The busy person’s guide to Thanksgiving in Charlotte (whether you want to skip cooking or hosting—or both)
By Jessica Bentley
November 14, 2018
Not every Thanksgiving has to involve 4 a.m. wake-up calls to prep the bird, spending a fortune on various ingredients for your favorite comfort foods or washing a massive stack of dishes.
Charlotte has a ton of great restaurants and bakeries that can help ease your holiday, so you might as well take advantage. Here’s our ultimate guide to enjoying Thanksgiving in Charlotte:
If you want to avoid cooking, but still want to host it at home:
Bojangles
Multiple Locations
‘Tis the season for Seasoned Fried Turkeys ($39.99). My family and I tried these last year and highly recommend them! Order your bird today by calling your local store to check for availability. They also offer traditional sides like biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese along with desserts.
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
4001-C Yancey Rd.
So you’ve decided to cook the turkey but don’t want to deal with all the sides? Each side dish from Alyssa’s kitchen serves 6-8 people, perfect for your family’s get-together. Preorder online by November 16th at 12pm. Pick up times are Tuesday the 21 between 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesday the 22 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City Barbeque
Multiple Locations
City Barbeque smokes all their meats in-house, including smoked turkey for $13.99 per pound. You can order in-store or online, so make sure to call your local location to arrange your pick-up time. I highly recommend their Green Beans with Bacon and Corn Pudding as side items as well.
Coastal Kitchen & Bar
222 East 3rd St.
This uptown eatery is offering everything from appetizers to dessert togo. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 18 by calling 704-331-4360. Your meal will be available for pick-up on Thursday the 22 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Copain Gatherings
Pickup at Rooster’s South Park, 6601 Morrison Blvd.
Enjoy prepared dishes from beloved Chef Jim Noble and Noble Food & Pursuits. Order online, at least 48 hours in advance, for pickup on November 21. The menu includes appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and pies.
Fresh Market
Multiple Locations
Pick up pre-made dinners for the whole crew (3-5 people $54.99, 8-10 people $79.99; and 12-14 people $149.99). Make sure to order by November 18 online or November 21 in-store by 2pm. Pickup is available on November 22 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Harper’s Pineville
11059 Carolina Place Pkwy.
The takeout menu includes a variety of traditional Thanksgiving fare, including turkey’s ($50), sides ($8-$20), and pies ($15). The deadline to order is November 20 with a pick-up between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 22. Order by calling 704-541-5255.
Note: You can also dine-in from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day ($28 for adults and $15 for 12 and under).
La Belle Helene
300 S. Tryon St.
Offering everything you need in one package that serves 6-8 guests for pickup only ($275). Rôtisserie Joyce Farms Heritage Black Turkey, Brioche Dinner Rolls, Haricot Verts Amondine, Pommes Purée, Cranberry & Orange Chutney, Brussels Sprouts Aux Lardons, Cornbread & Sage Stuffing, along with Pumpkin Charlotte and Pecan Caramel Tarts. Guests can call 704 969 2550 to order and pickup is on 11/21. They will be closed on 11/22.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
214 North College St.
Mert’s is celebrating the Fried Turkey craze and selling them to the masses ($65 each)! Order your bird by November 17 and pick them up on Thanksgiving Day between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mert’s famous sides are available for purchase as well.
Midwood Smokehouse
Various Locations
Order a whole smoked turkey for $70 with sides ranging from $3 – $30. You can also order by the pound ($13 – $18 per pound) if you’re not looking for a whole bird. The order deadline is November 18, with pick-up on the 21. Call your local store to arrange your meal options (orders need to be made in person or over the phone).
Hey Lake Norman friends, did you know they have a location in Birkdale Village?
Queen City Q
225 E. 6th St. (don’t worry, there’s free parking)
They’ve got you covered for all the sides (each feeds up to 15 people) and alternatives to turkey (hand pulled pork, beef brisket, pork ribs, smoked chicken and sausage). There are also desserts and beverages designed for large parties (a half-pan of banana pudding sounds like the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, $29.99). Check out their catering and pick-up menu for more details and call 980-272-6341 to place your order.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Two Locations
Order a variety of sides ($16.99 each), uncooked turkey by the pound ($3.99 – $7.99), cooked whole turkeys ($79.99 to $119.99, depending on size) and other proteins along with desserts ($7.99 – $64.99). Pickup is available on November 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
923 Belmont Ave.
Offering Whole Smoked Turkeys ranging from 10 to 24 pounds ($98 – $190), Prime Rib (market price), Pork Loin (3-pounds for $38) and Smoked Scottish Salmon Filets (3-pounds for $65) along with all your favorite sides. Call them at 865-591-8178 for more details (and check out their full menu here). Orders must be placed at least 72 hours in advance and pick-up is available on Thanksgiving Day.
If you don’t feel like baking dessert, these sweet shacks have got you covered:
Anderson’s Catering
1617 Elizabeth Ave.
Call 704-333-3491 or jump online to order pies for yourself, your friends or clients. They are widely known for their pies, but they also offer a full catering menu as well.
Note: If you want to spread joy to your family outside of Charlotte, their Pecan ($25) and Chocolate Pecan Pies ($27) can be shipped anywhere in the US.
Amelie’s French Bakery
Various Locations
This whimsical bakery offers cakes, pastries and cookies… oh my! From Chocolate Croisants to Iced Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread, this eatery has something for everyone’s sweet tooth. They are not open on Thanksgiving Day, so make sure to order your dessert in advance. Call your local store for more details and make sure to inquire about their catering options.
La Piccola Gabbia
224 E 7th St.
If you’re looking for pastries similar to what you would find at a coffee shop in Europe (less sweet and more bold in flavor), look no further. This bakery recently opened a storefront inside the 7th Street Market, and is primarily known for their Biscotti, Chocolate Cherry Cake and Cannelé de Bordeaux. They are also offering a Thanksgiving dessert menu, call 330-581-9135 to find out details!
Nova’s Bakery
Various Locations
A great option here is their New York Style Cheesecake. It comes by the slice ($2.55) or whole ($23.55 for 10-inch). They also offer muffins, cookies, brownies, pies, and cakes. Call your local store to arrange your order and pick-up time.
Renaissance Patisserie
Two Locations
Their Patisserie menu has a scrumptious selection of pies, gourmet cakes, individual pastries and much more. Impress your guests with their seasonal fruit tarts and eclairs. Yum. Call 980-819-8771 to place your holiday orders.
A Smart Cookie
6801 Northlake Mall Dr.
Order your holiday desserts online from this Charlotte-based cancer researcher turned baker. She offers bourbon pecan pies ($25), gooey pumpkin butter cakes ($35), carrot, pound and sweet potato cakes ($35 each). From my own personal experience… I have to mention that the bourbon pecan pies are D-E-L-I-S-H.
Suarez Bakery
4245 Park Rd.
Pies (ranging from $18 – $25) are available by pre-order only with at least 48-hours notice, pending availability. Check out all the delicious varieties. Other options you could choose from include cookies, cupcakes and full-size cakes, call 704-525-0145 for more details.
If you want to skip cleaning, decorating and hosting, dine out at these restaurants:
Angeline’s
303 S. Church St.
Price: $45 for adults, $25 for ages 5-12, free for under 5.
Time: Breakfast from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Thanksgiving dinner from noon – 7 p.m.
Deets: Their “Friendsgiving” dinner menu, features the traditional confit turkey and yams to adventurous roasted squash lasagna and roasted grouper.
The Asbury
235 N. Tryon St.
Price: $55 for adults, $25 for ages 6-10, free for 5 and under.
Time: There are two seatings: 12:30-12:45 p.m. and 3-3:45 p.m.
Deets: They also have Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade seating available. Make your reservations by calling 704-342-1193.
Bean Vegan
3001 East Independence Blvd.
Price: $30 per person
Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Deets: Vegetarians rejoice, Bean Vegan has an entire feast for you to enjoy. From Acorn Squash Carrot Ginger Soup to traditional Green Bean Casserole, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Bistro la Bon
1322 Central Ave.
Price: $36 for adults and $17 for ages 5-10.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deets: It’s a Thanksgiving Brunch Smorgasbord! There will be cooked-to-order waffles, French toast and scrambled eggs, along with a carving station, all the traditional sides, pastries and desserts. This is available by reservation only, call 704-333-4646.
BLT Steak at the Ritz-Carlton
110 N. College St.
Price: $80 for adults and $40 for ages 10 and younger.
Time: Call 704-972-4380 for reservations.
Deets: A three-course menu with your choice of turkey, Scottish salmon or prime rib as your entree.
Capital Grille
201 N Tryon St.
Price: $42 for adults and $15 for children.
Time: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Deets: Thanksgiving dinner includes Slow-Roasted Turkey with Brioche Stuffing, French Green Beans with Marcona Almonds and Cranberry Pear Chutney. Accompanied bySam’s Mashed Potatoes to share. Call 704-348-1400 for reservations.
Coco and The Director
100 W Trade St.
Price: $30
Time: Breakfast with Santa 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. before the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade.
Deets: Includes VIP parade seating, breakfast sandwich, fruit or yogurt, nonalcoholic beverages and photos with Santa. Grab your tickets here.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
4725 Piedmont Row Dr.
Price: $49 for adults and $24 for children.
Time: Noon – 8 p.m.
Deets: Their Thanksgiving menu includes an appetizer, turkey breast with apple-sausage stuffing, sides and dessert. Full menu also available. Make your reservations by calling 704-552-5502 or visiting their website.
Harper’s South Park
6518 Fairview Rd.
Price: $32 for adults and $15 for 12 and younger.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Deets: The dine-in menu includes roasted turkey, ham and prime rib with sides and dessert. Make your reservations by calling 704-366-6688 or online.
Mimosa Grill
327 S. Tryon St.
Price: $44.95 for adults and $15.95 for children younger than 12.
Time: Call 704-343-0700 to make your reservation.
Deets: Their feast will be served buffet-style and includes turkey, ham, prime rib and all the fixings. If you’d like to order Thanksgiving to-go, they require a four-person minimum, $34.95 per person. It will be ready for pickup on Wednesday or Thursday and includes starters, turkey, ham, all the sides and dessert. Call 704-343-0700 for more details.
Oak Steakhouse
4744 Sharon Rd.
Price: $42 for adults and $25 for children.
Time: Noon – 8 p.m.
Deets: A three-course meal featuring NC-raised turkeys. Call 704-954-8900 to grab more details and make your reservation.
Stoke Charlotte
100 W. Trade St.
Price: $60 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-10, 3 and under are free.
Time: Seatings at noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Deets: Full course meal with entree choices of smoked turkey, pork loin and NC-raised trout. Make your reservations by calling 704-353-6005.
Upstream
6902 Phillips Pl.
Price: $42.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 12 and under.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Deets: Thanksgiving dinner will be served buffet-style, including a seafood bar and carving station. Call 704-556-7730 to make your reservation.
VIA CHARLOTTE FIVE
