Not all of us can (or want to) make it home in time for the bird and the stuffing. If you're stuck in the city (read: choosing to avoid family drama) you can find a variety of Thanksgiving feasts from which to choose. You may even be able to find mashed potatoes just like mom makes, or the opposite of how mom makes, depending on your mom's culinary skills.
676 Restaurant and Bar
$54
The Modern American restaurant on the 4th floor of the Omni hotel offers a four-course prix-fixe feast with all your favorites. Got a fussy kid? A children's entree plate is only $14.
Aja
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; $55
The recently revamped restaurant at the Dana Hotel and Spa offers a special prix-fixe menu (designed for sharing) to groups of four or more on Thursday. Chef Josh Linton will prepare jumbo lump crab rangoon, 18 Vegetable Salad with sweet soy rice wine vinaigrette, "Red Cooked" smoked duroc pork with ginger and garlic, Chinese roast duck, wild mushroom fried rice with black truffle, wok-tossed ginger greens and chocolate hot pot with autumn cakes and cookies.
Ann Sather (Belmont)/Ann Sather (Andersonville)
11 a.m.-7 p.m./11 a.m.-5 p.m., $18.95/$10.95
In place of its regular menu of Swedish and American specialties, Ann Sather will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, though some breakfast items will still be available. The menu includes roasted turkey with celery-sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, seasonal vegetable and homemade pumpkin or apple pie for dessert. Entree options include broiled salmon with mustard dill sauce, roasted tenderloin of beef and spinach lasagna.
Bin 36
3-9 p.m., $45
On the restaurant’s tenth Thanksgiving, Executive Chef John Caputo will present an all-American feast inspired by the flavors of fall and the bounty of the season’s harvest, preparing a three-course meal that includes the bird and all the trimmings. Delicious favorites will be complemented by family-style sides, decadent seasonal desserts and over 50 wines available by the glass.
Birch River Grill
noon-5 p.m., $24.95,$13.95
Indulge in traditional Thanksgiving fare, including acorn squash and Kentucky bourbon bisque, autumn salad with mulled wine poached pear, crumbled bleu cheese, toasted pecans and kiln dried cherry dressing; maple glazed free range turkey breast, stuffing, potatoes, beans and spiced pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream.
Bistro 110
noon-8 p.m., $32.95/$12.95
Put a French twist on you holiday. The three course prix fixe meal at Bistro 110 includes options like butternut squash soup, oven roasted turkey breast, green beans, sweet potato dauphinoise and spiced pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce.
C-House
4-10 p.m., $39
This Thanksgiving at C-House Fish and Chops indulge in a traditional three-course dinner with a creative twist. The first course offers options such as sweet potato soup and heirloom apple salad. Entrée selections include choice of oven roasted turkey, grilled pork chop and whole roasted trout. Delicious dessert choices include chocolate pecan cake with “cocoa loco stout” ice cream and fudge sauce or caramel roasted apples with fromage blanc ice cream with molasses cookies.
Cafe des Architectes
3-9 p.m., $65
Use your day of thanks to branch out and expand your culinary tastes. Cafe de Architectes has such unique offerings as brown butter cauliflower soup, arctic char and coconut panna cotta.
Cape Cod Room
11:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
It doesn't get much more classic than the elaborate buffets available at the Drake Hotel's nautically themed seafood restaurant. Expect live jazz and a children's area.
Chef's Station
2-6:30 p.m.; $38
The upscale Evanston eatery will offer a prix-fixe meal including your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. You'll start with roasted butternut squash soup or a goat cheese and caramelized onion tart, then move on to herb marinated roasted turkey breast served with your choice of side dishes.
Chicago Firehouse
11 a.m.-7:30 pm; $45.99, $19.99 for kids 5-12
The buffet at this classic Chicago restaurant is suitably...well, classic, with turkey, prime rib and all the fixins, as well as tons of breakfast foods.
China Grill
$44
A true cornucopia is available at this upscale spot in the Hard Rock Hotel, with everything from traditional Turkey to the regular Chinese menu to $7 mojitos.
Cite
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $68, $34 for kids under 13
If you're hungry for both an early meal and a great view, head to this 70th floor eatery for a brunch buffet including crab claws, honey roasted turkey, prime rib, omelets, French toast and more.
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
$27.99/$9.99
While the entire menu is available, a special three-course family-style dinner will be prepared to celebrate the season of sharing. Salad, squash soup, ham, turkey and potatoes are all featured. Finish it off with the delightful pumpkin cheesecake. Available at the Orland Park and South Barrington locations.
Coco Pazzo
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., $40
Coco Pazzo is serving a four-course dinner with a Tuscan twist. Each course allows diners a selection to choose from. Choices include a field green salad, dried cherries, pine nuts, Gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette or mushroom and potato soup garnished with toasted chestnuts and white truffle oil; butternut squash and leek risotto with pecorino DOP or fettuccini with wild mushrooms and shaved parmesian; roasted turkey breast with foccacia-sausage stuffing, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, cranberry-orange relish and sage gravy or a roasted local whitefish, green beans, pomodorini and toasted almonds.
Custom House
3-8 p.m.; $65 adults, $25 children
The restaurant's three-course holiday menu includes your choice of appetizer (cauliflower bisque w/ house curry vinaigrette, field greens w/ baby radish, house bacon and mustard, baby beets w/ goat cheese, pistachios and arugula, potato agnolotti w/ house bacon, parmesan and brussels sprouts), entree (wild striped bass, autumn vegetable pot pie, rack of pork, beef shortrib, turkey), sides (brussels sprouts w/ bourbon maple syrup, potato puree, baby carrots w/ fresh herbs and honey, sweet potato gratin w/ green apple and onion) and dessert (apple streudel, cheesecake, pumpkin bread pudding). A children's menu is also available for kids aged 2-12.
David Burke's Primehouse
11 a.m.-9 p.m., $39
It's four courses of fall at David Burke's Primehouse. Choose from appetizer choices include squash & ricotta cheese raviolis, salads like double dried Kobe beef bresola, entrées like spiced brown sugar and honey ham and walnut praline cheesecake for dessert. To top it off you'll take home a “leftover sandwich” of roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes asnd cranberry sauce on country bread with a pumpkin pie cookie.
Dine
noon-9 p.m., $28.95,$16.95
Dine offers up traditional fare in a prix fixe menu. Choose from roasted butternut squash bisque or fall greens with roasted beets and pears with maple cider dressing to start. For the entrée, enjoy herb roasted turkey with sage and sausage dressing and rich brown pan sauce, green beans, crimini mushrooms and sherry cream sauce with crispy onions, and roasted sweet potatoes with orange ginger glaze. For dessert, try pumpkin ppice cake, with maple caramel sauce and vanilla whip cream.
Entourage on American Lane
11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $32.95, $15.95 kids 6-12
The Schaumburg restaurant pulls out all the stops with a buffet spread including smoked salmon, oysters, prime rib, roasted turkey, roasted turducken, seared tilapia, blackened chicken rigatoni and a whole lotta traditional sides and desserts. If your kid doesn't like the turkey, he or she is sure to enjoy the mac 'n' cheese, chicken fingers and tater tots.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
11 a.m.-6 p.m., $25-$105
Thanksgiving Day brunch and dinner at the Four Seasons offers made-to-order omelets and malted waffles at the breakfast station, fresh seafood, salads, a carving station, seasonal entrees and Thanksgiving favorites. Breakfast selections are replaced by entrees for the later seatings. Enjoy traditional dishes such as roast Amish turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry relish, sage and marjoram holiday stuffing and maple and spice glazed sweet potatoes with homemade marshmallow crust.
Fulton's on the River
$49.95/$15.95
If you're the kind of person who wears your pants a little baggy on T-day, then Fulton's is for you. Sides and appetizers include salads, roasted fall veggies, cheddar mac-n-cheese, apple cider brined turkey breasts, seared Canadian lake trout, a variety of stuffings and banana cream pie. A children's menu is also available.
Glen Prairie
noon-9 p.m., $25
This three-course prix fixe includes options like butternut squash and Michigan apple bisque, free range turkey tenderloin, cornbread stuffing, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry-orange relish. Follow with a helping of pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce for dessert.
Harry Caray's
1–8 p.m.
If you're looking for options, Harry Caray's is your place. Guests can choose from a selection of favorites from the Italian Steakhouse menu or enjoy traditional Thanksgiving specials like autumn squash bisque, prime rib dinner and apple crisp.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., $22.95
Guests can dine on an all-you-can-eat feast of Turkey Day favorites and Brew-inspired specialties like traditional roasted turkey with Oktoberfest gravy or harvest fest, Wild Turkey bourbon glazed ham and slow smoked BBQ beef brisket. Thanksgiving Day football will also be on all 17 flat screen TVs.
Harry Caray's (Lombard and Rosemont)
$16.95-$39.95
Both restaurants will feature traditional Thanksgiving favorites such as hand-carved, oven-roasted turkey and roasted prime rib along with unlimited visits the all-you-can-eat sides buffet. Buffet sides include sausage and sage stuffing, cornbread stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, smoked bacon and cheddar gratin and more.
Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
11 a.m.-3 p.m., $33.95
Hilton Chicago/ Indian Lakes Resort wants to take the stress out of your holiday. The menu includes starters like arugula salad with beets and goat cheese, slow-roasted turkey with caramelized shallot and sage gravy, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin filled pasta with sage-brown butter and desserts like eclairs, cream puffs and assorted petit four.
Horizon Cafe
7 a.m.-7 p.m., $16.99/$18.99
Want your Thanksgiving dinner just like mom made? Try Horizon Cafe, where you'll start with pumpkin soup or creamy chicken rice. It's followed by salad and then hand-carved turkey breast with cream or brown gravy, homemade mashed potatoes, seasoned dressing, vegetable and cranberry sauce. The dessert course will feature a choice of either pumpkin pie or apple pie.
Italiasia
11 a.m.-8 p.m., $15.95/$9.95
Italiasia will be offering a unique Italian-Asian inspired Thanksgiving buffet featuring everything from grilled peanut shrimp to traditional turkey. An array of salads, soups, desserts and appetizers fill the cornucopia of Italiasia's buffet.
Jacky's on Prairie
Looking for a rustic Thanksgiving spread? Try this Evanston hot spot. The menu features heirloom squash soup with Applewood smoked turkey ravioli; roasted and braised turkey with wild rice and corn bread stuffing and cranberry sauce or walnut loaf with vegetable gravy, root vegetable and maple puree and a pine nut and cranberry tart with maple granite.
Karma
noon-8 p.m., $23.95, $11.95
Karma features a buffet with options like salad, gingered butternut squash soup, turkey, potatoes, asparagus, green bean casserole and pie options. Free for kids 3 and younger.
Lawry's The Prime Rib
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
A Thanksgiving at Lawry's wouldn't be complete without prime rib. The menu includes roasted prime ribs of beef and fresh roasted turkey. For those opposed to a traditional feast, Lawry's regular menu will also be available.
Lockwood
11 a.m.-5 p.m., $55, $45, $25
With unlimited champagne for adults and sparkling cider for children, Lockwood treats guests to an all-American Thanksgiving buffet featuring upscale, contemporary American cuisine. Start your meal with spaghetti squash and red pepper, follow with autumn greens with gingerbread dressing and finish with a choice of entrees. Reservations are required.
Markethouse
$12-$24
This new Streeterville restaurant serving farm-fresh cuisine offers a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner fresh from the heartland. Executive Chef Scott Walton will prepare buttermilk biscuits with gooseberry jam, maple thyme-seasoned Slagel Farms turkey and pumpkin pie with pecan praline ice cream.
Meson Sabika (Naperville) and Tapas Valencia
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., free
Talk about being thankful -- restaurants Meson Sabika and Tapas Valencia will host charity Thanksgiving dinner for those facing economic problems and/or limited physically by disabilities. Any patron-in-need is welcome to enjoy a complimentary traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner that will include salad, turkey, dessert and a beverage of choice including either beer or wine. Reservations are required.
NoMI
11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., $125
NoMI gives a whole new meaning to the word feast. Selections range from Applewood smoked trout to beet panzanella salad to autumn squash ravioli. Desserts include pumpkin cheesecake, apple streusel tarts and maple panna cotta.
Palette Bistro
1-8 p.m.; $32
Frenchify something other than green beans with a three-course meal including your choice of roasted pumpkin soup or caesar salad, turkey or filet mignon, and pumpkin pie.
Palm
$45 ($22.50 per child)
Enjoy a three-course menu including hand-carved roasted turkey, traditional sides, salad & dessert at this classic steakhouse.
Park Grill
11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.
It'll be easy to walk off your meal of updated classics like turkey with spiced-sausage stuffing and ginger-cranberry compote, as the Grill is located just in front of picturesque Millennium Park.
The Pony
Want something simple yet satisfying for the holiday? This Lakeview bar will offer up its signature dish, the Thanksgiving Stack, on Thanksgiving Day - layers of homemade biscuits, turkey, veggies, mashed potatoes all smothered with gravy. You can get it and a pint of Guinness for $12.
Prairie Grass Cafe
2:30-7:30 p.m.; $45 ($15 for kids under 10)
The Northbrook staple offers the "Thanksgiving Works" on Thursday, complete with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, apple and sage stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, cranberry sauce and pumpkin and pecan pies.
Restaurant Michael
1-4 p.m., $45
This Thanksgiving, leave the turkey to Michael Lachowicz, the chef and owner of Restaurant Michael. Dinner will showcase roast organic turkey, roast tenderloin and all of the Thanksgiving fixings.
Reza's (Andersonville)
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Middle Eastern favorite adds to its already robust buffet with a bunch of Thanksgiving classics on Thursday.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $40-$105
Thanksgiving Day brunch and dinner at The Greenhouse and The Cafe features traditional favorites such as brined and roasted Tom Turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry and pomegranate chutney, stuffing and candied sweet potatoes with marshmallow crust. Earlier seatings include omelet, waffle and breakfast stations.
Shaw's Crab House (Schaumburg)
Noon-7 p.m., $39.99/$16.99
Celebrate Thanksgiving family-style in Schaumburg. As an added bonus, dinner isn't over just because you leave. Each family will go home with "leftovers" of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, stuffing and pecan pie to enjoy at home the next day.
Sixteen
Brunch: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ($115, $25 for kids eight and under); Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m. ($95-$120)
The Trump Tower's restaurant offers a lot more than great views on Thanksgiving. There will be a lavish brunch spread featuring a raw bar, carving station, dessert stations and more, plus a seasonally inspired tasting menu for dinner (three or five courses), including such dishes as savoy cabbage-wrapped pheasant with foie gras, sweet potato puree and black trompettes.
Stretch Run
You can have Thanksgiving Dinner all weekend long at this River North OTB. A meal of turkey, stuffing, sweet potato mash, gravy and cranberry sauce will be available Thursday through Sunday for $10.95. Also available are several holiday-themed cocktails, including the Pumpkin Pie (vanilla ice cream, Bailey's Caramel, Bailey's and Butterscotch Schnapps, $6.50).
SushiSamba Rio
1:30 p.m. -1 a.m.
The menu includes a braised short rib gyoza appetizer with kabocha pumpkin puree, red shiso leaf and smoked ginger soy ($14). Dinner is a Plainville Farms turkey t-bone with sweet potato-brown sugar fries, bacon escarole and cranberry teriyaki glaze ($24) and dessert is pumpkin cinnamon bread pudding with maple syrup ice cream, roast pecans and candied shiso leaf ($10).
Tavern on Rush
11 a.m.-11 p.m.; $37.95 (kids $15.95)
You'll find a variety of traditional items at this Gold Coast institution, including turkey, roasted acorn squash soup, chestnut stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy, steamed veggies and your choice of pumpkin pie, apple pie or carrot cake. Parties of four or more can enjoy family-style service (with leftovers wrapped up). A limited dining menu will be available if you're not into the prix-fixe thing.
Trader Vic's
noon-8 p.m.; $39.95 ($19.95 for kids)
Get both a tropical escape and a traditional Thanksgiving at the revamped institution, which features a menu including everything from roasted turkey to kung pao pork. Should go well with Mai Tais.
Va Pensiero
2-8 p.m., $48
Chef Jeff will offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal as well as several of his own creations delivered over four courses. The menu includes grilled vegetables, baked Ricotta, pumpkin soup, mushroom risotto, a selection of pastas, turkey and beef.
Vermilion
noon-10 p.m.; $45
This Indian fusion restaurant skews more toward Native American on Thanksgiving with a six-course meal including roasted corn soup, cardamom-smoked turkey breast and pumpkin pie.
Viand
noon-10 p.m.; $24.95
Meat eaters will be happy with choices of roasted turkey and stuffed pork loin at this three-course meal, which also includes salad and dessert buffet tables.
Victory's Banner
Seatings at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; $31.95
Why suffer through another tofurkey when you can enjoy tasty vegetarian fare at this Roscoe Village staple, including the popular Neatloaf and all the sides and desserts you can handle. Trust us: You won't miss the meat.
Zed 451
You'll always find a feast at this expansive prix-fixe spot, but they're upping the ante on Thanksgiving with options like turkey breast, hickory ham, curried pumpkin soup and pumpkin profiteroles.
Zest at the InterContinental Chicago
noon-3 p.m./5-10 p.m., $55/$67
Zest will offer Thanksgiving brunch featuring items like poached shrimp, Wisconsin cheese selections and a carving station, as well as a mashed potato bar with traditional condiments, stuffing, toasted marshmallow yams and desserts. Dinner features a selection of seafood as well as traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Rather take it and fake it? Grab a dinner to-go and let someone else do all the cooking and cleaning.
The Market at Old Town Brasserie
1-7 p.m., $29 per person
Old Town Brasserie's complete Thanksgiving family-style takeout meal features a slow roasted traditional turkey with all the fixins. Pick up a bottle of wine from the market to complement your feast. Orders need to be placed by November 23, and must be picked up at the restaurant on November 25.
Osteria Via Stato
$62, $98, $110
Osteria Via Stato helps you bring the best of the harvest to your table from Caveny Farm in Monticello, Illinois. These local Bourbon Red turkeys are naturally juicy and rich in flavor and are rare Heritage turkeys, with only one crop raised per year. Each order will include step-by-step instructions for roasting a turkey and a $25 Osteria Via Stato gift certificate for a post-holiday, Italian dinner. Orders must be placed with Allison Gallese by November 19.
Restaurant Michael
1-4 p.m., $49
For those wanting to stay at home, Restaurant Michael features a hot and ready to serve carry-out menu for $49 per person. The menu features two main entrees, six side dishes, two desserts, soup, salad and bread.
Sheffield's
For $100, the kitchen at this popular Lakeview bar will prepare, cook and pack up a six-person meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. For an extra $49.95, Sheffield's Beer School will add on beer pairings.
Smoke Daddy
Get your turkey smoked for take-out. Order your turkey by November 23 and pick it up either November 24 or 25. Smoke Daddy Rhythm and Barbeque is offering smoked turkeys to go, priced at $4.95 per pound (12 to 14 pound birds).
Tavern on Rush
Executive chef John Gatsos will prepare a full Thanksgiving meal to be picked up at your convenience.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Executive chef Frank Brunacci and his staff will cook up a full dinner for six to eight people featuring roast turkey ($325) or salt-crusted prime rib ($405) will all the trimmings and dessert. Items are also available a la carte, should you just need a little something extra to make your table pop. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 22, and can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Victory's Banner
Take home a vegetarian feast including veggie turkey Neatloaf plus meatless sides and vegan desserts.
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Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Get Cookin' ~ Drink on the Eve
Buy a Pie ~ Volunteer and Give Back
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway
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