Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means. Mouthwatering turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and warm pumpkin pie! Whether you’re ready to stuff yourself silly, watch the Thanksgiving football game, or enjoy quality time with your loved ones, Chattanooga has you covered with fantastic Thanksgiving dinner options.

If you’re in town to catch the beautiful fall foliage, explore the local haunts, or you’re a local who wants to make Thanksgiving dinner in Chattanooga a bit more special this year, why not let someone else do the cooking?

Pricing and menus can shift as the holiday gets closer, so we recommend calling ahead or checking each restaurant’s site to confirm current rates and availability before booking.

Here are some of the best places in Chattanooga to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable.

The Forge

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, The Forge brings you a bountiful Thanksgiving buffet featuring roasted and smoked turkey breast, a herb-roasted prime rib carving station, smoked ham, crab and whitefish cakes, fresh seasonal salads, classic Southern sides, and a festive dessert bar.

  • Price: Approximately $70 for adults, $35 for kids under 12 (call to confirm current pricing)
  • Why We Love It: A generous, all-in-one buffet with something for every palate, from carved prime rib to a full dessert spread
  • Reservations: Reserve your table

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse offers a classic, high-quality Thanksgiving menu with oven-roasted turkey, sausage and herb stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and their signature sizzling steaks for those who want a little extra indulgence.

  • Price: Pricing varies by year, call ahead or check OpenTable to confirm current rates
  • Why We Love It: Elegant, intimate atmosphere with steakhouse quality
  • Reservations: Reserve your table

Give Thanks In Chattanooga

Skip the cleanup, not the coziness. Enjoy dinner in town, then unwind by the fire in a cabin built for slow mornings and full tables.

Whitebird at the Edwin Hotel

Whitebird offers a family-style Thanksgiving dinner with a modern Appalachian touch, featuring fresh ingredients from the Tennessee River Valley and stunning river views.

  • Price: Call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability
  • Why We Love It: Local ingredients and a riverside setting
  • Reservations: Reserve your table

Bridgeman’s Chophouse

Located in the historic Read House Hotel, Bridgeman’s Chophouse is perfect for those seeking a more traditional yet upscale dining experience. Known for their USDA Prime beef and fresh seafood, it’s an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a high-end meal in a relaxed but refined setting.

  • Price: Call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability
  • Why We Love It: Luxurious setting and exceptional service make it an elegant choice for Thanksgiving
  • Reservations: Call to reserve

Puckett’s

For a more laid-back, family-style Thanksgiving, Puckett’s serves an all-you-can-eat feast featuring roast turkey and all the classic Southern sides.

  • Price: Call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability
  • Why We Love It: Casual, family-friendly, and easy on the wallet compared to fine dining options
  • Reservations: Call to reserve

Bea’s Restaurant

A beloved local favorite, Bea’s Restaurant keeps things simple, comforting, and unmistakably Southern. Expect fried chicken, smoked turkey, baked ham, and all the classic fixings, no reservation required.

  • Price: Call ahead to confirm current pricing and hours
  • Why We Love It: A true Chattanooga institution with a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere and a menu that feels like home
  • Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, call ahead to confirm holiday hours

Southern Belle Riverboat

Looking for something a little different this year? Book a Thanksgiving cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat and enjoy a buffet-style meal and live entertainment while taking in views of the Tennessee River. It’s a memorable way to celebrate the holiday without ever setting foot in a kitchen.

  • Price: Call ahead or check online to confirm current pricing and cruise times
  • Why We Love It: A one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving experience combining great food with scenic river views
  • Reservations: Book ahead, cruises fill up quickly around the holiday