Your Perfect Thanksgiving Escape: Local Monterey Restaurants Offering Holiday Specials

The bags are packed, the coastal drive was stunning, and you've checked into the Stage Coach Lodge.

But now, the most important question for any holiday traveler hits: What about Thanksgiving Dinner?

If the thought of cooking a full turkey dinner in your hotel room (don't even try!) is stressing you out, relax.

As a local hotel expert, Monterey makes it incredibly easy to ditch the dishes and enjoy a spectacular, chef-prepared feast.

Forget the stress of finding the one place open—the Monterey Peninsula is a prime destination for Thanksgiving, and our best local eateries offer incredible Monterey Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations.

Here is your go-to guide for a delicious, stress-free holiday meal.

The Traditional Feast: Classic Turkey Dinners

If you’re looking for the full, traditional experience—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pie—Monterey’s major restaurants and hotel venues offer beautifully executed prix-fixe menus and buffets.

This is ideal for our primary audience: Leisure Travelers and Families who want the holiday feel without the holiday work.

High-End Prix-Fixe & Fine Dining

These venues offer elegant, multi-course meals perfect for a special occasion.

• The Sardine Factory: A Cannery Row icon, they typically offer a four-course prix-fixe menu featuring the traditional slow-roasted turkey dinner, gourmet appetizers, and a choice of classic holiday desserts. The price point reflects the classic, fine-dining atmosphere.
   
• Jacks Monterey: Located in the heart of downtown, Jacks offers a sophisticated three-course menu under their beautiful, tree-lined atrium. Look for options like roasted Diestel Turkey, Prime Rib, and even a fresh-caught Halibut option for those who want a taste of the coast.
  • Expert Tip: These are high-demand spots. Call the restaurant directly as soon as possible for the most up-to-date Monterey Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations.

Grand Buffets for the Whole Family

For families and large groups who love variety, a buffet is the perfect choice.

• Portola Hotel & Spa: Their annual Thanksgiving Buffet in the De Anza Ballroom is a massive spread. Expect carving stations with turkey and prime rib, fresh seafood, extensive sides (candied yams, stuffing, etc.), and a huge dessert selection. This is an excellent choice if you have picky eaters or a large party.
   
• Monterey Marriott (Ferrante's Bay View Room): Gather here for a delicious buffet with the bonus of sweeping coastal views. Their menu often features turkey, prime rib, crab claws, and a delightful array of holiday sweets.

Coastal & Casual: Options Beyond Turkey

Not everyone wants turkey, and that’s perfectly fine! One of the benefits of spending Thanksgiving on the holiday dining on the Monterey Peninsula is the abundance of amazing seafood.

This section is for our "Non-Traditional" Diners.

• Ocean-View Seafood Restaurants (Chart House, Old Fisherman's Grotto): Many famous Monterey waterfront spots remain open on Thanksgiving Day. While they may offer a turkey special, they usually stick close to their signature seafood and steak menus. You can trade in your gravy for some cioppino and mashed potatoes for lobster risotto.
   
• Estéban Restaurant (Casa Munras): Located in Old Town, Estéban often puts a Spanish-Californian spin on Thanksgiving. Look for their three-course offering with unique twists—a great choice if you prefer a bit of European flair and a less conventional meal.

Your #1 Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Reservation Action Plan

To ensure your perfect Thanksgiving escape goes off without a hitch, you need a plan.

Remember, your Monterey Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations should be handled well in advance.

1. Do Not Wait: Booking windows for Thanksgiving open in early to mid-October and spots vanish quickly, especially for prime seating between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
2. Confirm the Details: Always call the restaurant directly to confirm 2025 pricing, exact hours, and cancellation policies. Menus and prices are subject to change.
3. Find Your Perfect Home Base: Planning your holiday starts with where you stay. The Stage Coach Lodge offers the perfect balance of comfort, value, and easy access to all of these spectacular dining destinations. Our central location means a shorter drive back to your cozy room after a big meal!

Don't spend your time in our beautiful town worrying about cooking. Let Monterey's world-class chefs handle the feast so you can focus on making memories.

Ready to lock in your holiday stay and focus on your dinner plans?

Book Your Thanksgiving Stay at The Stage Coach Lodge TODAY!