Dine In (Or Take Out) This Thanksgiving at These Local Restaurants – 2022

Had grand plans to make a full Thanksgiving spread from scratch this year, but now having second thoughts? Relax. These local restaurants are heating up the oven and firing up the smoker to prepare a memorable meal for you and your loved ones, whether your preference is dining out or kicking back at home. Now all you have to do is choose a restaurant and save some room.

Ambar

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Brunch) | 4 p.m.-10 p.m. (Dinner)

Place takeout order by: 3 p.m., Nov. 22

Enjoy Thanksgiving brunch or dinner in Ambar’s light-filled dining room, or pick up heat-and-serve essentials for home. In addition to its Ambar Experience dinner menu, the Balkan restaurant will offer its take on classic menu items: roasted turkey (loaded with white-thyme garlic butter and accompanied with garlic mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry chutney), green bean casserole (Dijon nutmeg cream sauce and French onions), poppyseed strudel topped with powdered sugar, and more ($55 per person). Want the taste of Ambar but the comfort of your own dining table? Order a carryout feast for two: roasted turkey, squash potage, green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, apple pecan salad and strudel ($79 per order). // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Bar Ivy

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: 3 p.m., Nov. 20

From this new Clarendon eatery with California vibes comes a nine-course meal (yes, you read that right) for four that you can dig into at home. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and is fully made in-house. Highlights include: herb-rubbed turkey breast with gravy, cornbread-sausage stuffing, Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons and honey mustard, and pumpkin pie. Get the full meal for $225. Wines are also available as add-ons. // 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Celebrity Delly

Takeout Only

Place takeout order by: 8 p.m., Nov. 18 

Get an ample Turkey Day spread from this nearly 47-year-old Falls Church landmark, known for latkes, knishes and a sandwich called “I’ll Have What She’s Having.” The a la carte Thanksgiving menu is designed for a table of five and features oven-roasted turkey with rosemary and thyme ($60), butternut squash lasagna ($50), sweet potato casserole (yes, it includes marshmallows) ($40) and other goodies. // 7263A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church

Earl’s Sandwiches

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: Noon, Nov. 21

The Clarendon mainstay has a whole lot more than sandwiches this Thanksgiving. Choose from three sizes of whole turkey ($69.99-$109.99), sliced turkey or roast beef ($17.99 per pound), bread stuffing with thyme ($7.99 per pint), pureed butternut squash (market price), cranberry relish ($8.99 per pint) and additional sides and sauces. // 2605 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Essy’s Carriage House

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: Noon-9 p.m., Nov. 24

Place takeout order by 5 p.m., Nov. 18

Celebrate Thanksgiving at this family-owned eatery in Cherrydale, where the kitchen is serving up both dine-in and takeout options. Each meal ($43) comes with spiced pumpkin soup; house salad; homemade cornbread and French bread; turkey, salmon or London broil; and a choice of dessert (we’re eyeing the ultimate chocolate cake). To place a takeout order, call 703-525-7899. //4030 Langston Blvd., Arlington

Green Pig Bistro

Dine-in only

Dine-in hours: 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 24

This Southern-influenced Clarendon eatery is welcoming in-house guests with an ample spread of savory Thanksgiving fare. Starters include artichoke, hazelnut and blue cheese bisque; buffalo pork ribs; and warm lobster/hearts of palm dip. For the main event, choose orange-and-thyme-infused turkey breast with sides ($35.50); a ribeye dinner for two ($89); or a la carte entrees you can pair with veggies such as crispy Brussels sprouts or caulini almondine. //1025 N. Fillmore St. Suite D, Arlington (Clarendon)

Lebanese Taverna

Takeout only

Pure-bred leg of lamb ($180). Sumac-rubbed roast turkey with spiced rice and toasted nuts ($180). Roasted za’atar potatoes ($40). Baklava-crusted cheesecake ($45). There’s lots to choose from in a menu that aims to “bring a little bit of Lebanese love and spice to your festive spread.” // Pick up at Lebanese Taverna-Tysons (2001 International Drive, Unit 1402, Tysons) or Lebanese Taverna-Westpost (1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington) 

Liberty Barbecue

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Place takeout order by: 4 p.m., Nov. 23

Take your family and friends to this Falls Church barbecue joint, or grab your spread to go. Liberty Barbecue is welcoming dine-in patrons with turkey, red-bliss mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole with gravy and cranberry relish ($25). But if you’d prefer takeout, choose the “family bundle” option ($260) featuring a whole turkey, stuffing, red-bliss mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato puree, gravy and cranberry relish. Or, get just the highlights in the form of a Thanksgiving platter or a la carte options. Pies and ice cream are also available. // 370 W. Broad St., Falls Church City

Liberty Tavern

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: Noon-8 p.m.

Place takeout order by: 3 p.m., Nov. 20

Stop scrolling through those candied carrot recipes and secure a table at this cozy Clarendon eatery. The prix fixe menu ($55) offers several options for the first and second course—including butternut squash soup, sorghum-glazed pork chop and gnocci—as well as four dessert options and sides. Want to enjoy Liberty Tavern at home? They’ve also got a customizable Thanksgiving feast menu for one ($32) or four ($128), featuring a choice of meat, three sides and plenty of add-ons. // 3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Lyon Hall

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: Noon-8 p.m.

Place takeout order by: 3 p.m., Nov. 20

Get an elegant experience without lifting a finger at vibey Lyon Hall, complete with oysters and fromage. The brasserie’s three-course prix fixe menu ($65) offers your choice of hors d’oeuvres—oysters on the half shell, lobster bisque, cheese with apricot/cherry compote and candied walnuts—followed by entrees (including branzino and maple leaf duck breast) and several decadent desserts, such as flourless chocolate torte with spiced caramel and pumpkin ice cream. Available in the restaurant or to-go. // 3100 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Neighborhood Provisions

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: Nov. 18

Get everything you need for an elaborate dinner at home via this online market from Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Rustico, B-Side, Buzz Bakeshop, Evening Star). Their holiday packs include a Thanksgiving dinner for two ($95) and family-style Turkey Day ($225), loaded with goodies such as roasted turkey, pimiento mac-and-cheese, and maple-glazed carrots. They’ve also got whole birds, desserts, wine and to-go cocktails (lookin’ at you, apple crisp). // Pick-up locations vary.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: Nov. 18

Have a feast at home with a bevy of options from this Arlington barbecue favorite. Highlights include brie with cranberry orange relish ($44.99), grilled marinated gulf shrimp ($34.99 per pound), honey-glazed spiral ham ($159.99) and bacon and chive mashed potatoes ($2.99/serving). And don’t forget dessert (or what should really be a staple at every Thanksgiving meal): mini pumpkin cornbread muffins. // 3471 Washington Blvd., Arlington

Ruthie’s All-Day

Takeout only

Pick up apps, sides, sweets or the whole Turkey Day shebang from this 2022 Best of Arlington winner. The eatery specializing in Southern fare is offering a full meal for 10-12 folks ($300) that includes whole smoked turkey, sausage stuffing, candied yams, mac and cheese and more. Just want a few nibbles to spruce up your spread? Order their pimiento cheese, skillet corn bread or deviled eggs. And don’t forget to throw some campfire cookies in your cart. // 3411 5th St. S., Arlington 

Smokecraft

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: Noon, Nov. 19

This Arlington Magazine Best New Restaurant 2021 winner is offering an a la carte menu stuffed with options for an at-home meal. Choose from smoked ham ($175), smoked prime rib ($200), smoked sausage and apple stuffing ($18-50), grandma’s stuffing ($15-$42), duck-fat roasted potatoes ($15-$42), chocolate-cherry bread pudding ($25) and much more. // 1051 N Highland St., Arlington

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: Noon-3 p.m.

Dig into six courses ($75 for two people, $135 for four people), whether in person or at your own dining table, courtesy of Spice Kraft’s Arlington or Del Ray locations. Among the highlights are turkey samosas, tandoor-roasted butternut squash shorba and pumpkin-spice lassi. // 1135 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon) and 2607 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

Dine-in or takeout

Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 24

Place takeout order by: Nov. 20

Pork spare ribs. Brisket egg rolls. Esquites. If you’re feeling like you need a break from the traditional meal, dine in or take out from Texas Jack’s. Find smoked meats ($43-$109), appetizers ($15-$27), sides ($8-$29) and pies ($29) for your at-home meal. Or make a reservation and have your choice of a la carte options such as roasted butternut squash soup ($7), crispy smoked wings ($11/$21) and a crispy chicken sandwich ($15). They’ve also got large spreads ($87/$170) if your crew would like to share larger portions. // 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington 

Thompson Italian

Takeout only

Place takeout order by: Nov. 20

Add a taste of Italy to your Thanksgiving meal with supper trays from this Falls Church trattoria. Each tray—from Caesar salad ($40) to spicy pork meatballs ($60) to vegetarian lasagna ($85)—serves four to six people. The restaurant also has mac-and-cheese trays and pizza stick trays for the little ones. And finish things off with one of four desserts, including olive oil cake. // 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church

2941 Restaurant

Dine-in only

Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Savor a three-course, prix fixe meal ($95) at upscale 2941 in Falls Church, where the holiday promises foie gras terrine, yellowfin tuna crudo, turkey breast,  butter-poached lobster, king salmon, mushroom canneloni and pumpkin cream puffs. (You may not have room for breakfast the next morning.) // 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church

… But wait, there’s more!

Here are a few more Thanksgiving extras to liven up the meal and your holiday weekend:

◾️ Sample seasonal cheeses, accompanied by some pinot, with Cheesetique’s “Cheese Lady” on Thanksgiving Eve.

◾️ Take advantage of Arrowine’s Thanksgiving sale on this wine, which they say is “THE pick for your Thanksgiving table.”

◾️ Add some “holiday wishbones” to your feast from local maker Persimmon Street Ceramics.

◾️ Pick up some seasonal doughnuts or Thanksgiving pies from a handful of sweet local bakeries.