These Toms River Restaurants Are Open Thanksgiving, But Get Your Reservation In

Many independent restaurants in the area will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving. But some local and regional favorites are taking reservations, giving Toms River residents a chance to gather around a different table this year.

The appeal isn’t hard to understand. Hosting Thanksgiving can mean days of shopping and preparation for a meal that disappears remarkably fast. Dining out leaves more time for the visiting, with no refrigerator puzzle to solve afterward.

It also makes room for a holiday that doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people are celebrating with a partner or a few friends. Others are meeting family halfway, traveling over the holiday or simply ready to retire the roasting pan for a year.

Around Toms River, options include:

• Artisan's Restaurant and Brewery, 1171 Hooper Ave., Toms River; Thanksgiving takeout, must be ordered by Nov. 19, pickup at noon on Thanksgiving. Call 732-244-7566
• Gal Mediterrean Cuisine, Routes 166 and 37, Toms River. Reservations requested.
• Water Street Bar & Grill, 4 Robbins Parkway, Toms River, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Villa Amalfi, 1006 Route 166, Toms River, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Royal Grill 37, 10 Route 37, Toms River, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Houlihan's, Route 70, Brick, Noon-7 p.m.
• The Grenville Hotel and Restaurant, Route 35, Bay Head, buffet dinner, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Reservations required, call 732-892-3100.
• Tardi's Ristorante, 931 Fischer Blvd., Bellcrest Plaza, Toms River, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Teresa's Osaka Asian Bistro, 1801 Route 37 East, Toms River, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Xina Restaurant, 340 Route 37 East, Toms River, Noon-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Our House Restaurant, Thanksgiving brunch, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 420 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale (Howell), 732-938-5159.
• American Hotel, Thanksgiving buffet, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., 18 E. Main St., Freehold, 732-431-3220.
• Three B's Bar and Bistro, 314 Route 70, 307 Lake St., Lakehurst, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., reservations required
• Emilio's Restaurant and Pizza, 1889 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Hangar 21 Tavern, 21 Union Ave., Lakehurst, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Lakehurst Diner, 401 Route 70, Lakehurst, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Donovan's Restaurant, 1900 Route 70, Manchester, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

National chains offer additional choices, from multicourse steakhouse dinners to family restaurants serving turkey and traditional sides. Some also offer their regular menus, welcome news for anyone whose Thanksgiving wishes run more toward a ribeye than a drumstick.

Here’s what we know about national chains that are open and their advertised Thanksgiving specials:

Family Restaurants And Diners

Denny’s: Holiday menu includes turkey breast with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, two sides and dinner bread.

IHOP: Open Thanksgiving; hours vary by location.

Pizza And Fast Food

Pizza Hut: Thanksgiving openings and hours vary by restaurant.

Wendy’s: The chain says many locations open on holidays, including Thanksgiving. Hours vary by restaurant.

McDonald’s: Thanksgiving availability depends on the local operator.

Burger King: Participating restaurants may open Thanksgiving, with hours varying by franchise. Check the selected restaurant in the app or call ahead.