Best Restaurants for a Friendsgiving Dinner in Chicago

As we enter (arguably) the best time of the year, holiday planning is in full swing. Take the stress out of crafting the perfect dish to bring to your next gathering and impress your friends with one of Chicago’s classics. Whoever said homemade is better hasn’t dined in Chicago’s coveted eateries. Plan a Friendsgiving dinner in Chicago at any of these restaurants; your friends will be raving until next year. The time for new traditions is now. 

Cherry Circle Room

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Turn the traditional holiday gathering with friends into an evening out with delicious cocktails and a bountiful three-course meal (vegetarian option available). The speakeasy-type-of-vibe brings a subtle elegance to the dining room. The ambiance is best enjoyed with their specialty old-fashioned made with demerara, root beer bitters, and lemon. There’s a cocktail, wine, or beer to satisfy any of your friends’ tastes. 

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Enjoy the traditional ($120/person) or vegetarian ($100/person) three-course meal. They even offer a wine or cocktail pairing add-on ($60/person). Celebrate this year’s Friendsgiving at one of Chicago’s iconic establishments.  

Bistronomic

840 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago IL 

Looking to get creative with this year’s Friendsgiving dishes? Look no further. Bistronomic has created a delicious prix fixe holiday menu with French influences. For $80 per person, you get to choose one of four different dishes crafted by Chef Martial Noguier for each course. You can even add an artisanal cheese plate for an additional $20. Every holiday should consist of cheese, wine, and your closest friends.

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Known for its friendly staff, comforting atmosphere, and delicious food, Bistronomic is the perfect place for an intimate celebration with those you love the most. 

Frontier Chicago

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Frontier is taking the month of giving to the next level by offering a Friendsgiving Dinner package throughout the entire month of November! Feast on smoked + carved turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, cornbread stuffing, buttered rolls, and sweet potato pie for only $39 a person! The minimum guest count for this dining experience is 6, and reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. To book your party, please email jen@pioneertaverngroup.com.

Bandit

841 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Bandit, DineAmic Hospitality’s beloved neighborhood watering hole in Chicago’s West Loop, is celebrating Friendsgiving this year with an evening themed around the iconic TV Show Friends. Visit Bandit on Thursday, November 10th from 6pm to 9pm on their second floor to enjoy this super creative and fun Friends-themed menu, Friends games, and prizes all while watching the series’ classic Thanksgiving Day episodes.

Friends-themed Friendsgiving Menu features:

  • Central Perk Martini
  • Geller “Moist Maker” Sandwich
  • Chandler’s Mac & Cheese
  • Phoebe’s Mashed Potatoes
  • Joey’s Meatballs
  • Rachel’s English Trifle (no beef and peas in this one!)

Etta

1840 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Greeted by a warm welcome from friends and bubbles, start your Friendsgiving dinner at Etta with a drink and marinated olives. Their pre-fixed menu includes dishes wood-fired and seasoned to perfection. Start with a toasty focaccia topped with creamy ricotta and honey followed by a delectable turkey picnic. 

Etta is a neighborhood restaurant with a homey charm and a giant wood-fired hearth. No need to spend countless hours cooking and cleaning to host your friends. Consider Etta this year’s dedicated Friendsgiving host.

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

60 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611

Reserve a table for this year’s Friendsgiving for elevated Thanksgiving dishes at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Enjoy all of the typical holiday fixings at an upscale quality. The lavish space and wonderfully crafted dishes make for an intimate celebration among friends. 

If you’re looking to go beyond turkey, stuffing, and green beans, Joe’s will still offer their renowned seafood options. Each dish is comprised of fresh and flavorful bites. Book an evening you and your friends will surely not forget. Price is $69.95 (plus tax, gratuity not included) for adults.

Somerset

901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Somerset has cultivated a wonderful prix fixe Thanksgiving menu for $95/person. The culmination of fine cocktails, refined dishes, and classy ambiance, makes for an extravagant night with friends. Start the evening with bread service to snack while engaging in thoughtful conversation. The menu offers a starting course followed by one of their flavorful entrees. The desserts are truly the star of the show. End the meal on a high note with a rich maple basque cheesecake. It is topped with a tangy cranberry spice compote and creamy pecan praline ice cream. 

Get into the holiday spirit with their featured cocktails. The “How ‘Bout Them Apples” specialty drink is made with oak aged apple brandy, brown butter marshmallow vodka, allspice dram, and lemon.

River Roast

315 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654

Celebrate Friendshivng at River Roast with good company and American tavern fare that is sure to warm your soul. At $75/person, start with a welcome charcuterie and cheese board followed by a mouth-watering Thanksgiving meal. This year’s menu is comprised of dishes with depths of different flavors. The meal includes turkey with an orange cranberry sauce, fluffy dinner rolls, glazed carrots, stuffing with beautiful notes of sage and rosemary, mac and cheese with a golden bread crumb topping, brussel sprouts, and herb butter whipped potatoes. And of course, no true Thanksgiving meal is complete without pumpkin pie. 

Longman & Eagle

2657 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

It wouldn’t be a Friendsgiving dinner in Chicago without a traditional Midwestern spread. Instead of dry turkey and under-seasoned potatoes, enjoy a prix fixe menu with a Longman twist. Catch up with friends over a craft cocktail or a few. 

The reservation duration is two hours with the entire prix ice menu. An optional whiskey and wine pairing complements the holiday menu items. Longman & Eagle is known for their fresh farm-to-table fare and extensive whiskey list. Your biggest concern this holiday should be what whiskey would pair best with the duck fat confit turkey leg that practically melts in your mouth. The price is per $90/person. 

Shaw’s Crab House

  1. 21 E Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611

Shaw’s Crab House is one of Chicago’s must-try, eat, and do. Like any of Chicago’s greatest restaurants, they are best enjoyed with your friends. The dining room has a fun and stunning interior and the expert staff will take your experience to another level. The attention to detail is apparent through their fantastic food. This is a great place to split a bottle of wine with friends and oysters.

Shaw’s Crab House will be taking reservations in both the Main Dining Room and Oyster Bar. In addition to Shaw’s various fresh fish options, king crab legs, and prime steaks, theyoffer a la carte specials for the fall holiday.

Featured Image: Bistronomic