More people are interested in dining out in Southwest Florida for Thanksgiving this year and it is for quite a few reasons. For some, dining out IS their holiday tradition. No one has to host, worry about cooking, clean up and those guests who always stay too long.
Then there are the rising food costs. The Farm Bureau says the cost of purchasing all you need for a Thanksgiving feast is up 20%. In some cases, it is actually cheaper to eat out which sounds crazy.
Finally, many Southwest Floridians have homes so damaged by Hurricane Ian, hosting a dinner is simply out of the question. We also know some people, this year, just don't have the energy or inspiration either. Thanksgiving looks a lot different for a lot of us.
If your finances are tight this year and you can't dine out or even purchase the food needed to make a traditional meal, don't give up hope. There are a number of agencies giving out turkeys and all of the fixins to help you prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Look for that information to follow shortly.
In the meantime, if dinning out is sounding more and more appealing to you this year, don't delay preparations any longer. Make your reservations as soon as possible. This is especially true if you have a big party. Many places have limited seating and the demand is expected to be high.
Interested in dining out in Southwest Florida for Thanksgiving? We've put together this list to help. All of these restaurants have a decent amount of space which is important to note. Thanksgiving dinning tends to include bigger parties when considering friends and family. Keep checking back as we will update this when possible.
Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro, Cape Coral
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is celebrating the holiday at their restaurant, Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
There will be several food stations with traditional meats like Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Cider Brined Turkey, and Country Ham. * $99/adult and $29/kids (6-12).
Shoeless Joe's, Fort Myers
The Crowne Plaza at The Bell Tower Shops is hosting a Thanksgiving Day buffet on Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ballroom of the hotel. The buffet includes several carving stations featuring turkey, prime rib, baked ham, glazed salmon and chicken with cranberry sauce as well as popular Thanksgiving sides.
Buffet reservations are $45 for adults and $20 for children ages 5-10, plus tax. Reservations must be made in advance by Wednesday, Nov. 23.
In addition, Shoeless Joe’s, the restaurant located within Crowne Plaza, is also serving a traditional turkey dinner with salad and dessert for $29.95, from noon to 8 p.m.. Enjoy your holiday meal while watching Thanksgiving Day football games on more than 40 big-screen HDTVs.
LaMorAga
This Naples restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas. However, for Thanksgiving, the restaurant is going old school American with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and more. $27
Rodizio Grill
This is a Brazilian Steakhouse at Coconut Point Mall in Bonita/Estero. For Thanksgiving, the large restaurant, suitable for large parties, turns their buffet into a feast of traditional favorites. $54.99 and $44.99 for adults, kids 7-10 $19.99, kids 3-6 $14.99
Naples Grande
The resort restaurant, Catch of the Pelican, is offering a more elegant, family dining experience this holiday, and reservations are still available
To help spread the warmth this holiday; for every feast purchased, Naples Grande will be donating one turkey to the St. Matthews House.
