Celebrating Thanksgiving in Tallahassee? Here’s a few restaurants that are open

Masks on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Photo courtesy NBC Chicago

With very scarce dining options in Tallahassee for Thanksgiving, there are some local restaurants offering catering and dine-in options.

Big Cory’s Country Kitchen, located at 1812 S Monroe St, near FAMU’s campus, is solely offering catering options ahead of Thanksgiving. Patrons can place an order of good ole’ southern food and enjoy a hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.

Cory Corker, owner of Big Cory’s Kitchen, recommends some items from their menu to have catered.

“Everything on our menu is good, but if you want something very comforting, I would suggest our fried chicken, collard greens and sweet potato souffle,” Corker said.

Big Cory’s Country Kitchen grants those with southern roots the opportunity to experience home-cooked food here in Tallahassee.

In search of a fine dining experience on Thanksgiving? Shula’s 347 Grill, located at 415 N Monroe St, inside Hotel Duval, is a great option. They’re known for their upscale ambiance and outstanding service. On Thanksgiving day, they will be open from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a limited menu and seating at 25% capacity, due to COVID-19 mandated restrictions.

A recommended item on Shula’s menu is their highly desirable Shula Cut Steaks. Their center-cut steaks of premium Black Angus beef are hand-selected and aged to perfection. You can accompany the steak with asparagus, creme brulee and a glass of Daou Cabernet Paso Robles red wine.

Bill Holper, general manager of Hotel Duval Autograph Collection, encourages people to dine with them on Thanksgiving.

“Come down to Shulas and enjoy dinner with us,” Holpler said. “We’re creating an experience for our customers. We want everyone to enjoy themselves, including my team, since they’re away from their family.”

Georgio’s Fine Food and Spirits located at 2971 Apalachee Pkwy, will be open on Thanksgiving day from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended as spots are filling up quickly.

According to Georgio’s, they specialize in locally sourced seafood, USDA certified Prime and choice steaks along with classic European and American cuisine with an emphasis on Mediterranean fare.  One of their untraditional Thanksgiving entrees is Greek Style Grouper that is worthy of a try. The grilled locally sourced grouper is topped with thinly sliced sweet onion, fresh dill, and Georgio’s signature lemon and olive oil sauce. The plate is also served with green beans, squash casserole, and macaroni and cheese.

Georgio’s kept vegetarians in mind with their vegetarian entree accompanying a variety of meatless Thanksgiving sides, including macaroni and cheese, baked sweet potato, cornbread, dressing, green beans, and squash casserole.

Georgio Koikos, owner of Georgio’s Fine Food and Spirits, believes there is a benefit to celebrating Thanksgiving at a restaurant.

“All parties are able to enjoy their meal without having to cook or to clean up any mess afterward,” Georgio said.

If you happen to be celebrating your first Thanksgiving without meat or dairy, vegetarian eatery The Bark will be offering vegan dishes, like a seitan roast, green bean casserole, baked mac n’ cheez and a variety of pies, available for pickup on Wednesday, November 25.

Staying home and celebrating away from your family may be a new, frightful concept, but it is keeping you and your loved ones safe from contracting and spreading COVID-19. If these restaurants didn’t offer a menu that entices you, Tallahassee Democrat also gathered a list available here.