Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, a delicious feast. But between planning the menu, shopping for ingredients, and cooking multiple dishes, the holiday can quickly turn stressful. Luckily, if you’re in Denver, you don’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen. The city is packed with restaurants and eateries offering both dine-in and takeout options, from traditional turkey dinners to gourmet twists on classic sides. Whether you want to host a full meal at home without lifting a finger or prefer enjoying the holiday in a cozy restaurant, Denver has something to fit your plans.
For those who want to skip the stress of cooking, local chefs and restaurants are offering convenient, heat-and-serve packages, family-style meals, and full dine-in experiences. Ordering ahead ensures you get exactly what you want, with fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavorful options that might even surpass your own culinary creations. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Thanksgiving dinners and takeout options in Denver, including tips for ordering, what to expect, and how to make your holiday meal both delicious and stress-free.
Ajax Downtown
Where? 1899 16th St Mall, Denver
Ajax Downtown is a Denver favorite for those looking to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast without spending the day in the kitchen. Known for its focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Ajax offers a traditional holiday package that includes confit turkey legs, smoked turkey breast, a selection of classic sides, freshly baked rolls, and your choice of dessert. Each element is thoughtfully prepared to ensure that every bite is rich, flavorful, and reminiscent of a home-cooked holiday meal, but without the hassle of hours spent cooking and cleaning. Their attention to detail and quality make Ajax a reliable choice for anyone seeking a stress-free Thanksgiving experience.
In addition to their delicious menu, Ajax Downtown makes the ordering process simple and convenient. Orders can typically be picked up the day before Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving morning, allowing you to enjoy a freshly prepared meal at your own pace. The staff also provides clear reheating instructions for each dish, so your turkey stays juicy and your sides remain perfectly cooked. Whether you’re feeding a small family or a larger group, Ajax Downtown’s Thanksgiving packages are designed to satisfy a variety of appetites while delivering the comfort and warmth of a classic holiday meal.
PRO Tip: Order early – Ajax’s Thanksgiving packages often sell out fast. Don’t forget to ask about dessert add-ons or wine pairings to complete your meal.
Edible Beats (Root Down / Vital Root)
Where?
Root Down: 1600 W 33rd Ave
Vital Root: 3915 Tennyson St
Edible Beats brings the holiday to your home with its “Thanksgiving at Home” menus, available for pick up through Root Down and Vital Root. These packages feature thoughtfully prepared dishes that range from traditionally roasted turkey to creative side dishes and house-made desserts. With options for full, individual meals, Edible Beats allows you to customize your Thanksgiving feast to suit your family’s tastes. They also offer gluten-free and dietary-friendly options, so everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal.
The ordering and pickup process is designed for convenience, ensuring your meal arrives fresh and ready to enjoy. Pickups are typically available a few days before Thanksgiving, giving you flexibility in planning your holiday schedule. Each dish comes with simple reheating instructions, so you can serve everything at the perfect temperature without any last-minute stress. With Edible Beats, you can enjoy the flavors of a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your own home, making it an excellent choice for both small gatherings and larger celebrations.
PRO Tip: Order early and double-check pickup times, as each restaurant in the Edible Beats family may have slightly different schedules and availability.
The Kitchen American Bistro
Where?
Boulder: 1039 Pearl St
Denver: 1560 Wazee St
For a flexible and flavorful holiday meal, The Kitchen offers a build-your-own Thanksgiving dinner package that lets you mix and match your favorite dishes. Known for its commitment to seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients, this popular Denver restaurant takes pride in offering a holiday spread that feels both elegant and comforting. Their Thanksgiving package typically includes a perfectly brined and par-cooked turkey, an assortment of classic sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry relish, and a choice of freshly baked pies. Each dish is designed to showcase simple ingredients done exceptionally well, making it easy to bring restaurant-quality food to your own table.
The Kitchen’s takeout experience is all about convenience and quality. Orders are accepted through late November, with pickups usually scheduled the day before Thanksgiving to ensure freshness. Clear reheating instructions accompany each item, so you can serve your meal hot and ready without worrying about timing. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a family gathering, The Kitchen’s customizable approach makes it easy to enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving feast while supporting a beloved local restaurant.
PRO Tip: Add one of The Kitchen’s signature cocktails or local wine pairings to elevate your Thanksgiving meal without extra effort.
Urban Farmer
Where? 1659 Wazee St, Denver
Urban Farmer, located in downtown Denver, is known for its refined yet approachable take on farm-to-table dining – and its Thanksgiving offerings are no exception. This modern steakhouse curates a holiday menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and locally sourced meats, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Their Thanksgiving options include several different main protein options, such as honey & thyme roasted turkey breast, delicious, farm-fresh sides like smashed bliss potatoes and maple cranberry sauce, all finished with decadent desserts like saffron pumpkin pie or a bourbon pecan tartlet. For those who prefer something beyond the traditional turkey, Urban Farmer also offers braised lamb and vegetarian options to satisfy every guest at the table.
Guests can choose between elegant dine-in service or convenient takeout, making it easy to celebrate however you prefer. The takeout packages are carefully portioned, with options for couples or larger family gatherings, and include detailed reheating instructions to ensure everything tastes freshly made. Dining in provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere with impeccable service and seasonal cocktails that perfectly complement the meal. Whether you’re picking up your feast or sitting down in the restaurant’s stylish dining room, Urban Farmer delivers a Thanksgiving experience rooted in comfort, flavor, and community.
PRO Tip: Reserve early – both dine-in tables and takeout packages tend to sell out quickly. If you plan to order takeout, confirm your pickup time in advance to avoid holiday crowds.
American Elm
Where? 4132 W 38th Ave, Denver
American Elm has earned a loyal Denver following for its elevated comfort food and warm neighborhood vibe, and its Thanksgiving offerings are no exception. Each year, the restaurant crafts a special holiday menu designed to bring the heart of a home-cooked meal straight to your table without the work. Their takeout packages often include tender roasted turkey or prime rib, traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and a choice of classic desserts. Every dish reflects American Elm’s signature balance of familiarity and sophistication, ensuring your Thanksgiving dinner feels festive, flavorful, and effortless.
Perfect for feeding families or small gatherings, American Elm’s “AE at Home” feasts are available for convenient pickup in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Meals come neatly packaged with clear reheating instructions, so you can serve everything at just the right time and temperature. The portions are generous, making it easy to feed everyone with plenty of leftovers for the next day. With its attention to detail and commitment to quality, American Elm offers a comforting, restaurant-quality experience that makes Thanksgiving dinner a truly special occasion to savor.
PRO Tip: Place your order early – American Elm’s holiday feasts are known to sell out quickly. Consider adding a bottle of wine or a dessert from their seasonal menu to make your celebration even more special.
Blue Island Oyster Bar
Where? Pick up from Oliver’s Italian, 4950 S Yosemite St F3, Greenwood Village
For those craving a coastal twist on Thanksgiving, Blue Island Oyster Bar offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional turkey dinner. This seafood-centric spot in Denver blends New England charm with Colorado flair, serving up heat-and-serve holiday packages that often include roasted turkey alongside creative seafood options (for extra). Think shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, or caviar for festive starters. Their holiday menus balance classic comfort foods with light, ocean-inspired dishes, making it a perfect choice for those who want to elevate their Thanksgiving table with something unexpected yet delicious.
Blue Island’s takeout experience is streamlined and stress-free, designed for convenience without compromising flavor or presentation. Orders can typically be picked up the day before Thanksgiving, giving you time to reheat and serve with ease. The portions are hearty, and each meal comes with detailed instructions to ensure everything stays fresh and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or entertaining a crowd, Blue Island Oyster Bar offers a memorable dining experience that brings the best of land and sea to your holiday celebration.
PRO Tip: Pair your meal with one of Blue Island’s signature cocktails or a bottle of crisp white wine – their staff can recommend the perfect match to complement your Thanksgiving spread.
The Bindery
Where? 1817 Central St, Denver
Perched in Denver’s LoHi (Lower Highlands) neighborhood, The Bindery is the creation of Chef Linda Hampsten Fox, a talented chef trained in Switzerland, Italy, and France. It combines a market, bakery, café, and full restaurant under one roof, offering everything from breakfast pastries to New American dinner plates. With a beautifully designed space, three patios, and warm light from the market and bakery-café side, The Bindery strikes a balance between refined and welcoming. The food leans inventive, with influences from Mediterranean and Eastern European food traditions, offering artisanal baked goods, standout shared plates, house-made pastas, and bold main courses.
For Thanksgiving, The Bindery offers a complete to-go dinner package serving about 6-8 people. The holiday package features a 16-20 lb Barber all-natural rosemary and sage whole roasted turkey with gravy, presented with figs, bay leaves, and blood oranges. Sides include sourdough stuffing with mushrooms and sweet Italian sausage (with a gluten-free stuffing option), shallot mashed potatoes and bourbon mashed sweet potatoes, a fresh cranberry, orange, lime, and jalapeño relish, maple & lime roasted acorn squash, parsnips and spiced pears, as well as roasted Brussels sprouts with rapini and pearl onions. You can also add on bakery items (like artisan breads, pies, rolls) and extra sides à la carte. Make sure to place your orders by November 22nd for pick up on November 26th and 27th.
PRO Tip: Because The Bindery’s Thanksgiving kits are loaded with specialty sides and optional add-ons, double-check what you get vs what you want – and order early. Also, ask about the recommended reheating timeline so that the turkey, sides, and squash all reach their best flavor without drying out.
Savor the Season, Denver-Style
Whether you’re craving a five-star dining experience or the comfort of a perfectly packaged feast at home, Denver’s Thanksgiving options make it easy to celebrate your way. From the elevated elegance of Guard & Grace to the creative vegetarian fare at Leaf, and from The Bindery’s artisanal market-style feast to Urban Farmer’s modern farm-to-table spread, the Mile High City’s culinary scene delivers something delicious for everyone. No matter your plans, these local chefs and restaurants ensure that warmth, flavor, and community are at the heart of your holiday table.
So skip the stress, preheat the oven (or make that reservation), and let Denver’s top kitchens do the heavy lifting this Thanksgiving. With thoughtful to-go menus and inviting dine-in experiences, you can focus on what really matters – spending quality time with family and friends, sharing gratitude, and savoring every bite. This year, celebrate Thanksgiving Denver-style: indulgent, effortless, and full of local flavor.