Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious meal. If you're looking for a convenient and tasty Thanksgiving feast without the hassle of cooking, Ruby Tuesday might be a great option. While Ruby Tuesday doesn't offer a dedicated "Thanksgiving Menu" in the traditional sense with a set Thanksgiving meal, they often feature seasonal items and specials around the holiday. This post explores what you can expect from Ruby Tuesday during Thanksgiving, focusing on potential seasonal offerings and alternatives for a Thanksgiving-themed meal.
What to Expect from Ruby Tuesday During Thanksgiving
Ruby Tuesday's Thanksgiving offerings aren't a fixed, pre-determined menu like some restaurants. Instead, they adapt their offerings based on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences. This means you won't find a specific "Ruby Tuesday Thanksgiving Menu" advertised widely. However, you can typically anticipate finding some Thanksgiving-inspired items on their menu around the holiday. This often includes:
Seasonal Sides and Dishes
- Roasted Vegetables: Look for dishes featuring seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. These often appear as sides or incorporated into larger dishes.
- Turkey-inspired Dishes: While a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner might not be on the menu, you might find turkey-based dishes like turkey burgers or sandwiches as specials.
- Cranberry Sauce: Ruby Tuesday often incorporates seasonal flavors, and cranberry sauce—a Thanksgiving staple—might appear as a side or part of a larger dish.
- Pumpkin-flavored Desserts: Expect seasonal desserts such as pumpkin pie or other pumpkin-flavored treats to appear on the dessert menu.
Important Note: It's crucial to check the Ruby Tuesday website or your local restaurant's menu closer to Thanksgiving to confirm their specific offerings. Seasonal menus change frequently.
Alternatives for a Thanksgiving-Themed Meal at Ruby Tuesday
Even without a dedicated Thanksgiving menu, you can craft a Thanksgiving-inspired meal by ordering strategically from Ruby Tuesday's regular menu. Here's how:
Building Your Own Thanksgiving Feast
- Main Course: Choose a hearty main course like a steak, chicken, or a turkey burger (if available as a seasonal special). This will be the centerpiece of your meal.
- Sides: Select sides from Ruby Tuesday's menu that complement a Thanksgiving theme. Consider mashed potatoes (if available), green beans, or any other vegetable side dishes that suit your preferences.
- Dessert: Complete the meal with a pumpkin pie or other festive dessert.
This approach provides flexibility and allows you to customize your Thanksgiving experience according to your preferences.
Checking for Thanksgiving Specials and Hours
Before heading out to Ruby Tuesday for Thanksgiving, always check their website or call your local restaurant to:
- Confirm hours of operation: Ruby Tuesday's Thanksgiving hours may differ from their regular schedule.
- Inquire about any special Thanksgiving promotions: Check for any limited-time offers or discounts.
Ruby Tuesday vs. Other Thanksgiving Dining Options
Compared to dedicated Thanksgiving buffets offered by other restaurants, Ruby Tuesday offers a more casual and flexible approach. If you value convenience, a relaxed atmosphere, and don't need the full traditional Thanksgiving buffet experience, Ruby Tuesday could be a suitable option. However, if you desire a large-scale, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast with many traditional options, a restaurant specializing in Thanksgiving buffets may be a better choice.
Conclusion
While Ruby Tuesday doesn't have a fixed Thanksgiving menu, it offers a flexible alternative for those seeking a convenient and reasonably priced Thanksgiving meal. Remember to check the restaurant's website or call ahead to verify their seasonal offerings and hours of operation during the holiday. By thoughtfully selecting items from their regular menu, you can still enjoy a delicious and Thanksgiving-themed meal at Ruby Tuesday.