Thanksgiving in New Orleans -- Recommendations?

[grantjg1]

We're planning on doing Thanksgiving in NOLA, and I was hoping for a few suggestions. I went to school down there, and am pretty familiar with the restaurant scene, but I could use some tips.

We'd like something fairly nice or better (think Jacques-Imo's as the lower bound). Needs to take reservations (so Galatoire's downstairs is out), seat around 10, and have great food ... though we have no need/use for the "traditional" turkey dinner -- a regular menu is fine. Oh, and it needs to be open.

My thoughts so far: Commander's, Gautreau's, Arnaud's ...

[bam bam]

The Fairgrounds.

[buzd]

We'd like something fairly nice or better (think Jacques-Imo's as the lower bound).

That's pretty wide open.

2nd the Fairgrounds. I've always wanted to do that on Tnxgiving.

[grantjg1]

Racetrack is a great idea -- I'd totally forgotten about that. After checking online, though, it looks like the race season is starting earlier than usual (i.e. not on Thanks Day). Wonder if they're doing it this year ...

As for narrowing things down, I know we don't want someplace that's 95% fish (wouldn't feel right for Thanksgiving), and we'd like something with some character.

[café au lait]

The Fairgrounds auctioned off the tables last year for Thanksgiving. IIRC they went from $400-$800 plus your food/beverage costs.

[bdavid]

If you have access to a car, La Provence does a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and the restaurant's ambience is tailor-made for that kind of meal. We've had a couple of spectacular TGs there.

[Jerry]

One of the major downtown hotels would be best....otherwise get yourself invited to a home dinner.

[jodyrah]

The table price at the fairgrounds includes food. Anyone know if auctioning is here to stay?

[buzd]

The table price at the fairgrounds includes food. Anyone know if auctioning is here to stay?

I doubt it will be nearly as significant this year, since Thanksgiving isn't opening day as well.

[Tchoupitoulas]

That's also the weekend of the Southern/Grambling game...I would check to see who's open and be sure to make reservations...or not. I'm not sure if the crowd is a "Fairgrounds crowd" or not...it's either feast or famine for restaurants that weekend.

[TulaneRebel]

Grant, won't you be at the Bayou Classic anyway? Just grab a Domino's and some Dome Foam.

[UptownKevin]

One of the major downtown hotels would be best....otherwise get yourself invited to a home dinner.

Ummm, you may want to stay Uptown on that particular weekend. Just a suggestion.

-Kevin

[UptownKevin]

We're planning on doing Thanksgiving in NOLA, and I was hoping for a few suggestions. I went to school down there, and am pretty familiar with the restaurant scene, but I could use some tips.


Grant,

Please be aware that if you are bringing first time visitors to the city, their first impression may be a bit tarnished and they may never return. There's a large football game and celebration during that weekend. The female half of a couple we know will never step foot in the city again, because her husband brought her on that particular weekend a few years back. I just wanted to give you a fair warning.

Also, if you are driving or flying, avoid doing so on Friday through Sunday; it's a mess.

-Kevin

[Tchoupitoulas]

Also, if you are driving or flying, avoid doing so on Friday through Sunday; it's a mess.

That too. A LOT of drunks on the road beginning on Wednesday. When I lived in Houston I refused to drive home for Thanksgiving EVER again following a 9 hour trip once...along the way witnessing two accidents. Pick another weekend.

[globe9]

I was gonna recommend Tujaques b/c I've gone here with my family for Xmas, but I forgot about the Bayou Classic. The traffic in the dwntn. area is gonna be INSANE! It once took me over an hour to go from Poydras right by Harrahs to Decatur by Jax b/c of the traffic. I'd find something Uptown or maybe in Metairie...isn't Andrea's open for Thanksgiving?

[Alex]

I recommend the Fairgrounds as well. ...and don't miss out on thier Turtle Soup if they still have it.

[TulaneRebel]

I recommend the Fairgrounds as well. ...and don't miss out on thier Turtle Soup if they still have it.

Great Reuben there as well.