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While I was in college at San Diego State University (SDSU), I worked at a seafood buffet and worked on Thanksgiving Day. [You can skip my college story and just scroll down or jump straight to the list of 24 restaurants in San Luis Obispo County that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and serving a turkey dinner for 2024.] It was by choice as I got better tips and only had to work for 5 hours and could still go home and spend time with my parents and sibling. I'm a native San Diegan but I live here in San Luis Obispo County now. I worked at that buffet named Todai San Diego (now closed) for 3 years and worked on many holidays. I think back at those years there fondly as this job had helped me pay my college tuition at SDSU and food.

There was one particular guest who I still remember and think about as Thanksgiving Day gets nearer every year. She came in alone and was the only one who did on that Thanksgiving Day at our restaurant. She was all smiles when she stepped up to the podium to tell the hostess, whom I stood nearby, the number of people in her party. The guest lifted one pointer finger and said, "Just one."

Though I may have felt a little sorry for her, I felt admiration more than anything for her courage and independence as she was not afraid to dine alone on a holiday that many expects one to be with others. She deserved a wonderful dinner and instead of ordering take out somewhere, she came in and enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast and seafood. She was kind and seemed really smart. Although I didn't pry, she looked like she was in town for business or was sticking around the area for personal reasons.

So, I dedicate this post to this memory and to all of you who needs to have a warm Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day cooked by an establishment because life can get too busy to be able to cook at home for yourself and/or for others. Enjoy a feast without the mess and why not, the many wonderful restaurants around here are here to serve you.

[ 2024 List of Thanksgiving Dinners in San Luis Obispo County Will Be Continually Updated Weeks Before the Holiday, When Restaurants Announced Them. Come Back Regularly to See the Growing List. ]

List of Restaurants That Will Be Open on Thanksgiving Day (Thurs., Nov 28, 2024) and Serving a Turkey Dinner that I Found by Going on Each Website Individually and Sorting by Alphabetical Order:

• 1865 Craft House & Kitchen usually serves a Thanksgiving Buffet. For 2024, the Thanksgiving Menu will be served from 12PM - 8PM. They will be limiting tables to a 2 hour dining period and an automatic 20% gratuity will be added to all bills. You can see details of their menu and prices for Thanksgiving Day on 1865 Craft House & Kitchen's Facebook page. I've been to this restaurant before when I was having a staycation at La Quinta Inn, which is located right next to 1865 Craft House & Kitchen. Read my full review of my 18 hour staycation and dining experience here at 1865 Craft House & Kitchen. Address: 1865 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 
• Apple Farm Restaurant & Inn will serve a Thanksgiving Buffet from 12PM - 5PM with reservations required by the restaurant. Price is $49 for adults and $25 for kids who are 12 years old and under. See more information about their Thanksgiving Menu. Apple Farm Restaurant & Inn address: 2015 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Black Cat Bistro usually serves a Thanksgiving Menu from 12PM - 7PM. Address: 1602 Main St., Cambria, CA 93428 (2024's menu hasn't been confirmed from their website yet)
• Cafe Roma usually serves a Thanksgiving menu from 12PM - 7PM with the Organic Roasted Turkey entree and the Little Pilgrims menu for 12 years old and under priced less than regular price. Read Cafe Roma's 2024 Thanksgiving Day Menu. Cafe Roma address: 1020 Railroad Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Cambria Pines Lodge will be serving an all-you-can-eat buffet with Thanksgiving favorites from 12:30PM - 7:30PM on Thanksgiving Day. It is $69.95 per adult and $34.95 for children who are 12 years old and under. Reservations are required. Children 5 and under are free. Read about my buffet experience here on Mother's Day on the Cambria page. They also own a large gift shop and nursery. See my instagram video reel of my visit through Cambria Pines Lodge's beautiful gift shop. Cambria Pines Lodge address: 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria, CA 93428
• Cello Ristorante & Bar at Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres will be serving a 3 course Thanksgiving Dinner menu for 2024. Read my review of Cello Ristorante under my Paso Robles Restaurant Reviews. Cello Ristorante & Bar address: 2700 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• Cypress Beach House in Pismo Beach will be serving a Thanksgiving Buffet with two different seatings. First seating is 1PM - 3:30PM and the second seating is 4PM - 6:30PM. The cost is $85 for adults and Kids who are 10 years old are under are $45 a person (inclusive of tax + 18 gratuity). Address: 601 Cypress St., Pismo Beach, 93449
• F. McLintock's usually served a Thanksgiving Day Menu on Thanksgiving Day in the past but as of 2024, they have sadly gone out of business. 
• Gardens at Avila Restaurant at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa usually will serve a Thanksgiving Course Menu for 2024 from 4PM - 9PM. The meal is $80 per person and it's a 3 course dinner. See 3 course Thanksgiving Dinner from Gardens of Avila Restaurant. Gardens of Avila Restaurant address: 1215 Avila Beach Drive, California, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 - Read my review about The Gardens at Avila Restaurant when we dined there for Valentine's Day or you can view this instagram post that's a 1 minute video reel to see our mineral springs hot tub experience and the views of the sycamore trees at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. (2024's menu hasn't been confirmed from their website yet)
  

  Related Videos:
  See my video tour of the restaurant located on the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort property.
  See my video of my hot tub at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.

• Granada Hotel & Bistro is having a Prix Fixe Dinner for Thanksgiving Dinner from 4PM - 9PM. It's $75 per person. We had a staycation here at Granada Hotel & Bistro in November and had a wonderful stay and dining experience at their bistro. Read my full review for my staycation at Granada Hotel & Bistro. Granada Hotel & Bistro Address: 1126 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Lido Restaurant & Lounge at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa will be serving a specially prepared 2024 Prix Fixe Menu from 1PM - 8PM for $95 per person. Lido Restaurant & Lounge at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa Address: 2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 
• Luna Red is serving a Thanksgiving Buffet that is $68 for adults, $35 for ages 8 - 12 year olds and $24 for ages 3 to 7 years old. See Luna Red's 2024 Thanksgiving Buffet Menu. Luna Red address: 1023 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Lunada Garden Bistro in Cayucos is has a Thanksgiving Menu from 1PM - 7PM. They don't post their Thanksgiving Menu on their website and only on their instagram. It's a 3 course dinner. Lunada Garden Bistro Address: 78 North Ocean Ave.,Cayucos, CA 93430
• Madonna Inn will be serving a Thanksgiving entree. See Madonna Inn's 2024 menu. I always enjoy walking around their property and shops before and after our meal. Madonna Inn address: 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 - Read about my multiple visits at Madonna Inn.
  
• Marisol at Cliffs Hotel and Spa usually serves a Thanksgiving 3 course menu from 1PM - 9PM. Reservations are required. Marisol at Cliffs Hotels and Spa address: 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 - See my instagram picture post of the entree that I ordered at Marisol during Restaurant Month. (2024's menu hasn't been confirmed from their website yet)
• McPhee's Grill will be offering a Thanksgiving turkey menu option for 2024 on Thanksgiving Day for $42 per Thanksgiving Turkey entree and $15 for a kid's turkey entree. See McPhee's 2024 Thanksgiving Day Menu. McPhee's Grill address: 416 S Main St., Templeton, CA 93465
• Mirazur Restaurant in Los Osos will be offering a 3 course menu on Thanksgiving Day for $75 from 1PM - 7PM. Mirazur Their menu can be found on their instagram page. Address: 1365 2nd St., Los Osos, CA 93402
• Piadina at Hotel San Luis Obispo Obispo will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet from 11AM - 8PM on Thanksgiving Day. The price is $75 per adult and $37.50 per child. 
• Pequin Coastal Cocina Restaurant at Vespera Pismo Beach will have turkey on their menu between 2PM - 9:30PM on Thanksgiving Day for 2024. They are located beachfront and in walking distance to the pier. Address: 147 Stimson Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• Robin's Restaurant will offer a Thanksgiving turkey option on Thanksgiving Day for 2024 from 12PM - 7PM. See Robin's Restaurant's Thanksgiving Day details. Robin's Restaurant address: 4095 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428 - Read a review about my visit at Robin's Restaurant during the pandemic.
• SeaVenture Restaurant inside of SeaVenture Hotel will be offering a Thanksgiving Day Menu for $75 a person from 1PM - 6:30PM. I've been to this restaurant before and it has a classy vibe. Read my full review of SeaVenture Restaurant on this blog entry. Address: 100 Ocean View Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• SLO Provisions used to offer a Thanksgiving Dinner Menu that you could pre-order but they have sadly closed down for business as of 2024.
• The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar usually offers a fixed menu from 1:30PM - 6:30PM. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar address: 835 13th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (2024's menu hasn't been confirmed from their website yet)
• The Sow's Ear is offering a turkey option on Thanksgiving Day. Their price is not listed on their menu on their website, but you can view The Sow's Ear's 2024 Thanksgiving Day Menu Online. The Sow's Ear address: 2248 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• The Steakhouse at The Paso Robles Inn usually serves a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day and they will require a reservation. Address: 1103 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446 (2024's menu hasn't been confirmed from their website yet)
• Ventana Grill will have a Thanksgiving Buffet on Thanksgiving Day. Like all of the restaurants on this list, make a reservation ahead of time. See 2024 Ventana Grill's Thanksgiving Day Menu. I've been to this restaurant many times for their amazing ocean cliff views. Read my full review of Ventana Grill from this blog entry. Address: 2575 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• Windows on the Water will be offering a prix fixe 3 course menu from 2PM - 7PM for $89 per adult and $35 for children who are 12 years old and under. See the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Menu. Reservations with credit card is required. Windows on the Water address: 699 Embarcadero, Ste. 7, Morro Bay, CA 93442 

Thanksgiving Free Meals

• Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Santa Margarita Elementary at 5:30PM. There is no charge. All are welcome. Address: 22070 H St., Santa Margarita, CA 93453

This is a growing list!

I highly encourage you to make a reservation as soon as you've decided on a particular restaurant as I've seen reservations get full a week in advance before the actual holiday!

If there is no kid's price listed above for a particular place, it is because the restaurant did not note a kid's price or version on their website when I was doing searches online for Thanksgiving Day offerings at the time; and maybe charging one price for any guest, regardless of age.

As more restaurants announce that they'll be open on Thanksgiving Day and serving Thanksgiving meals, I'll add it to this list.

Gobble, gobble!

See a list of Thanksgiving Day Camps for kids in San Luis Obispo County while school is out.

See my top 10 wine tasting room rank list for San Luis Obispo County as a local. 

Fall baking recipes:

• View my gluten-free vegan pumpkin pie recipe. 
• View my pumpkin muffin recipe (non-vegan).
• View my non-vegan mini pumpkin pie recipe.

Supplies for Celebrating Thanksgiving Day at Home:

• Thanksgiving Dining Table Placemats
• Thanksgiving Napkins
• Thanksgiving Table Center Piece
• Thanksgiving Wreath