Spend Thanksgiving in Highlands and leave the cooking to someone else. Several local restaurants have confirmed they will be open on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and local kitchens and markets are preparing holiday dishes to take home.
Where to dine on Thanksgiving Day
The following restaurants have confirmed they will be open November 26. Contact each restaurant directly for serving hours, holiday menus and reservations.
- Madison’s Restaurant: Open Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-787-2525 for reservations and dining details.
- Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge: Offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet. Check reservation availability.
- The Ruffed Grouse Tavern at Highlander Mountain House: Open for breakfast and dinner only. Call 828-526-2590 for hours and reservations.
- On the Verandah: Open Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-526-2338 for holiday hours and reservations.
- FOUR65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar: Open Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-787-2990 to confirm hours and menu offerings.
- Black Bear Café: Open Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-482-7020 to confirm holiday hours.
Thanksgiving catering & takeout
- The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering: The 2026 Thanksgiving menu includes cornbread dressing, sweet potato soufflé, vegetable sides, gravy and pies. Turkey is not available. Orders are due November 18 by 3pm. Pickup is November 25, 10am-2pm. Call 828-526-2110 or view the holiday menu.
- Highlands Smokehouse: Thanksgiving meal options are featured in the 2026 holiday menu below. Call 828-526-3554 for ordering and pickup details. Thanksgiving Day dining hours have not been confirmed.
View the full-size Highlands Smokehouse Thanksgiving menu
- Dusty’s: Prepared casseroles, pies and other holiday dishes are available for pickup before Thanksgiving. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-526-2762 for availability and pickup details.
- Mountain Fresh Grocery: Confirmed open on Thanksgiving Day. Call 828-526-2400 for holiday hours and available prepared foods or takeout options.
Before you go: Holiday hours, menus and reservation availability may change. Check directly with each business before making plans, and place takeout orders before the listed deadlines.