Why Stanton Locals Line Up Every Year for Harry’s Cafe’s Legendary Thanksgiving Feast

Why Stanton Locals Line Up Every Year for Harry’s Cafe’s Legendary Thanksgiving Feast

Just how great is Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving Buffet? Discover the heartwarming tradition in Stanton, where free turkey, endless sides, and community spirit bring thousands together each year.


Just how great is Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving Buffet? Discover the heartwarming tradition in Stanton, where free turkey, endless sides, and community spirit bring thousands together each year.


Video: Local news coverage of Harry’s Cafe Thanksgiving buffet.

Video: Local news coverage of Harry’s Cafe Thanksgiving buffet.

A Thanksgiving Like No Other


Every Thanksgiving Day from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Harry’s Cafe in Stanton, California, transforms into one of the most beloved community events in Orange County. What started as a local tradition over 20 years ago has grown into a full-scale feast serving 1,500 to 2,000 guests in a single afternoon.

The owner, his nonprofit friends, and countless volunteers have donated over 1,000 turkeys and thousands of pounds of food over the years to make this celebration possible. And it’s not just for regular customers — everyone is welcome. The event draws locals, visitors, and even those without a place to call home, ensuring nobody in Stanton spends Thanksgiving alone.

The tradition is so woven into the fabric of the city that the Mayor of Stanton himself attends multiple times a week during the year and helps promote the event when the holiday arrives.

A Thanksgiving Like No Other

Every Thanksgiving Day from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Harry’s Cafe in Stanton, California, transforms into one of the most beloved community events in Orange County. What started as a local tradition over 20 years ago has grown into a full-scale feast serving 1,500 to 2,000 guests in a single afternoon.

The owner, his nonprofit friends, and countless volunteers have donated over 1,000 turkeys and thousands of pounds of food over the years to make this celebration possible. And it’s not just for regular customers — everyone is welcome. The event draws locals, visitors, and even those without a place to call home, ensuring nobody in Stanton spends Thanksgiving alone.

The tradition is so woven into the fabric of the city that the Mayor of Stanton himself attends multiple times a week during the year and helps promote the event when the holiday arrives.

As Seen on KCAL & CBS News


Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving Day event has become so iconic that it’s been featured on KCAL News and CBS Los Angeles. Reporters have highlighted the incredible turnout, the line that stretches down the sidewalks of Katella Avenue, and the atmosphere of genuine warmth and generosity that defines the day.

Local TV crews have captured everything: volunteers from nearby churches and the mayor’s friends serving meals, families enjoying fresh turkey together, and the heartfelt conversations happening at every table. This media attention has helped spread the word to surrounding communities — and even to former Stanton residents now living out of state.

Watch the KCAL segment here: Stanton Restaurant’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Feast (YouTube)

As Seen on KCAL & CBS News

Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving Day event has become so iconic that it’s been featured on KCAL News and CBS Los Angeles. Reporters have highlighted the incredible turnout, the line that stretches down the sidewalks of Katella Avenue, and the atmosphere of genuine warmth and generosity that defines the day.

Local TV crews have captured everything: volunteers from nearby churches and the mayor’s friends serving meals, families enjoying fresh turkey together, and the heartfelt conversations happening at every table. This media attention has helped spread the word to surrounding communities — and even to former Stanton residents now living out of state.

Watch the KCAL segment here: Stanton Restaurant’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Feast (YouTube)

A Feast for Everyone — 100 Turkeys, Endless Sides


On Thanksgiving Day, Harry’s Cafe sets aside its usual American-Mexican-Greek menu and focuses entirely on Thanksgiving comfort food. This isn’t just a few special dishes — the entire menu changes for the day, and everything is FREE.

This year’s buffet includes:

  • Freshly carved oven-roasted turkey (~100 turkeys prepared)

  • Creamy mashed potatoes with homemade gravy

  • Savory rice and fluffy dinner rolls

  • Crisp green salad with ranch dressing

  • Sweet cranberry sauce

  • Unlimited soda, water, and refreshments

From the moment you step inside, the aroma of turkey fills the air, and you’re greeted with the sight of generous plates, friendly volunteers, and guests going back for seconds — and thirds. It’s truly all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving in Stanton.

A Feast for Everyone — 100 Turkeys, Endless Sides

On Thanksgiving Day, Harry’s Cafe sets aside its usual American-Mexican-Greek menu and focuses entirely on Thanksgiving comfort food. This isn’t just a few special dishes — the entire menu changes for the day, and everything is FREE.

This year’s buffet includes:

  • Freshly carved oven-roasted turkey (~100 turkeys prepared)

  • Creamy mashed potatoes with homemade gravy

  • Savory rice and fluffy dinner rolls

  • Crisp green salad with ranch dressing

  • Sweet cranberry sauce

  • Unlimited soda, water, and refreshments

From the moment you step inside, the aroma of turkey fills the air, and you’re greeted with the sight of generous plates, friendly volunteers, and guests going back for seconds — and thirds. It’s truly all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving in Stanton.

Faces, Stories, and a Spirit of Community


What makes Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving celebration so special isn’t just the food — it’s the people.

Many guests have been customers for 10+ years, greeted by name as soon as they walk in. Kids who grew up near Rancho High School come back with their own families. Pets are welcome, adding to the warmth of the day.

For some, it’s their first Thanksgiving in Stanton. For others, it’s a trip down memory lane — former residents now living in Arizona, Nevada, or other parts of California make the journey back just to be here. The staff remembers faces, the volunteers remember stories, and the room is filled with a sense of companionship that says loud and clear: nobody is alone here.

Faces, Stories, and a Spirit of Community

What makes Harry’s Cafe’s Thanksgiving celebration so special isn’t just the food — it’s the people.

Many guests have been customers for 10+ years, greeted by name as soon as they walk in. Kids who grew up near Rancho High School come back with their own families. Pets are welcome, adding to the warmth of the day.

For some, it’s their first Thanksgiving in Stanton. For others, it’s a trip down memory lane — former residents now living in Arizona, Nevada, or other parts of California make the journey back just to be here. The staff remembers faces, the volunteers remember stories, and the room is filled with a sense of companionship that says loud and clear: nobody is alone here.

How to Join the Celebration This Year


📍 Where: Harry’s Cafe, 8414 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Rancho High School)
🕐 When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th
⏰ Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
🍽 What: Free, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, rice, rolls, salad, cranberry sauce, and drinks

No tickets. No reservations. Just show up hungry and ready to share a meal with the community. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended — though even if you find yourself in the famous line outside, the wait is part of the tradition.

Whether you’re a longtime regular, a first-time visitor, or someone returning to Stanton to relive old memories, you’ll be welcomed like family.

How to Join the Celebration This Year

📍 Where: Harry’s Cafe, 8414 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 (near Rancho High School)
🕐 When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th
⏰ Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
🍽 What: Free, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, rice, rolls, salad, cranberry sauce, and drinks

No tickets. No reservations. Just show up hungry and ready to share a meal with the community. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended — though even if you find yourself in the famous line outside, the wait is part of the tradition.

Whether you’re a longtime regular, a first-time visitor, or someone returning to Stanton to relive old memories, you’ll be welcomed like family.