Smokin’ Deals: BBQ Platters Kids Love

by Meghan Yudes MeyersAugust 6, 2020

One of the best things to come from 2020? Family-style platters from our favorite DC restaurants. One of the cheapest options? BBQ. And while you won’t have to put in the work (most of these restaurants boast 8+ hours of smoking), you will be left with lots of sticky fingers! Get out the finger bowls and wet wipes, these dinners are worth the mess. Read on for the best bbq family meals in the DC area.

DC

DCity Smokehouse

When this black-owned business first opened, The Thrillist named it one of the 15 best new BBQ restaurants in the country. That buzz has only grown; today, this BBQ joint has created an almost cult-like following with their DC-style of smoked meats. Got a large crew? Check out the DCity All-in-Feast ($99). Featuring a pound of ribs, a pound of brisket, one dozen smoked wings and 5 large sides, no one is leaving the table hungry. They also sell meats by the 1/4 pound, half pound and full pound. The mac here is a must!

COVID-19 Update: Orders are available for no contact pick ups.

203 Florida Ave NW
Washington DC . 20001
202.733.1919
Online: dcitysmokehouse.com

Federalist Pig

For an easy family meal, order meats by the 1/2 pound at this BBQ joint. Orders include Texas toast and pickles. For hungry families, consider the Feed the Fam platter which includes a a half pound of brisket, a half pound of chopped pork, one pound of pork ribs and tips, a half chicken PLUS four large sides. FedPig also runs Fedwich from Kramer Books in Dupont Circle. Order from a number of sandwiches not available at the Adams Morgan restaurant (bonus: you can order books as a side). If this restaurant isn't already on your radar as a fam fav, it will be now: it consistently earns praise as one of the best cheap eats by the Washingtonian.

COVID-19 Update: Both Federalist Pig and the new pop-up, Fedwich, offer no-contact pick ups & delivery.

1654 Columbia Rd NW
Adams Morgan
Online: federalistpig.com

Smoke & Barrel

If meat eaters and vegans co-exist in your house, check out the pit masters at this Adams Morgan restaurant. They sling smoked tofu along with vegan wings, vegan spare ribs and a Beyond Burger worth venturing out for. They have family favorites, like a smoked chicken, and platters large enough to feed 5 or more. Don't forget to add dessert to your order; their sweet potato donuts are a must. Insider tip: you can also get their famous cocktails to go.

COVID-19 Update: Smoke & Barrel is now taking indoor reservations at a limited capacity. Masks are required. They also offer pick up & delivery.

2471 18th St. NW
Adams Morgan
202-319-9353
Online: smokeandbarreldc.com

MARYLAND

The Hideaway

This Anne Arundel county restaurant often runs out of their famous, award-winning wings, so get here early if you want to grab plates. Their fresh BBQ is smoked for 12 hrs. daily over pecan wood. A must-try is their smoked fried chicken; this is not your average chicken finger platter. After being pecan wood-smoked for 3 hours, the chicken is flash fried. Picky eaters under 12 will find the usual suspects: mac & cheese, grilled cheese, hamburgers and more. We bet your budding foodie will want to order off the main menu here.

COVID-19 Update: The Hideaway is open for indoor seating (at 50% capacity per the Governor’s order), outdoor seating, takeout and delivery.

1439 Odenton Road
Odenton, MD 21113
410-874-7300
Online: hideawayodenton.com

Woodrow's Barb-B-Que

This Baltimore outpost serves authentic Texas-style BBQ that uses white oak wood in its smoker. You can buy meat by the 1/2 pound here, including pulled pork, brisket and ribs. We recommend the whole smoked chicken ($18) for family dinners.

COVID-19 Update: Curbside pick up & delivery are available. Woodrow's is now serving in a limited capacity outdoors; reservations are suggested.

1607 Sulgrave Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209
667-212-4436
Online: woodrowsbbq.com

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar

You can get food & drinks to-go at this Baltimore restaurant where sides take center stage (think four-cheese mac, pickled jalapeños, cornbread and collard greens). Their 18-hour cooked pulled pork put them on the map, but their vegan pulled jackfruit is worth a try for those that like to go meatless on Mondays.

COVID-19 Update: The patio is now open. You can still get your food delivered (or request a no contact pick up).

1601 Union Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
443-948-5590
Online: bluepitbbq.com

VIRGINIA

Willard's Real Pit BBQ

If you're looking to feed a group, Willard's has platters available to serve families of 4 (The Feedbag, $57.99), 6 (The Supper, $95.99) and 8 (The Feast, $119). If these oversized portions look too large for your table, Willard's also offers a Snack Pack for 8 ($37.99), which will easily feed a family with tots for days. If this joint is a drive for you, be sure to pick up their sauces and rubs at the store so you can replicate their dishes at home!

COVID-19 Update: Available for pick up & delivery within a 5 mi. radius.

4300 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly, VA 20151
703 488 9970

11790 Baron Cameron Ave
Reston, VA 20190
703 429 1755
Online: dcbbq.com

Worth-The-Drive: Monk's BBQ

Meat is more fun to eat when it comes on a stick! Pork belly skewers ($5.99) a hit with adults and kids alike. Grab a spoon because the house made sauces are the star of many dishes. A Blackberry Whiskey BBQ sauce features near-by Corcoran Vineyard's Blackjack Blackberry Wine and Purcellville's own Catoctin Creek Distilling's Roundstone Rye Whiskey. Don't forget to get some scoops before you go at the Tipped Cow Creamery next door.

COVID-19 Update: The dining room is now open and features live music on Fri. & Sat.

251 N 21st St.
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-751-9425
Online: monksq.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Fourth of July Restaurant Specials and Deals from RetailMeNot

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 1, 2020

No matter how you plan on spending Independence Day weekend, you will need to eat . If you are looking to score a great deal this weekend, RetailMeNot has compiled a list of restaurants and chains offering food deals and specials in honor of the 4th of July. Check out the links below and get ready to order.

Bahama Breeze

Plan an island-style holiday with Caribbean Bundles (serves four) to-go that come with a choice of entrée (Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Chicken, Jerk Chicken Wings, Seafood Paella and Jerk Chicken Pasta) and side, salad and Cuban bread.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

This Fourth of July, order a Family Bundle to go (starting at $24.99), featuring summer classics like House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Tenders, and two family-sized sides and a half-dozen signature Honey Butter Croissants.

Cheesecake Factory

From Jun. 29 through Jul. 5, order seven items for $20 for delivery, pickup or curbside to-go via The Cheesecake Factory website or DoorDash. The 7-for-$20 deal includes two Happy Hour Burgers, two orders of fries, two soft drinks and one slice of Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake.

Eddie V’s

Take your grilling to the next level with Fourth of July Marketplace Boxes (serve four or more), featuring a selection of uncooked prime steaks and lobster for your at-home cookout. Place your order starting on Jun. 30, with options including Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Prime Bone-in Ribeye and Lobster along with a set of chef’s tongs, Eddie V’s Black Tie Seasoning and festive sparklers.

Founding Farmers

With locations in D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, this small farmer-owned restaurant chain is offering backyard BBQ kits and ready-to-eat lunch boxes available for preorder from now until Wed., Jul. 1, at 5 p.m., for contact-free curbside pickup on Jul. 3 or 4. See the menu options here.

Krispy Kreme

For a limited time, try a Patriotic Doughnut from Krispy Kreme’s Indoughpendence Day collection, or opt for the Strawberry Sparkler Doughnut, Original Freedom Ring Doughnut or the Firework Doughnut—topped with crackling, popping candy!

LongHorn Steakhouse

Don’t want to be in charge of all of the grilling this Independence Day? Order a selection of quality steakhouse favorites served Curbside To Go, like seasoned cuts of bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, tender Flo’s Filet and juicy LongHorn Porterhouse.

Mrs. Fields

From now until Jul. 5, get 20% off online items with code FLAG20. Try something tasty from the Summer Fun collection and don’t forget to order by Jul. 1 for a Jul. 4 delivery.

On the Border

In honor of Fourth of July, try the $5 Liberita—a red, white and blue frozen margarita—available from Jul. 1 to 19.

The Capital Grille

Starting Jun. 30, call your local restaurant to order The Capital Grille’s Steak Grille Boxes. Each box includes four, freshly-cut uncooked steaks and comes with The Capital Grille’s signature steak sauce and seasoning to be prepared at home. Selections include Bone-in Dry Aged New York Strip, Bone-in Prime Ribeye or a combination of the two.

The Fresh Market

For the first time, The Fresh Market is offering a Fourth of July BBQ meal. The spread serves eight people for $59.99, and comes with boneless Boston Butt, hamburger buns, baked beans, cole slaw, apple pie, watermelon and your choice of two bottle of 12 oz. BBQ sauce. Preorder online now through Jun. 30 at 2 p.m. ET for pickup in-store from Jul. 2 through July 5.

The Rustic

On Jul. 4, head to the annual Drink the Flag hangout with free live music and donations to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. The Rustic’s featured beers will be: Wild Acre Brewing Company Texas Blonde Ale, TUPPS Brewery National Standard Golden Ale and Community Beer Company Texas Lager.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Krispy Kreme

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14 Genius BBQ & Grilling Hacks

by Emily MyersJune 12, 2020

If you’ve ever ended up with charred sausages for dinner, here’s “how to BBQ right” lesson #1—BBQing and grilling are two different beasts. The first uses low indirect heat (smoke) to cook slowly, the second uses direct high heat (hot embers) to cook quickly. Once you’ve got that down, the rest is just practice and experimentation. To help you out this season, we gathered up essential tips and tricks for your next cookout. Scroll down to see them all.

Use a Charcoal Grill for BBQ

If you are doing a proper BBQ (think brisket, ribs, sausage), don't use an electric grill. The very best pitmasters will tell you that part of the flavor comes from the smoke itself.

Soak Your Wood Chips

About that smoke? It's so important that pitmasters will also soak their wood chips in water for an hour or more before starting the grill. That increases the smoke, which, in turn, increases the flavor.

Clean the Grill with Foil or an Onion

Cleaning the grate will prevent food from sticking to the grill and is a good thing to do if you're using a public BBQ. You don't need any fancy kit, just a pair of tongs and balled up aluminum foil. This takes a little less elbow grease if the grill is warm. Food 52 has the details. Another tip is to clean the grill with half an onion on a BBQ fork which has the added bonus of adding flavor to the food.

DIY Food Warmer

Plenty of gas grills come with warming racks, but you can rig up a DIY food warmer on a charcoal grill using a few empty tin cans and a cooling tray or grill on top. The extra distance from the flames makes this a good spot to warm the hot dog and burger buns or keep finished food warm. If the grill is covered, it can also be a spot to cook corn or other food that won't drip juices on the rack below.

Subscription Services

Getting the perfect cuts via a meat subscription service will help you cultivate your pitmaster skills. If you’re not quite ready for regular protein delivery, there are other services like Grill Masters Club that supply boxes of inspiration in the form of sauces, rubs, marinades, wood chips and recipes.

DIY Fire Starters

There are plenty of options for DIY fire starters which means you can avoid using chemical lighter fuels. Check out this video from Rebecca Tan who uses melted birthday candles and cardboard as well as suggesting a teaspoon of sugar to get the flames going. Or pop charcoal in a cardboard egg box for a portable option that comes to us from Sew Many Ways—this is a great idea if you're using a public grill and want to transport the charcoal without a mess. Or check out this egg-box-lint-wax combo for the committed recycler.

Easy Propane Level Check

Some propane tanks have a gauge to tell you how much you have left but if you're not sure or there's no gauge, you can bring a cup of water to a boil and pour it over the side of the tank (not the top). You can then feel the tank and the hot part is empty and where it is cool will show you the propane level. Check out this clip on YouTube for the specifics.

Ember Cooked Potatoes

Cooking food right on the embers of a charcoal fire can save room on the grill, and potatoes cook nicely like this, wrapped in tin foil, shiny side on the inside. Try this technique with yams, potatoes, corn, eggplants and even apples. Wrapping potatoes like this will give a softer skin and should take about 45 minutes. Test for doneness by pressing on the wrapped potato with a gloved hand. Get tips from Get Out With The Kids.

DIY Smoker

It's possible to turn your gas grill into a smoker for under a dollar. Happy Money Saver has tips on how to use foil, a disposable bread pan and hickory wood chips if you want to test your BBQ skills before investing in a smoker. Or check out these tips on how to turn your charcoal kettle grill into a slow-cooking smoker so you can turn out brisket and ribs like a pitmaster pro.

BBQ Wraps

For some foolproof cooking, Fire and Flavor has come up with cedar wraps that allow you to use steam, smoke, or fire to cook seafood, meat or veggies. Plus, they add an aromatic flavor to the food. While foil might have less flavor, the same principle applies—cook up zucchini, beans, peppers and corn in foil packets, and you have lightly steamed and delicious veggie sides.

Pineapple Rind Chicken

If you've bought a pineapple for dessert, don't throw away the off-cuts—you can use them to add flavor to grilled chicken. This pineapple rind chicken recipe has all the flavors of summer, and you can use the rest of the pineapple to make a salsa or fruit salad. Find the recipe at The Typical Mom.

Grilled Egg in Pepper

Grill an egg in half a bell pepper and you have a veggie treat in an edible bowl. The bottom of the pepper will be charred black, but you can just peel off and eat. Check out the recipe at One Smiley Monkey.

Use a Cast Iron Pan

Cast-iron pans can hold up to the heat of the direct flame and work well for cooking veggies that might slip through a grill. Try cooking sliced onions, peppers and zucchini. You can also heat tortillas this way if you want to make fajitas.

Spiral Cut Hot Dogs

Take your grilled hot dogs to the next level by skewering them and then spiral cutting them! This super easy cooking method gives you more surface area to caramelize, plus the sausages cook quicker to feed those hungry bellies. Amy at to Bellyfull has the step by step instructions.

Bay Area Garden Stores That Are Open & Delivering

by Kate LowethJune 11, 2020

The warm weather is in full effect and it looks like we will be spending lots of our summer in our backyards. Now is the perfect time to explore your local nursery and garden center, many of which are offering curbside pickup and even delivery. Whether you want to plant some window boxes with flowers, start some seeds or grow a victory garden, these stores have you covered!

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Sloat Garden Center—Various Bay Area Locations

This long-time Bay Area garden center with over a dozen locations is open for business in most of its locations. They offer online ordering with contactless pickup or delivery at some of their locations for those who are immune compromised. Check here for the current opening status and hours.

Locations in San Francisco, Contra Costa and Marin Counties
Online: sloatgardens.com

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Planterday—San Francisco

Matt Day, the founder of Planterday, opened his dream plant shop that curates and teaches just as Coronavirus hit. Support this small business by ordering his unique plants for delivery in the Bay Area. We especially love these Kokedamas (a Japanese term for "moss ball") and the test tube cuttings that both come with an awesome display. Order via the link on the Planterday IG page.

Online: instagram.com

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Succulence Life and Garden—San Francisco

Succulence is a boutique garden and gift shop specializing in succulents. During the COVID-19 crisis, Succulence storefronts are closed to foot traffic but they are offering virtual shopping experiences using FaceTime, Zoom or Skype (your choice!). They are also offering curbside pickup, Bay Area courier service or USPS shipping.

Online: thesucculence.com

West End Nursery—San Rafael

Nestled in the heart of historic San Rafael, West End Nursery has proudly been a Marin County landmark for over 100 years. They are open shortened hours (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) for shopping with new veggies arriving daily. Bonus: they are a Big Green Egg authorized dealer if you need to up your BBQ game.

1938 5th Ave., San Rafael, CA
Online: westendnursery.com

SummerWinds Nursery—Palo Alto, Campbell & Cupertino

A mother and kids garden as an outdoor family activity — iStock

The three locations of SummerWinds are open to the public and selling vegetable, annuals, fruit trees and more to eager gardeners on the Peninsula and South Bay. They will continue to offer home delivery and you can shop their online catalog to see what's available.

Online: summerwindsnursery.com

Yamagami's Garden Center—Cupertino

Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Michelia Champacas and so much more! You can find these and helpful staff at this Cupertino garden center that has been a part of the neighborhood for generations. They offer delivery all over the Bay Area. Swing by to see what's in stock for this year's victory garden.

1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA
Online: yamagamis.com

—Kate Loweth

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Hot Diggety Dog! Disney Princess Hotdogs

by rtfrankiekatafiasApril 8, 2020

Kids might agree that hot dogs are their favorite food group, but all dogs are not created equal. Next time you’re serving up this classic kiddie fare, up your game big time by tricking out your hot dogs to look like iconic Disney Princesses.

Thanks to this inspiration from Anna Hezel and Gabriella Paiella at Lucky Peach, recreating your favorite Disney Princess requires just a few ingredients and provides loads of fun. Playing with your food never looked so good. Check out what Anna and Gabriella put together below!

Belle

American Cheese, Mustard, BBQ Sauce

Rapunzel

Red Onion, Corn Silk, Ketchup

Pocahontas:

American Cheese, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Onion Shaving

Ariel

Siracha, Red Onion, Lettuce

— Francesca Katafias

All photos: courtesy of Lucky Peach

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Best BBQ Restaurants in San Diego

by Nikki WalshMarch 13, 2020

Got a craving for a messy BBQ meal with all the amazing sides like gooey mac ‘n’ cheese and creamy cole slaw? We know where you can get the best BBQ at the best BBQ restaurants in San Diego. From fall-off-the-bone deliciousness and the most tender brisket to kids meals and secret sauce, we’ve found a BBQ joint that’s right for you. Scroll down and check out our round-up of 7 BBQ hot spots in San Diego to enjoy with your family.

Phil’s BBQ

A trip to Phil's BBQ is an iconic San Diego family tradition. Messy but worth it, try the mesquite grilled baby back ribs, beef ribs, or chicken made with Phil’s secret sauce. There are plenty of sides to choose from: fresh-cut fries and potato salad to corn on the cob and steamed veggies. For littles, the "Ticklers" menu offers a smaller portion of BBQ chicken or ribs.

Many San Diego locations
Online: philsbbq.net

Park 101

Whether it’s the pulled pork sandwich, tri-tip or pork ribs, you’ll find tasty BBQ at Park 101. Kids can roam around or plop down on the astroturf, play the giant Connect Four game or bean bag toss, plus dogs are allowed too! There's open-air seating, cozy fire pits and a kids menu with choices like BBQ pork sliders. Bonus: kids get free cotton candy once they finish their meal.

3040 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA
760-434-2217
Online: park101carlsbad.com

Kaminskis Sports Bar & BBQ

If you enjoy hickory-smoked BBQ, then this is your spot. Meats are smoked up to 13 hours, and the BBQ is served piping hot, tender, and delicious. From Iowa baby back ribs to the mouth-watering pulled pork sandwiches, you’ll have plenty of sweet-tasting options. Further, add-in house-made sides like the signature coleslaw, potato salad or ranch beans for a finishing touch. Even more, there's a menu for half-pints from which littles can order BBQ ribs, a grilled cheese sandwich and more. Kid entrees come with french fries or fresh fruit.

12735 Poway Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
Online: kaminskisbbq.com

The Pioneer

This cute neighborhood spot serves up local faves like BBQ burnt pork belly ends with mac n’ cheese or perfectly cooked brisket. Also, from the kids menu, the mini porker with waffle fries is a winner. You’ll find great service and family fun.

8622 Lake Murray Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92119
Online: thepioneerbbq.com

Iron Pig Alehouse

Craft brew and BBQ? Grab a seat at Iron Pig Alehouse. We recommend the pulled pork sammie served on a brioche bun with slaw––or the baby back ribs entree comes with two sides like seasoned fries and southern greens and Texas toast. Even more, littles have their own menu with choices like buttered noodles or 1/2 BBQ sandwich.

1520 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, CA 92109
Online: ironpigalehouse.com

Del’s Hideout

This Cohn Restaurant serves up baby back ribs with a choice of two sides. We love the onion rings, collard greens, creamed corn, and, who can resist the mac n' cheese? There's a cool kid play area (for ages 10 and younger) that keeps the littles busy. Also, you can sit and have your pick of over 36 beers on tap while your sidekick plays nearby. Plus, free soft serve anyone?

5351 Adobe Falls Rd.
San Diego, CA 92129
Online: cohnrestaurants.com/delshideout

Felix’s BBQ With Soul

Hankering for a basket of warm cornbread? Then, head over to Felix’s BBQ. Whether it’s the baby back ribs, brisket, tri-tip or pulled pork, it all tastes good. Also, it’s sides options galore with braised cabbage, black-eyed peas, mac n’ cheese, and more. The meat is tender and the sauce is sweet and smoky. What’s more, the kids menu has a range of choices from spare ribs and catfish nuggets to peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese. Fries included, dig in!

3613 Ocean Ranch Blvd.
Oceanside, CA
Online: felixsbbq.com

––Nikki Walsh

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Lay’s Poppables Transform Into Poppy-bles for “Trolls World Tour”

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 11, 2020

The bright packaging of Lay’s Poppables look like something out of Poppy and Branch’s troll world. Now the bags are getting a makeover in honor of the upcoming release of Dreamworks Trolls World Tour. Watch out, the packages are so eye-catching, you’ll want to buy them all.

Fans can collect their favorite Trolls, including Poppy and Branch, plus new characters from the second movie on the following Lay’s Poppables flavors:

Poppy: Sea Salt

Branch: Sea Salt & Vinegar

Tiny Diamond: Creamy Jalapeno

Barb: Honey BBQ

Delta Dawn: White Cheddar

In additon, these new limited-edition bags will include an on-pack code that can be entered at the Poppables website offering fans a chance to win Fandango tickets to see the movie. One grand prize winner will receive tickets to their very own “World Tour” of six music festivals across the country.

The specially-marked bags will be available at retailers nationwide for $3.79.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo courtesy of Lay’s

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This Rib Smash Photo Shoot Is First Birthday Goals

by Karly WoodFebruary 13, 2020

When it came time to celebrate their daughter Calista’s first birthday, pit master and restaurant owner Paul Morales and his wife Denise decided something a little more fitting was appropriate for their lifestyle. Basically, a regular cake smash just wasn’t going to cut it.

In a festive and funny photo shoot, the Texas family decided on a more meaty take on this tradition and served up two racks of ribs! The result was a delicious-looking set of pics.

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A post shared by Made In Texas BBQ (@madeintexasbbq)

Little Calista wasn’t going to let those ribs pass her by for her first “Rib Smash.” Donning a white onesie and crown, the 12-month old dug right in, clearly not a stranger to Texas BBQ.

In a recent post by dad, Paul shares that Calista is becoming quite the sensation as a result of her unique photoshoot. We just wonder what kind of “smash” we’ll see next.

––Karly Wood

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Where to Get Thanksgiving Meals to Go in Orange County

By Michele Whiteaker

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 26, 2019

Photo: Sarah Pflug via Burst

It might seem counterintuitive to search out Thanksgiving restaurants or grocery stores where you can get your Thanksgiving dinner to go, but sometimes the cost is the same and you can greatly decrease the time and hassle of taking on the entire meal preparation.

Growing up, my grandfather was in charge of our Thanksgiving feast. He would arrive at our house with Ziplocs full of already-prepped onions, celery and bread cubes for teh stuffing. The smell of turkey wafted through our home all day long.

When I got older, I couldn’t wait to come home for the same annual Thanksgiving tradition, eventually learning the steps of the recipe and being able to create a tribute version of the original after my grandfather passed away.

But once I got married, Thanksgiving belonged to my in-laws and we chose to eat out or bring food since we never hosted at our house.

One year when we were living out-of-state and away from family, we even went to a buffet restaurant with just my husband and 3 year old. HINT: Do not go to a buffet with just your husband and 3 year old. You will end up taking turns grabbing food while the other one sits with the preschooler and never get to actually eat together.

My kids are teens and I’ve been married for over 25 years now, so I feel like I’m overqualified when it comes to finding options for eating out on Thanksgiving.

Choosing Your Options for Thanksgiving Dinner To Go

You can get the complete meal or just parts of the meal while you prepare the rest at home. As I see it, here are your options:

Option #1 – You can order only the MAIN COURSE (turkey, prime rib, vegetarian option) and make the SIDES and DESSERTS yourself.

Option #2 – You can order just the MAIN COURSE and SIDES, but make the DESSERTS yourself.

Option #3 – You can order the whole deal: MAIN COURSE, SIDES, and DESSERTS.

Option #4 – You can concentrate on making a homemade Thanksgiving feast and just grab DESSERTS from your favorite bakery or specialty grocery.

Tips for Enjoying Your Thanksgiving Meal

Don’t lock yourself into eating at the dining room table when you choose Thanksgiving takeout.

Be clear on whether your meal will be picked up hot and ready to serve on Thanksgiving Day — or whether you need to pick up days ahead and reheat the meal over a multi-hour time period. Plan accordingly.
You can eat outdoors! Especially in Orange County, the weather might be nice enough to enjoy your meal at a park or on your patio.
There ARE vegetarian and vegan options at some of these restaurants/stores. Risotto seems to be a popular main course to replace to replace the meat.

Catering and Take Out Thanksgiving Dinners in Orange County

Store-Bought

Albertsons Holiday Dinners
Ralphs
Vons and Pavilions
Stater Brothers
Gelsons

BBQ and Specialty

Traditional Restaurants and Chains

Fancy

Sapphire Laguna
Zov’s (Tustin only)

Thanksgiving by Mail

Hoping this makes your Thanksgiving easy and that you can be extra grateful for the time saved on meal prep while you spend time with family or friends.

Michele Whiteaker

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Michele Whiteaker is a writer mom & nature guide who promotes play and empowers families to prioritize nature time through her online community resource of over 300 Orange County park profiles. She's widely quoted for coining the term “hummingbird parent” to explain her parenting strategy which allows kids some freedom outdoors.

#DisneyTOTS Photo Challenge

by Kenzie KramerJuly 2, 2019

We’ve teamed up with Disney Junior to host a photo challenge celebrating Disney Junior’s latest show! T.O.T.S., short for Tiny One Transportation Service, is an animated show sharing the adventures of Pip and Freddie as they deliver baby animals to their forever families and learn about responsibility and nurturing. Join the #DisneyTOTS Photo Challenge by sharing photos that match the daily themes the week of July 1-5.

Each day, we’ll be giving away at Disney Junior Prize Pack and one lucky winner who posts all five days will receive a $500 Amazon gift card! To enter, share your photos on a public Instagram, Twitter or Facebook page using #DisneyTOTS. Check out some of our favorite photos and the daily winners below!

Grand Prize Winner: @spiffany419

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Throwback to becoming sisters #DisneyTOTS @redtricycle

A post shared by Stephanie (@spiffany419) on Jul 5, 2019 at 11:54am PDT

Monday, July 1: Treasured Toy

Day One Winner: @natcampi

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My girls can't go anywhere without their babies! ❤💛 #Tate #Kayla #sophiajudy #gianajoanne #DisneyTOTS @disneyjunior #giveaway #contest @redtricycle

A post shared by Natasha Campilongo (@natcampi) on Jul 1, 2019 at 10:01pm PDT

More Treasured Toy Posts

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Our treasured “Teddy” even makes his way with us to hockey games! We dress him to be part of the team ❤️ #DisneyTOTS

A post shared by Tina (@weezy3284) on Jul 1, 2019 at 1:28pm PDT

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His sleeping buddy named “Awake”. #DisneyTOTS @redtricycle

A post shared by Vivian ku (@doggiechews) on Jul 1, 2019 at 8:17am PDT

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Our treasured toy is Mr Beatbo. We like to bring the dance party with us wherever we go. #disneytots

A post shared by Kerri Lacey (@kerrilacey) on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:23pm PDT

Tuesday, July 2: Throwback T.O.T.S.

Day Two Winner: @arsmay7

#DisneyTOTS pic.twitter.com/rF3rQxfKNV
— Arsmay7 (@Arsmay7) July 3, 2019

More Throwback T.O.T.S. Posts

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Am I the only one who looks through old pictures of my kids and cries about how fast time has flown by? Brenna’s 1st Run Disney race - it was Avengers themed in 2016. 13 months old. I can’t even handle the cuteness! A lil throwback action for y’all today! . #rundisney #kidsraces #disney #disneyland #avengers #superherohalfmarathon #rundisney2016 #disneyside #disneylove #trendytwinscompany #totlife #toddlerlife #toddlersofdisneyland #magickingdommamas #babiesofdisneyland #race #running #instatoddler #toddlersofinstagram #disneylife #DisneyTOTS #redbicycle

A post shared by Elizabeth (@crazymommy85) on Jul 2, 2019 at 7:46am PDT

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Sometimes I forget just how deliciously chunky Mr Ryder was as a baby. Sometimes. #stripesforthewin #heislove #ryderjonathan #redtricycle #disneytots

A post shared by Megan Stinson (@adventurous_mama_life) on Jul 2, 2019 at 11:14pm PDT

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#throwbacktot @ 5 months #disneytots

A post shared by Joia Cassidy (@jody.lacson) on Jul 2, 2019 at 12:05pm PDT

Wednesday, July 3: Furry Friends

Day Three Winner: @kaylaheats

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Photo Challenge Wednesday: Furry Friends 👧🏻🐶#DisneyTots #disneyjunior @redtricycle @disneyjunior

A post shared by Kaylah B... Eating 😚 (@kaylaheats) on Jul 3, 2019 at 11:07am PDT

More Furry Friends Posts

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Instant connection 🐴 ••• #disneytots Day 3 @redtricycle

A post shared by Kendall Flores (@kendallandmommy) on Jul 3, 2019 at 2:42pm PDT

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The other week one of Hubby’s co-workers brought these adorable little pups to the park for the kids to love on. Wish we could take one home. #DisneyTOTS

A post shared by Jill neibaur (@mommy_daze) on Jul 3, 2019 at 9:29pm PDT

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My toddler with her furry friend 🐈 Bravo The Cat 🐱 #DisneyTots @redtricycle @disneyJunior

A post shared by Paty💎Romero👑 (@heavenlysely310) on Jul 3, 2019 at 10:45am PDT

Thursday, July 4: Festive Family Photo

Day Four Winner: @nycmartini

Celebrating with family & friends & hosting a bbq. #DisneyTOTS pic.twitter.com/p2i6LJ5gdp
— Christina Ro (@nycmartini) July 4, 2019

More Festive Family Photos

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Happy 4th of July from our family to yours!! We decked out our @radioflyerinc wagon for our local parade, what did you do this morning? . #momlife #momblog #momcommunity #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram #momsofinstagram #unitedinmotherhood #momlifeisthebestlife #mommyblogger #momstyle #mommygoals #ohheymama #justmomlife #honestlymothering #momblogger #honestmomconfessions #momsofinstagram #motherhoodunplugged #honestmotherhood #ig_motherhood #bestofmom #parenthood_unveiled #dailyparenting #momentsinmotherhood #joyfulmamas #mynameismama #disneytots #watchthemgrow #fourthofjuly #usa

A post shared by Elizabeth (@crazymommy85) on Jul 4, 2019 at 12:41pm PDT

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Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸 #4thofjuly #2019 #DisneyTOTS #familyphoto #love

A post shared by michelle_rose1 (@michelle_rose1) on Jul 4, 2019 at 5:34pm PDT

Friday, July 5: Bringing Home Baby

Day Five Winner: @mrb52101

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Bringing baby home, my favorite picture #skylardean peeking on baby sis #trinityeve @disneyjunior @redtricycle #disneytots

A post shared by Mary Rita (@mrb52101) on Jul 5, 2019 at 11:56am PDT

More Bringing Home Baby Posts

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Welcoming his newest little brother into the family 💙💙💙 #DisneyTOTS @redtricycle

A post shared by Tina (@weezy3284) on Jul 5, 2019 at 7:40pm PDT

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It feels like just yesterday this big guy was getting his baby brother ready to go home... #disneyTOTS #FlashbackFriday #brothers #timetogohome #ilovetheseboys #thankshubs

A post shared by Dana (@dayrod7) on Jul 5, 2019 at 4:59pm PDT

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Throwback because I cannot believe how big my babes are getting #DisneyTOTS ♥️ #bringinghomebabybrother

A post shared by Kayson & Aiden (@ambkshah) on Jul 5, 2019 at 3:35pm PDT

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DCity Smokehouse

Federalist Pig

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MARYLAND

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Woodrow's Barb-B-Que

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DIY Smoker

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