Let’s be honest — cooking on Thanksgiving Day is rarely a relaxing event. While some of us love to spend the day (or two, or three…) peeling potatoes, salting the turkey, baking pies, and trimming green beans, many families look forward to relaxing during their days off for the holiday. Whether you live in Central Oregon, are planning a staycation, or are visiting for Thanksgiving, allow one of Bend’s resorts or restaurants to take care of the feast. From cook-it-yourself to dine-in, we think you’ll find an option that works best for you. Here’s our list of a few places to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in Bend.
1. Elk Lake Resort
What better way to spend the day of thanks than overlooking Elk Lake, just off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway? The Lodge Bar and Restaurant at Elk Lake Resort serves rustic American fare, with views of Mt. Bachelor and South Sister included. Thanksgiving dinner includes a four-course prix fixe menu with all of the Autumn dishes you can imagine.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving menu at Elk Lake Resort: start with your choice of butternut squash bisque or harvest greens salad with feta and cranberries. Roasted turkey with sage dressing and applewood smoked ham showcase as the main course, with seasonal side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and homestyle green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a peach cobbler served a la mode or a pumpkin cream cheese molten lava cake.
Wondering how will you get into Elk Lake Resort with the road closures? If there’s no snow on Thanksgiving, an Elk Lake team member will meet you at the south gate on Cascade Lakes Highway and escort you into the resort. However, if there is snow, you can park at Dutchman Flat (across from Mt. Bachelor) and get a Snowcat ride into the resort. What an epic experience for Thanksgiving dinner in Bend! Dinner is $60 for adults and $30 for kids. Reservations are required. Contact The Lodge at Elk Lake Resort to book.
2. Luckey’s Woodsman
Planning a more rustic holiday? Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner in Bend and beyond! If you’re camping, RVing, dining outdoors, or simply want an easier way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at home, order a Thanksgiving Kit from Luckey’s Woodsman food cart. Pre-cooked dinner kits can be reheated over a camper stove, grill, oven, or an open fire.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving menu at Luckey’s Woodsman: smoked free-range turkey, wild mushroom brown gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Tuscan stuffing, cranberry pear sauce, roasted Brussel sprouts, and Big Ed’s rosemary dinner rolls. Add-ons include handmade holiday pie for $25 each, extra sides, a six-pack of Wild Ride beer, and a Deschutes National Forest Christmas tree permit!
Kits are $100 for two servings and $180 for four servings, with pricing options up to eight servings. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 24 at 5 pm. Pick-up is available between 3 and 5 pm on Wednesday, November 27 at Luckey’s Woodsman in Sisters. Can’t make it to Sisters? Luckey’s offers delivery at an additional charge; just add it to your cart! Place orders online for your Thanksgiving Kit.
3. Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch’s newly renovated Lodge Restaurant and Aspen Lounge is the perfect place to create unforgettable Thanksgiving memories. With panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Washington, it’s easy to see why it is named the most beautiful restaurant in Oregon. The minimalist design and contemporary rustic interiors seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape and create a unique dining experience.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving menu at Black Butte Ranch: start your Thanksgiving meal with a family-style charcuterie board, Butternut Squash Soup, or Burrata & Peperonata. For the main course, indulge in the special Thanksgiving turkey, Mushroom Bourguignon, or a variety of beef ribs. The kid’s menu features macaroni and cheese, cheeseburgers, and chicken strips with fries. At last, satisfy your sweet cravings with classic pumpkin tart, apple cranberry crisp, or maple pot de crème.
Reservations are required for this plate dinner feast, served from noon until 4 p.m. Adults plates are $67 per person while kids 12 and under eat for $18 per person. Book your Thanksgiving Day dinner at Black Butte Ranch.
4. Sunriver Resort
Choose from several Thanksgiving dining options at Sunriver Resort. Whether you’re staying in at Sunriver Resort, Caldera Springs, or live nearby, there are many ways to enjoy Thanksgiving Sunriver-style.
The Great Hall: enjoy a “bountiful buffet” with all-you-can-eat appetizers, main courses, and desserts. $114 per adult, $57 per child. Kids five and under eat for free. Dinner is served 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Dinner To-Go: enjoy dinner in your cozy vacation rental while Sunriver Resort does the cooking. Minimum of four people, up to 12 people, for $79 per person. Pick-up dinners on Wednesday, November 27, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving at Lodge Kitchen: savor a plated, four-course dinner at Lodge Kitchen with your choice of prime rib, turkey roulade, or winter tagliatelle. $99 per adult, $49 per child, ages five and under eat free. Come back for Thanksgiving weekend brunch all weekend long!
Caldera Springs: gather for a feast at the new Lake House or enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Crosswater Grille. Note that Crosswater is open only to resort guests and members.
Sunriver Resort Traditions kicks off just before Thanksgiving, so watch for the evening light festivals and other festive events! Book your Sunriver Thanksgiving dining.
5. Tetherow
Tetherow invites guests to a delightful Thanksgiving celebration filled with food, festivity, and cherished moments. This award-winning resort in the heart of Bend offers a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by central Oregon’s finest ingredients.
Here’s what’s on the menu for Thanksgiving at Tetherow: various sides like seared Oregon mushrooms, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and root vegetable medley. Satisfy your appetite with hearty entrees like roasted turkey, prime rib, smoked salmon, or Forager’s board.
Thanksgiving dinner at Tetherow’s event pavilion is served from 1 to 7 p.m. $120 per adult and $45 for children ages 7-14. Kids six and under eat free. Make your Tetherow Thanksgiving Day reservation.
6. McMenamins – Old St. Francis Pub
Planning to keep it really casual this Thanksgiving? McMenamins Old St. Francis School is your go-to spot. This former Catholic school-turned-pub-and-lodging is a cozy spot for travelers, shoppers, and adventurers looking for a great time in Bend, serving both traditional Thanksgiving offerings and their regular pub menu.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving Day menu at McMenamins Old St. Francis School: special Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey plate, cider glazed pork, and a holiday vegan plate. Want the OG menu? Grub on appetizers like hummus, Cajun tater tots, truffle fries, or cheeseburger sliders. Then choose from a wide range of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, or chef’s specials like Ale-Battered Fish & Chips and Black & Blue Steak Bites.
Reservations are required; call the Old St. Francis Pub to secure your dinner time.
7. Pine Tavern
Pine Tavern will be serving their regular menu on Thanksgiving Day, but reservations are required. With only a few reservation slots available, book your Pine Tavern reservations ASAP if you’re craving French onion soup, steak frites, or a crispy iceberg wedge salad.
8. Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge
Take Thanksgiving dinner in Bend to the next level! It only makes sense for Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge to serve Thanksgiving this year—they’re new, they’re huge, and the food is fan-freaking-tastic. Chefs Carlos Anthony and Brian Malarkey have put together a four-course dinner for those seeking a bit of Thanksgiving dining adventure.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving Day menu at Hawk & Huck: choose from crispy pork belly, smoked salmon dip, pumpkin soup, smoked turkey, prime rib, and Oregon Coast salmon, among other plates. Sides are served family-style, including butter potatoes, sourdough stuffing, and campfire cornbread.
Reservations are required, so book your Thanksgiving dinner at Hawk & Huck for their inaugural Thanksgiving Day event.
9. ROAM at The Oxford Hotel
ROAM, The Oxford’s 4-star restaurant, invites you to indulge in a special prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner. Renowned chef Bryant Kryck has curated a menu for guests and locals alike. This three-course dinner will serve Thanksgiving dinner all afternoon and into the evening.
Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving Day menu at ROAM: choose from starters like apple quinoa salad and crab croquettes before moving onto your choice of herb-crusted turkey or pumpkin gnocchi, to name a few. Finish the evening with pumpkin cheesecake or a variety a creme brulee options from s’mores to marionberry pie.
Reservations are required, so book from 2 to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.) for your ROAM Thanksgiving dinner.
Bend Family Kitchen
For anyone needing a safe place to enjoy a free hot meal, Bend Family Kitchen is open to all. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 231 NW Idaho Ave. in Bend.
Make The Best Thanksgiving Memories in Central Oregon
Whether you’re here for the holiday or call Central Oregon “home,” there are many options for Thanksgiving dinner in Bend. Pre-Thanksgiving dinner, participate in the I Like Pie Thanksgiving Day Run. Head to Downtown Bend for Small Business Saturday and shop local shops and makers. With so much to offer, Bend is the perfect destination for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.
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