We bet whipping up a Thanksgiving feast brings sheer bliss to the kind of people who subscribe to Martha Stewart's magazine and TiVo the Food Network. But the rest of us—those of us with a Chinese takeout number on speed dial—dread the dance of whipping up a turkey dinner with all the fixings. To our luck, we can give thanks for living in a city full of restaurants willing to do all the stuffing, carving and baking for us. Whether you want to pick up some food to go or you want to get out of the house completely, these spots will make sure your holiday is a happy one. (All events are on Thanksgiving day, unless noted.)
The Pony
If you're pinching pennies this year, check out the peasant-style meal at this neighborhood sports bar. The Pony's stack special is a layered feast of homemade biscuits, turkey, veggies and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy for just $12. Add to that a free side of bourbon pecan pie and you'll have plenty of dough left to blow on booze. Before you get too slaphappy, try the bar's homemade cider with bourbon, butterscotch, Apple Pucker and cranberry.
C-House
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. lunch, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. dinner; $40-$55 per person
Tourists and locals alike will love the Thanksgiving prix-fixe deal at C-House. The restaurant's holiday menu includes traditional favorites like butternut squash soup and contemporary twists like the turducken (turkey, chicken and duck all in one). C-House is even putting its own twist on classic side dishes with its oyster and sausage stuffing concoction. And if a pumpkin log for dessert isn't enough to lure you in, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine should do the trick.
Horizon Cafe
11 a.m.; $17.95-$18.95
This down-home diner will offer guests a four-course Thanksgiving dinner beginning just before noon. Highlights include pumpkin soup, salad, hand-carved turkey breast with gravy, mashed and sweet potatoes, dressing and green bean almandine. For dessert, choose from apple or pumpkin pie. Holiday party platters are also available and can be carefully crafted for each guest; prices vary depending on quantity.
Va Pensiero
3 p.m.-8 p.m.; $45 per person
Va Pensiero is also cooking up a four-course Thanksgiving feast for families who would rather spend their time relaxing than slaving over the stove. To start, each table will receive an antipasti plate brimming with grilled veggies, cured meats, marinated olives and an assortment of artisan cheeses. From there, diners can choose succulent soups and salads. For the main course, Va Pensiero is offering a variety of traditional Thanksgiving and classic Italian dishes including turkey saltimbocca, herb-roasted turkey breast with Foccacia-sausage stuffing, among others. To finish, guests can take their pick of the restaurant's signature desserts.
Wave
Noon-8 p.m.; $45 per person
Starchef's Rising Star of 2008, Kristine Subido, is proving her culinary skills with a three-course Thanksgiving menu. The lineup includes holiday favorites like spiced-pumpkin soup with olive oil croutons and creme fraiche, oven-roasted turkey with fruit-and-nut-brioche stuffing and a maple panna cotta with slow-cooked port figs.
Mercat a la Planxa
5-11 p.m.
If Thanksgiving is all about sharing, shouldn't everyone be eating tapas? Chef Michael Fiorello of Mercat a la Planxa certainly thinks so, or at least that's what his festive small plates would have us believe. Check out his special Thanksgiving dishes, featuring spicy twists on Turkey Day classics like the cinnamon-smoked turkey breast and confit leg with Catalan spiced cranberry-orange compote. Or try the olive fingerling potato mash and spiced-pumpkin soup with molasses creme fraiche and smoked almonds.
Smoke Daddy
The famed BBQ spot is sticking to what it does best by offering guests smoked turkeys to go. Birds are available by the pound and are best when paired with the restaurant's homemade cornbread stuffing. While you're picking up your order, be sure to check out Smoke Daddy's BBQ sauce gift sets. The trio of signature sauces includes Smoke Daddy Original, Smoke Daddy Sweet and Smokey and Smoke Daddy Mustard, $14.95 per set. Orders must be placed by November 21 and pickup is available November 25-26.
Karma
Noon-10 p.m.; $19.95, $11.95 for kids 12 and under
This North Shore Asian-influenced restaurant is offering suburbanites a family-style prix-fixe menu. The list will feature fresh vegetable and fruit salads, ginger-butternut squash soup, roasted turkey breast, red skin or sweet mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, green bean casserole and cranberry relish. Dinner rolls will also be served, because Thanksgiving dinner is never complete until wiping the plate clean with some hearty bread. Actually, scratch that, it's not complete before indulging in a thick slice of apple or pumpkin pie – both of which will be available at Karma.
More Cupcakes
In addition to its rotating couture cupcake line, More is offering a selection of specialty treats this holiday. Thanksgiving-themed cupcakes include sweet potato, banana-spiced rum and cranberry. The wintertime pastries range from $3.50-$4.25 each, or $39.50-$49.50 per dozen. It's also a great spot to pick out a sweet gift for your gracious dinner host, with one of the shop's cupcake flights, complete with six mini-cupcakes. Special holiday packages include flavors like gingerbread, chocolate mint, peppermint white chocolate and red velvet. While you're at it, treat yourself to something fancy with the new wine and cheese cupcake flight.
Tallulah
Noon-6 p.m.; $45 per person, reservations required
Pulling yourself away from Tallulah's lobster deviled eggs is no easy task, but this time you'll want to save that extra room something a little more seasonal. The restaurant's four-course Thanksgiving dinner will feature Heritage-roasted turkey with jalapeno-cheddar dauphinoise, buttered baby turnips, boar bacon gravy and seared duck breast with cranberry rillettes and tartine.
Deerfields Bakery
Being gluten-free is no longer a bummer during the holidays, thanks to bakeries like Deerfields. The family-owned North Shore shop is offering its patrons plenty of gluten-free goodies to take home this year. Classic holiday pies are 9 inches each and include pecan, Dutch apple streusel and pumpkin, $14.50-$18.50. You can also pick up packages of stuffing cubes, loaves of bread and bundles of rolls here. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by November 20. Pickup is available at all three Deerfields' locations (Deerfield, Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg).
Eve
Noon-7 p.m.; $55 per person, reservations required
This brand new Gold Coast restaurant is celebrating Thanksgiving with four unique, regionally inspired menus. First there's the list of Northern delights, including a slow-roasted suckling pig, fennel and spinach salads, herb-roasted turkey, sausage and black walnut stuffing, sage gravy and pumpkin-chocolate bread pudding with spiced cream. An Eastern-tinged menu also embraces pork with gorgonzola broiled oysters, accompanied by applewood-smoked bacon. Side dishes for this one include a roasted chestnut bisque, cranberry-orange sorbet, lobster croquettes, pumpkin puree and cranberry apple crumble with spearmint ice cream.
Moving onto the wild West you'll find more mouth-watering choices like Chantrelle mushroom streudel with Maytag blue cheese and cranberry-apple chutney, onion and butternut squash muillefeuille, Tuscan kale with peppers and date beurre blanc and a cranberry-orange crumble for dessert. And let's not forget about the down-home Southern fare with turkey crawfish gumbo, fried green tomato poached eggs with Virginia ham, grilled quail, smoked cheddar grits and a chocolate pecan tart with bourbon anglaise.
Bistro 110
$36.95, $12.95 for children 12 and under
Bistro 110's family-friendly prix-fixe menu offers guests three full courses of Thanksgiving-themed fare, along with a few non-traditional choices for the little ones. For the first course, patrons can choose from a selection of soups (try the seasonal butternut squash), salad or pizza. From there, move on to the restaurant's oven-roasted turkey with sun-dried cherry and sage stuffing, or go for the roasted honey ham. You also get your pick of two sides including mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potato dauphinoise. The third, and perhaps the most popular, course is the toughest choice to make with options like chocolate cake, crème brulee, sorbet and ice cream. Limited selections from Bistro 110's regular menu will also be available.
David Burke's Primehouse
11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $38 per person, $14 for kids
The whole family will enjoy David Burke's fun, interactive Thanksgiving meal. Roaming carts piled with meats will make their way through the restaurant as guests choose their favorites, while sides will be served family style. Highlights include butternut squash bisque, Thanksgiving Caesar salad, truffled noodles, roasted turkey, spiced ham, slow-roasted prime rib and a pumpkin creme brulee tart. Additionally, each guest will leave with a special takeout "fixins" sandwich, stuffed with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and served on toasted bread.
Silver Cloud
Ongoing through Wednesday, November 26
Give mom a break this year and let Silver Cloud do all the work. The Bucktown restaurant is offering a prepared Thanksgiving carry-out menu complete with everything mom would make, minus all the hassle. The takeout menu features fully cooked dishes, easy to reheat and even easier to lie about (just make sure you've got some fancy bakeware handy, and you may want to dirty up the stove a bit, too). Silver Cloud's a la carte items feature choices like sliced turkey by the pound, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and cream corn. For dessert, grab a whole apple or pumpkin pie and don't forget to pick a pint or two of gravy and homemade cranberry sauce while you're at it. Items range from $2-$13.95. To place orders, call Allison Leo at (773) 489-6212.
Custom House
Wednesday, November 26
If you're still set on slaving over a hot stove for pure turkey perfection, you should check out the prepared side dishes and desserts at Custom House. The restaurant is offering guests a to-go menu with nothing but sides and sweet stuffs, so you can keep your focus on the bird. Each item comes in both small (serves 2-4) or large (serves 6-8) portions, prices vary – unless you go with the $48 special, which includes your choice of three large sides. Here's a preview of what to expect: Brussels sprouts with homemade bacon and leeks, green bean casserole, glazed carrots with honey and thyme, sweet corn succotash and mushroom bacon stuffing, among others. The dessert list is just as classic, boasting items like sweet pumpkin cheesecake squares, apple crumble pie and a variety of homemade cookies. Orders can be picked up between 9 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Tuesday, November 25-Wednesday, November 26; 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; $35
In the spirit of traditional Thanksgiving fare, Chef Matt Stovey's three-course dinner includes a martini, appetizer entrée and dessert. To start, pick from butternut squash soup, baby spinach salad with pine nuts or a spicy tuna, halibut and shrimp ceviche. Entrees, at first, seem obvious with a traditional turkey breast – but things take an interesting turn when Stovey gets crafty with a panko-crusted grouper fillet and orecchiette pasta in smoked mozzarella cream sauce and root veggies. Save room for the chef's sweet finish; your choice of a pumpkin cupcake with caramel cream cheese frosting or a pecan pie tartlet. And if that's not enough sugar for you, each dinner comes with a complimentary Kit-Kat tipple called the smashing pumpkin martini with vodka, spiced pumpkin puree, amaretto and toasted pumpkin seeds. On Tuesday, the lounge will offer half price martinis and $15 tarot card readings by Therese Murphy. You can also score half price martinis on Wednesday while you catch the Top Chef viewing party at 9 p.m.
Reel Club
Noon - 7 p.m.; $27.95 per person
Executive Chef Mychael Bonner is putting mom to shame with his homemade holiday menu. Highlights include hand-carved Niman Ranch ham, giblet gravy, backed acorn squash, roasted Vermont turkey, Idaho mashed potatoes, fresh sage and focaccia stuffing, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie. Additionally, guests can order from the restaurant's regular dinner menu, which features contemporary cuisine like stuffed mushroom caps with crab and spinach, crunchy shrimp, salmon cakes, layered chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie. Carry-out will also be available for both menus. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (630) 368-9400.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Trump International Hotel's Executive Chef Frank Brunacci will offer three seasonal dining options for Thanksgiving. First, there's the all-day brunch at Sixteen, featuring everything from artisan breads and carved meats to a raw bar packed with oysters, crab legs, sushi and sashimi. Deli selections include pates and specialty meats and a deluxe dessert station begs saving room for items like fruit tartlettes, cheesecake and homemade pies. And let's not forget about the restaurant's complimentary architectural views of the city. Even the little ones will enjoy themselves with the hotel's petting zoo and pilgrim re-enactment, located in the Grand Foyer. Brunch at Sixteen is $115 per person and $25 for children 8 and under. Seating times are 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Next on Brunacci's list of culinary creations is his Thanksgiving carryout package. The prepared dinner serves 6 to 8 people and includes maple-roasted turkey with an assortment of luxurious accoutrements like sage-apricot and chestnut cornbread stuffing, cassis cranberry chutney, holiday breads and your choice of homemade apple, pumpkin or pecan pie. The traditional turkey takeout dinner is $295. Those looking to up the ante can lay down $405 to replace the turkey with a slow-roasted, salt-crusted prime rib with au jus and creamy horseradish. Orders must be placed by November 23.
And finally, the lauded chef is offering hotel guests a chance to have a fancy Thanksgiving dinner, room service-style. But instead of a staff member dropping off a cartful of food, guests will be greeted by an in-house chef who will prepare it all in their suite. The in-room feast serves 4 to 6 people and costs $5,000.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $19.95, $15.95 for kids 12 and under Let's face it, you're bound to end up at the bar after an extended dinner with the fam – so why not just start there instead? Or better yet, bring the whole gang over. Jake Melnick's is offering all the usual suspects in its special buffet-style meal, allowing guests unlimited trips to the chef's table. The menu, created by Executive Chef Bob Andrea, offers Thanksgiving classics with a twist – incorporating some favorites from the restaurant's selection of more than 100 beers as ingredients in select dishes. Meats include traditional roasted turkey, glazed ham and slow-smoked barbecue beef brisket. Side dishes are just as classic, with choices like corn bread stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes, baked mac n' cheese and sweet potato casserole. After you've gone up for seconds and thirds, finish with a mini pumpkin crème brulee, cranberry-apple cobbler or chocolate cream cheese stout brownies. And don't forget about those drink specials, including seasonal fall microbrews and Wild Turkey cocktails.
Stretch Run
Ongoing through Friday, November 28
You could kick back in mom's living room with a plateful of dry turkey and a case of Miller Lite, or you could sip fancy Thanksgiving-themed cocktails at this upscale sports bar. Stretch Run's liquid menu features a full Thanksgiving meal with choices like the pumpkin pie cocktail (vanilla ice cream, Bailey's Carmel, Bailey's Irish Cream and Butterscotch Schnapps), the caramel apple pie martini (vodka, Sour Apple Pucker, Butterscotch Schnapps, amaretto, Bailey's Carmel and cinnamon), and the orange spice martini (Stoli Orange, Stoli Vanil, Cointreau, orange juice and chocolate syrup). And you won't be missing the bird after a cheap shot of Wild Turkey, followed by Stretch Run's cranberry topping tipple made with cranberry juice, vodka and triple sec. The bar is also fully equipped with more than 240 televisions, so you won't miss a beat of Thanksgiving football action. Cocktails range from $6-$7.25, Stretch Run will be open Thanksgiving day until 5 p.m.
Birch River Grill
Noon-7 p.m.; $24.95, $13.95 for kids 12 and under
If you're headed out to the 'burbs for family time, let's hope it's near this Arlington Heights restaurant. Birch River Grill is sticking with its American-fueled cuisine by offering guests a complete list of classics. To start, try the acorn squash, Kentucky bourbon bisque or autumn salad with poached pear, crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans and kiln-dried cherry dressing. The maple glazed, free range turkey breast will fill you up after that, but be sure to save room for a little apple-sausage cornbread stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes and rustic cranberry-orange relish. We probably don't need to tell you that dessert is all about the pumpkin, but you should know that it's spiced and served with cinnamon whipped cream.
Spirit of Chicago
6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $62.90
We can think of a million ways to avoid heading out to Aunt Bertha's for Thanksgiving, but none better than a ride on a modern day Mayflower. The Spirit of Chicago will take guests on a three-hour jaunt along Chicago's skyline while guests enjoy traditional treats from a special Thanksgiving menu. A live DJ will bring in dance-friendly beats, for those ready to shake off some cranberry-glazed calories.
Carlos' Restaurant
$45 per person (minimum 4 people)
An entire day spent cleaning, stuffing and cooking a bird isn't exactly our idea of a Happy Thanksgiving, and it's probably not the happiest time for the bird, either. Never mind all that, you can still enjoy a hearty meal at home with the fam, without ever lifting a finger. Well, OK, so you've got to lift your finger to call ahead and place your Thanksgiving order at Carlos' Restaurant, but after that it's smooth sailin'. The husband-and-wife team have crafted a gourmet holiday menu, complete with a whole turkey and all the trimmings, including soup, cranberries, stuffing, salad, sweet potatoes gratin, pumpkin souffle and a fall harvest fruit tart. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by Monday, November 24 and picked up by noon on Thanksgiving day.
Bin 36
3 p.m.-9 p.m.; $42 for adults, $19 for kids 12 and under
This wine bar and restaurant is cooking up a full three-course Thanksgiving menu, prepared by Executive Chef John Caputo. Favorites include roast turkey consommé with chestnut tortellini, slow roasted prime rib with truffled hollandaise sauce and duck confit rillete with apricot chutney. A bevy of side dishes will also be offered and include seasonal treats like roasted yams with toasted pecans and marsala brown butter, butter whipped potatoes and spaghetti squash with vin cott. Holiday desserts, crafted by Pastry Chef George Harris, will make you wish you'd saved more room with names with descriptions like this: pumpkin cake with molasses ice cream and walnut crisp, chocolate almond bomb with amaretto ice cream and cherry compote and apple crème brulee with maple anglaise and sauteed apples.
SushiSamba Rio
11:30 a.m.-midnight; prices vary
It might be impossible to ever feel sexy after Thanksgiving dinner, but you'll feel pretty damn good getting to that button-popping point at Sushisamba Rio. The swank River North spot will offer a Brazilian twist on the American holiday all day long. Specialty items include a "mojo" marinated turkey with cornbread-linguica stuffing, organic seasonal veggies and roasted pan gravy, $28. Finish your meal with a crafty holiday cocktail, the Harvest Spice, made with Montecristo spiced rum, Canton, pear juice and caramel sauce, topped with fresh whipped cream and crushed candied pecans, $11.
Lockwood
11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $65 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under; reservations required
Executive Chef Phillip Foss of Lockwood will treat guests to an all-American Thanksgiving buffet in conjunction with the restaurant's one-year anniversary. Adults can indulge in unlimited champagne and kids can join in the toast with sparking cider. Lockwood's Thanksgiving buffet will include seasonal soup, salads, cheeses and fruits and an assortment of vegetarian-friendly sides. Featured entrees are coq au vin in red wine sauce with onions, mushrooms, bacon and potatoes and a roasted halibut with autumn squash and truffled hollandaise. The restaurant will also provide a carving station with baked country ham, free-range turkey and slow roasted prime rib.
Viand
11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $24 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under
This Streeterville destination will lure tourists and locals with a three-course menu prepared by Chef Steve Chiapetti. The prix-fixe deal includes an antipasto buffet, cinnamon glazed turkey, rosemary and honey mustard glazed ham with sweet potato fritters, stuffed pork loin and fennel-and-almond-stuffed trout. The third course will allow guests to choose from a family-style pie sampler featuring six different takes on the traditional pastry.
Zed 451
4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $22-$55
This recently opened green-focused restaurant doesn't think you should have to wait for your food. That's why the folks at ZED451 are offering a harvest table full of soups, salads, house-made charcuterie and seasonal pastas. Take as many trips to the table as you like while you're waiting on the main course. When you're finally ready for something a bit more substantial, a team of chef-servers will visit your table to help you choose from fresh fish, chicken, beef, pork and lamb. Then they'll cook it up over an open charcoal fire. Seasonal cocktails, like ZED451's cranberry spiced old fashioned and red apple sangria, will also be available.
Zest
Noon-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; $55-$65, $22-$23 for kids
Executive Chef Hans Lentz will wow downtown with a thanksgiving brunch and dinner buffet. The assortment of Thanksgiving treats includes healthy items like poached shrimp, oysters on the half shell and assorted smoked fish. A separate carving station will put those seafood selections to shame with its choice of honey glazed ham or slow roasted prime rib. There will even be a potato bar, where you can load up on starches of all textures and colors, including spuds from the mashed, purple, sweet and russet family. Traditional items, like butter basted turkey, assorted stuffings and toasted marshmallow yams, will also be on hand. Show up for brunch and put the omelet station to good use or pile your plate high with scrambled eggs, assorted pastries, poached eggs Benedict and crispy bacon.
Bice
11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; $29.95
It's difficult to find prix-fixe menus on the cheap, let alone a full three-course Thanksgiving meal. It's an especially tedious task to search for inexpensive grub downtown – but Bice, located just one block from Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue, is offering its guests exactly that. The restaurant's special Thanksgiving menu even comes with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Dine
4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $28.95, $16.95 for kids 12 and under
This 1940s-themed restaurant is bringing back the classics with its traditional Thanksgiving meal. Keep it simple and start with roasted acorn squash soup or a seasonal salad with buckwheat honey roasted pears and cider vinaigrette. When you're ready for something more, feast on the sage-rubbed turkey breast with andouille sausage cornbread stuffing, roasted green beans and caramelized shallot gravy. Finish it all with the restaurant's made-from-scratch pumpkin cheesecake with pecan crust and cinnamon ice cream.
Fireplace Inn
1 p.m.-10 p.m.; $17.95, $12.95 for kids 12 and under
Owner Dick Novak wants you to be just as close to your kin this season as he is with his in the kitchen. Novak's Thanksgiving menu features Tom turkey and all the fixin's, from stuffing and sweet potatoes to cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. And because no holiday meal would be complete without a thick slice of homemade pumpkin pie, they've got that, too. Fireplace Inn's regular menu will also be available and items can be ordered for carry-out or delivery service.
Lawry's The Prime Rib
4 p.m.-8 p.m. $29 and up
Thanksgiving is all about stuffing: stuffing the turkey and stuffing yourself silly. Lawry's is taking care of the bird, so all you've got to worry about is the latter. The casual buffet includes fresh-roasted turkey and a trailing list of trimmings. Those watching their waistlines can choose portioned items from Lawry's special holiday menu, featuring the restaurant's famous spinning bowl salad, mashed potatoes, herb dressing and candied yams. In addition to Lawry's in-house treats, the restaurant is also offering a carry-out option with family-sized packaged dinners, complete with side dishes and desserts. Proceeds from the carry-out will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Harry Caray's
1 p.m.-7 p.m. in Rosemont; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. in Lombard; $29.50-$37.50; reservations recommended
Head over to Rosemont or Lombard for a traditional Thanksgiving feast this year. Specials vary at each location, but both will be offering two savory dinner options of turkey with all the trimmings ($29.50) or prime rib ($37.50). The two restaurants will also provide guests with unlimited trips to a sides buffet, featuring items like sausage and sage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, smoked bacon and cheddar gratin, bourbon sweet potato mash and green bean casserole. Desserts include a pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon whipped cream and an apple crisp with oatmeal streusel and vanilla bean ice cream. Additionally, the Lombard location is offering a limited a la carte menu, while Harry Caray's in Rosemont will provide its regular dinner menu.
McCormick & Schmick's
Hours vary by location; $21.95; reservations recommended
Five of McCormick and Schmick's Chicago-area restaurants will offer a traditional turkey dinner for those who'd rather have someone else do the cookin' this year. Participating locations include Gold Coast, the Loop, Skokie, Schaumburg and Oak Brook. The notable chain will also offer its regular menu with items like Maine lobster, Atlantic salmon and Yellowfin tuna.
Shaw's Crab House (Schaumburg)
noon-7 p.m.; $39.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 12 and under
Give the turkey a break and feast on Shaw's seafood selections instead. Holiday highlights include sweet potato maki, Yukon River Keta salmon with teriyaki glaze, lobster mac n' cheese and an assortment of classic pies for dessert. And if someone in your party is a sucker for tradition, the restaurant will offer a few classic turkey dishes, too. On top of that, each family will leave with a bag of leftovers, crammed with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and pecan pie.
Ann Sather
11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $18.95, $10.95 for kids 12 and under
Fans of this Swedish-inspired Chicago chain have likely already marked their calendars for the restaurant's annual Thanksgiving dinner. This year, Ann Sather will replace its regular menu with items like roasted turkey, celery-sage stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. Other specialty items include broiled salmon with mustard dill sauce, roasted beef tenderloin and spinach lasagna. For dessert, guests can choose from homemade pumpkin or apple pie. Additionally, a limited menu of the restaurant's popular breakfast items (read: Ann Sather's famous cinnamon rolls) will be available throughout the day, beginning at 9 a.m. Reservations will be accepted for parties of six or more.
Arrowhead American Grill
Noon-7 p.m.; $28.95, $15.95 for kids 12 and under
Arrowhead's Thanksgiving dinner menu will feature items like butternut squash soup, classic Caesar salad and your choice of herb roasted young turkey, deep fried southern turkey or honey-basted ham. Each meal comes with cranberry relish and your pick of three sides including sage bread stuffing, smashed sweet potatoes and pecans, whipped garlic potatoes, Parmesan creamed spinach and roasted autumn veggies. To finish, a family-style holiday dessert platter will be offered. Select appetizers and entrees from Arrowhead's regular menu will also be available. Additionally, beginning November 15, guests who dine at Arrowhead can take advantage of its complimentary gift-wrapping program (11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily).
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Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Get Cookin' ~ Eat Out
Buy a Pie ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway
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