made-to-order omelets, French toast, biscuits and gravy, plus Thanksgiving favorites.
Dinner menu: Traditional Thanksgiving classics alongside German specialties — sauerbraten, walleye roulade, schnitzel station, braised red cabbage, and Black Forest torte.
Special features: $4 million art collection, suits of armor, medieval decor, free valet parking.
Reservations: (414) 271-3377

Best family-friendly values in Milwaukee

These restaurants deliver excellent Thanksgiving meals at family-friendly prices, with welcoming atmospheres for kids of all ages.

The Packing House — Milwaukee's 50-year tradition

This beloved family restaurant at 900 E. Layton Avenue offers one of the best values in town, plus a unique drive-thru option for ultimate convenience.

Dine-in hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: Adults $39.99 | Children (10 and under) $23.99
Menu: Turkey with gravy, apple-sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, choice of soup or salad, bread and butter.
Drive-thru option: $30 cash only, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, no pre-order needed!
Reservations: (414) 483-5054

Potawatomi Casino — Multiple venues, one location

At 1721 W. Canal Street, Potawatomi offers three distinct dining experiences under one roof.

Canal Street Café & Dream Dance Steakhouse:

• Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Pricing: Adults $45 | Children (under 12) $20

• Menu: Herb-roasted turkey, slow-roasted New York strip, Red Cliff Fish Co. whitefish, classic sides

Sportsbook (casual):

• Hours: Opens 10:00 AM

• Special: Thanksgiving Burger — turkey burger topped with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry aioli, served with sweet potato fries and marshmallow fluff

Benny's Cafe — Best budget option

At 5354 S. 27th Street, this casual spot offers incredible value with meals that include a drink and dessert.

Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $19-$30 for complete meals including soup or salad, glass of wine or beer, and pumpkin pie or ice cream.
Menu options: Roast turkey with dressing ($21), roast duck with orange sauce ($25), ribeye steak ($30), Atlantic salmon ($21), coconut shrimp ($19), baked ham ($19).
No reservation required — walk-ins welcome!
Contact: (414) 431-0004

Western suburbs serve up Thanksgiving feasts

Families in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and the Lake Country area have excellent local options.

Alioto's Restaurant, Wauwatosa

This historic Italian-American restaurant at 3041 N. Mayfair Road celebrates 100 years of serving Milwaukee families.

Hours: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: Roast turkey $34 | Tenderloin tips $33 | Roast duckling $42 | Filet mignon $48 | Prime rib $58
Includes: Soup or salad, choice of potato, and dessert with all entrées.
Children's menu: Available
Reservations required: (414) 476-6900

Maggiano's Little Italy, Wauwatosa

Located at Mayfair Mall (2500 N. Mayfair Road), this family-style Italian restaurant offers a three-course feast with generous portions perfect for sharing.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dine-in pricing: Adults $51+ | Children $18
Menu: Choice of roasted turkey, smoked ham, or grilled salmon with salads, pastas, sides, and pumpkin praline cheesecake.
Carryout bundles (serves 4-5): Cold-prepared $210 (pickup Nov. 26) | Hot-prepared $220 (pickup Nov. 27)
Reservations: Dine-in (414) 978-1000 | Carryout (414) 978-1010

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Brookfield

At 15665 W. Bluemound Road, this upscale steakhouse offers both traditional and premium options.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: Starting at $59/guest | Children's 3-course menu starting at $22
Menu options: Petite filet mignon ($74), USDA Prime bone-in ribeye, or mixed-herb roasted turkey breast with sharable sides including housemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Reservations: Book through OpenTable

The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee — Best for families with kids

This Lake Country hotel at 2810 Golf Road combines a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with resort amenities including a waterpark — perfect for burning off energy after the big meal.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Lake Country Ballroom)
Pricing: Adults $45 | Children (3-12) $23 | Under 3 FREE
Menu highlights: Cream of squash soup, shrimp cocktail, carved turkey with cornbread stuffing, prime rib, roasted salmon, baked sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, pumpkin pie, and more.
Reservations required: (262) 547-0201

Weissgerber's Golden Mast Inn, Okauchee

For a scenic Thanksgiving with stunning lake views, this family-style restaurant at W349 N5293 Lacy's Lane has been serving holiday dinners for over 50 years.

Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Pricing: Adults $46 | Children $22
Menu: All-you-can-eat family-style turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, brown sugar glazed pecan sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, cran-apple pie, and vanilla ice cream.
Reservations required: (262) 567-7047

Matty's Bar & Grille, New Berlin

At New Berlin, this neighborhood spot opens at 10:00 AM with both dine-in and takeout options.

Takeout package: $34.99 per meal — includes herb butter roasted turkey, apple honey glazed ham, garlic mashed potatoes, hot honey root vegetables, green bean almondine, baked mac 'n cheese, cranberry sauce, stuffing, bread, and choice of pumpkin or apple pie.
Reservations: (414) 427-3838

Reliable chain restaurants open Thanksgiving Day

When you need a guaranteed spot without the fuss, these national chains deliver consistent quality and predictable pricing.

Cracker Barrel, Germantown

W176 N9778 Rivercrest Dr | (262) 253-4188
Opens at 11:00 AM with their famous homestyle cooking and traditional turkey meal. Heat-and-serve feasts available for larger groups (serves 4-10 people) — requires 24-hour notice.

Golden Corral, Milwaukee

300 W. Layton Avenue | (414) 482-7500
All-you-can-eat buffet featuring holiday specials with carving stations for turkey, ham, and pork roast, plus peel-and-eat shrimp, traditional sides, and pumpkin and pecan pie.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Opens at 11:00 AM with a three-course Thanksgiving dinner.
Pricing: Adults $52 | Children (12 and under) $19-$21
Menu: Oven-roasted turkey breast with sausage-herb stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, cranberry relish, and pumpkin cheesecake. Full steakhouse menu also available.

Denny's

Multiple Milwaukee locations including Brown Deer (8001 W. Brown Deer Road) and South Howell (4925 S. Howell Avenue).
Many locations open 24 hours. Turkey bundle meals available for dine-in or take-home. Call ahead to confirm specific location hours.

IHOP

Multiple locations including West Milwaukee (1110 Miller Park Way).
Regular menu available plus seasonal items like pumpkin spice pancakes. Call ahead as hours vary by location.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Multiple locations including 130 W. Layton Avenue.
Famous for their pies — perfect for picking up Thanksgiving desserts with 24-hour advance ordering.

Excellent takeout options with ordering deadlines

For families who want restaurant-quality food at home, these takeout packages offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. Note the order deadlines carefully!

Restaurant Serves Price Order Deadline Pickup Blue's Egg + Bakery 5 $150 Nov. 21 Nov. 26 Saz's Catering 4 $170 Nov. 21 Nov. 26-27 Smoke Shack 6 $165 Nov. 17 Nov. 25-26 Ward's House of Prime 10-12 Call for pricing Nov. 26 Nov. 27 Parkside 23 (GF) 4-5 $179.50 Nov. 21 Nov. 26 Café Manna (Vegan) Varies $35/plate Nov. 22 Nov. 26

Blue's Egg + Bakery (317 N. 76th St., Wauwatosa) deserves special mention for their legendary pies ($30-$38 each) — pumpkin, salted brown butter, bourbon pecan, French silk, and more.

Vegetarian and special diet options

Café Manna (3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield) offers the area's best fully vegetarian/vegan Thanksgiving with Tofurkey ham, vegan mac 'n cheese, stuffed acorn squash, and plant-based desserts. Order by November 22 for pickup November 26. Call (262) 790-2340.

Outpost Natural Foods (multiple locations including Mequon and Wauwatosa) offers complete vegan dinner packages and à la carte options for families with dietary restrictions. Order by November 19.

Tre Rivali downtown features several vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean sides on their buffet.

Quick reference by budget

Budget-friendly (under $25/person):

• Benny's Cafe: $19-$30 (includes drink and dessert)

• Golden Corral: Regular buffet pricing

• IHOP/Denny's: Regular menu pricing

• The Packing House drive-thru: $30 cash

Mid-range ($25-$50/person):

• The Packing House dine-in: $39.99 adults, $23.99 kids

• Potawatomi Casino: $45 adults, $20 kids

• The Ingleside Hotel: $45 adults, $23 kids

• Golden Mast Inn: $46 adults, $22 kids

• Mader's: $47.95-$49.95

• The Capital Grille: $50 adults, $20 kids

Upscale ($50+/person):

• Ruth's Chris: $52 adults

• Fleming's: Starting at $59

• Tre Rivali: $70 adults

• Mason Street Grill: $74

• Saint Kate: $79 adults

• The Pfister: $104 adults

Reservation tips for families

Book immediately — Thanksgiving reservations fill quickly, especially at popular venues like Jack Pandl's, The Pfister, and The Ingleside Hotel.

Consider timing carefully. Early seatings (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) tend to be less crowded and work well for families with young children. Later seatings after 3:00 PM may have shorter waits but can conflict with afternoon naps.

Ask about kids' amenities when booking. Many restaurants offer high chairs, booster seats, and children's menus, but availability can be limited on busy holidays.

Note cancellation policies. Several venues require prepayment or deposits and have strict cancellation windows (typically 48-72 hours).

Call to confirm. Restaurant hours and offerings can change. A quick confirmation call the week of Thanksgiving ensures no surprises.

Making the most of your Thanksgiving outing

A few final tips from families who've done this before: Arrive a few minutes early to get settled, especially with little ones. Bring a small activity bag for kids — crayons, stickers, or a favorite small toy can make the wait for food much easier. Consider making the meal part of a larger family tradition, like a post-dinner walk along the lakefront or a drive to see early holiday decorations.

However you choose to celebrate, dining out on Thanksgiving offers something truly special: quality time together without the stress of cooking and cleanup. Here's to a delicious, relaxing holiday with your favorite people.

Happy Thanksgiving from North Shore Family Adventures!

Have a restaurant to add or an update to share? Drop us a note — we'll keep this guide updated throughout the season. And don't forget to make those reservations today!