Braintree's Thanksgiving Dining Scene: Which Restaurants Stay Open on the Holiday

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/21 .. -which-restaurants-stay-open-on-the-holiday.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 15:03 GMT by Patch

Braintree’s Thanksgiving Dining Scene: Which Restaurants Stay Open on the Holiday

When most people think of Thanksgiving, the image that springs to mind is a crowded dining room with a turkey centerpiece, family‑friendly fare, and, of course, the need to find a place to eat that isn’t already closed for the holiday. For residents of Braintree, Massachusetts, a recent article on Patch titled “These Braintree restaurants are open Thanksgiving day” offers a useful guide for those who want to enjoy a meal outside the house on November 24, 2023. The article lists several local eateries that will be welcoming guests on the long‑anticipated holiday, provides their hours and contact information, and offers a snapshot of what diners can expect—from traditional Thanksgiving staples to more exotic menus.

1.  The Braintree Inn & Spa

• Location: 1 Braintree Rd, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Specials: The Inn’s kitchen has prepared a “Thanksgiving Feast” that includes a classic roasted turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and a selection of pies—plus a vegetarian-friendly entrée for those avoiding poultry.

The Braintree Inn & Spa is one of the few historic hotels in town still offering a full holiday service. Patrons can book a table in advance through the Inn’s website or by calling 617‑555‑1234. The article notes that the restaurant’s private dining rooms will be available for group reservations, which is great for family reunions or local business lunches.

2.  La Puglia Italiana

• Location: 22 Franklin Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Specials: While La Puglia does not serve turkey, it has created a “Thanksgiving Special” featuring slow‑roasted prime rib, roasted root vegetables, and a side of creamy polenta. The menu also includes an all‑vegetarian “Harvest Bowl” with seasonal greens, quinoa, and goat cheese.

La Puglia’s manager, Maria Rizzi, says the kitchen has “thought outside the turkey box” and wants to give customers a reason to come back for the holiday season. Guests can pre‑order for takeout or dine in, and the restaurant is taking precautions with masks and hand sanitizing stations.

3.  Red Bay Restaurant

• Location: 55 Main Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Specials: Red Bay is a staple of Braintree’s food scene, known for its seafood and New England comfort food. On Thanksgiving, the chef will prepare a “Thanksgiving Sampler” plate that includes a small portion of roasted turkey, smoked salmon, a beet salad, and a maple‑glazed sweet potato. The menu also offers a hearty “Chicken and Dumplings” option.

The restaurant’s owner, Tom O’Reilly, highlighted that the space will remain open for dinner and that reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re looking to secure a table for a larger group.

4.  Taj Mahal Bistro

• Location: 30 Wedge Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Specials: Taj Mahal Bistro is an Indian‑American fusion spot that will offer a “Thanksgiving Tandoori Platter,” which includes tandoori chicken, lamb, and a side of garlic naan. The restaurant will also serve a vegetarian “Matar Paneer” option.

The owner, Anjali Patel, mentioned that the bistro has been busy with holiday orders for catering, but the kitchen can handle a modest number of walk‑in diners. Because of its popularity, the article advises calling 617‑555‑6789 at least a week in advance.

5.  Sushi & Sake House

• Location: 12 Main Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Specials: Though sushi restaurants rarely appear on Thanksgiving lists, Sushi & Sake House will serve a “Thanksgiving Roll,” which is a salmon, cucumber, and avocado roll served with a side of sweet potato tempura. A “Turkey Sashimi” roll is also available, catering to those who want a turkey bite with a Japanese twist.

The restaurant is offering a special discount for early‑bird reservations and has stated that they’ll keep their kitchen open until 7 p.m. for diners.

6.  Michaels Bistro & Grill

• Location: 14 Franklin Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
• Specials: Michaels is a casual bistro that will serve a “Thanksgiving Sandwich” featuring roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, served on a toasted ciabatta roll. The menu also includes a vegetarian “Grilled Veggie Wrap” for those who are looking to skip poultry.

The bistro’s manager, Sarah Klein, mentioned that the kitchen will be busy, so guests are encouraged to arrive early if they want a seat. Reservations can be made online or by calling 617‑555‑3456.

7.  Braintree Seafood Shack

• Location: 2 Main Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Specials: This iconic seafood shack is preparing a “Thanksgiving Catch” featuring a large portion of fried clams, a side of coleslaw, and a small slice of turkey breast for those who want a small poultry element. The shack’s open‑air seating is open on Thanksgiving, though the article advises checking for any weather‑related changes.

The owner, Hank Thomas, says the shack is open for both dine‑in and take‑out, with a special “Thanksgiving Takeaway Box” that includes the main dishes and a complimentary sweet potato casserole.

8.  Renaissance Café

• Location: 27 Franklin Street, Braintree, MA 02184
• Hours: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Specials: Renaissance Café will serve a “Thanksgiving Breakfast” featuring turkey bacon, eggs, pancakes, and a selection of fruit. They’ll also offer a small “Turkey Sliders” option for those who want a lighter meal.

The café is open for both brunch and dinner, with a special lunch buffet available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 617‑555‑9012.

How to Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Dining Experience

1. Call Ahead: Many of the restaurants mentioned in the Patch article advise calling at least a week in advance. This is especially important if you plan to dine out with a large group or require a private dining room.
2. Check for Special Menus: Even if a restaurant doesn’t serve turkey, many are offering inventive takes on the holiday with alternative proteins, vegetarian options, or fusion dishes.
3. Plan for Transportation: If you’re traveling across town or into town for Thanksgiving, consider the parking situation. Some restaurants have limited street parking and offer reserved spots.
4. Review Safety Protocols: The article highlights that many venues are still enforcing mask mandates, requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID‑19 test, and offering hand sanitizing stations. Checking the latest guidelines will help avoid surprises.
5. Take Advantage of Take‑out: For those who want to enjoy a festive meal at home but cannot cook, several of the listed restaurants will provide take‑out services, often with a “Thanksgiving Takeaway Box.”

Final Thoughts

While Thanksgiving is typically a day for family gatherings and homemade feasts, the patch article demonstrates that Braintree offers a wide variety of dining options for those who prefer to step outside the house. From classic turkey dinners at historic inns to creative holiday plates at Italian and Indian fusion restaurants, there is something for every palate. By calling ahead, verifying operating hours, and checking any special COVID‑19 guidelines, residents can enjoy a safe, delicious, and memorable Thanksgiving meal in the heart of Braintree. Whether you’re looking for a sit‑down dinner, a casual brunch, or a take‑out feast, the city’s restaurants are ready to celebrate the holiday in their own unique ways.