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Top South Florida Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving

Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year and feast with the ones you love at one of South Florida's favorite restaurants. They'll be no dishes to wash, no shopping lists to make, no casseroles to burn and plenty of time to enjoy a few laughs and some great conversation. There is only one thing you'll need to make - reservations. Seats fill up quickly and you don't wait to miss out on the most relaxing Thanksgiving you've had in years. Make the call and then have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Atrio

1395 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 503-6529
www.conradhotels.com

On the 25th floor of the Conrad Hotel at 12th and Brickell, you will find a sky lobby and the entrance to Atrio. This is one of those great restaurants to take out-of-town relatives as it really shows off the beauty of Miami. The views, day or night, are mesmerizing and the menus for lunch, brunch or dinner offer variety to please all. For Thanksgiving, Atrio will be open for lunch or dinner, serving up a special menu of family favorites with a gourmet twist. Kids are welcome, and if this holiday is anything like Atrio's other events, it will have special items and such just for them.

Rusty Pelican

3201 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-3818
www.therustypelican.com

From the days of "Caddyshack" to modern and glorious events, the Rusty Pelican always delivers an exceptional experience. It's hard to beat its views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay so when making your reservation, try for a table by the window. The outdoor terrace is spectacular, too, with fire pits and comfy furniture. Details are still being decided but the restaurant's dinner menu will most likely be offered along with a prix-fixe menu or a buffet. Call for more details closer to the date. Reservations are essential.

94th Aero Squadron

1395 N.W. 57th Ave.
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 261-4220
www.94thvannuys.com

This is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in South Florida. Where else can you don headsets and listen to pilots talking to air traffic controllers? Kids love it and adults love it. It's romantic at night, sunny and bright during the day and it's located right alongside the runways of Miami International Airport. For Thanksgiving, it will be open during normal hours for lunch and dinner. You will find traditional Thanksgiving options in addition to its regular menu. Call or log on for more details. Reservations are recommended.

Related: Best Bar Tending Classes In South Florida

Lester's Diner

250 W. State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 525-5641
www.lestersdiner.com

If you're looking for a Thanksgiving meal that will really make you feel like you're dining with family, head over to Lester's. This family owned and operated diner has been serving comfort food for 43 years. Step back in time and slide into a 1950s booth and the expert waitresses will take care of all of your feasting needs. This location is open 24 hours so you can come early or late. There is also a location in Sunrise and Margate. All of Lester's baking is done right on the premises so if you haven't tried one of its fabulous desserts from cakes to pies to cookies, they are worth saving room for.

db Bistro Moderne

255 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 421-8800
www.dbbistro.com

Chef Daniel Bouluds has brought his iconic Manhattan restaurant to downtown Miami and what better day to give thanks for this exciting addition to the South Florida restaurant scene than by stopping in for Thanksgiving? Dine inside the contemporary dining room or outside on the terrace and be treated to an epiphany of scrumptious flavors. It will be open for lunch or dinner and will feature a prix-fixe, three-course menu. You can also add side dishes and such to your liking.

Related: Thirsty Thursdays at db Bistro Moderne

Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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