Best Places for Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals in Washington, DC

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Although it's a tradition in my family to have a reunion in Natural Bridge, Virginia over Thanksgiving, my husband and I have not been able to attend the family shindig in several years. Either he's had to work or we haven't had enough money to pay for a hotel room, transportation, and boarding our two beagles. Although I love to cook, it doesn't make much sense for me to cook a huge dinner for just the two of us and the dogs. Luckily, since we live near Washington, DC, we've not had any problems finding lovely holiday meals on turkey day. I'd like to share our knowledge with Associated Content readers who also don't want to cook dinner on Thanksgiving!

Corduroy

Two years ago, my husband and I had a perfectly wonderful Thanksgiving meal at Corduroy Restaurant in Washington, DC. Run by Chef Tom Power and located in the Sheraton Four Points hotel in DC, Corduroy made a strong impression on us. Their special menu two years ago featured several different entrees, including a classic Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, mashed root vegetables, gravy, and green beans. As if that weren't enough, the price fixe meal also included appetizers and desserts. Although my husband and I weren't all that impressed with the restaurant's decor, we did really enjoy the food. The service was also impeccable. In fact, the wine steward even gave us a mini lesson on the wine we ordered.

This year, Corduroy is offering a three course Thanksgiving dinner from 1-9 pm. The menu will feature a traditional Thanksgiving meal as well as other options for those who aren't into turkey. The price is $40 per person excluding tax and gratuity and all major credit cards are accepted. Corduroy restaurant has a dress code; shorts, hats, and flip flop shoes are not allowed. Valet parking is available, although when my husband and I ate there for Thanksgiving two years ago, there was plenty of street parking because of the holiday. The nearest metro stop is McPherson Square, on the blue and orange lines and is located about four long blocks from the restaurant. It's about a ten minute walk. Be sure to reserve early. The restaurant was booked solid when we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner there two years ago. Despite the full house, my husband and I never felt rushed.

To reserve:

Visit www.OpenTable.com, www.corduroydc.com, or call 202-589-0699.

Address:

1201 K Street
Washington, DC 20005

Restaurant Kolumbia

Last year, my husband and I decided to get adventurous. We booked our Thanksgiving meal reservations at Restaurant Kolumbia, which was a very new restaurant in 2005. Owned by Chef Jamie Stachowski and his wife, Carolyn, Restaurant Kolumbia offers a very warm, inviting ambiance coupled with innovative cuisine. Last year, Restaurant Kolumbia offered a four course price fixe meal for a very reasonable price and that's partly why I decided to give it a try. My husband enjoyed a beautiful traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, while I had barbecued salmon with lentils. The service was not quite as good as it was at Corduroy, but we really enjoyed the intimate dining room with its muted red color scheme, as well as the delicious food. There's also a very nice bar area.

This year, Restaurant Kolumbia is serving a four course traditional Thanksgiving meal priced at $48 for adults and $24 for children under 12. All major credit cards are accepted. An optional wine pairing will also be available. The dress code is business casual. Street parking is available and there are several nearby parking garages. If you prefer to ride the metro, the nearest stops are Farragut West on the blue and orange lines and Farragut North on the red line.

To reserve:

Visit www.OpenTable.com, www.restaurantkolumbia.com, or call 202-331-5551

Address:

1801 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Palette Restaurant

My husband and I have not actually eaten a Thanksgiving dinner at Palette Restaurant, but we did enjoy my birthday dinner there only a few months ago. Palette Restaurant is located in Washington's Madison Hotel and is led by executive chef, Arnel Esposo. The restaurant prides itself on featuring artwork created by local artists. The art is changed on a seasonal basis. When we visited this restaurant last June, I noticed that the bar scene was very lively. Smoking is allowed in the bar area, but not in the dining room. Valet parking is complimentary in the garage adjacent to the hotel. Limited street parking is also available. A word to the wise. If you don't know where the Madison Hotel is, be sure to call ahead. My husband and I got lost when we visited Palette. The nearest metro stops are at McPherson Square on the blue and orange lines or Farragut North on the red line.

Palette Restaurant has not yet posted its Thanksgiving menu, hours, or prices, but my husband and I really enjoyed the meal we had there on my birthday. The service was very good; we were taken care of by an excellent server who had a very good understanding of wine. All major credit cards are accepted and the dress code is business casual. If we were planning to go to a restaurant this year for Thanksgiving, I'd strongly consider reserving a table at Palette. Alas, this year, I will be cooking dinner!

To reserve:

Visit www.OpenTable.com, www.palettedc.com, or call 202-587-2700

Address:

1177 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005

These are my picks for Thanksgiving dinner at Washington, DC area restaurants. I based my opinions solely on actual past experiences with each restaurant, not reputation. Whether you decide to dine out or cook, I wish you a very happy holiday season!