Skip to main content
Arts & Entertainment

The Standard guide to the best of Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Much of Thanksgiving weekend in the SF Bay Area takes place in the outdoors. | Getty Images

In a food-focused city like San Francisco, Thanksgiving is one of the year's favorite holidays. Maybe because feasting with friends and family is not just a once-a-year event, most locals make an extra effort to celebrate the day with a next-level culinary experience.

And that day is fast approaching!

Today is the perfect day to finalize your Thanksgiving plans. Whether you’re hosting visitors from out-of-town, heading to a “friendsgiving” spectacular, planning some outdoor time or just dreaming of a long weekend of eating leftovers, The Standard can help.

Check out our “survival” guide below for ideas on how to make the most of your Thanksgiving celebration without a last-minute scramble.

Get Takeout: Where To Preorder Your Turkey, Sides and More 

Choose from our list of critically acclaimed restaurants, organic grocers and vegan specialists and serve up a platter from the pros.

All the traditional Thanksgiving dishes—and many untraditional ones—are available from SF restaurants and grocers via takeout. | Getty Images

Skip the Dishes: Restaurants That Still Have Tables for Thanksgiving Dinner 

Skip the dishes, and let the professionals handle this year’s feast. And don’t hesitate to call at the last minute—trust us, there will be cancellations.

La Société Bar and Cafe in SoMa will serve a four-course prix fixe menu of French-influenced Thanksgiving staples. | Courtesy Angelo Clinton/La Société Bar and Cafe

Finish Strong: Find the Best Pies in San Francisco and Beyond 

Why go pumpkin? Freshen up your Thanksgiving table with a unique slice of San Francisco sweets.

Try something different this year, for example, the banana cream pie from Black Jet Bakery. | Courtesy Black Jet Bakery

Be Your Own Sommelier: Expert Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

It’s the busiest time of year for wine merchants so review these pro picks to buy the right varietals to buy for your feast.

A selection of natural wines and spirits adorn the walls and shelves of Bottle Bacchanal in San Francisco on July 27, 2022. | Don Feria for the Standard

Giving Back: The Standard Guide to Volunteering This Thanksgiving

Many local nonprofits still have shifts available for this holiday season—or check our list to make plans for after the holidays.

Volunteers John Lee (left), Catherine Chao Thomsen (middle) and Sarah Potter (right) carve ham at Freedom Hall for the Glide Memorial Thanksgiving feast on November 26, 2015. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Where to Walk Off Your Thanksgiving Feast Around San Francisco

Eight ideas for where to take houseguests or meet friends in the city for a fun day of strolling around.

The trails through Glen Canyon provide views of Sutro Tower. | Alexandra Kenin

The Standard Guide to SF Bars You Can Actually Talk In

Got friends in town for the holidays and dying to catch up? Take them to one of these bars where you can talk—and actually hear their responses.

Madison Smith (L), Cecily Doonan (C) and Emily Bengle sit at Anina’s parklet on Hayes Street in San Francisco Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/ The Standard | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard