Where Florida Locals Go For The Best Thanksgiving Brunch

Thanksgiving in Florida means sunshine, warm weather, and a chance to skip the kitchen chaos.

Instead of spending hours cooking, many locals head out to enjoy a festive brunch that combines holiday classics with coastal flavors.

From beachfront buffets to historic restaurants with water views, the Sunshine State offers incredible spots where you can celebrate with family while someone else handles the turkey and all the trimmings.

1. The Birchwood / Birch & Vine – St. Petersburg

Right on Beach Drive in historic downtown St. Pete, this elegant spot gives you two ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. You can choose the grand buffet in their beautiful ballroom or go for the fancy prix fixe menu at Birch & Vine restaurant upstairs.

Locals love this place because it combines upscale dining with stunning waterfront views. The atmosphere feels special without being stuffy, making it perfect for families who want something memorable.

Both options deliver quality food and attentive service that keeps St. Petersburg residents coming back year after year for their holiday meal.

2. Oystercatchers – Tampa

Tampa Bay locals have been flocking to this seafood favorite for years, but the Thanksgiving buffet is what really gets people excited. The massive spread goes way beyond typical turkey and stuffing.

You’ll find unique items like mojo turkey with Cuban flair and New Orleans-style oyster stuffing mixed in with all the traditional favorites. The restaurant’s reputation for fresh seafood means even the holiday classics get an upgrade.

Families appreciate the variety because there’s something for everyone, from adventurous eaters to kids who stick with the basics. The festive atmosphere makes it feel like a real celebration.

3. Rusty Pelican – Tampa

This historic waterfront gem has been serving Tampa locals for decades, and its Thanksgiving offerings are always a hit. The restaurant sits right on the bay, giving diners incredible views while they enjoy their holiday meal.

What makes this spot special is how the beautiful scenery elevates the entire experience. Whether you choose the brunch or buffet option, you’re treated to both delicious food and a stunning backdrop.

With its planned closure for redevelopment in 2027, locals are making sure to enjoy these Thanksgiving traditions while they still can, adding a touch of nostalgia to every visit.

4. The Beach House – Bradenton Beach

Imagine eating your Thanksgiving dinner with sand between your toes and ocean breezes in your hair. That’s exactly what you get at this Bradenton Beach favorite that locals absolutely adore.

The Thanksgiving buffet features holiday highlights like citrus-brined turkey that captures true Florida flavor. The beachfront location creates a relaxed, uniquely coastal vibe that you won’t find at traditional restaurants.

Families love how they can enjoy a festive meal and then take a walk on the beach afterward. It’s the perfect blend of holiday tradition and Florida lifestyle that makes Thanksgiving feel extra special.

5. Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood – Sarasota

When Sarasota locals want quality they can count on, they head to Duval’s. This restaurant has built its reputation on using fresh, local ingredients and delivering consistently excellent meals.

Their Thanksgiving service starts bright and early, often at 10:30 in the morning, giving families flexibility for their holiday plans. They also offer generous takeout options for those who want restaurant-quality food at home.

The commitment to traditional flavors prepared with care makes this a reliable choice year after year. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s always good, which is why locals trust Duval’s with their holiday celebrations.

6. Taproom at Dubsdread – Orlando

Orlando residents rave about this hidden gem that sits on a beautiful golf course, far from the tourist crowds. The historic setting provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from theme park chaos.

Locals recommend it specifically for Thanksgiving because it delivers high-quality, traditional food in a genuinely special environment. The golf course views add natural beauty without any pretension.

What really sets it apart is how it feels like a neighborhood secret rather than a typical Orlando restaurant. Families appreciate the welcoming vibe and the fact that they can enjoy a peaceful holiday meal surrounded by other locals.

7. Seasons 52 – Multiple Locations

While technically a chain, Floridians across the state have embraced Seasons 52 for its fresh approach to holiday dining. Their focus on seasonal ingredients means everything tastes lighter and brighter than typical heavy Thanksgiving fare.

The popular Green Box To Go option has become a lifesaver for locals who want quality food without the restaurant experience. You get traditional Thanksgiving flavors prepared by professionals, ready to enjoy at home.

Whether you dine in or take out, the commitment to fresh, seasonal cooking shines through. It’s a modern take on Thanksgiving that appeals to health-conscious families who still want all the holiday classics.

8. The Reef Restaurant – Vilano Beach, St. Augustine

Locals on Florida’s Historic Coast head to Vilano Beach for this oceanfront treasure that combines holiday tradition with spectacular Atlantic views. The location alone makes any meal feel special.

Sweeping ocean vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop to your Thanksgiving feast. You can watch the waves roll in while enjoying turkey and all the trimmings, creating memories that last long after the meal ends.

St. Augustine residents appreciate how The Reef elevates a traditional holiday meal with its beachfront setting. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why living in Florida is so wonderful, especially during the holidays.

9. Columbia Restaurant – Multiple Locations

As Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia has been serving families since 1905, making it a true institution across Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Augustine. Locals trust this legendary spot for its consistency and generous portions.

While famous for Spanish and Cuban cuisine, their Thanksgiving menu delivers classic American holiday favorites. The takeout bundles are especially popular with families who want restaurant quality at home.

Multiple generations of Florida families have made Columbia part of their Thanksgiving traditions. The combination of history, reliability, and delicious food keeps people coming back year after year for their holiday celebrations.

10. The Bay – Santa Rosa Beach

South Walton locals love this bayfront restaurant for its perfect blend of Southern comfort and Gulf Coast freshness. The location right on the water provides beautiful views that make Thanksgiving dinner even more memorable.

Their special holiday menu often features unique options like classic fried turkey and baked Mahi Mahi alongside traditional favorites. Sometimes they offer all-you-can-eat plated service, giving you the best of both worlds.

The Southern and Gulf Coast influences create flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Families appreciate how The Bay captures the essence of Panhandle dining while celebrating Thanksgiving in true Florida style.