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

Please note: This list is no longer being updated.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