Gobble gobble

Leave it to the pros at these 10 San Antonio restaurants open Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving dinner turkey cranberry sauce

Let restaurants like Ruth's Chris do all the work Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is a day for family, watching the larger-than-life spectacle of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and of course, indulging in grandma’s pumpkin pie and all the turkey you can eat. But overcooking the bird, fitting way too many relatives into your home, and arguing over who gets the last drumstick is more so the reality we can all relate to.

This year, save yourself the stress by heading to one of these beloved San Antonio restaurants instead. Think about all you'll have to be thankful for.

Biga on the Banks
The Biga on the Banks’ Thanksgiving Day brunch has been a local favorite for more than a decade — and this year is no exception. From nontraditional starters like spring rolls, hummus and lavash, and smoked salmon nachos to the herb-roasted turkey, buttermilk mashed potatoes, and sourdough stuffing, this River Walk restaurant is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. $65 for adults and $28 for kids 12 and under. 11 am-7 pm.

Earl Abel’s
For a kid-friendly Thanksgiving Day meal, head to Earl Abel’s for roast turkey and all the holiday fixings such as candied yams, stuffing, and Texas pecan pie. This Alamo City dining institution is also offering a Thanksgiving takeout menu if you would rather enjoy the feast in your pajamas. Orders must be placed by November 19. A la carte. 10 am-3 pm.

Frederick’s Restaurant
Why just feast on one cuisine when this San Antonio mainstay offers a world of options? Dine on butternut squash and pumpkin soup, escargot with Spanish chorizo and garlic butter, and Norwegian salmon with a sweet Thai chili sauce. For those craving the classics, a traditional Thanksgiving meal and a children’s turkey platter will also be available. A la carte. 10:30 am-2 pm.

Las Canarias
The eatery inside the Omni La Mansión del Rio turns up the holiday with a lavish buffet featuring typical breakfast fare and all the holiday staples. From a build-your-own waffle bar to selections like maple-glazed ham, Bananas Foster, and Texas pecan pie, there’s something for everyone in the family. $75.50 for adults, $42 for kids 6-12, and free for those 5 and under. 10 am-4 pm.

Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas’ annual Thanksgiving Day brunch is back at Hotel Contessa. Bring the family for a stroll through the chef’s carving station, a classic breakfast spread, and a display of delectable baked goods. $62 per person, $25 for kids 7-13, and free for ages 6 and under. Seatings at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm.

Luce Ristorante e Enoteca
Give the American holiday an Italian twist at this favorite San Antonio ristorante. Luce will be offering a three-course menu with dishes such as a fresh caprese salad, slow-roasted turkey, giblet gravy, fresh fall vegetables, and pumpkin pie. Pair it with a selection from the huge wine library. $27.95 per person. 11:30 am-10 pm.

Perry’s Steakhouse
Start a new family tradition by reserving a table at this Texas-born steakhouse. Enjoy roast turkey with pan gravy, green bean almandine, sausage and sage stuffing, and pumpkin pie with Chantilly cream. (Or get what you really want and order a juicy New York strip from the regular menu.) Prix fixe menu is $49.95 for adults and $15 for children. 11 am-9 pm.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Stroll on down to the River Walk for a three-course dinner at this popular steakhouse. The prix fixe menu features hand-carved herb-roasted turkey, sausage and herb stuffing, and a choice of a side and dessert duo. The full menu will also be available on Turkey Day for those who prefer red meat. Prix fixe menu is $39.95. 7 am-10 pm.

St. Anthony Hotel
Head to the historic St. Anthony Hotel in the heart of downtown for an elegant meal of pepper-crusted garlic prime rib, Gulf seafood, charcuterie, roasted sweet potatoes, and bourbon pecan pie. If all that puts you in a food coma, no worries. Book a room and call it a staycation. $75 per adult, $30 for kids 6-12, and free for those 5 years and under. 10 percent off for seniors. 11 am-3 pm.

SweetFire Kitchen
Relax this Thanksgiving by enjoying a holiday feast at SweetFire Kitchen at La Cantera Resort & Spa. The stylish hotel will be serving up a grand buffet of Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell, slow-roasted turkey breast, sweet cornbread stuffing, crispy pork belly, pumpkin tarts, and more. $65 for grown-ups, $26 for kids 5 -12, and free for children 4 and under. 11 am-8 pm.

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Better Days, Same Burgers

Shuttered San Antonio burger joint stages surprising comeback

Teddy B's/Facebook

Teddy B's has made a surprise comeback.

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of Teddy B's life. In October, the popular burger joint shuttered its decade-old location on Babcock Road, grieving a loss of foot traffic and rising costs. On November 20, the spot revealed a plot twist. The owners are now slinging patties at 9903 Fredericksburg Rd.

"Dear Teddy B's customers, we have good news," the restaurant posted on social media. "We are back in business...We are waiting for our new sign, but we are up and running."

The unexpected comeback is the culmination of a tumultuous year for the business. As the restaurant marked its 10-year milestone this summer, the outlook was much darker. On August 4, the restaurant took to social media to warn that closure could be imminent. A traffic decline affected Teddy B's ability to maintain its affordable price point.

The messaging worked, at least in the short term. Days later, the restaurant reported an increase in business. The marketing language was hopeful until October 13, when the restaurant abruptly announced it was closing for good.

The news of Teddy B's rebirth came just as suddenly. After a month-long social media silence, the restaurant announced it had taken over the former home of Burger Haven. The latter restaurant was little known, appearing to operate mainly as a ghost kitchen.

Assumably, burgers will be back on the menu, but it is unclear whether other favorites will be eliminated to streamline the operation. The business has not posted any revisions, and its website is down at press time.

The burger joint's comeback manifests as other shuttered legacy restaurants like The Lion and Rose and Fratello's have staged their own returns. While Teddy B's has offered no reasoning for getting back into the game, it is a testament to the resiliency of San Antonio's culinary community.

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