From turkey trots to turkey feasts (and don’t forget the pie)—we’ve rounded up the best San Diego Thanksgiving celebrations.
Edited by Lisa Kelley
EVENTS
Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Day 5K
Nov. 24. Join 10,000+ participants and spectators for the 14th annual Thanksgiving Day run through Balboa Park. The course begins at the San Diego Museum of Man, winds through the iconic Balboa Park and ends in a post race festival with live music, a beer garden and a costume contest. Don’t forget to pick up one of the famous Father Joe’s Thanksgiving pies at the race as they sell out quickly! 7:45 a.m. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park.
fjvthanksgivingday5k.squarespace.com
San Diego Run for the Hungry 5K & 10K
Nov. 24. Walk, jog or run through downtown San Diego on Thanksgiving before indulging in all the feasting with the 15th annual Run for the Hungry. The race kicks off at Horton Plaza mall and ends at the Broadway Circle Turnaround. Bring your dog for an additional $10. All proceeds from the race are given to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and other hunger-relief programs at Jewish Family Service of San Diego. 7 a.m. 324 Horton Plaza, downtown. sdrunforthehungry.org
San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot & Food Drive
Nov. 24. Choose to run the 5K, 10K or 15K at the 2nd annual Thanksgiving Day Run. Participants are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to race day to benefit the Salvation Army as they distribute food to those who need it. The races begin at 8 a.m. at Rohr Park, 4250 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita. sdthanksgivingrun.com
Oceanside Turkey Trot
Nov. 24. Downtown Oceanside celebrates the 11th annual Turkey Trot featuring a 10K Harbor to Pier run, 5K run/walk and multiple kids races. First race starts at 6:45 a.m. Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Hwy., Oceanside. osideturkeytrot.com
DINING
Mess Hall + Stehly Farms
For a classic Thanksgiving meal around the family table, without the cooking stress, head to Liberty Public Market’s Mess Hall restaurant. Mess Hall’s executive chef, Tim Kolanko is partnering with local Stehly Farms to curate farm fresh ingredients and prepare your feast to go. All turkeys and sides must be ordered by Friday, Nov. 18 for a Tuesday or Wednesday pick-up on Nov. 22 or 23. 2820 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station. messhallsd.com
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum
Enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving buffet at Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad. The New England-style restaurant will feature a delicious lineup of entrees, soups, sides and of course desserts to top it off. Some of the signature items include butternut squash bisque, New England clam chowder, oven roasted turkey breast, spiral-cut ham, baked cod with lemon burr blanc, raved rib eye au jus, candied yams, herb mashed potatoes, sausage apple and chestnut stuffing, and chocolate pecan pie. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6115 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.918.2421. greendragontavernca.com
Brian’s 24
The “restaurant that never sleeps” is open Thanksgiving day. Set in the heart of the Gaslamp quarter, Brian’s copper-clad kitchen, mahogany bar and crystal chandelier create a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy food from their full menu from breakfast until dinner, including their famous omelets, New York Steak, and everything in between, plus a turkey pot pie special. 828 6th Ave., Gaslamp District. 619.702.8410. brians24.com
Hornblower Cruises
It’s easy to be thankful when observing the beauty of America’s Finest City while cruising aboard a Hornblower yacht and enjoying their traditional buffet feast. The cruise offers stellar views of the San Diego bay, a glass of champagne or sparkling cider upon boarding, full traditional Thanksgiving buffet with all the fixings and a DJ entertainer accepting music requests. $92/pp. Boarding at 2:30 and 3 p.m. 1800 North Harbor Dr., San Diego Marina. hornblower.com
Bleu Boheme
Showcasing a decadent prix-fixe dinner, Bleu Boheme welcomes guests to enjoy three courses from the kitchen of Ken Irvine, including choice of starters, entrees and desserts as well as wine and cocktail specials. The menu features dishes such as pumpkin-hominy soup, turkey breast roasted with fresh herbs or this served “confit” style, king salmon, and warm gingerbread with strawberry confiture and caramel ice cream. Try the Thanksgiving-inspired pumpkin pie martini with Absolut vanilla vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, kailua, butterscotch schnapps and half and half served with crushed graham cracker rim. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com
Bellamy’s
The Escondido restaurant is showcasing a three-course classic Thanksgiving feast prepared by French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty and executive chef Jonathan Freiburg. Enjoy turkey and herb stuffing, house-made basil pappardelle, seafood bouillabaisse and grilled king beef ribeye. $50/pp. 417 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.747.5000. bellamysdining.com
Veladora
Rancho Valencia’s signature restaurant Veladora showcases the bounty of the season as executive chef Jarrod Moiles crafts a full Thanksgiving buffet from the finest local fare. Enjoy live music, decadent desserts and the posh atmosphere of the gorgeous dining room. $125/pp. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Hello Betty Fish House
For a fun take on the classic Thanksgiving fixings, head to Hello Betty Fish House in Oceanside. The restaurant is serving up Turkey Day Hot Brown sandwiches with carved turkey, sage derby, bacon, cranberry sauce and giblet gravy on open-faced sourdough bread. Or opt for the O-Side Turkey Rueben with corned turkey breast, jack cheese, coleslaw, avocado and thousand island dressing on rye. Save room for anejo agave pecan pie. 211 Mission Ave., Oceanside. 760.72.1008. hellobettyoceanside.com
Slaters 50/50
Thanksgiving flavors combine into a more casual meal at Slater’s 50/50, where the Thanksgiving Burger is made with a seasoned turkey patty topped with brioche dressing, turkey gravy, housemade cranberry sauce and a garlic and sage aioli served on a honey wheat bun. (Closed on Thanksgiving, but burger can be enjoyed throughout the month of November). 2750 Dewey Rd., Liberty Station 619.398.2600. slaters5050.com
Cerveza Jack’s
Putting a Mexican culinary twist on turkey, Cerveza Jack’s is dishing up a special Thanksgiving Taco through the month of November featuring turkey asada, bacon-poblano stuffing and cranberry jalapeno salsa. 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. cervezajacks.com
DESSERT
Julian Pie Co.
Even if you can’t make it all the way up to Julian to pick up one of their deliciously famous pies, many local groceries and markets carry both freshly baked and frozen, unbaked pies. Just get there early as the goods sell out quickly! Various locations. For a full list of where to buy, click here. julianpie.com
Le Parfait Paris
San Diego’s favorite downtown French bakery is crafting specialty holiday eclairs to impress everyone at the Thanksgiving table. Enjoy a seasonal, signature eclair made with pumpkin and ginger puree, pecan whip cream, candied pecans and marshmallow. Order directly or place an online order at least one day prior to Thanksgiving. 555 G St., Gaslamp Quarter,. leparfaitparis.com
