Not hosting this year? Hosting but drawing the line at pie crust? Either way, Hartford County has you covered. We rounded up where to sit down for a Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, November 26, 2026, where to grab a fully cooked dinner to reheat at home, and the local bakeries taking pie orders, plus the deadlines you need to know. A lot of those deadlines land next week, so bookmark this one.
Menus, prices and deadlines can change, so always confirm with the restaurant before you go or order.
Deadline Cheat Sheet
Thu, Nov 19: Fire By Forge (noon), Max Catering & Events (3 p.m.), Cafe Louise
Fri, Nov 20: Elmwood Pastry Shop and Small State Provisions pie pre-orders; free cancellation deadline for Mill on the River's group buffet (4 p.m.)
Sun, Nov 22: Bear's Smokehouse BBQ Bear Feast
Mon, Nov 23: Wade's Farm Fresh pies
Tue, Nov 24: Market Grille takeout (6 p.m.)
Where to Eat Out on Thanksgiving Day
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse — West Hartford
44 South Main Street, Blue Back Square
If your crew would rather have a steakhouse Thanksgiving, Fleming's opens early at 11 a.m. and runs its holiday menu until 8 p.m. The prix fixe starts at $64 for roasted turkey breast, with a petite filet ($78) or prime bone-in ribeye ($95) for the non-turkey people. Each comes with a starter, green beans and shared sides. Fleming's also has a to-go feast for six that starts at $265, with pickup Nov. 20–29. (Fleming's Thanksgiving, CTbites)
Seasons at Avon Old Farms Hotel — Avon
279 Avon Mountain Road
This is the big buffet. Chefs staff stations for Belgian waffles, honey-glazed ham, slow-roasted turkey and herb-crusted prime rib. There's also a seafood display with snow crab, jumbo shrimp and oysters, a kids' table, desserts and mimosas. Adults are $84.95++, kids 6–12 are $29.95++, and kids 5 and under eat free. Reservations run 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and need a credit card; call (860) 269-0240. (Avon Old Farms Hotel, CTvisit)
Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern — Simsbury
77 West Street
This is the most special-occasion pick on the list. Millwright's three-course prix fixe is $85 for adults and $45 for kids under 12. Start with butternut squash soup or smoked salmon mousse. Then choose organic roasted turkey, maple-glazed ham, prime flat iron steak or Wester Ross salmon. Stuffing, cheesy mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and mini holiday desserts are served family style. Book through OpenTable from the restaurant's site. Millwright's also has a carryout dinner for four, with pickup Thanksgiving morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Millwright's)
Market Grille — Manchester
110 Buckland Hills Drive
Market Grille is a solid family option near the Buckland Hills mall. The three-course dinner is $59.95 per adult and $24.95 for kids under 12, served 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Seating times are limited, so call 860-644-1011 or reserve online. Takeout is available too: order by Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. for pickup Thanksgiving morning. (Market Grille, CTbites)
Cotton Hollow Kitchen — South Glastonbury
840 Main Street
Cotton Hollow Kitchen serves a three-course prix fixe with a full turkey dinner, with seatings from noon to 5 p.m. There's a separate kids' menu. Reservations are on Resy, linked from the restaurant's Thanksgiving page, and the number is 860-781-8555. (Cotton Hollow Kitchen, CTbites)
Cafe Aura — Manchester
45 East Center Street
Cafe Aura is a cozy downtown Manchester spot with Thanksgiving seatings from noon to 6 p.m. Reservations are by phone at (860) 643-2751. (Cafe Aura, CTbites)
Mill on the River — South Windsor (groups of 8+)
989 Ellington Road
Bringing the whole extended family? Mill on the River holds a group buffet for parties of eight or more in its upstairs Rafters Room, which has elevator access. It includes a carving station with turkey, ham, prime rib and pork, plus pasta, salmon and a mini dessert station. The price is $67.95 per person and $27.95 for kids 12 and under, plus a 20% service charge and tax. Seatings are 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and a $250 deposit is required. Call 888-344-4414. (Mill on the River)
Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
Le Mazet — West Hartford
975 Farmington Avenue
The kitchen behind this French-inspired WeHa Center favorite will cook Thanksgiving for you. The dinner is $315 plus tax and serves 4–5. Pick up Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. It comes with reheating instructions and is on the table in under an hour. Ask about a fully gluten-free version when you order. (Le Mazet)
The Laurel — West Hartford
1046 New Britain Avenue
The Laurel's Thanksgiving To-Go Boxes serve 2, 4 or 6. You can add sides à la carte and a pumpkin olive oil cake for dessert. Pick up Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free parking is out back. (The Laurel, CTbites)
Cafe Louise — West Hartford
1156 New Britain Avenue
Cafe Louise has packages for 2 to 8 people, with turkey either ready to eat or ready to heat. You can add appetizers, sides and treats for the morning after, plus pies like Grandma's bourbon pecan and key lime. Order by Thursday, Nov. 19, and pick up Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Call 860-561-0160 with questions. (Cafe Louise, CTbites)
Fire By Forge — Hartford
539 Broad Street
Fire By Forge's Thanksgiving Box features a roasted maple-glazed turkey breast, seasonal sides and desserts. Order by Thursday, Nov. 19 at noon, and pick it up Wednesday, Nov. 25. (Fire By Forge)
Bear's Smokehouse BBQ — Hartford & South Windsor
25 Front Street, Hartford; 454 Ellington Road, South Windsor
The Bear Feast is a whole smoked turkey with all the fixings, and it feeds 6–8. Pre-order by Sunday, Nov. 22. Pick up cold orders Wednesday, Nov. 25, or hot orders on Thanksgiving Day. Check your location's pickup options when you order. (Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, CTbites)
Max Catering & Events — Hartford area
The Max Restaurant Group's catering team provides the turkey and all the trimmings, with extras à la carte. Orders are due Thursday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. Pick up Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Max Fish in Glastonbury or Savoy in West Hartford, or get delivery within 15 miles of Hartford. Call 860-522-9806. (CTbites, Max Hospitality)
Leave the Pie to the Pros
Elmwood Pastry Shop — West Hartford
1136 New Britain Avenue
Elmwood Pastry has been an Elmwood institution for more than 75 years, and it's now run by a new young owner, Sam Wilder. Thanksgiving options include chocolate crème, pumpkin, cherry and lemon meringue. The last day to pre-order is Friday, Nov. 20; call 860-233-2029. (We-Ha, CTbites pie guide)
Small State Provisions — Avon & West Hartford
205 Old Farms Road, Avon; inside Gastropark, 637 New Park Avenue, West Hartford
Pre-order apple crumb or chocolate cream pie, plus brioche dinner rolls, by the end of the day Friday, Nov. 20. Pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon–2 p.m. (Small State Provisions, CTbites pie guide)
Wade's Farm Fresh — Bloomfield
498 Simsbury Road
Wade's has a long pie list: Swiss chocolate almond, very berry, mince, blueberry, Boston cream, pumpkin chiffon and more. Order by Monday, Nov. 23 and pick up in store Wednesday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Call 860-243-1855. (Wade's Farm Fresh, CTbites pie guide)
Granny's Pie Factory — East Hartford
103 School Street
This is your last-minute lifesaver: you don't have to pre-order, though they appreciate a heads-up for five or more pies. Old-school flavors like mince, pineapple and custard are available while supplies last. Hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; call (860) 291-1164. (Granny's Pie Factory, CTbites pie guide)
A Few Thanksgiving Pro Tips
Book now. Thanksgiving seatings are limited and fill up fast, especially for big groups and early-afternoon slots.
Put deadlines in your phone. Most takeout and pie orders close between Nov. 19 and Nov. 24.
Plan the Wednesday pickup. Most to-go dinners are picked up Wednesday, Nov. 25. Check the pickup window and how much fridge space you'll need.
Ask about allergies when you order. Several spots offer gluten-free options if you ask ahead.
Where is your family eating this year? Tag us. We love seeing your tables! For more local eats, holiday events and what's new around Hartford County, follow @wehartford on Instagram, and check our Social Calendar for things to do all season long. Happy Thanksgiving!