We know making Thanksgiving plans during the pandemic is tough, but if you decide you just can’t bear the thought of cooking this year, we’ve collected a few safer outdoor dining alternatives across South Florida. Let someone else do the cooking and the cleaning. And while other states shiver in the cold of late November, you can enjoy comfortable outdoor dining as it should be in the 70s this year!
Palm Beach County:
Farmer’s Table in both Boca Raton and North Palm Beach is offering a three-course Thanksgiving meal with seating for 100 people outside. Farmer’s Table is known for clean, farm-to-table ingredients - fresh food without the addition of excess fat or salt. This year, both locations are offering Thanksgiving orders “to go” and convenient online ordering. If you do decide to eat at the restaurant, reservations are recommended. Book reservations online.
You might’ve been to a wedding at The Sundy House in Delray, but did you know they’re also doing a special Thanksgiving menu this year. If you haven’t been to the Sundy House, you’re missing out on a beautiful South Florida gem. It’s a historic inn nestled in a unique tropical garden. Sundy House seating is mostly open air with a backdrop of its gorgeous gardens. This year, they’re offering a classic Thanksgiving buffet feast with seating for over 200 outside. You can make reservations through Open Table.
Enjoy a waterfront Thanksgiving at Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton. Highlights include: Pumpkin Bisque, Hand Carved Turkey, Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash, Honey Glazed Ham, Pumpkin Pie and so much more. Outdoor seating with a fantastic view of Lake Boca is available for parties of all sizes. Advance reservations are required. Call 561-368-9500.
Broward County:
Galuppi’s Restaurant & Patio Bar in Pompano Beach is open on Thanksgiving with a one price event that covers salad, appetizer, entree and dessert with plenty of seating on the outside patio-terrace. A delicious menu and a beautiful view of the Pompano Greens - all at a reasonable price. Galuppi’s also offers “Thanksgiving To Go” - a package that serves 8-10 people, oven-ready and available for pick up. Call 954-785-0226 with questions or to make reservations.
At Blue Moon Fish Company in Fort Lauderdale, over 200 people can sit outside and enjoy the beautiful views of the Intracoastal. A traditional Thanksgiving all-day buffet will be available along with salads and dessert offerings. They’re known as Fort Lauderdale’s “freshest seafood by the waterway” and their brunch buffets typically include bottomless Champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys. Reservations are available through Open Table.
If eating turkey while watching yachts sail by sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving, consider GG’s Waterfront. With covered outdoor seating, a fixed price menu and a family-style option, Thanksgiving at this Hollywood treasure is another delicious option. GG’s is also offers “Thanksgiving at Home” with full meals available for pickup. Seating on Turkey Day begins at 11am; call to reserve a table at 954-929-7030.
Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale has seating for 350 people outside. They are opening the Grateful Palate, their special event space, essentially turning that area into a covered patio (for an additional 100 seats). They are offering an all-you-can-eat buffet with plexiglass shields and stations manned by attentive staff. All of your traditional holiday favorites will be available. Shooters Waterfront has been a South Florida icon since 1982 with excellent food and beautiful views of the Intracoastal. Open Table is taking reservations for this restaurant.
Miami Dade County:
Smith and Wollensky Steakhouse in Miami Beach is offering a four-course traditional Thanksgiving meal. This eatery is offering a socially-distanced meal with ample waterfront outdoor seating. You can also order online for pickup. Located directly on the Government Cut, in South Pointe Park, the views are unbeatable. Online reviews agree that the service is fantastic! Reservations are available through Open Table.
How about celebrating Thanksgiving with mouth-watering Italian food? Fiola Miami in Coral Gables is offering a Celebration of Thanksgiving with a 4-course menu of gourmet Italian favorites including offerings like meatballs, lobster ravioli and risotto. Of course, turkey is available as a main course as well. Fiola has been recognized as a “Top 7 Pick” for Outdoor Dining in Miami (by Miami Curated) with a large veranda that has been retooled for social distancing. Make your reservations with Open Table.
The former Versace Mansion is now home to Gianni’s at the Villa Casa Casuarina. They’re offering a prix fixe (one price) four-course Thanksgiving menu served poolside or in the courtyard. It’s a unique, upscale dining experience sure to be a memorable one. Call 786-485-2200 for reservations or try Open Table.
Inside the THēsis Hotel Miami, in the heart of Coral Gables, you’ll find another unique dining experience in a restaurant called Mamey. Mamey Miami, with Chef Niven Patel, is known for exotic flavors and spices from the islands in Asia, Polynesia and the Caribbean. Prepare yourself for funky twists to old favorites and Thanksgiving flavors in new dishes. There is plenty of social distant seating on a covered outdoor patio. Open Table is taking reservations at Mamey.
If Thanksgiving on the sands of South Beach is right up your alley, maybe reserve a table at Nikki Beach on Ocean Drive. You can literally eat with your toes in the sand, watching the waves roll in. Nikki Beach is offering traditional holiday dishes and their specialty holiday sangria from noon to 6pm on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are available at Open Table.
No matter what you choose this holiday season, we hope you are healthy and safe. And when you’re ready to treat yourself to better German-engineering, we hope you’ll remember your friends at VW South Florida. Looking for a great deal on a new Volkswagen? Find a location near you.