Dining out in Madison, Wisconsin on Thanksgiving Day 2016: Free meals and restaurant deals

Sad Turkey

Please note: This list is no longer being updated. There is no new list for 2017. However, most of the places included on the list (both for free meals and restaurant dining) have been serving meals on Thanksgiving for many years and are quite likely to be doing so again this year. If the link doesn’t work, give them a telephone call to confirm details about availability, prices, and hours.

No matter what your reason may be, there are alternatives to cooking your own Thanksgiving Dinner. To help you find them, Quintessential Madison has compiled a list of Madison-area organizations and restaurants serving dinner this year on Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 24, 2016. You’ll find a range of options — from FREE to more than $55 per person.

FREE
LESS THAN $20 PER PERSON
BETWEEN $20-$30 PER PERSON
BETWEEN $30-$40 PER PERSON
BETWEEN $40-$55 PER PERSON

The free dinners are open to all, but each sponsoring organization we contacted stresses the importance of volunteers and donations. Cash donations are especially appreciated. So too are volunteers who are willing to help with clean-up tasks. Please consider contributing time and/or money if you are in a position to do so this Thanksgiving.

FREE

First Congregational Church
1609 University Avenue, Madison
Phone: (608) 233-9751
FREE Thanksgiving dinner for any and all who wish to join – to find “home” and nourishment at our table
Traditional turkey-and-fixings dinner served noon to 3 p.m.
Home delivery available (for Madison and Fitchburg addresses only): Call (608) 233-9751 by 4 p.m on Monday, November 21st.
No reservations required

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
5701 Raymond Road, Madison
Phone: (608) 271-6633
A FREE, Thanksgiving community meal for church members and friends in the community served in Peterson Hall.
Traditional turkey dinner, served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
No reservations required

Lakeview Lutheran Church
4001 Mandrake Road, Madison
Phone: (608) 244-6181
“Anyone is invited to come and dine at the 32nd annual community dinner. The meal is served family style and includes roasted turkey, real whipped potatoes, gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie and beverages.”
Serving promptly at noon
Carry outs will only be offered if there is food left after everyone eats.
Call 244-6181 to make a reservation — “numbers only, no names are taken.”

Lakeview Moravian Church
3565 Tulane Avenue, Madison
Phone: (608) 249-1973
FREE Community Meal
Serving 11 a.m. until1 p.m.
No reservations required

Luke House
310 South Ingersoll Street, Madison
Phone: (608) 256-6325
FREE traditional Thanksgiving Meal
Serving 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Walk-ins only. No delivery

St. Joseph’s Church
1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison
Phone: (608) 251-8405
This annual festive meal is provided by Faith Community Church. People who are homebound can request a free home delivered meal by calling the South Madison Coalition of the Elderly at (608) 251-8405 by noon on Monday, November 21, 2016.
Serving at noon
No reservations required if attending meal at church

LESS THAN $20 PER PERSON

Gus’s Diner
630 North Westmount Drive, Sun Prairie
Phone: (608) 318-0900
Thanksgiving feast (all entrées include salad bar, potato, and pumpkin pie)
$11.99 Turkey; Regular menu will also be available (prices vary)
Serving from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tully’s II Food & Spirits
6401 Monona Drive, Monona
Phone: (608) 222-4995
“Turkey; Mashed Potatoes and Gravy; Cranberries; Vegetables; Stuffing; and Pumpkin Pie”
$12.99 per person; $9.99 for half orders
Open at 10 a.m. and serving turkey dinner “until we run out”
Reservations suggested

Quaker Steak and Lube
2259 Deming Way, Middleton
Phone: (608) 831-5823
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, rolls, and pie
$12.99 per person
Serving from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Reservations welcome, but not required

World Buffet
499 D’Onofrio Drive, Madison
Phone: (608) 833-6789
2451 West Broadway, Monona
Phone: (608) 222-2962
Thanksgiving buffet at both locations: Serving turkey, ribeye steak, and seafood
$13.95 Adults
Serving from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Downtown Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
123 East Doty Street, Madison
Phone: (608) 284-0000
Serving a Turkey Dinner special and limited late night menu
“This year we are serving up the Thanksgiving classics. Slow-roasted turkey, mashed-potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. Prices include one refill plate and a slice of pie”
$14.95 adults; Kids 5-12; $8.95; Free for Kids 12 and under
Serving 5:30 p.m. to close

The Great Dane – East
876 Jupiter Drive, Madison
Phone: (608) 442-1333
Serving a Turkey Dinner special and limited late night menu
“This year we are serving up the Thanksgiving classics. Slow-roasted turkey, mashed-potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. Prices include one refill plate and a slice of pie”
$14.95 adults; Kids 5-12; $8.95; Free for Kids 12 and under
Serving 4 p.m. to close

Rex’s Innkeeper
301 N. Century Avenue, Waunakee
Phone: (608) 849-5011
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner served buffet-style: Turkey, Ham, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetables, Salads, and Dessert Table
$16.95 Adults; $7.95 Children 10 and under
Serving: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations suggested

Kristi’s Restaurant
119 5th Avenue, New Glarus
Phone: (608) 527-2012
Traditional roast turkey; or order off the regular menu (includes steaks, chops, duck, salmon); Children’s menu available upon request
$16.95 for turkey (see online menu for other item prices)
Serving: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Reservations recommended as seating is limited

Maple Tree Supper Club
6010 US Highway 51, McFarland
Phone: (608) 838-5888
Thanksgiving Buffet with turkey, ham, broasted chicken, dressing, salad bar, dessert table
$16.99 Adults; $6.99 Children 10 and under
Serving: 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Dorf Haus
8931 Highway Y, Roxbury
Phone: (608) 643-3980
Thanksgiving Day Buffet: Turkey, Baked Chicken, Ham,Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Dressing, Sweet Potatoes, Peppered Corn, Carameled Carrots, Cranberries, Salad Bar, Rolls, Homemade Pumpkin Pie or Ice Cream
$17.50 Adults; $6.95 Children 5-10; Tots 4 and under $3
Serving: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Reservations Highly Recommended”

BETWEEN $20-$30 PER PERSON

Essen House
541 East Wilson Street, Madison
Phone: (608) 255-4674
“This family-style dinner comes complete with turkey you carve at the table, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, dinner rolls,
assorted desserts, coffee, tea, milk and soda. All of the sides are bottomless AND you take the leftover turkey home!”
$21.95 Adults; $7.95 Children 6-10 (5 and under free)
Serving: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reservations highly recommended

Erin’s Snug Irish Pub
4601 American Parkway, Madison
Phone:(608) 242-7616
Thanksgiving Buffet: “Baked Ham, Roasted Turkey, Baked Cod, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Salad, Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Pie, and an assortment of other desserts.”
$21.99 Adults; $13 Children under 10

Old Feed Mill
114 Cramer Street; Mazomanie
Phone: (888) 345-4909
“You’re invited to join us for Thanksgiving: Oven Roasted Turkey; Bourbon Smoked Pork with Onion Marmalade; The Mill’s Famous Pot Roast; Mushroom Strudel; Cranberry Orange Relish Salad; Citrus Kale slaw; Broccoli Salad; Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy; Classic Bread Stuffing; Seasonal Vegetables; Traditional Pumpkin and Apple Pies; and The Mill’s Famous Bread Pudding
$21.99 Adults; $19.99 Seniors; $10.99 Children under 12
Serving: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Twist Bar & Grill
517 Grand Canyon Drive, Madison
(608) 833-0100
All-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet
Serving 11 a.m. until 2 p.m
$23.95 Adults; $15.95 Seniors; $9.95 Children; 5-12 (under 5 free)

Audubon Inn
45 North Main Street; Mayville (near Horicon Marsh)
Phone (920) 387-5858
NOLA North Bar & Cafe
All-you-care-to-eat Thanksgiving buffet
$24 Adults; $12 Children
Serving 11 a.m until 3 p.m.
Reservations required

The Great Dane – Fitchburg
2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
Phone (608) 442-9000
Thanksgiving buffet
$24.95 Adults; $9.95 Kids 6-12; Free for kids 5 and under
Serving 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Reservations recommended

The Great Dane – Hilldale
357 Price Place, Madison
Phone (608) 661-9400
Thanksgiving buffet
$24.95 Adults; $9.95 Kids 6-12; Free for kids 5 and under
Serving 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Coachman’s Golf Resort
984 County Road A, Edgerton
Phone: (608) 884-8484
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
$24.95 Adults; $16.95 Seniors (62 and over); $8.95 Children 12 and under; FREE Children 3 and under
Serving: 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Field’s at the Wilderness
511 East Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells
Phone: (608) 253-1400
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
$24.95 Adults; $14.95 Children
Serving: Noon to 7 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Quivey’s Grove
6261 Nesbitt Road, Madison
Phone: (608) 273-4900
Thanksgiving Dining in the Stone House with a choice of entrées from menu + complimentary appetizer buffet in the Stable Grill
$24.95 to $29.95
Serving 10:45 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Reservations essential

Granite City This restaurant is no longer open for business in Madison.
72 West Towne Mall; Madison
Phone: (608) 829-0700
Three-course family-style Thanksgiving dinner
Serving 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$24.95 Adults; $8.95 Children
Reservations required

Lake Windsor Golf Club
4628 Golf Road, Windsor
Phone: (608) 846-4711
Thanksgiving Grand Buffet: “GRAND ENTREES: Chef Carved Cider Glazed Oven Roasted Turkey and Chef Carved Roasted Virginia Ham with Bourbon Glaze; SAVORY SIDE DISHES: Sage Dressing with Homemade Gravy, Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Whipped Sweet Potatoes. Corn O’Brien, Green Bean Casserole, Assorted Rolls with Whipped Butter, Assorted Fresh Salads and More!; DESSERT & PASTRY TABLE: Assorted Pies (Pumpkin, Apple, Cherry, Pecan), Carrot Cake, Ice Cream Sundae Buffet, Brownies, Assorted Cookies, And More!; BEVERAGES: Regular and Decaf Coffee; Regular and Chocolate Milk”
$27.95 Adults; $24.95 Seniors (65+); $11.95 Children 4-10 years; FREE Toddlers 3 & under
Serving: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
Reservations Required

BETWEEN $30-$40 PER PERSON

Trapper’s Turn
2955 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells
Phone: (800) 221-8876
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
$34.99 Adults; $12.99 Children (4-10); FREE for Children under 3
Reservations requested

Green Owl Cafe
1970 Atwood Avenue; Madison
Phone: (608) 285-5290
Vegan Thanksgiving Feast
$35 per person ($16 kids 12 and under) – Order tickets online (event usually sells out early)
Serving at noon

CIRC at The Madison Concourse Hotel
1 West Dayton Street, Madison
(608) 294-3031
Thanksgiving dinner: Plated entrees include Roasted Herb Buttered Turkey Breast; Brown Sugar Baked Ham; Bourbon and Apricot Salmon; Seared Duck Breast with Confit Leg; and Tempeh Meatless Loaf. Meals also include an array of appetizers and desserts.
$39 Adults; $35 Seniors $35; $15 Children
Serving noon until 5 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Samba Brazilian Grill
240 West Gilman Street, Madison
(608) 257-1111
“Please join us for a feast of Rodizio Grilled Turkey breast (honey glazed and spicy molé) and all the trimmings, 5 additional meats, Pineapple, and our Salad Bar for $39.95 per person.”
Serving: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Reservations necessary

Fleming’s
750 North Midvale Boulevard, Madison
Phone: (608) 233-9550
Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Day Menu featuring mix herbs roasted turkey breast with savory turkey gravy
$39.95 Adults; $19.95 per child
Serving from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m
Reservations requested

 

BETWEEN $40-$55 PER PERSON

The Edgewater
1001 Wisconsin Place; Madison
Phone: (608) 535-8230
Grand Ballroom
Thanksgiving Brunch – Download Menu
$48 Adults; $24 Children (complimentary for children under 5)
Serving from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Reservations required

Rare Steakhouse
14 West Mifflin Street, Madison
Phone: (608) 204-9000
All you can eat menu featuring Prime Rib and Sliced Turkey Breast
$55 Adults; $18 Children 12 and under

 

Listings last updated: 11/8/2017