Move over Valentine’s Day… Thanksgiving is also geared toward romantics. Well, more specifically, romantic foodies. You see, you’ve heard the phrase, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, according to science, the same applies to women. Brain scans showed that women are “significantly more responsive to romantic stimuli after a meal than prior to it,” per research by Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. So, no need to feel guilty about indulging on Thanksgiving Day because, maybe, it is all for romance. Here are five Thanksgiving Day buffets in St. Augustine for a fantastic day of feasting.
If you’d rather stay seated to maximize your time with your Thanksgiving Day date, check out our recommendation for additional prefixed and/or plated meals. Check out our round-up of the Best Dine-In Restaurants in St. Augustine for Thanksgiving as well as Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go in St. Augustine.
Written by Associate Editor, Nancy DeVault
Thanksgiving Day Buffets in St. Augustine
Alice & Pete’s Pub at Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa
1000 TPC Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach
Located at the prestigious Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, expect vibrant ‘greens’ of a different kind (meaning on your plate drizzled with seasonally flavored vinaigrette versus on the course grounds). Of course, Alice & Pete’s is not just serving crisp salads; this swanky spot is offering a scrumptious Thanksgiving Day buffet complete with top-notch, multi-course selections.
You can book a day date with your lovebird from 10am to 5pm to fill up on both food and fun.
A heaping pile of protein-packed turkey may just help you snag a hole-in-one during your attempt at the “Floating Hole Challenge.” But a birdie score on Turkey Day is A-OK. After you have gobbled up a meal, consider splurging on a round of golf at TPC Sawgrass, home to 36 holes on two famous, meticulously-maintained courses.
Harvest & Reel at Embassy Suites by Hilton
300 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach
Just a stone’s throw away from the St. Augustine Lighthouse, you’ll be on cloud nine dining at this oceanfront establishment. If you’ve yet to staycation at this chic hotel, feasting on Thanksgiving Day is a delicious way to eat up the property.
Harvest & Reel’s holiday buffet will include sea crab soup, herb-roasted turkey with orange cranberry chutney, garlic-seasoned steak, maple bourbon ham, fresh snapper, assorted vegetables and, last but not least, outrageous desserts by Crème de la Cocoa, aka one of St. Augustine’s finest bakeries.
This Thanksgiving Day buffet is priced at $80 per adult and $30 for children under 12. Hour-long bookings are available from noon to 4pm; then, starting at 4:30pm, the Thanksgiving menu will shift from buffet-style to plated dinners.
The Oak Room at DoubleTree by Hilton
116 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine
To set the mood for your fall feast, The Oak Room is adorned with autumn-hued décor, like golden leather chairs, amber curtains and a rich brown ceiling. The Oak Room’s Thanksgiving Day buffet will feature locally-sourced goods bursting with both color and flavor.
Once you’ve had your fill of sweet potatoes with your sweetheart, double down with another bird at this DoubleTree restaurant. Because turkey may be the star of the day but, trust us, The Oak Room’s Buttermilk Chicken must be had.
Costa Brava at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
95 Cordova St., St. Augustine
Situated in the beloved Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Costa Brava attracts locals and visitors alike all year-round, including the holidays. Costa Brava’s Thanksgiving Day buffet will feature traditional meal selections, in addition to mouthwatering Mediterranean fare, like shrimp, crab legs, seasonal vegetables and fresh-sliced steaks.
Since Greece, Italy, France, Spain and other Mediterranean destinations are recognized for being among the most romantic hotspots, expect this turkey dinner to be lovey-dovey indeed. Costa Brava will be open from 11am to 7pm.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in turkey and other foods, can influence mood and sleep (yup, you know the post-Thanksgiving meal nap). Why not embrace this relaxation with a couples’ massages or other services at Poseidon Spa Casa Monica?! Now that is a sure way to show your partner some gratitude.
TPC Sawgrass Banquets & Restaurant
110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach
The holiday feast is totally on par at TPC Sawgrass. Beautifully presented in an iconic ballroom, this Thanksgiving Day buffet will feature a game-changing culinary spread. Begin with charcuterie, salad, butternut squash soup, warm breads and a shellfish station. [Pssst… Researchers found that raw oysters contain amino acids that trigger increased levels of intimacy hormones so do shuck oysters with your lovebird on Thanksgiving.]
Next, enjoy abundant carving stations serving tender turkey, prime rib, glazed ham and salmon.
Complete your entrée course with kale and sausage stuffing, Brussel sprouts, roasted root veggies, pasta and much more. Do leave room for seasonal pies including pumpkin, plus mango cheesecake and chocolate s’more cupcakes. The TPC Sawgrass buffet cost $95 for adults and $48 for children.
Alternatively, at Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass, the property’s main restaurant, diners who prefer a plated Thanksgiving meal can opt for the prefixed menu priced at $68 for adults and $30 for kids. This offering includes equally-impressive preparations, such as squash risotto. And the Pumpkin Blue Moon Pie will have you seeing stars alongside your main squeeze.