You forgot to defrost the turkey: A list of local restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner if you need it

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Every year, it seems the holidays creep up on us like a stealth locomotive, with no warning until it slams into you. Thanksgiving is a particular day fraught with possibilities of things going wrong – you burnt the turkey, your gas stove went kablooey, you’re dining solo or in a small group this year that doesn’t need a 15-lb turkey… it’s the perfect time to let you know that The Woodlands has some restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day ready to serve you if you for some reason can’t serve yourself.

As you peruse the list below, please note that many – if not all – of these restaurants will be slammed and packed, and some might require reservations if they’re not already completely booked, so act soon if you need to. Just click on the links to get the full details!

Thanksgiving Day Jazz Brunch at Margaritaville Lake Resort - Lake Conroe

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Spend the day with family and friends and leave the cooking to us. Enjoy a full Thanksgiving feast while listening to great jazz music and taking in the beautiful view of autumn on Lake Conroe. This delicious buffet includes a traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings, honey glazed ham, seafood, classic brunch fare, desserts, wine, Bloody Marys, and Mimosas. Adults: $74.95* | Children (Ages 6 - 12): $29.95* Children 5 and under eat free. RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Call 877.286.9590

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at E’terie Bar & Grill

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Relax and savor our Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at E’terie Bar & Grille! Let us take care of the cooking while you unwind and enjoy a delightful feast from 5-10 pm. For reservations, call 281-298-2900. Prices: $50 for adults, $20 for kids under 12. Let's make your Thanksgiving special together.

Thanksgiving Feast at Back Table Kitchen & Bar

Back Table is open for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Special includes: Bacon Wrapped Smoked Quail, Cranberry Glaze/Herb mashed Potato, Cornbread Stuffing, Cane Syrup Brussel Sprouts.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m - 9 p.m.

Sorriso is open on Thanksgiving! We will offer our full menu, along with the option of a chef inspired Turkey Dinner, which includes Sorriso Roast Turkey, Cranberry Mostarda, Focaccia Panzanella, Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, Guanciale Braised Collard Greens, Marsala Gravy.

Thanksgiving - Dine In at Fielding’s Local Kitchen & Bar

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Let Fielding’s Local handle all the cooking this year with amazing dine-in features that your tastebuds will be so grateful for. Make lasting memories with your family and enjoy the finest Thanksgiving feast we have to offer! Reservations Highly Encouraged. Menu includes Cranberry Orange Brioche Loaf, Fairytale Pumpkin Soup, Ferndale Farm Turkey Breast, Dry-Aged Berkshire Pork, Walnut & Pecan Square, and Maple Pumpkin Pie. A curated dinner menu will also be available.

Thanksgiving Buffet at Harrison’s at The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Let us do the cooking and join us for Thanksgiving meals from 10am-3pm at Harrison’s!

Thanksgiving Menu buffet stations include: Bakery Shop, Griddle & Omelet Station, Breakfast Selections, Chilled Seafood Display, From The Garden, The Hot Table, The Carvery, Sweets & Treats, Sweet Station, and When You Are Young. $80/adults, $40/kid (ages 6-12). Free for kids 5 and under. For reservations, call 281.364.6250

3-Course Thanksgiving Tradition at Cru Food & Wine Bar

12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Bring the family for a 3-course Thanksgiving tradition at CRÚ Food & Wine Bar - Woodlands!

The chefs at CRÚ have worked hard to create a fall-inspired menu that surpasses last year's and still commemorates Thanksgiving using peak seasonal ingredients. Save yourself the stress and headache of preparing a lavish Thanksgiving meal and let CRÚ take care of dinner. $55 for 3 courses, Kids 12 and under eat for $28. Make your reservations early!

Thanksgiving at Del Frisco’s Grille The Woodlands

11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Savor The Taste of Tradition with our Thanksgiving Plate or Prix Fixe Menu

Menu includes: Starter (Choice of One) – Butternut Squash Bisque, Caesar Salad; Entrée – Herb & Butter Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Green Beans, Apple Sausage Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce; Dessert (Choice of One) – Pumpkin Pie, Apple Berry Cobbler.

Proper attire is required. Del Frisco’s Grille enforces a strict upscale dress code. We do not allow beachwear or gym attire. Athletic apparel, jerseys, hats, beanies, bandanas, ball caps, tank tops, and sleeveless shirts are also prohibited. No excessively revealing clothing will be allowed. Clothing emitting offensive odors or including offensive language is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the property. Admittance to Del Frisco’s Grille is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed regardless of the reservation status.

Thanksgiving – Dine-In or Take Home at The Refuge Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Deadline to place orders is Monday, 11/20. Pick up ready-to-reheat orders on 11/22 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Pick up ready-to-serve orders on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Call (832) 559-8541 to order or make reservations! Menu includes: Dry Brine-Whiskey Honey Glazed Turkey, Creamed Rosemary Pan Gravy, Classic Cranberry Sauce, Apple Sausage Dressing

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon & Pecans, Pumpkin Pie.

Thanksgiving Day Meal at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Reserve your table today to enjoy our Individual Smoked Turkey Breast Meal for $49 per person. Your choice between our Honey Crisp Apple Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts and Maple Syrup Vinaigrette or our Butternut Squash Soup. Sliced, smoked turkey breast served with pan gravy. All the sides including mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, sausage & sage dressing, cranberry relish + homemade bread. PLUS, add an Individual Serving of Pumpkin Cheesecake for $9 OR order from our full dinner menu. TO-GO: Pre-order the Individual Smoked Turkey Breast Meal for $49 per person or the Family-Style Smoked Turkey Breast Meal for 4 for just $149. For pick up, order online beginning Wednesday, October 25th.

Thanksgiving Hours at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Located on Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing, Fogo The Woodlands boasts impressive views of Lake Woodlands.

Thanksgiving Hours at Babin's Seafood House

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Hours at Truluck’s

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab in The Woodlands is open for Thanksgiving. Make your reservations now!

Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe Feast at Amrina The Woodlands

12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us on Thanksgiving Day from 12-7pm for our Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe Feast, which includes a five course meal plus family-style accompaniments for the table. Servings include delicious menu items such as Turkey Shami Kebab, Roasted Green Circle Turkey Breast and much more!