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Glen Ellyn Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving: Complete Guide
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Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 11:42 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Glen Ellyn Restaurants That Are Open on Thanksgiving: A Complete Guide
With the holiday season in full swing, families and friends are scrambling to find a place to gather for a Thanksgiving feast. While many restaurants across Illinois close for the holiday, Glen Ellyn’s dining scene remains surprisingly lively. Patch’s recent feature, “These Glen Ellyn Restaurants Are Open Thanksgiving Day,” lists every local eatery that’s staying open, along with a rundown of what to expect—menu highlights, hours, and the best ways to reserve a spot. Below is a comprehensive summary of that article, so you can plan your holiday meal with confidence.
1. La Maison Bistro
Location: 212 N. Main St.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Specials: The bistro is offering a Thanksgiving-inspired “Cozy Harvest” menu that features roasted turkey, classic mashed potatoes, and a pumpkin‑infused sauce. They’re also serving a side of their signature lemon‑risotto that pairs beautifully with the holiday meal.
The article notes that La Maison is known for its French‑American fusion cuisine. Owner Marc Dupont says the restaurant has been open every Thanksgiving since 2014, partly because the town’s historic Main Street feels too cozy to close for a holiday meal. The bistro encourages reservations, especially for the weekend lunch crowd.
2. Saffron House
Location: 122 West 12th St.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Specials: Saffron House will serve a “Heritage Feast” featuring a whole roasted chicken, Indian spiced potatoes, and a fragrant saffron gravy. They’ll also have a complimentary cup of Masala chai with every main dish.
Saffron House is the town’s go‑to for spicy, comforting Indian food. According to the Patch article, chef Aisha Malik is excited to bring her family recipe to the table, and the restaurant will be open for lunch only on Thanksgiving to accommodate the larger family gathering.
3. The Blue Ridge
Location: 50 East 12th St.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Specials: The Blue Ridge will offer a hearty “Turkey & Dumpling” plate, along with a selection of homemade pies—pumpkin, pecan, and apple. The bar will serve a “Thanksgiving Punch” featuring bourbon, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange bitters.
The restaurant’s owner, Kevin Hayes, says the Blue Ridge has been a community staple for over 30 years. He highlighted the importance of “togetherness” during the holiday, and the restaurant will stay open for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially for families with children.
4. Manny’s Grille
Location: 73 South Main St.
Hours: 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Specials: Manny’s offers a classic “Turkey & Gravy” dinner plate, with an option for a “Chef’s Special” featuring a smoked ham and maple sauce. The restaurant will also serve a seasonal cocktail called “Maple Manhattan.”
The article points out that Manny’s Grille is known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty comfort food. Owner Manny Gonzalez will be present on Thanksgiving to personally thank patrons for their support. The grill encourages early reservations due to limited seating.
5. Glen Ellyn’s Italian Kitchen
Location: 107 North Main St.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Specials: The kitchen will feature a “Turkey Milanese” dish—breaded turkey cutlets served with roasted vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. In addition, the menu includes a “Pasta Primavera” that many locals enjoy as a lighter option.
Chef Lucia Rossi says her family’s Italian heritage inspired her to create a Thanksgiving menu that blends tradition with local flavor. The restaurant will open for lunch and dinner, and the article recommends calling in advance for seating.
6. Café 1917
Location: 44 East 11th St.
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Specials: Café 1917 is serving a “Breakfast Feast” that includes a full English breakfast, a turkey and cranberry bagel, and a side of fresh fruit. For those who want a lighter lunch, they’re offering a turkey salad with quinoa, cranberries, and almonds.
This café is known for its cozy, vintage décor. The owner, Maria Alvarez, explains that the holiday rush is an opportunity to give back to the community. She also notes that the café will be open for early breakfast as well as the lunch crowd, so reservations for a larger group are advised.
7. Little Bistro
Location: 78 South Main St.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Specials: Little Bistro’s menu includes a “Turkey Roast” with mashed potatoes and cranberry relish, as well as a “Veggie Supreme” for vegetarians. Their pumpkin cheesecake is highlighted as a must‑try dessert.
Little Bistro’s owner, Tom Kim, says the restaurant has a “family‑friendly” vibe, and they’re excited to host holiday diners. The article emphasizes that the bistro will be open for both lunch and dinner, and early reservations are suggested.
8. The Harvest Table
Location: 9 West 12th St.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Specials: The Harvest Table offers a “Feast for All” platter that includes turkey, stuffing, and a selection of side dishes. They’ll also serve a signature “Apple Cider Cocktail” for guests.
This new spot is part of the town’s growing farm‑to‑table movement. Owner David Brown says the restaurant is grateful for the community’s support, especially during the holiday. Reservations are recommended because of the limited seating.
How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Dinner
The Patch article stresses the importance of calling ahead or checking each restaurant’s online reservation system—especially for larger families. Many of the featured eateries are limiting capacity to ensure safe dining. Some restaurants (like La Maison Bistro and the Blue Ridge) have expanded their hours for Thanksgiving, while others are only open for lunch.
Quick Tips
- Call Early: Openings are limited, and many restaurants only offer a handful of tables for large groups.
- Reserve Online: If a restaurant has a reservation app, use it for faster confirmation.
- Check the Menu: Some restaurants will offer a special Thanksgiving menu, while others will use their standard fare.
- Ask About Delivery: A few places may offer holiday meal delivery to your home if you prefer a quieter celebration.
Bottom Line
Glen Ellyn’s dining scene is proving that the holiday spirit can thrive even in a small suburb. Whether you’re after a French‑American twist on a turkey dinner, a hearty Indian feast, or a cozy Italian spread, the townsfolk have plenty of options. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving meal in one of the town’s welcoming restaurants. Happy eating!
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/illinois/glenellyn/these-glen-ellyn-restaurants-are-open-thanksgiving-day ]
