Thanksgiving week offers plenty of opportunities to gather beyond the holiday itself. Whether you’re planning an early Friendsgiving, treating visiting relatives to dinner, or reconnecting with friends over the long holiday weekend, we bring a Spanish twist to seasonal dining.
Think shared paella, crispy potatoes with smoky sauce, roasted sweet potatoes with honey and molasses, cheese and jamón boards, and churros to finish. Everything comes to the middle of the table, everyone reaches in, and nobody has to spend three days preparing a feast.
Please note: Boqueria Penn Quarter is closed on Thanksgiving Day. We invite you to join us for holiday gatherings on our operating days before or after Thanksgiving. Check our location page for current holiday-week hours and reservations.
Below, we’re sharing our favorite Thanksgiving-inspired Spanish dishes, group dining ideas, a holiday-week planning timeline, and ways to enjoy Penn Quarter with visiting family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Boqueria Penn Quarter is located at 777 9th Street NW, near the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Capital One Arena.
- Our Spanish menu offers Thanksgiving-inspired alternatives for gatherings throughout the holiday week, including Short Rib Paella, Roasted Chicken, Patatas Bravas, Dukkah-Spiced Sweet Potato, and Classic Churros.
- Our Chef’s Menu options, The Classics and The Boqueria Experience, make planning Friendsgiving dinners and group celebrations easier.
- Semi-private and private dining options provide flexible settings for office holiday dinners, family reunions, and gatherings with friends.
- We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, but guests can plan celebrations before or after the holiday during our regular operating days, subject to holiday-week hours.
1. Why a Spanish Table Works for Thanksgiving Week in Penn Quarter
Thanksgiving is about gathering, sharing food, and making time for the people who matter. Those same ideas are at the heart of Spanish tapas culture.
A long table, plates being passed around, conversations overlapping, and everyone reaching for another bite: that’s exactly how we love to dine at Boqueria.
Celebrate Before or After Thanksgiving Day
Not every holiday gathering needs to happen on Thanksgiving Day. Between travel schedules, family obligations, office commitments, and long weekends, many people prefer celebrating with friends and colleagues on surrounding dates.
That’s where we come in.
At Boqueria Penn Quarter, we welcome guests looking to plan an early Friendsgiving, a pre-holiday team dinner, or a relaxed gathering with visiting relatives after the holiday. Instead of organizing an elaborate meal at home, you can enjoy Spanish small plates, paella, and sangría while spending more time around the table.
A Sharing Tradition That Fits the Season
Spanish tapas make holiday gatherings feel natural. Small plates arrive throughout the meal, everyone gets to try different dishes, and the conversation keeps flowing.
Our approach also works well for groups with different appetites and preferences. Guests can choose from vegetable-forward dishes, seafood, meats, cheeses, and other Spanish specialties. Several dishes are marked gluten-free on our menu, and our team can help guests navigate dietary considerations.
A Convenient Downtown Meeting Place
Penn Quarter is particularly lively during the late-November holiday period. Families visiting Washington, D.C., friends returning to the city, and coworkers gathering before the holiday break all need convenient places to meet.
With museums, Metro stations, downtown hotels, Chinatown, and Capital One Arena nearby, our restaurant makes it easy to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable holiday-week outing.
2. Thanksgiving Dishes Penn Quarter DC Guests Can Enjoy Throughout the Holiday Week
Our menu isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but many of our Spanish dishes capture the comforting, generous flavors associated with the season.
We like to think of them as Spanish counterparts to familiar Thanksgiving favorites, ideal for Friendsgiving dinners and seasonal gatherings before or after the holiday.
| Thanksgiving favorite | Boqueria Penn Quarter dish | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| The centerpiece | Short Rib Paella, Seafood Paella, Vegetable Paella, or Roasted Chicken | Generous dishes designed for sharing |
| Special-occasion roast | Secreto de Ibérico | Richly marbled pork with sherry-honey reduction |
| Mashed or roasted potatoes | Patatas Bravas, Tortilla Española | Crispy potatoes or classic Spanish potato omelet |
| Sweet potato casserole | Dukkah-Spiced Sweet Potato | Roasted sweet potato with molasses, honey, and Sriracha labneh |
| Green vegetables | Grilled Broccolini, Maitake & Oyster Mushroom Skewers, Escalivada | Flavorful, vegetable-forward dishes |
| Autumn salad | Fennel and Apple Salad, Grilled Goat Cheese Salad | Seasonal fruits, greens, and bright dressings |
| Stuffing and bread | Pan con Tomate, Croquetas de Setas | Toasted bread and creamy mushroom croquettes |
| Sweet and savory sides | Croquetas de Jamón, Bacon-Wrapped Dates | Rich flavors balanced with sweetness |
| Pre-dinner appetizers | Aged Manchego, Aged Mahón, Caña de Cabra, Jamón Serrano | Spanish cheeses and cured meats |
| Holiday desserts | Crema Catalana, Basque Chocolate Cheesecake, Orange Olive Oil Cake, Classic Churros | Sweet finishes for a shared meal |
| Festive toast | Sangría, cava, sherry | Spanish drinks suited to a celebration |
The Centerpiece: Paella and Its Crispy Bottom
A paella pan landing in the middle of the table creates the same sense of excitement as a traditional holiday centerpiece.
Our Short Rib Paella is particularly suited to autumn gatherings. Made with bomba rice, braised short rib, Turkish figs, Piparra peppers, and roasted bone marrow, it offers rich, comforting flavors with a little sweetness from the figs.
For seafood lovers, our Seafood Paella brings together monkfish, squid, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Our Vegetable Paella offers another satisfying option for guests who prefer a plant-based centerpiece.
And whichever paella you choose, don’t forget the socarrat: the toasted, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan.
Guests looking for something closer to a traditional roast can enjoy our Roasted Chicken, served with lemon, herbs, and salsa verde, or Secreto de Ibérico with white romesco, sherry-honey reduction, and crispy patatas paja.
Spanish Sides for a Thanksgiving-Inspired Spread
Side dishes are often everyone’s favorite part of Thanksgiving, and our tapas menu provides plenty of ways to recreate that abundance during the holiday week.
Patatas Bravas bring crispy potatoes, smoky salsa brava, pimentón, and garlic allioli to the table. Tortilla Española adds the comforting flavors of potatoes and onions in a classic Spanish omelet.
Our Dukkah-Spiced Sweet Potato is a natural seasonal favorite, featuring roasted sweet potato with molasses, honey, lemon, and Sriracha labneh.
For greens, Grilled Broccolini combines ajo blanco, golden raisins, and Marcona almonds. Pan con Tomate and Croquetas de Setas add hearty, shareable bites, while Croquetas de Jamón with quince purée offer a delicious contrast of savory and sweet flavors.
Desserts and Drinks Worth Celebrating
No holiday-week gathering feels complete without dessert.
Our Crema Catalana offers creamy custard beneath caramelized sugar, while Basque Chocolate Cheesecake and Orange Olive Oil Cake provide other indulgent finishes.
For something especially fun to share, order Classic Churros with dulce de leche, hot chocolate, or Nutella.
Pair the meal with red, white, or rosé sangría, raise a glass of cava, or finish with Pedro Ximénez sherry.
Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving or simply enjoying an evening with visiting family, these little touches make the occasion feel special.
3. Friendsgiving, Office Dinners, and Visiting Family: Ordering by Group Size
Thanksgiving week brings people together in different ways. A casual dinner with visiting parents looks different from a ten-person Friendsgiving or an office holiday celebration.
Fortunately, Spanish tapas work for all three.
Here’s how we recommend approaching your gathering.
| Your gathering | Suggested order | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Two or three visiting relatives | Pan con Tomate, Patatas Bravas, Grilled Broccolini, Roasted Chicken, Crema Catalana | Build a relaxed meal with several small plates |
| Four to five friends | Cheese and jamón board, Croquetas de Jamón, Dukkah-Spiced Sweet Potato, Short Rib Paella, Classic Churros | Paella becomes the centerpiece |
| Six to ten for Friendsgiving | Chef’s Menu: The Classics, plus sangría | A selection of favorites featuring paella |
| Office holiday dinner | Chef’s Menu: The Boqueria Experience | Seasonal dishes and hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de Bellota |
| Pre-game or pre-show group | Pre-Theatre Menu | Shared tapas before heading to your event |
| Dinner at home | Order to-go during available operating hours | Bring Spanish favorites to your own gathering |
Friendsgiving Without the Cooking
Friendsgiving is about spending time with your friends, not necessarily spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Our shared plates allow everyone to contribute to the meal without having to cook or coordinate multiple dishes. Start with a cheese and jamón board, add Patatas Bravas and croquetas, then bring paella to the center of the table.
It’s festive, interactive, and wonderfully simple.
Corporate Holiday Gatherings
The weeks surrounding Thanksgiving are also an ideal time for teams to gather before the busy December holiday season.
Our Chef’s Menu makes group dining especially convenient.
The Classics features a customized assortment of Boqueria favorites, including paella. The Boqueria Experience adds seasonal dishes and a taste of hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.
For larger celebrations, our Washington, D.C., events team can help explore semi-private and private dining options.
Hosting Visiting Family and Friends
If relatives are visiting Washington, D.C., for Thanksgiving week, dining out is a great way to spend time together outside the usual holiday preparations.
Our location near downtown attractions makes Boqueria a convenient choice for dinner after sightseeing, an evening before a game, or a weekend gathering following the holiday.
For anyone preferring to host at home, our to-go menu offers another way to enjoy Spanish flavors on available operating days. We also share a Paella de Mariscos holiday recipe for guests who want to prepare a Spanish-inspired meal themselves.
4. Museums, Chinatown, and the Arena: A Holiday-Week Day Out in Penn Quarter
One of the best things about spending Thanksgiving week in Washington, D.C., is the opportunity to explore the city with friends and family.
Penn Quarter makes an excellent starting point because so many attractions are within walking distance of one another.
Explore the Smithsonian Museums
Begin at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, which share a historic building just a few blocks from our restaurant.
These museums offer something for everyone, from American portraiture and contemporary artwork to historic collections and rotating exhibitions.
For visiting families, they’re a wonderful way to spend time together before meeting for a leisurely meal. Check museum holiday hours when planning your visit.
Discover Chinatown and Downtown D.C.
From the galleries, take a walk through Chinatown and admire the Friendship Archway on H Street.
The neighborhood is full of restaurants, cultural landmarks, entertainment destinations, and the bustle that makes downtown D.C. memorable.
After exploring, make your way to 9th Street for tapas, paella, and sangría at Boqueria on one of our operating days.
Plan Dinner Around a Game or Show
Capital One Arena is another reason visitors and locals gather in Penn Quarter throughout November.
If you’re attending a concert or sporting event during Thanksgiving week, our Pre-Theatre Menu offers a convenient way to enjoy Spanish tapas and dessert before heading to the arena.
Whether you’re meeting old friends or entertaining relatives from out of town, pairing dinner with an event is a great way to make the most of the holiday period.
5. Your Thanksgiving Week and Friendsgiving Planning Timeline
A little advance planning makes holiday gatherings much more enjoyable.
Because we’re closed on Thanksgiving Day, we recommend choosing a date before or after the holiday that fits your group’s schedule and our posted operating hours.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Three to four weeks before | Choose a Friendsgiving or holiday-week date, excluding Thanksgiving Day |
| Three weeks before | Contact our DC events team about semi-private or private dining for larger groups |
| Two weeks before | Make your reservation and confirm dietary needs |
| The week of your gathering | Decide between the Chef’s Menu and à la carte tapas |
| On the evening | Start with sangría and Pan con Tomate, enjoy paella, and finish with Crema Catalana |
| After your celebration | Consider a Boqueria gift card for someone who loves Spanish dining |
Book Before the Holiday Rush
Thanksgiving week can be busy in downtown Washington, especially when visitors arrive and friends coordinate their annual reunions.
We recommend reserving your table in advance, particularly for larger groups or weekend gatherings.
Choose the Right Dining Experience
For a casual dinner, ordering tapas à la carte gives everyone flexibility.
For a larger Friendsgiving or corporate celebration, our Chef’s Menu can simplify planning and create a more cohesive shared dining experience.
Guests interested in private or semi-private events can contact our events team to discuss their needs and available spaces.
Confirm Holiday-Week Hours
We want every guest to plan confidently.
Boqueria Penn Quarter will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Other holiday-week hours may vary, so please review our location page or contact us before finalizing your plans.
That way, you can arrange a Friendsgiving, family dinner, or office gathering on an available date without any surprises.
6. Visit Us in Penn Quarter During Thanksgiving Week
Boqueria Penn Quarter is located at 777 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, close to the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Chinatown, and Capital One Arena.
Our lively, Barcelona-inspired setting makes us a welcoming place to gather during the holiday season, whether you’re reuniting with friends, entertaining family, or celebrating with coworkers.
For Friendsgiving and office dinners, explore our private dining and group event options. For smaller family gatherings, reserve a table and enjoy our Spanish menu. If you’re hosting at home, check our to-go offerings during available operating hours.
We’re excited to celebrate the Thanksgiving season with our guests before and after the holiday.
Please remember that we are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is about more than one meal on one day. It’s a season of reconnecting with people, celebrating friendships, welcoming family, and finding time to share good food.
At Boqueria Penn Quarter, we bring that spirit to the table with Spanish tapas, generous paella, seasonal vegetables, croquetas, churros, and sangría.
Whether you’re planning an early Friendsgiving, organizing an office holiday gathering, or enjoying dinner with visiting relatives over the holiday weekend, we offer a warm and lively setting for the occasion.
Make the most of Thanksgiving week in downtown Washington, D.C., and join us for a Spanish-inspired gathering on our operating days before or after Thanksgiving.
Reserve your table today and celebrate the holiday season with us at Boqueria Penn Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Boqueria Penn Quarter open on Thanksgiving Day?
No. Boqueria Penn Quarter is closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, we welcome guests planning Friendsgiving dinners, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations before or after the holiday on our available operating days. Please check our location page for updated holiday-week hours.
2. Can I enjoy Thanksgiving-inspired dishes at Boqueria during Thanksgiving week?
Yes. Although we don’t serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, our Spanish menu features dishes that are well suited to seasonal gatherings, including Short Rib Paella, Roasted Chicken, Patatas Bravas, Dukkah-Spiced Sweet Potato, and Classic Churros. These are regular Spanish menu offerings rather than a special Thanksgiving Day menu.
3. What is the best way to plan a large Friendsgiving dinner?
Our Chef’s Menu is a convenient choice for larger groups. The Classics offers a customized selection of favorites featuring paella, while The Boqueria Experience includes seasonal dishes and hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. Larger groups can also inquire about our semi-private and private dining spaces.
4. Are there vegetarian or gluten-free dishes available?
Our menu includes options such as Vegetable Paella, Grilled Broccolini, Escalivada, and Croquetas de Setas. Several dishes are also marked gluten-free. Please inform our team of any allergies or dietary restrictions before ordering so we can help you make suitable selections.
5. Can I order Boqueria dishes to-go during Thanksgiving week?
Yes, to-go ordering is available during applicable operating hours. Visit our Penn Quarter location page to explore available ordering options. Please note that we are closed on Thanksgiving Day, so orders should be planned for another available date.
6. Is Boqueria a good restaurant to visit near Capital One Arena during Thanksgiving week?
Yes. We’re located a short walk from Capital One Arena, making Boqueria a convenient choice for a pre-game or pre-show meal. Our Pre-Theatre Menu features shareable tapas and dessert, allowing guests to enjoy Spanish cuisine before their event. Check our hours and availability for your preferred date.