Okay: It’s a week (and counting) until Turkey Day—although you could be forgiven for looking past it with all the holiday promotions that are happening. Fortunately, many (and I do mean many) Chicagoland restaurants are here to help you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, whether it’s with an in-person visit or a holiday kit.
—Chef Art Smith is offering Reunion Thanksgiving meal packages on Nov. 25-26.
Each prepared meal package comes with herb-marinated turkey and gravy as well as cornbread stuffing with turkey sausage and roasted apples, decadent three cheese mac n’ cheese, cranberry relish, whipped mashed potatoes, savory goat cheese biscuits, and a choice of collard greens or green bean casserole. To purchase a Thanksgiving meal package and the complete list of a la carte sides, see here.
—The spots in Gibsons Restaurant Group (e.g, Gibsons, Hugo’s Frog Bar and others) are offering traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring favorites like lobster bisque, roasted turkey breast with house-made cranberry sauce, candied yams, roasted green beans almondine and seasonal stuffing. Don’t forget the pumpkin pie for dessert! Regular menus will also be available à la carte.
—This Thanksgiving, celebrate the season Italian-style at the spacious River North restaurant Olio e Più Chicago.
Some of the T-giving offerings will include zuppa di zucca violina (butternut squash soup, fried sage, Parmesan and sage oil), tortelloni di zucca violina (butternut squash tortelloni, brown butter, sage and Parmesan) and cheesecake con noci di pecans (sea salt caramel crème fraîche, caramelized pecan and homemade pecan praline).
—This Thanksgiving, join Executive Chef Brent Balika at the Four Seasons spot Adorn. Enjoy seasonal favorites like roasted butternut bisque, slow roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, and herb-crusted Colorado lamb chops with mint jelly. End the meal with apple, pumpkin and pecan pies from the pastry team. Adorn’s Thanksgiving feast runs from noon to 6 p.m. Book your reservation online here.
—A plant-based Thanksgiving? Why not? Bloom Plant Based Kitchen is offering a fresh take on the observance with plant-based meal packages to go, crafted by James Beard Award–nominated Chef Rodolfo Cuadros.
Each $85 package features seasonal, chef-driven dishes such as huitlacoche with sourdough croutons; autumn greens (fall greens, Thai basil and mustard-pomegranate vinaigrette); chickpea picatta; and sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, ratatouille tart and avocado chocolate mousse with bourbon. Order here.
—For the first time, Nettare is bringing its signature craft to the Thanksgiving table with a collection of six-inch pies. Flavors include apple custard crumble, malted chocolate chess, pumpkin and pecan. Each pie is $25, or take home a box of three for $70.
Pickup is available the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
—Out in Hinsdale, Vistro Prime Chef Paul Virant’s neighborhood steakhouse, Vistro Prime (Hinsdale), is sweetening the holiday with housemade pies crafted by talented Pastry Chef Angelyne Canicosa. Pie flavors include Hazelnut Chocolate Silk Pie ($65) and Cherry Lattice Pie ($55). Orders can be placed and paid for in advance via OpenTable (click on Experiences), with pick-up on Wed., Nov. 26, from noon to 3 p.m.
—And Andros Taverna is also offering pies. The $44 options include pumpkin phyllo, apple galaktoboureko, baklava cream and chocolate halva; spanokopita spinach pie is $24. The deadline is Nov. 23 for pickup on Wed., Nov. 26; order here.
—Formerly Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar, Heritage Restaurant Partners marks the next chapter for the culinary group—expanding its expertise from restaurant operations into full-scale consulting and concept development.
Following the evolution, the HRP team has Thanksgiving packages, now available for pre-order, that showcase chef-driven classics. Each package is prepared, smoked and ready to reheat at home. A la carte options are also available. Packages begin at $250 each and they’re available for pick-up on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 1516 W. Carroll Ave.
—Take your feast to the next level with Chef Stephanie Izard’s Peking Duck Dinner Kit. This meal kit comes complete with all the fixings and cooking instructions, and can be purchased here.
The $275 dinner for four people includes the duck (natch) along with Duck Duck Goat green beans, Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao Buns, mashed potato spring rolls, veggie fried rice and spiced sweet potatoes.
—This Thanksgiving, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille invites guests to skip the stress and savor a perfectly curated holiday meal with two ways to celebrate: an elevated Dine-In Thanksgiving menu and convenient pre-order, to-go meals; the latter items are available for pickup on Nov. 26-27.
Dining in is $49/person, with apple salad, butternut squash and turkey breast with the fixings; a slice of pumpkin cheesecake is available for an additional $10. (The Caramelized Prime Rib Thursday Dinner is also available for $49.) To-go options include an individual dinner for $49 and a family-style choice for $149.
—This Thanksgiving, award-winning pitmaster Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse will be cranking up the smoker for your new favorite way to cook a turkey. The Betty Traditional ($160, feeds four) kit includes a smoked turkey with gravy, turkey gizzard dressing, cranberry relish, candy yams, gouda mac ’n cheese, and cornbread muffins, while the Betty Smoked ($140, feeds four) includes smoked chicken, rib tips, brisket baked beans, gouda mac ’n cheese, and cornbread muffins. Not sure what to choose? The Betty Have It Your Way a la carte menu offers whole smoked turkeys ($85 for 12-15 lbs), brisket ($32 per pound), and pans of Gouda mac ’n cheese ($120), greens ($120), peach cobbler ($100), and cornbread dressing with cranberry relish ($120).
—At Gene & Georgetti this Thanksgiving, guests will have a variety of options. The restaurant’s annual prix fixe dinner ($105 per person/$60 per child under 9) features a curated spread of holiday favorites. There are starters like pumpkin soup, classic garbage salad, or fried calamari that lead into entrées spanning traditional favorites like roast turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce to house specialties such as chicken alla Joe—the restaurant’s famed roast chicken with sweet and hot peppers.
The Thanksgiving menu will be served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27; reservations are strongly encouraged, as holiday seating is limited.
—The Goddess and Grocer offers a Thanksgiving catering menu that is an excellent option for hosts who want to give their small group a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, but want to relax and enjoy the day. Meal options include Turkey for Two (serves 2) $85, Vegan Dinner for 2 ($85), Family Matters (serves six) $225, All In The Family (serves 12) $450, and a la carte food, wine, cocktail, business lunch options and decorative offerings.
The Goddess and Grocer features natural, range-free and antibiotic-free turkeys. Those wanting to set the dessert table with The Goddess and Grocer’s signature pies can choose from pecan, pumpkin, traditional apple, dark chocolate salted caramel tart and more.
—Publican Quality Meats, Publican Quality Bread and The Publican have you covered for Turkey Day. Order for pickup or delivery on Nov. 24, 25 or 26.
This year, the Publican teams are also offering order pickups in Highwood and Winnetka the week of Thanksgiving. Enjoy options like pre-spatchcocked turkeys, garlic mashed potatoes, thyme sourdough stuffing (vegetarian version available), orange and ginger cranberry sauce (vegetarian version available), and pies in flavors such as pumpkin, Dutch apple and maple pecan. Bread options include cornbread and honey oat pull-apart rolls. Each order includes a bottle of wine. Publican Quality Bread is also offering preorders for its signature loaves. Order for the West Town location here and for the Oak Park location here.
—Chef Darnell Reed invites guests to bring home a taste of the South this Thanksgiving with Luella’s Southern Kitchen’s pre-ordered holiday meals. This year, the Chicago restaurant is offering two takeout meal options, available for pickup only on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There’s a dinner-for-four kit ($150) and one for eight people ($285). The full menu is now live at https://luellassouthernkitchen.com and will be available until Nov. 21—or earlier if sold out.
—River Roast’s annual Thanksgiving celebration ($85/adult; $30/each child up to age 6) will have highlights such as herb-brined and roasted turkey, RR Signature Mac ‘n Cheese, sweet potatoes and toasted pecan crumble, and assorted pies. The spot will be open 1-7:15 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
—On Thursday, Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., the Albert Chicago—the Italian-American restaurant located at the luxury boutique Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection—will offer a festive buffet courtesy of Chef Steve Chiappetti.
Priced at $65/person, the buffet will feature roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, honey glazed ham, cheese tortellini, Sicilian mushrooms, shaved salumi and Italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, Italian frittata, and tables stacked with housemade pies and other sweet treats.
—Cima (near O’Hare Airport) is offering a handcrafted holiday menu. The menu features oven-roasted Harrison’s All-Natural Turkey Breast with giblet gravy, candied sweet potatoes with Ellis Farm’s honey, buttermilk garlic mash, green beans with Marcona almonds, roasted carrots and cranberry sauce. The feast ends with the indulgent Bang Bang Holiday Pie.
Guests can enhance the celebration with sommelier-selected wines, including Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma ($36/btl) and Sanford Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara ($55/btl), or enjoy the seasonal Blush & Bloom mocktail made with Lyre’s Sparkling, strawberry and lemon.
—This Thanksgiving, The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel invites guests to gather and give thanks with a festive feast overlooking the city. Available starting at noon and running all day, the hotel’s signature restaurant will offer a special Thanksgiving dinner for a relatively low $35 per guest, featuring classic holiday flavors with a refined twist from The Gwen’s Executive Chef Matt Jergens.
The menu will include apple-brined roast turkey breast, Yukon mashed potatoes, sourdough stuffing, cranberry sauce, a slice of pumpkin pie with Chantilly cream and other items.
—For a twist on tradition, Indian spots ROOP and Bar Goa are serving a Tandoori Thanksgiving Dinner (available for pick up only). Menus feature Tandoori-spiced turkey or chicken alongside pulao (basmati rice with cashews, caramelized onions, and raisins), makhani gravy (a velvety tomato, roasted bell pepper, and cashew sauce), chickpea curry, tempered mashed potatoes, and buttered pao bread, with a sweet finish of gulab jamun cheesecake.
The dinners are available fully cooked ($175) or marinated to cook at home ($155); chicken dinner options are also available for four to six guests. Both restaurants will also be open for dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
—Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Chicago is serving a traditional holiday spread, including sliced turkey breast with leg and thigh confit and pan gravy, alongside all the fixings – classic stuffing, Jennie’s mashed potatoes, citrus cranberry relish, green beans, and butternut squash with toasted marshmallow; end things with a slice of pumpkin chiffon pie for dessert.
The price is $79.95 per person plus tax (gratuity not included) for adults, and $39.95, plus tax (gratuity not included) for children ages 5-12. There is no charge for children aged 5 and younger. Joe’s Chicago will also offer its regular menu in addition to the Thanksgiving menu. Reservations are limited.
—This Thanksgiving, Mercat a la Planxa (inside the Blackstone Hotel) invites guests to celebrate with a Catalan-inspired twist on traditional holiday fare. The special menu features elevated comfort classics like turkey rillette with cranberry coulis ($16), confit turkey thigh with sourdough dressing ($26) and butternut squash purée with turkey jus ($26), complemented by seasonal sides and festive cocktails such as the Manzana Grande and Forma de Pera (each $17).
—Here’s an alternate option: Skip the turkey this year and celebrate Thanksgiving with a prime rib roast at Hawksmoor Chicago. The feast features dry-aged prime rib with beef-dripping roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roasted carrots, buttered cabbage, roasted garlic and bone-marrow gravy. For dessert, guests can add on an order of pumpkin pie topped with marshmallow fluff and cinnamon ice cream. Wine lovers can opt for a pairing of Piedrasassi Syrah 2021 with the roast and Croft Reserve Tawny Port with pumpkin pie for dessert.
—Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 48, 615 N. Wabash Ave., features a $78/person package. Steak 48’s turkey—sourced from a farm just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina—is served topped with their signature black truffle, cabernet, pan gravy and accompanied on the plate with seared roasted carrots tossed in a maple syrup, brown butter, and apple-cider reduction and our traditional cranberry sauce.
There will also be sides such as Chef’s Childhood Stuffing, truffle mashed potatoes and sweet potato praline. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on that day. For reservations, call 312-255-4848 or visit opentable.com.
—The Loop spot Bandol is offering a French twist on things. For $75/person, guests can indulge in appetizers such as oysters Rockefeller, Parisian gnocchi or butternut squash soup. The main course arrives family-style; the entire table will share and savor every dish from the entrée menu, including roasted turkey with all the classic sides. Finish on a sweet note with your choice of individually plated desserts like pumpkin pie, apple crostata or pecan pie.
—Soul & Smoke (with locations in Avondale, Chicago’s West Loop and Evanston) is offering a full Thanksgiving meal that just needs to be heated up and served. Featuring traditional items like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, as well as Soul & Smoke favorites like house-cured pastrami, smoked chicken gumbo and mac ‘n cheese. All holiday menu items are prepared cold, with instructions to heat at home at your convenience.
The full menu can be seen here, and all pick-up options are on Nov. 26. In addition, customers are encouraged to give back this season with the option to purchase Thanksgiving meals for donation. The goal is to provide at least 10 families with full Thanksgiving feasts.
—Yasemi’s Greek turkey dinner (available for takeout only) aims to blend holiday comfort with bright Mediterranean flavor. Items include roasted lemon and herb potatoes, tsigariasta horta (swiss chard with scallions, tomato confit, and herbs), herbed rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, green beans in tomato sauce, and rice pudding for dessert.
The dinner is available fully cooked ($175) or marinated to cook at home ($155), feeds eight.
Yasemi will also be open Thanksgiving Day with holiday specials including lamb thymarisio fournou ($38)—a braised lamb shank in thyme and lemon oil sauce.
—Cafe Yaya is offering its beloved pastries and large-format desserts to go. Guests can order directly through Toast and schedule their pickup for 11/26 between 2-6 p.m.
Those ordering can choose from a variety of offerings, including a half-dozen sweet or savory chef’s choice pastries, featuring signature favorites like the herby potato boreka, butter croissant, morning bun, and stuffed challah. Additional pre-order selections include the Turkish coffee chocolate cream pie, whole spiced pumpkin loaf with maple glaze and toasted pecans, as well as signature challah rolls with everything bagel spice.
—And who doesn’t want to unwind after Thanksgiving dinner? This Thanksgiving, Chicagoans can skip the leftovers and keep the holiday vibes going at Central Park Bar. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Logan Square neighborhood favorite aims to offer seasonal cocktails and cozy good times. Guests can play bumper pool, document the evening with a photobooth pic or head just outside to enjoy the fire pit (weather permitting).
New seasonal drinks include the Baby Spice, with Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum, Bayab Pineapple and Palm Gin, Reàl Cream of Coconut Puree, Angostura Bitters, pineapple juice and lime juice; and Momma’s Famous Fruitcake, with J. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, Apologue Carrot Liqueur and Brovo Lucky Falernum.