I love to cook but sometimes I think the holidays would be easier if someone else cooked, cleaned up and took care of the leftovers for me. The good news is there are a handful of restaurants in Little Rock that do just that. The bad news is that these restaurants are almost all chains. I called every local fave I could think of and none were open on Thanksgiving (even Franke's). The servers and chef's need a holiday too!
If you do go out for Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to remember that it is their holiday too. Tip generously and be polite.
The peabody will be serving all your favorite holiday items; turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. There will also be an omelet station, carving stations offering prime rib and ham, salads, vegetables and a large selection of desserts. Santa arrives the next day with the ducks. 501-399-8059.
I really like Cracker Barrel, even though it is a chain. They serve excellent turkey and dressing. If you're not in the mood for that, you can get other homestyle foods. All Cracker Barrel locations are open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The closest location is 318 Commerce Street in Bryant (right off I-30, 501-847-7878) or 3101 Springhille Drive in N. Little Rock (right off I-40, 501-945-9373).
Luby's is a cafeteria serving homestyle foods. Turkey and dressing are on the menu for Thanksgiving with lots of sides. I've never tried their Thanksgiving specials but their other food is what you'd expect from a cafeteria. It's quite good but not fancy or unique. They are open from 10:30-8:00 on Thanksgiving Day. There are two Luby's locations in our area 12501 West Markham in Little Rock (501-219-1567) and there is a Luby's in McCain Mall in North Little Rock (501-771-4911).
If turkey and dressing isn't your thing and you're craving a big Thanksgiving steak, Outback should be your choice. I was told their normal menu is in place for the holiday and they'll be open from 4-10 on Thanksgiving. There are two close locations: 4401 Warden Road in North Little Rock (501-771-7799) and 105 Markham in Little Rock (501-221-7655).
I know, who wants to spend Thanksgiving at Denny's? Jokes aside, they do serve decent food at great prices. There are two Denny's locations in Little Rock, one on 4300 University (501-562-5651) and one on 310 S. Shackleford (501-224-826). You can't beat their prices and they do have a large menu to choose from.
6. Ed and Kay's (Benton)
Located at 15228 I-30 in Benton, AR, Ed and Kay's offers homestyle food. For Thanksgiving, they'll be serving all the traditional dishes.You not only get your dinner cooked, but you also get a nice cruise and entertainment. Two cruises available: board at 12:30pm, depart at 1pm and return at 3pm; board at 4:30pm, depart at 5pm and return at 7pm. 501-372-5777.
