Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Unwrap Denver's Best Holiday Dining & Catering Options

From Intimate Dinners to Party Platters, Let Local Denver Experts Handle the Menu

November 1, 2024 - Rankin, Goulder & Kissinger

We have your holiday hack for more memories and less stress...let Denver's talented food scene be your secret holiday helper!

As the festive season approaches, Denver residents have a wealth of options for dining, takeout, catering, and specialty food shops to make their Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations. Whether you're looking to dine out, order a full Thanksgiving feast to-go, or stock up on festive treats, Denver eateries and shops have you covered and we love supporting local Denver businesses throughout the holiday season. Reservations and pre-orders are highly recommended and all can be made online, as these restaurants tend to fill up quickly for the holidays.

Whether dining in, carrying out, catering or looking for a hostess gift that wows, our team has you set with our local Denver favorites organized below:

Above: The stunning dining room at the Water Grill located on Market Street in Denver. Photo Credit: Water Grill

Dine-In

Many of Denver's top restaurants will be open Thanksgiving day and throughout the holiday season. Some offer their standard menus while others opt for family-style, themed or prix fixe menu options. From turkey to seafood, pasta to vegetarian options there is a menu for everyone in your holiday celebration circle.

Guard and Grace: Guard and Grace Denver will be open 1-8pm for Thanksgiving Day. Join them for a special featured menu curated by Chef Troy Guard and Executive Chef Steven Garza. Located at 1801 California Street

Water Grill: Gather at Water Grill on Thursday, November 28th for a special three-course Thanksgiving menu available all day, in addition their delicious full menu. Located at 1961 Market Street 

Corinne Restaurant: Experience the classic comfort of carved roasted turkey, perfectly seasoned and tender, or indulge in brush creek bourbon glazed ham, where sweet meets savory in a harmonious blend of flavors. Located at 1455 California Street

Yardbird Table and Bar: Whether you prefer the comfort of your own home or the vibrant atmosphere of a restaurant, Yardbird Table and Bar has crafted two perfect ways to celebrate. Dine-in, where their chefs are blending cherished Thanksgiving traditions with Yardbird's renowned Southern flair or pre-order their expertly prepared Thanksgiving feast for a hassle-free holiday at home, complete with all the trimmings and none of the work. Located at 2743 Blake Street

Above: A table is set for a holiday feast at The Kitchen American Bistro. Photo Credit: The Kitchen American Bistro

The Kitchen American Bistro: Make a reservation for dine-in Thanksgiving done right or order for pick up - either way you won’t be disappointed with The Kitchen does all the cooking. Located at 1560 Wazee Street

Capital Grille: A constant RGK favorite, Capital Grille serves up delicious dinners all year long but offers a special menu just for Thanksgiving. Located at 1450 Larimer Street 

Urban Farmer: Join them on Thursday, November 28th from 10 AM to 9 PM for a delectable 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the warm flavors of the season. Start with Sweet Potato Gnocchi, then indulge in Roast Prime Rib with seasonal sides. Want all the flavor of Urban Farmer at home? Check out their Thanksgiving To-Go Packages serving 6-8 people or the perfect "Thanksgiving for 2." 
Located at 1659 Wazee St

Eddie Merlot's: Join Eddie Merlot's this Thanksgiving for a special holiday feast. From 11am to 8pm, they'll be serving a three-course turkey dinner complete with all the traditional trimmings. They will also be offering their full menu for those non-turkey fans. You can also place your Thanksgiving pre-order online and have your complete holiday meal ready for takeout or delivery. Available for pickup on Wednesday, November 27th from 11am to 9pm or on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28th from 9am to 11am, the meals will be chilled with detailed reheating instructions included. Located at 10110 E Dry Creek Rd

Local Jones: Create cherished memories this holiday season at Local Jones, where this neighborhood brasserie offers a festive lineup of special celebrations (below) perfect for gathering with family and friends. Located at the Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek 249 Columbine Street

Thanksgiving - November 28: Savor a classic Turkey Plate featuring succulent white and dark meat, accompanied by glazed sweet potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, traditional stuffing, house-made ginger and vanilla cranberry sauce, and rich black pepper gravy. Complete your feast with a choice of Butterscotch Pumpkin or Salted Pecan pie. 
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day - December 24 & 25: Indulge in House Made Fettuccine with luxurious lobster, sherry cream sauce, perfectly seared scallops, crispy breadcrumbs, and confit tomato. For dessert, delight in a festive Chocolate Mocha Gateau "ornament." 
New Year's Eve - December 31: Ring in the New Year with an elegant three-course tasting menu, featuring your choice of: Pan Roast Fillet with Bone Marrow Bernaise, Pont Nerf Potatoes, and Rapini Seared Cod with Little Neck Clams, Confit Fennel, Redskin Potatoes in a White Wine and Garlic Butter Broth House Made Fettuccine with Roast Maitake Mushrooms, Crème Fraiche, Caramelized Shallots, and Pine Nuts. 
New Year's Day - January 1: Start 2025 right with indulgent Crab Cake Benedict and house-made Cranberry Orange Donuts.

Takeout & Catering

For those who want to enjoy Thanksgiving at home, several Denver restaurants (The Kitchen, Eddie Merlots, Urban Farmer and Yardbird Table and Bar from above), caterers, and specialty food shops provide Thanksgiving and holiday to-go options. Many of these providers require pre-orders, so be sure to plan ahead to secure your holiday meal.

Spinelli's Market (Natalie's pick!): Offers exceptional, all natural turkeys ranging from a 4 pound breast to a 28 pound feast to be prepared at home plus a menu of already prepared sides and desserts. Located at 4621 E 23rd Ave

Tony's Market: When you order online or call your preferred Tony's Market by 12pm on Friday, November 22nd you can enjoy all the flavors of the season without the hours spent in the kitchen. Their fully-cooked turkeys, mouthwatering sides, and decadent desserts are made using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Simply place your order, then sit back, relax, and spend quality time reconnecting with loved ones. Pick up available on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday November 27 between 9am - 5pm.
Located in Littleton, Castle Pines and Centennial.   

Vital Root: Looking for something different this holiday season? Vital Root offers vegetarian catering for groups of 10 or more on all their delicious offerings like lemongrass tofu, pad Thai, Korean Stir-Fry and more. Opt for delivery or take out daily 11:30 am - 8 pm.
Located at 3915 Tennyson St  

J Street Food Truck & Catering: J Street Food Truck & Catering offers two Thanksgiving meal bundles in large and small, feeding four to six people or ten to twelve people. Both kits feature garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, roasted vegetable cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, herbed skillet gravy, cranberry sauce and challah pull-apart rolls, plus chocolate hazelnut pumpkin cream pie. Full and half-portioned sides (not including pie) are also available and can also be purchased à la carte. Delivery is available Wednesday, Nov 27 only (3pm - 6pm) or Pick-up (3p-5p). Located at 3600 E 40th Ave

Specialty Shops & Bakeries

In addition to full holiday meals, Denver has an abundance of specialty food shops and bakeries perfect for gifts or adding a little something special to your table.

Above: The wonder of colors and delights presented by Wander + Graze make for a truly unique dining experience. Photo Credit: Wander + Graze

Wander + Graze: Wander + Graze crafts absolutely stunning charcuterie boards featuring locally-sourced Colorado cheeses, meats, and artisanal accompaniments. These boards celebrate both flavor and visual artistry, providing the perfect holiday treat that sparks joy and conversation. Located at 4826 W 38th Avenue

Devil's Food Bakery (Amy's pick!): Offering all the holiday baked treats from pies to cookies, quiche, croissants and more. All orders to be picked up on Wednesday, November 27th as the bakery is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Located at 1004 South Gaylord Street

So Damn Gouda (Allison's pick!): With small, medium and large platter options there is a size for all holiday gatherings. Be the star of the show with a stunning appetizer platter to share! Located at 2432 West 44th Avenue

Twinkle Treats (Jane's pick!): Custom sugar cookies, cakes and French macaroons! Sharing delicious treats with those you love is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether its a few sweetly packages macaroons for your host or a cake that fits the event just right, Twinkle Treats has you covered. Located in Aurora

High Point Creamery: Pair holiday pies with pints of seasonal ice cream flavors from High Point Creamery. Priced at $8.99 each, they are the perfect hostess gift. You can opt for delivery or pickup from of the shop's four locations by placing a pre-order on their website. Locations in Hilltop, RiNo, Central Park and Berkley

Custom Holiday Cookies - Denver
Above: Maggie & Moll's creates beautiful cookies for holidays throughout the year. Order them already done or in cookie-decorating kits to make memories at home. Photo Credit: Maggie & Molly's

Maggie & Molly's (Amy's pick!): A full scratch bakery in Denver, Maggie & Molly's creates cookies, cupcakes, cakes and more for any occasion. Browse their galleries online to see the assortment of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas cookies that look incredible, and may taste even better! Want to bring the party home? You can even order cookie decorating kits that are perfect for kids and adults alike to customize at home! Located at 2908 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Rebel Bread: This artisanal bakery in RiNo is known for its seasonal pies, breads, and pastries, making it a must-visit for holiday baked goods. Located at 675 S Broadway 

Denver Holiday Food & Treats
Above: Tamales made with love and legacy. Photo Credit: Tamales by La Casita

Tamales by La Casita: A beloved Denver tradition for half a century, La Casita's tamales have been the cornerstone of countless holiday celebrations. The Sandoval family's legacy comes alive each festive season as their skilled team handcrafts thousands of traditional tamales, carefully wrapping masa, seasoned meats, and generations-old secret spices in corn husks. To secure your tamales for gifting (or for yourself), call or order online. Pick up at 3561 Tejon St.

Halcyon Bake Shop by Chef Saura: Sweeten your holiday season with Local Jones' festive bake shop offerings. Starting November 1, treat yourself to their signature pumpkin chiffon and pecan butterscotch pies, delightful apple cider and pumpkin macarons, and rich brown butter spiced pumpkin cakes. Available for pickup through December 31 (including Thanksgiving Day.) Simply place your pre-order with 48-hour advance notice and let Local Jones add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. Located at the Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek 249 Columbine Street

Temper Chocolates: Gift your host the perfect sweet something from Temper Chocolates. They carry a large collection of gourmet chocolate from some of the best new American chocolatiers as well as long-time favorite European favorites. Temper also features an assortment of Bulk and Specialty chocolate from all around the world. Order online for delivery or pickup from its Denver Central Market store. Located at 2669 Larimer Street

Unique Denver Food and Catering for Holidays
Above: From timeless classics to seasonal delights, Temper Chocolates has the perfect treat or gift for the giving season! Photo Credit: Temper Chocolate

Whether you're seeking an elegant dinner where every detail is thoughtfully curated by expert chefs, coordinating a stress-free holiday feast for delivery to your home, or hunting for those special ingredients and treats that make the season bright, Denver's vibrant food scene rises to the occasion.

This holiday season, let Denver's passionate food artisans, talented chefs, and dedicated purveyors help transform your celebrations into unforgettable gatherings of togetherness.

If you are considering buying or selling anywhere in the Denver area, reach out to Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, or Amy Kissinger today!

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Unwrap Denver's Best Holiday Dining & Catering Options