Thanksgiving in Encinitas just got a whole lot easier. Whether you’re tired of scrubbing roasting pans, craving a coastal feast without the fuss, or looking to give back to your community, this beach town has options that’ll make your turkey day truly special. From beachside dining rooms to ready-to-heat family spreads, here’s your guide to celebrating without the stress.
Skip the Kitchen, Keep the Feast
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas is pulling out all the stops this year with a dine-in special for $44.95 per person starting at 2 p.m. on November 27th. You’ll get everything you’re craving: roasted turkey breast with homemade gravy, cranberry purée, jalapeño cornbread stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, Parker rolls, and pumpkin pie to finish. It’s the full experience without a single dirty dish waiting for you at home.
Just north in Encinitas, Herb & Sea is bringing a California coastal spin to the holiday with their Thanksgiving menu from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for $92 per adult and $38 per child. Chef Aidan Owens created a menu featuring shrimp in saffron coconut broth, Little Gem salad, and creative takes on traditional flavors. The ocean views make it worth the trip, and your taste buds will thank you for trying something a little different this year.
Takeout That Tastes Homemade
If you’d rather celebrate at your own table but skip the hours of prep, Union Kitchen & Tap has you covered with a to-go family meal for $129. Available for pickup on November 26th and 27th, this feast feeds four and includes all the classics: turkey breast, gravy, cranberry purée, jalapeño cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, Parker rolls, and your choice of a whole pumpkin pie or Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake. Everything arrives ready to warm up at home with simple instructions, so you can focus on family instead of oven timers.
Want to add something sweet to your spread? Order a whole pumpkin pie for $22 with vanilla whipped cream, or splurge on the Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake for $29. Both need to be pre-ordered, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Lending a Hand to Neighbors
Thanksgiving is about more than full plates. It’s about making sure everyone in your community has a reason to feel grateful. While Encinitas doesn’t have a massive list of free community dinners this year, nearby San Diego organizations like Feeding San Diego are hosting holiday food distributions throughout the season. If you’re looking to volunteer or donate, reach out to local churches and community centers that often organize donation-based meals for families in need. Every little bit helps make someone’s holiday brighter.
Book Now or Miss Out
Here’s the thing about Thanksgiving: everyone waits until the last second, then panics when everything’s booked. Don’t be that person. If you’re planning to dine out, call Union Kitchen & Tap at (760) 230-2337 or make your reservation online now. For Herb & Sea, head to their website and secure your spot before tables disappear. Takeout meals also need to be ordered in advance through Union’s pre-order link, so get that sorted this week.
Restaurants can only prep so much food, and once they hit capacity, you’re out of luck. Early birds get the turkey, as they say, or something like that.
Make It Easy This Year
You’ve earned a break. Let someone else handle the timing, the basting, and the inevitable debate over whether stuffing should be moist or crispy. Encinitas restaurants are ready to serve you a memorable Thanksgiving meal, whether you want to sit by the ocean or gather around your own dining table. Order your feast, book your table, and spend the day doing what actually matters: enjoying time with the people you care about. That’s what the holiday is really about.
Sources: localunion101.com, herbandsea.com, feedingsandiego.org, exploretock.com
Header Image Source: herbandsea.com
