Best Restaurants & Lounges Open on Thanksgiving in San Diego
Thanksgiving in San Diego is a little different — think ocean views, creative cocktails, and plenty of ways to celebrate without turning on your oven. Whether you’re skipping the cooking altogether or looking for somewhere to unwind after family dinner, here are the best restaurants and lounges open on Thanksgiving in San Diego. From coastal fine dining to chill cannabis lounges, there’s something for every kind of Thanksgiving mood.
🌿 Sessions by the Bay – National City
If you’re looking for a new kind of holiday unwind, Sessions by the Bay in National City offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving night out. This upscale cannabis lounge and weed restaurant sits right on the water, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for your post-feast wind down.
Enjoy THC-infused mocktails, elevated edibles, and curated flower blends while soaking in soft lighting and waterfront views. Whether you call it a weed lounge, weed bar, or cannabis bar, Sessions delivers a mellow, social way to celebrate gratitude — without the stress of the kitchen.
🦃 George’s at the Cove – La Jolla
With sweeping views of the Pacific and a Thanksgiving menu full of fresh, seasonal ingredients, George’s at the Cove offers a coastal take on the holiday classic. Enjoy roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, and California-inspired sides while watching the sunset over La Jolla Cove.
🍷 Coasterra – Harbor Island
Perched above the bay with panoramic skyline views, Coasterra is known for its modern Mexican cuisine and festive energy. Their Thanksgiving specials blend traditional flavors with bold Latin influences — think achiote-spiced turkey and mezcal gravy — making it a San Diego favorite for group dining.
🕯️ Herb & Wood – Little Italy
If you’re craving something more intimate, Herb & Wood serves up a luxe Thanksgiving dinner in a warm, wood-accented setting. With roasted meats, truffle pasta, and handcrafted cocktails, it’s ideal for those who want fine dining with fall flavor and ambiance.
🌇 The Nolen – Downtown San Diego
For those who prefer to keep the night going after dinner, The Nolen rooftop offers breathtaking skyline views, craft drinks, and cozy fire pits. It’s open late, making it a perfect spot for post-dinner cocktails or a nightcap under the stars.
🎶 The Lafayette Hotel – North Park
Newly renovated and buzzing with mid-century charm, The Lafayette Hotel is open on Thanksgiving for both dining and lounging. Expect good music, creative menus, and a stylish setting that keeps the holiday spirit alive well into the night.
🌙 Final Hit: Feast, Relax, Repeat
Thanksgiving in San Diego is about more than the meal — it’s about the vibe. Whether you’re indulging in coastal dining, rooftop cocktails, or a chill session at Sessions by the Bay, the city has endless ways to make your holiday special. From fine dining to weed lounges, this Thanksgiving, sit back, give thanks, and enjoy the San Diego way — full of flavor, friends, and good energy.
