Every Thanksgiving, plenty of restaurants in and around Abilene keep their doors open, from drive-thrus to diners and everything in between. My fellow coworker Chaz McGuire recently rounded up all the spots that will be open this Thanksgiving Day, many of which include fast-food and casual favorites. You can check out Chaz's full list [here].
But this article focuses on something a little more traditional, the kind of formal dine-in Thanksgiving dinner that celebrates gratitude, family, and proper holiday etiquette. These five Abilene restaurants are serving sit-down meals complete with turkey, dressing (or stuffing, depending on which side of the Texas line you're from), and every trimming imaginable, right down to pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie for dessert. Many of these spots recommend making reservations early to secure your seat at the table.
Inside the luxurious DoubleTree Inn at 500 Cypress Street, Smokehouse Abilene is offering a refined Thanksgiving dining experience. When I spoke with Jessica Fenwick, she shared that the holiday menu includes turkey and dressing, or if you prefer, roasted pork or crusted prime rib, all will be served from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., as we say in Texas, with all the trimmings.
The "Brunch Buffett" will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at $65 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. And don't worry, Jessica said, "We've got dessert covered."
Reservations are encouraged: 325-999-7848.
Few places do holiday comfort food like Cracker Barrel. Located at 1602 TX-351, this family favorite has been serving Thanksgiving dinners ever since it opened its doors.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a traditional turkey and dressing meal with their choice of sides, plus either biscuits or cornbread. Team member Hayden confirmed they'll feature pumpkin, pecan, and apple pie for dessert. If you crave that classic, down-home Thanksgiving feel, Cracker Barrel delivers every time.
For those who want variety and value, Golden Corral is a go-to. Guests can fill their plates with carved turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, baked ham, and more.
The manager shared that their dessert lineup includes all the usual treats plus seasonal pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Bring the whole family and enjoy a meal that's as abundant as your gratitude.
The always-open IHOP at 3750 South Clack Street will be serving its regular menu alongside traditional favorites. Employee Kie told me guests can enjoy turkey and dressing or baked ham, along with IHOP's breakfast classics and desserts. Whether you want pancakes or a plate full of turkey, IHOP's got you covered day or night.
Both Denny's locations, 3314 South Clack Street and 120 East Overland Trail, will be open all day and through the weekend. Employee Austin said the turkey and dressing dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy will be served continuously. For those looking for a familiar, easygoing Thanksgiving meal, Denny's remains a Big Country standby.
Abilene offers something for everyone this Thanksgiving, from casual bites to elegant feasts, but these five restaurants are keeping the focus on tradition, etiquette, and the true spirit of giving thanks.
So whether you're dressing up for a formal meal or just dressing your turkey plate, make your reservations early, gather the ones you love, and celebrate Thanksgiving the West Texas way, with gratitude, good company, and plenty of pie.