There's no need to slave over your Turkey Day meal thanks to these Chicago-area restaurants.
Here's a look at some of the many restaurants planning to prepare a holiday feast:
Free Rein
The contemporary American Brasserie on Michigan Avenue offers seasonal dishes and scrumptious pies on Thanksgiving Day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Options include a brook farm herb roasted turkey with three sides that include brioche with spiced pecan stuffing, maple glazed roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes & gravy, mac & cheese, roasted mushrooms, and roasted brussels sprouts with caramelized onions. Don't forget dessert! Choose between warm apple crostada with brown butter gelato or slices classic pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This menu is available for $45 per person plus $8 for additional sides.
Weber Grill
Add some fire-grilled smokiness to your Thanksgiving Day dinner with Weber Grill Restaurant. The restaurant will be open from11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant will be offering a three-course meal with your choice between a mixed green salad, Caesar salad or butternut squash soup to start and a grill roaster smoked turkey and two choices of sides to begin with. Don’t forget dessert! Decide between a classic pumpkin pie or a chocolate espresso pecan pie in the dine-in menu between 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. An 8-10 guest party platter menu is also available!
*Restaurant may be booked with reservations. Call ahead.
Local
The Florentine
The Italian restaurant inside downtown Chicago's JW Marriott offers butternut squash soup with granny smith apples, pumpkin seeds and truffle brown. Also, a roasted beef salad, risotto and a traditional turkey plate are available on Thanksgiving Day ranging from $12 to $34 respectively. The restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood will open at 11 a.m. until 3 a.m. for the Bears vs. Packers game at 7:30 p.m. and will offer both drink and food specials. For the more tradition-minded, O’Toole’s has a Thanksgiving dinner special for $12, open-faced hot turkey sandwich for $10 and pumpkin pie for $4. For those feeling more courageous, feast on a "Bucket of Balls," deep fried turkey testicles with your choice of dipping sauce for $7.
The Colonial Room at The Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the award-winning Colonial Room, where a carving station, seafood bar, dessert table and plenty of other dishes will be served. Champagne and mimosas are also available. The cost is $70 per adult, $27 ages 6-12, and $10 ages 2-5. Reservations are recommended.
The Drake Hotel Chicago
There are three options for Thanksgiving dinner at The Drake in downtown Chicago. The Gold Coast ballroom will offer a Thanksgiving buffet and entertainment from noon to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $129 for adults, $45 for children up to 12 years old and all children under 5 years old eat free. For those interested in a more family-style Thanksgiving, the Camellia Room has you covered from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t want to go through the hassle of cooking? The chefs at Coq d'Or will prepare a Thanksgiving feast at $35 per guest. Meals are available between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Farmhouse
This quaint Chicago tavern will offer a special Thanksgiving to-go option that includes honey-brined and roasted turkey breast, buttermilk smashed potatoes, country style stuffing and more. The dinner is for four people for $100. They also have an a la carte option and will be taking orders until 2 p.m. on Nov. 20. Orders can be picked up on Nov. 27. You may place your order online at bonni@farmhousechicago.com
The Clubhouse
Join The Clubhouse in Oak Brook for their award-winning Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Spaces fill up quickly so make a reservation soon and enjoy carving and pasta stations, signature entrees and a children’s buffet. The cost is $49.95 for adults and $24.95 for children between ages 6 and 12. Kids under 5 enter for free.
Terra & Vine
A fine three-course menu will be served to guests at Terra & Vine for $45 ($12 for children). The courses include a first course of pear salad or roasted butternut squash soup, entrée of either Thanksgiving turkey, roasted cauliflower, pasta romero, chianti braised short ribs and a dessert of pumpkin pie tiramisu. Choose from reservations between 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Regular menu will not be available.
Buca di Beppo
Enjoy a holiday feast of sliced white meat turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, spicy Italian sausage, green breans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. If you don’t feel like stepping out of the house, you can order your Thanksgiving meal to-go on Nov. 27 and 28 with a price of $68.99 for a serving of three or $134.99 for six people. The restaurant will be open at 11 a.m.
Wildfire
Wildfire will serve a family-style Thanksgiving menu between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. There will also be gluten-free menu items and a Thanksgiving party platter menu for carryout. The cost is $52.95 per adult and $21.95 for ages 12 and under.
NoMI
At NoMI, guests get to eat as much as they’d like while enjoying the sweeping views of Michigan Avenue. The NoMI culinary team will prepare a classic Thanksgiving buffet to be served between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $155 for adults. Book your reservation or order their “Thanksgiving To Go."
III Forks
The prime steakhouse in Chicago's Lakeshore East neighborhood offers a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving Day feast as well as a wide selection of a la carte items from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Your choice of spice-rubbed holiday turkey, roasted Midwest beef tenderloin or Vermont maple glazed Atlantic salmon headlines the feast for $49 per adult or $18 for kids under 12.
The Langham Hotel Chicago
The Langham Hotel will host a Thanksgiving buffet with more than 10 culinary stations. It will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. The price is $175 per person, $50 for ages 5 through 12.
Beelow's Steakhouse
Don’t be afraid to ask for seconds at Beelow’s Steakhouse. The casual American eatery will serve all your favorite traditional Thanksgiving platters. It all starts at noon and ends at 8 p.m. The cost for adults is $29.99 and $17.99 for children.
Francesca's By The River
Francesca’s By The River in St. Charles, IL is dishing out a buffet to celebrate Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but dinner menu and specials will not be available at this location. All other locations have specials that include their Cappellacci con Zucca, or pumpkin-filled pasta with fresh tomatoes, brown butter, sage and parmigiana. Hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tortoise Supper Club
Just off the Chicago Riverwalk, Tortoise Supper Club in River North will host a Grand Holiday Buffet complete with hand-carved turkey and prime rib along with a sweets bar and more. Reserve a seat between 11:45 a.m. and 8:45 p.m.
River Roast
Grab a plate and pick from hand carved roasts, accompaniments, seasonal sides and dessert at the Thanksgiving Chef’s Table. The River North restaurant will charge $60 per person and $18 for children between 5 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
All three Chicago-area locations will be open between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The Chicago location at 661 N. LaSalle Blvd, specifically, will serve their full regular menu.
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse
Give thanks with Harry’s. The River North, Lombard and Rosemont locations will offer traditional Thanksgiving specials, including hand-carved roasted turkey and herb roasted prime rib. Those who visit the Lombard and Rosemont locations will also be offered Harry’s all-you-can-eat sides buffet. Dinning hours begin at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with bar hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Public Landing Restaurant
At Public Landing Restaurant, you'll have three Thanksgiving options to choose from: a catering package, the loft dinner feast (an all-you-can-eat buffet for groups of five or more) and holiday harvest dining a la carte. Dinner feast and a la carte menus require a $100 non-refundable deposit. Loft dinner feast is priced at $34.95 for adults and $19.95 for children between 5 to 10 years old.
Edelweiss Restaurant
This German restaurant located in Norridge will serve a special à la carte dinner menu as well as a family-style meal for parties of six or more. The cost is $37.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 4-10. Seating availability will be at noon, 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. Live music will be available from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parties of five or more require a $50 deposit.
Torali Italian - Steak
Torali inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel will host a multi-course brunch that includes traditional Thanksgiving classics and seasonal favorites. Seating times are at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Adult entry cost is $155, and for children 5-12 it's $55.
312 Chicago
This Italian mainstay located in the Loop will serve a traditional Thanksgiving four-course menu from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $55 for person, $25 for kids 12 and under.
Davanti Enoteca
Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs will serve an Italian-style Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. American favorites will be served along with a few of Davanti's Italian specialties. The cost is $38 for adults and $14 for kids 12 and under. Davanti Enoteca Taylor Street will be closed.
Mity Nice Bar & Grill
From 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mity Nice Bar & Grill will offer its Thanksgiving buffet as well as a Thanksgiving carry-out option. Customers can enjoy oven-roasted turkey, glazed sweet potatoes, butternut squash ravioli, pumpkin chiffon pies, and more. The buffet costs $54.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids 12 and under.
Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse
Experience dinner with a view this Thanksgiving at Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse right along the Chicago River. A four-course of traditional Thanksgiving dishes will be served featuring herb roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, classic potatoes au gratin, pumpkin pie and more. $65 for adults and $29 for kids under 12. The a la carte fall dinner menu also will be available. Open between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*Restaurant may be booked with reservations. Call ahead.
Lockwood Restaurant and Bar
Early eaters can head to the Loop from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a Thanksgiving breakfast buffet. Lockwood's traditional lunch buffet ends at 4 p.m. featuring house-made fall favorites such as roasted maple honey molasses Tom turkey. The breakfast buffet is $30 for adults and $12 for kids 6-12. The regular buffet costs $85 for adults and $40 for kids 3-12. The dinner buffet will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with $65 for adults and $30 for children.
Seasons 52
All your Thanksgiving favorites will be on the menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Seasons 52 in Oak Brook and Schaumburg, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, green beans and dessert. The meal is $29.95 for adults and $14 for children.
Chez Moi
A traditional Thanksgiving feast and a few select entrees from Chez Moi's classic French menu will be served to diners between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. for $49 per adult and $22 for kids under 12. Think oven-roasted turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, sweet potato gratin, pumpkin cheese cake and crème brulèe.
Margeaux Brasserie at Waldorf Astoria
The elegant Waldorf Astoria hotel's Margeaux Brasserie will offer a special Thanksgiving menu that includes roasted heritage turkey, braised beef shortrib or magret duck breast, as well as foie gras parfait. Save room for dessert. There's a choice of chocolate bourbon pecan pie, pot de crème and vanilla crème soufflé. The meal costs $75 per guest.
Morton's The Steakhouse
If you prefer steak to turkey, Morton's has what you're looking for this Thanksgiving. The restaurant will open at 12 p.m. and offer its regular menu as well as a special menu featuring oven roasted turkey roulade with savory sage cranberry stuffing and mashed potatoes. The cost of the Thanksgiving meal is $39 per person.
Mercat a La Planxa
Take your Thanksgiving dinner to Spain at Mercat a La Planxa in the South Loop. The Chicago restaurant will offer the traditional Thanksgiving and non-traditonal menu to choose between a turkey roulade or turkey breast cachopo. Both three-course meals are $45 per person. A Thanksgiving paella is also available for $45 for turkey and $55 for green bean casserole. Call 312-765-0524 for a reservation.
Devon Seafood
The Oakbrook Terrace location will offer a traditional Thanksgiving prix fixe between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu option includes Maine lobster bisque, roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry orange relish and more for $39 per adult and $19 for kids under 12. Children 3 and under are complimentary.
Ditka's
It's a true Midwest Thanksgiving at the three Chicago-area Ditka's restaurants. A four-course menu will be served for $44.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids 12 and under featuring butternut squash soup, oven-roasted turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, country gravy and pumpkin cheesecake. Certain a la carte items from the regular menu will also be offered. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Godfrey Hotel - Chicago
Dinner is served buffet-style at IO Godfrey, the luxury rooftop lounge at The Godfrey Hotel in downtown Chicago. The meal includes mashed potatoes, bacon collard greens, butternut squash soup, a carving station, a dessert bar, and more from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at $59 per adult and $15 for kids. A play room and football video wall for the kids will also be available.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
Indulge in the special Thanksgiving dinner at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood. The limited menu features roasted turkey, apple squash casserole, mashed potatoes and more. Call your preferred location for reservations. Hours of operation are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at $29.50 per adult and $9.99 for children.
Eddie V's
Cranberry chutney, brioche sage stuffing and roasted butternut squash are among the decadent Thanksgiving dishes being served up from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Eddie V's in downtown Chicago. Prefer a non-traditional meal? The restaurant's full regular menu will also be available. The special Thanksgiving menu costs $43 for adults and $15 for children.
Artango Bar & Steakhouse
Dinner and a show is available at Artango Bar and Steakhouse in Lincoln Square. A family-friendly three-course prix fixe menu is available from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $55 for adults and $20 for kids between 6 and 12 with Latin Jazz music played from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fleming's Steakhouse
Fleming's three-course Thanksgiving feast starts at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and it includes a choice of mixed herb-roasted turkey breast or petite filet mignon. It is priced at $52 per adult and a special three-course kids menu is available for $22.
Bistronomic
Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, this classic French eatery will offer multiple dishes -- roasted farm turkey breast and stuffed leg or winter squash ravioli, anyone? The evening's three courses are $65 per person. The special holiday menu will feature items from Chicago's Green City Market. Open between 12-8 p.m.
Wildwood Restaurant
Wildwood's "annual Thanksgiving Feast" from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Geneva features roasted turkey or prime rib, buttermilk mashed potatoes and gravy, sage and sausage dressing, and pumpkin tiramisu or butter pecan bread pudding for dessert. Adults eat for $48 and kids under 12 for $24. Kids under 5 are free.
Shula's Steak House
This Streeterville steakhouse will offer its complete menu for diners on Thanksgiving Day. Hours run from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Copper Fox Gastropub
This American pub in River North wants you to "Feast like a Fox" with hand-carved honey glazed ham, roasted turkey or prime rib, each served with sage stuffing, brown butter green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy. Seatings are available at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The special menu costs $44.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 12 and under.
Acadia
Backed by two Michelin stars, the culinary experience at Acadia is sure to impress diners this Thanksgiving. The sophisticated South Loop spot will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., serving a choice of peanut soup with an entrée of lobster “pot pie” or turkey roulade with sage cornbread dressing, cranberry relish and more. For dessert, sorghum molasses, puff pastry and Dutch apple dumpling are available. The meals costs $95 per person, and a special kids menu is $35 per person with a non-refundable deposit of $25 per person.
Birch River Grill
Be prepared and have your Thanksgiving dinner be served at Birch River Grill's in Arlington Heights. Dishes include an acorn squash and Kentucky Bourbon bisque, autumn salad, choice of maple glazed turkey breast or cedar planked maple salmon, and a slice of spiced pumpkin pie to finish. $30.95 for adults and $13.95 for children 12 and under. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mastro's Steakhouse
Doors are open 1-9 p.m.for Thanksgiving Day dinner at Mastro's Steakhouse in River North. Regular a la carte menu items will be available for order.
The Capital Grille
Capital Grille is hosting Thanksgiving dinner until 9 p.m. this year. In addition to the regular menu, a turkey plate with cranberry chutney, brioche stuffing and more is on offer for $43. A kid’s menu is available for $15. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Tuscany Restaurant
Located 30 miles northwest of Chicago in Wheeling, Tuscany Restaurant will offer a traditional dinner accompanied with stuffing, cranberry relish, sweet or mashed potatoes, and a complimentary pumpkin pie. It is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children under ten. Hours are noon to 8 p.m.
Odyssey Cruises
Get carried away with your Thanksgiving meal this year on an Odyssey Thanksgiving Day Cruise. Your two-hour holiday dining experience includes a set three-course meal and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Lunchtime cruises board at 2 p.m. and start at between $64.90 for regular seating and $84.90 for guaranteed window table. For children, tickets are $49.90 for kids, while the dinner cruise boards at 5:30 p.m. and starts at $114.90 per person.
