Best Places for Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals in Cleveland Ohio

Thanksgiving is a time for family and food, but what if you just don't have the time to prepare a traditional feast? Or perhaps your modern family doesn't begin to fill up the dining room table? Consider dining out for Thanksgiving. My hometown of Cleveland Ohio and the surrounding suburbs offer a number of excellent - and tasty - options for your holiday meal.

John Q's Steakhouse
55 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113
216 861-0900
www.johnqssteakhouse.com

Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, at Public Square, John Q's (pictured at right) is a Northeast Ohio tradition. The venerable, wood-paneled eatery is best known for its Certified Angus steaks, seafood, and varied wine list that includes many selections by the glass. For Thanksgiving, John Q's is offering a traditional buffet with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings as well as some non-traditional surprises. Service begins at 1130am and reservations are recommended. John Q's is also a great place to stop before or after the holiday lighting festival at Public Square on November 25.

Swingo's on the Lake
12900 Lake Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
216 221-6188
www.swingos.com

Just west of Cleveland along the shores of Lake Erie sits an old Cleveland favorite: Swingo's on the Lake. The restaurant, opened in 1967, has hosted a long list of Cleveland celebrities and civic leaders as well as entertainers such as Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. The elegant dining room with the sweeping views of downtown continues to impress.

For Thanksgiving, Swingo's is hosting a lavish buffet, featuring carved turkey, prime rib, shrimp, and ham, accompanied by all of the traditional side dishes, including cranberry salad, mashing potatoes, sage stuffing, and acorn squash. A festive dessert table with pumpkin pie, éclairs, carrot cake, and more completes the meal. Seating for the buffet ranges from noon to 5pm and reservations are recommended. The meal is $25 for adults and $14 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Children 5 and under eat free.

Agostino's
4218 Ridge Rd.
Brooklyn, OH
216 741-6522

This Italian favorite is located in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood, just west of Cleveland. The eatery is known for its friendly service, comfortable dining room, and plentiful pasta. For Thanksgiving, Agostino's is serving a buffet from noon until 5pm. The fare includes the traditional turkey and stuffing as well as a lavish dessert display. The buffet is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Complimentary valet parking is offered for the holiday.

M Bistro
23800 Detroit Rd.
Westlake, OH 44145
440 250-5550
www.mbisto.com

A newcomer to the Northeast Ohio dining scene, M Bistro specializes in elegant northern Italian cuisine in a warm, romantic, Tuscan-style dining room. For Thanksgiving, the Bistro is serving a four-course Italian-style holiday dinner, with a choice of roast turkey, salmon, duck breast, beef Burgundy, and roasted quail for entrees. The dinner also includes butternut squash bisque, a choice of salad, and a choice of luscious desserts including pumpkin cheesecake and apple crisp. The plated dinner ranges from $31.95 to $34.95 per person. Reservations are recommended.