Parents of young children all know that the most important thing for everyone to function happily is sleep. My first child didn’t sleep consistently well for the first year of her life, so throwing any kind of monkey wrench into our (finally!) successful bedtime routine was unthinkable. Yet some children are ready to make the big transition from crib to toddler bed as young as 15 months, according to co-founder and CEO of Happiest Baby, Dr. Harvey Karp. The timing largely depends upon your child’s physical skills, he says. Once your kiddo is starting to make their escape plan out of the crib you’ll know it’s time to say goodbye to it. And most kids do this by age three. So how can you do this without losing out on sleep? Here are six quick tips for making the transition.
Plan ahead.
Don’t buy a big kid bed on a whim. Take your time to figure out when the transition makes the most sense and space it apart from other big life changes, like starting a new daycare or school, moving homes, or welcoming a sibling. If you’re pregnant, Dr. Karp recommends introducing the toddler bed a few months before the baby arrives.
Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and Child Behavior Consultant Renee Wasserman, P.T., M.P.H., of SleepyHead Solutions recommends calling a family meeting to talk about the importance of sleep. You might discuss where everyone is expected to sleep and why it’s good to stay in your own bed.
Set up the room for success.
Get your child excited for a “big kid bed” with a stuffed animal or fun new sheets, Wasserman says. This kind of novelty might excite your child about the upgrade. That said, toddlers generally hate change and some may do best when they keep their familiar bedding, Dr. Karp says. Stick with your child’s sleep routines and cues, like a lovey, white noise, a special bedtime story or song. And keep in mind that you now have a free-range toddler who can pop out of bed at any moment, says Dr. Karp. Be sure to childproof the room by placing soft blankets or pillows near the bed in case your tot rolls out, covering electrical outlets, and securing heavy furniture to the wall.
To prepare for all potential scenarios, Wasserman recommends role playing options that include staying in bed. Ask your child what to do if they wake up and it’s still dark in their room. “You can hug your teddy bear and go back to sleep, or you can stretch your arms and legs and go back to sleep,” she says. Similarly, Dr. Karp recommends having your child practice putting a toy or doll to bed. You can also use the new bed as a place to bond as a family. This could mean cuddling, playing with stuffed animals, reading together, taking naps, giving massages.
Stick with it.
It’s important to manage disruptions in the same exact way each time. Be calm and consistent if your child comes out of bed. Simply walk your child back and tuck them in so there is no incentive to get out again, Wasserman says. You can do this with silent empathy or you can validate your toddler’s feelings using Dr. Karp’s Fast Food Rule: “You really, really, REALLY want to sleep in Mommy’s bed,” while still setting limits, “Now it’s time to sleep in your special cozy bed, but I’ll come tuck you in nice and tight!”
You might consider installing a gate at the door to encourage staying in bed, just be sure to make it fun and not seem like a punishment. Let your toddler help decorate it with stickers and such so it can be the door to their castle, Wasserman says.
If your tot is coming out of bed early in the morning, try using an “OK to Wake” clock that will indicate when it’s morning. Remember that these clocks are only as consistent as parents are at using them, Wasserman adds.
Ditching the crib for a real bed is like taking a little leap of faith. There’s really no telling whether you’ll lose lots of sleep during the transition or if it’ll work like a dream. “Every child is different but with the right amount of preparation and lots of consistency from parents, kids can be successful within a few days, if not from the start,” Wasserman reassures.
My daughter made the transition when she was about 2.5 years old and I was heavily pregnant. We kept her old bedding, she picked out a new cuddle buddy at the toy store, and we set expectations from the very first night. Of course, not long after she settled into her new sleep space I gave birth to her baby sister and we all lost a lot of sleep once again. But we’re hoping to make up for it when they’re teenagers.
Go beyond chips and dip and try these top Trader Joe’s snacks at your next party
Whether you need new options for kid lunches or you want something fun to offer at your next moms’ night soirée, Trader Joe’s has loads of fun snackable options that go way beyond chips and guac. The cult-status market has stocked its shelves with several new snack options in the past month, and we rounded out our picks with a few tried-and-true classics.
ABC Bars
Kate Loweth
These almond butter cocoa bars have just the right amount of sweetness to go along with the 4g of protein that you'll find in each bar.
Soft & Juicy Mandarins
Kate Loweth
Keep a bag or two of these little sweeties in your minivan for when you need a sweet treat but want to avoid the candy.
Cheddar Cheese Rockets
Kate Loweth
We will literally fight anyone who doesn't think these cheese crackers are far superior to Goldfish. They just are.
Just a Handful of Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives
Love olives but don't want to commit to a whole jar? These beauties come in a pocket-sized pack and we love to bring them on picnics when you need to satisfy those salt cravings.
Organic Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers
Kate Loweth
You may claim that these are for the kids, but we know that parents hide them behind the Raisin Bran to keep them for themselves. Who can blame them? These crackers are tiny, salty, and full of simple ingredients.
Almond Butter Pretzels
Kate Loweth
You may have tried the peanut butter varieties of this salty snack, but we're here to say that the almond butter version is far superior.
Trader Joe's Contemplates Inner Peas
Kate Loweth
Not only is this product a clever pun but it is a pretty tasty snack. Known in the toddler circle as "crunchy peas," these are fun for dipping in a personal-sized hummus.
PB&J Bars
Kate Loweth
Bring these along for a mid-hike pick me up or keep them on hand as a sandwich alternative when you are really desperate at the end of the week.
White, purple, yellow & orange carrots are cut, peeled, and dehydrated to bring us this crisp snack that's topped with sea salt. The gluten-free, two ingredients snack is packed with fiber and protein and tastes great with TJ's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
Kosher and gluten-free, these Crunchy Nutty Rice Bites are a tasty snack that's easy on the waistline. Crisped brown and white rice are mixed with quinoa, dried cranberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews that are flavored with cane sugar and sea salt and enjoyed by the handful.
Snack on something sweet and spicy with Trader Joe's Child Spiced Dried Mango. The tropic fruit is carefully dried so that they don’t lose too much moisture and then seasoned with a blend of paprika, cayenne, sugar, and salt.
Coming in five different flavors, Trader Joe's Fruit Sauce Crushers are great for little snackers. Each one is made with real fruit and vegetable purees, that are void of synthetically derived colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Perfect for lunches and on the go!
The Just a Handful Omega Trek Mix is the perfect grab-and-go snack. Each bag comes with 10 individual-size servings that include almonds, walnuts, pepitas, pecans, pistachios, and dried cranberries, which are Omega-fortified with oil extracted from their own seeds.
For this granola option, Trader Joe’s decided to think outside the cereal box. Instead of relying on oats, which are a granola staple, this version is heavy on sunflower, sesame, flax, chia, and hemp seeds as well as coconut, dried cranberries, and raisins. In addition to being organic, it’s also grain and gluten-free, and vegan. Grab these clusters by the handful, or top yogurt or oatmeal for energy that will get you to lunch. TJ’s also recommends it in trail mix or even on a salad!
Speaking of yogurt, this Greek yogurt flavor is sure to satisfy and refresh our palettes heading into summer. If you’re a fan of lemon and lime, grapefruit, and blood orange, this is the protein-packed yogurt for you.
Anyone who fondly remembers Trader Joe’s adventurous Pumpkin Soup Crackers will be pleased to know they’re at it again with these gluten-free soup crackers, made of brown rice, rolled oats, and seasoned like your favorite tomato soup. And just as a bowl of creamy tomato soup goes perfectly with grilled cheese, these crackers and sliced cheddar may well have been made for each other.
When hunger strikes between meals, we usually crave something sweet and easy—which doesn’t always lead to the healthiest choices (a whole bag of chocolate bark, anyone?). Trader Joe’s new Coconut Sesame Seed Clusters deliver sweetness and lasting energy in a convenient snack bag you can throw in your bag or keep in the car—and this yummy concoction won’t melt as the days warm up!
If the kids (or you) can’t get enough French fries, try out this simple snack version. Comprised only of U.S. Russet potatoes, canola oil, and salt, you know what you’re getting (rather than the additives often on regular fries these days, including gluten.). The package alone is too adorable not to try.
Crispy Crunchy Okra
Gabby Cullen
Many parents may already know that Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Broccoli Florets are an awesome way to get greens into the kids, but the store is now serving up an okra version. Eat them plain or substitute them for crackers with your favorite dip.
Organic Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars
Jennifer Massoni Pardini
Sometimes, everyone just needs some chocolate. Getting it with only eight grams of sugar is a good deal, one for which you can thank these organic and kid-approved granola bars.
If you’ve been known to grab one of the kid’s fruit leathers stashed in your bag, these are truly 100% fruit, making them healthy and delicious for all. Flavor options include fruit juices or purees from apples, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and wild berries. And as popular as they’ve become over the last decade they’ve been making them, Trader Joe’s hasn’t raised their price once.
Freeze-dried Fruit
Jennifer Massoni Pardini
If you have a kid who prefers fruit crunchy, you likely already know that Trader Joe’s offers an amazing assortment of freeze-dried options—strawberries, blueberries, bananas, Fuji apples, and raspberries are usually in stock. While the water may be gone, all that fruity nutrition remains. And they’re always in season!
You don’t have to ride the rails to enjoy a train experience when you book an overnight in a caboose
If you are looking for the ultimate vacation for the train enthusiast in your family, look no further. This list is full of vintage railroad car vacation rentals, a WWII troop kitchen train car, and loads of cabooses—all of them decked out for sleeping. There’s even a whole resort in Northern California full of train car rentals. All aboard for some major railfan fun!
This boxcar was built in 1941 and your family will love booking it for a few nights. You will have the entire boxcar to yourself with a pool and beach chairs in the backyard. There also is a firepit, a charcoal grill, and a patio table. Sit outside and enjoy the Kansas sunsets!
Conveniently located near Interstate 80 between Williamsport (home of Little League World Series) and State College (home of Penn State University). Everything in the Caboose has been restored to its original condition. This unique space has all the comforts of home while being able to enjoy history.
You get the best of both worlds with this rental that comes with a cabin and a caboose. You also get to experience farm life as this property has free-range chickens, an emu, 4 Muscovy ducks, and a Great Pyrenees. Send the kids to sleep in the two bunks in the caboose and you can enjoy the queen bed in the cabin!
How totally cool is this? You can stay in your very own train caboose in the South Bay that comes with three beds and a kitchen. There are lots of nearby hiking and biking trails, as well as other exciting outdoor activities. Being so close to Silicon Valley, yet feeling so far from it all is a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else.
A wonderful and spectacular fishing adventure awaits you on the Yellowstone River. This unique opportunity is all yours AND you get to head home for the night in your own personal Northern Pacific Railway Parlor Car. You will experience all that Montana has to offer on this breathtaking 13 acres of private property and 1000 feet of Yellowstone shoreline.
Wake up to this gorgeous view in your green caboose. The caboose is located behind an original Train Depot built in 1906 which used to be located in Enterprise, Oregon. It was moved in 1980 to its present location, one mile north of the town of Joseph, to serve as a residence. The caboose is completely self-contained with a small fridge, electric stove top burners, table and stools, a shower with rainfall shower head, linens and towels, cooking utensils, and an RV-style toilet room. There is one main bedroom with a full-size bed with a memory foam mattress. There are two twin bunk beds that are separated from the main bedroom with drapery.
This ultra-cute caboose has the coveted sleeping spot in the cupola. You'll find that the caboose is located near lots of outdoor recreation spots like swimming holes and waterfalls, as well as a number of restaurants.
Just 10 miles from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this 1926 wooden train caboose has been transformed into one of the most unique vacation destinations in the area. This bright red storybook caboose was part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The caboose cottage itself is located on a private 20-acre residential farm. It sits atop authentic 1920s railroad tracks and joins with the incredible bath house also known as the Depot.
Platform 1346 is a WWII troop kitchen train car turned into a luxe overnight Airbnb space at the base of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is beautifully decorated and has free WiFi and streaming TV. This posh destination is only 29 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a very short ride to Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport. Two beds are perfect for families, and you'll be amazed when you see the train car's gourmet kitchen!
This 1940s-era caboose has been beautifully transformed into a tiny home. Cap's Caboose is a one-of-a-kind overnight rental in a quiet, friendly community. It is a 30-minute drive to the beautiful Cheaha Mountains and the town of Ashland is only 6 miles away.
Looking for a unique getaway to the mountains? Kids and adults both will love to sleep in this completely-renovated 1960s train caboose. To add to the fun, this caboose is located in the Smoky Mountains of NC on a 65-acre buffalo ranch. Help feed the buffalo, hike to the BC Corral, play in the Pigeon River, and more.
This historic railcar was built in the '30s by The Budd Company and is located on Skaneateles Lake. Enjoy morning coffee and evening barbecues overlooking this most beautiful of lakes. Ideal for train enthusiasts, boaters, swimmers, fishermen, and those wanting to simply kick off their shoes and relax in this most unique property on Skaneateles Lake.
Northern California is home to Railroad Park Resort where you can bed down in vintage railroad cabooses that sleep up to five people. You’ll have a fridge, full bathroom, WiFi, and microwave as well as an on-site pool, restaurant (serving breakfast and dinner in a rail car!), and a creek for exploring. The nearby area is full of railroad history, waterfalls, fishing spots, and lakes for boating.
Sleeps: up to 5 guests Cost: $120/night and up Online: rrpark.com
Ride in on Amtrak's Empire Builder and stay in a caboose off the tracks in Glacier National Park. Enjoy modern amenities in surprisingly well-appointed cabooses with decks that overlook the spectacular scenery and the train tracks. Kids will especially love sleeping in beds in the train's cupola with a view of the gorgeous property beyond. Spend the day hiking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $169/night and up Online: izaakwaltoninn.com
The Canyon Motel - Williams, AZ
Canyon Motel & RV Park
The Canyon Motel & RV Park is located on 13 acres in the City of Williams, AZ on the famous Route 66. Surrounded by the mountains of Northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest adjoins the property, and Grand Canyon National Park is 52 miles to the north. Choose to sleep in one of the cabooses that accommodate up to six people, or pick a spot in the 1950s Pullman classic that has three separate railway car suites, fully modernized with all of the conveniences of any motel room.
Made up of authentic train boxcars renovated into guest accommodations, the Northern Rail Traincar Inn is nestled in the wilderness near Two Harbors, Minnesota. Guests enjoy quick, convenient access to all of the North Shore's amazing activities including the Superior Hiking Trail, Split Rock Lighthouse, and much more. Northern Rail features 16 rooms in authentic train boxcars, and each room has its own theme. The depot-style main building serves as the breakfast area as well as a place for guests to play games or sit by the fireplace with a good book.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $159/night Online: northernrail.net
Seaboard Coast Line at Buffalo Creek - Clyde, NC
Buffalo Creek
Choose between two fully-renovated cabooses when you come to stay at Buffalo Creek Vacation Rentals in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. The cabooses each sleep up to five people and have full kitchens, A/C, charcoal grills, decks, and everything you'll need for a railfan vacation. Best of all, lucky guests just might catch a glimpse of bison walking by in the field from the caboose windows! Kids will love the property's playground and model railroad.
This KOA campground in New Hampshire's scenic White Mountains is the perfect spot for railfans looking to do a little "glamping." The property's caboose can sleep up to six people and includes a charcoal grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. Take advantage of the KOA's many amenities, including a heated swimming pool, game room, store, and dog area. Kids will love the activities like mining for gems, riding the barrel train, and the jumping pad in the playground.
These turn-of-the-century train cars are ready to be your home away from home in Minnesota. Choose from a room in one of the three railway cars or bunk down in the 1893 caboose. All rooms have private baths and a queen bed with rollaway and inflatable mattresses available for kids. Breakfast can be taken in the house or served in your railcar if you wish.
Sleep in one of 38 cabooses at this spot that goes all out for train fans. Many of the cabooses have bunk beds for kids, and some have two bedrooms to allow even more privacy. The on-site Casey Jones' Restaurant offers breakfast all day in addition to lunch and dinner with all sorts of train paraphernalia available for purchase in the gift shop. Climb to the top of the 50-foot silo for a spectacular unobstructed view of the surrounding farmland, the Strasburg Rail Road and, of course, the Red Caboose Motel. Kids will also love spending some quarters at the Whistle Stop arcade.
Wildlife Prairie Park is the Central Illinois spot where you can spot elk, bison, eagles, otters and more wild animals. You can also spend the night in the park near the elk and bison range. Here the park has a number of vintage cabooses available for guests, each sleeping up to five people. Each unit has a bathroom, microwave, small fridge, and A/C to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
This unique cottage is in a real railroad caboose and includes a bedroom with a queen-size bed, satellite TV, wireless internet access, a kitchenette, a dining area, a bathroom with shower, heating, and A/C. For the adventurous types, you may climb up to the cupola to look around at the beautiful scenery, or sit up there and read or play a card game on the little fold-down table. The dining table folds down into a twin-size bed for a child. A full country breakfast is served in the 40-foot dining room when you wake in the morning.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $110/night and up Online: masonhouseinn.com
Caboose Inn - South Haven, MI
Old Harbor Inn
Step back in time with a stay at the historical Caboose Inn, featuring refurbished cabooses from the 1920s and the original Pomeroy Building, located right next to the draw bridge on the Black River. These unique accommodations feature an in-ground heated pool, private parking, decks, covered porches, and more. They are located at the original train depot in downtown South Haven, just steps from all the beaches, shopping and dining South Haven has to offer.
Sleeps: up to 2 guests Cost: $189/night Online: oldharborinn.com
The train cars at The Antlers Inn were once actual working railroad cars. Choose from one of three identical cabooses or a wooden rail car. Refurbished within the original framework of the car to provide family fun accommodations, each caboose houses the original cupola with seating, so little ones can oversee the train just like a real conductor. All have climate control, beds, baths, living area with TV, efficiency kitchens, and an outdoor gas grill with a picnic table.
Sleeps: up to 6 guests Cost: $130/night and up Online: theantlers.com
The Caboose Motel is on the tracks next to the Perry Street Station in Titusville, PA. Each of the 21 caboose cars has its own heat and air conditioning unit, television, telephone, and bathroom with shower. Cabooses have one king-size bed with cupola-style windows or two full-size beds with bay windows. Deck chairs are provided so you can relax during your evenings in the Oil Region. Located one block from downtown Titusville and five minutes from Drake Well Museum and Park, be sure to enjoy the Historic Titusville Walking Tour while in town.
Sleeps: up to 4 guests Cost: $91.95/night Online: octrr.org
Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
From whale watching on the coast to skiing in the mountains, these winter getaways near Portland are tops with families
Winters in the PNW are enchanting—like living in a snow globe. The best way to experience it is to trade the city for snowflakes and sled rides at one of our favorite winter getaways near Portland. Whether your family is into skiing in the mountains, whale watching on the coast, or exploring new restaurants and museums, these vacation hot spots are coolest in the winter month. So pack up the kids and the warm clothes and drive to these Oregon destinations. Your winter wonderland road trips await.
This article is sponsored by Salishan Coastal Lodge and SCP Redmond Hotel, Oregon-based, sustainable, eco-friendly hotels. Situated near natural landmarks and on-site wellness amenities (including the Spa at Salishan and the meditation room and SCP Fit at SCP Redmond Hotel) both hotels offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Plan your visit to Oregon today!
These family weekend getaways near Portland are extra special in the wintertime
Looking for a quick, easy winter getaway near Portland with pristine nature, outdoor activities, and delectable food, wine, and beer? Get your walking shoes and appetites ready. The Tualatin Valley has all of the above and more.
The valley is known for its wine, but the epic green rolling hills invite families to walk, hike, and picnic. Stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air at Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which recently opened in Gaston. The nearby Chehalem Ridge Nature Park offers 1250 acres of off-road trails, forest, and wetlands.
After enjoying the great outdoors, bring the entire fam to Ardiri Winery, just up the hill from Gaston. The family-owned, family-friendly winery has epics views of Mount Hood, tasty Pinot Noir, and an expansive lawn to let the kids run around. Get there on the right day and there may even be free oven-baked pizzas available. Holiday lights throughout the property and firepits everywhere provide maximum coziness and Holiday cheer.
If beer is your thing, the locals have launched the Tualatin Valley Ale Trail, with its own app. Get deals, win prizes! Download the app, show up with kids, and sip away.
Post up in the shadow of Mount Hood on the banks of the Columbia in Hood River. Besides the easy mountain access, and assortment of ski and snowboard rental shops, Hood River teems with activities for Tinies. Toot toot! The Mt. Hood Railroad runs a special Christmas Train every year throughout the season.
Or turn your free-range kids loose at the Children’s Park at 9th and Eugene, or Waterfront Park on the river. The Children’s Park is a wild playground obstacle course of wood, with twists and turns, turrets and tire swings, sand and slides. Waterfront Park lets the kids climb, spin, and generally run amok—set against a stunning river tableau.
Mount Hood is Oregon’s iconic peak, and Timberline Lodge makes a perfect home base for your family weekend getaway this winter. Just an hour-and-a-half from Portland, let the snowshoe adventures begin. Rent on the mountain or gear up back in Portland at your favorite outdoor store. Then try out the 3/4-mile trail above the lodge for stunning views. It’s not exactly easy going—the kids should be prepared for a hike. Afterwards, scurry back to the lodge to warm up with a heated outdoor pool, game room, and lending library. Perfect weekend.
One hour south of Portland, Salem has a whole new world of winter fun for kids--making it an awesome winter road trip for Portland families. Stay a few days to take advantage of nearby day trips like a hike in Silver Falls State Park. In Salem, spend some time wandering around the Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical paradise. The whole family will learn new things with a visit to the historic state capitol, although portions are closed until 2025.
After the history lesson turn them loose at the beautiful Riverfront Park on the Willamette River. It houses a gorgeous (indoor) carousel where Santa Claus is rumored to hang out. Older kids will appreciate Salem walking tours, including the exquisite Deepwood Museum & Gardens. On the way out of town fill them up with milkshakes, burgers, and fries at the northernmost In-N-Out Burger, just off I-5 in nearby Keizer. Warning: lifelong In-N-Out addiction is real.
With countless opportunities for mountain biking, rafting the Deschutes River, and beer-tasting at breweries, Bend is a beloved summer destination for PNWers of all ages. But substitute skiing for biking, and a sleigh ride for rafting, and you’ve got the perfect place for a family-friendly winter excursion. Got some little skiers in tow? Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort features 3,700 acres of lift-accessible terrain, a free beginner chair lift, the Snowblast Tubing Park and a deal that allows children 12 and under to ski for free, with the advance purchase of a three-day adult lift ticket.
Planning to visit Bend during the holidays? A horse-drawn sleigh ride will whisk the fam along the Deschutes River at the Sunriver Resort, just 17 miles south. Hungry? Take the kids to the Old Mill District, with a plethora of tot-tested tasty treats. Thirsty? There’s a long list of Bend breweries that are kid-friendly and winter-friendly, with heaters, firepits, games, and snacks, including Crux Fermentation Project, Bend Brewing Company, and Sunriver Brewing‘s Galveston Pub in Bend.
Movie buffs, head to Astoria—a fantastic winter weekend getaway that's just two hours west of Portland—to re-trace the steps of The Goonies. If you haven’t seen the film a million times already, be sure to re-live it with the kids before you get to town. Do the “Truffle Shuffle” and you could be in luck—at press time the world famous Goonies House at 368 38th St. has re-opened to visitors. Or bring a cool $1.7 million and buy the whole house. Re-create the jailbreak at the Oregon Film Museum, a great cold-weather retreat for the whole family. The picture-perfect Victorian town has also served as the location for Kindergarten Cop, Short Circuit, and many more kid flicks.
Once you’re done exploring outside, try one of Astoria’s family-friendly breweries like Buoy Beer, which offers up a kids’ menu along with floor-to-ceiling windows for a fantastic view.
About three hours southeast of Portland in the shadow of Black Butte and the Three Sisters, the quaint town of Sisters reminds locals of what Bend was like years ago. This winter road trip will make you feel like you’re a world away, with old-fashioned storefronts and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Your family can ride horses or cross-country ski at Black Butte Ranch, or hole up with board games, popcorn, and movies in a Camp Sherman cabin. Sisters is also a great launching pad for ski areas like Mt. Bachelor and HooDoo.
Like snowbirds heading south, the majestic gray whales migrate to the warmer waters of Baja California every winter. Depoe Bay is the place to catch a glimpse of these titans of the sea, and a great family getaway near Portland. Like anyone headed on vacation, they’re in bit of a hurry to get where they’re going and don’t lollygag around too much, but about 30 whales pass by whale watching sites each hour. During peak times (mid-December to mid-January, and again starting mid-February) there are multiple spots from Brookings to Astoria to help you sight these intrepid travelers. Bring your binoculars, warm clothes, and a little patience, and you might catch a glimpse. If not, there’s always storm watching, snuggling, relaxing, and tide pooling.
Just like Depoe Bay, over 20,000 gray whales—nearly 30 each hour—migrate south along the coast to reach their breeding grounds in Mexico. The best spots for viewing the magnificent creatures are listed here. You can grab a nearby perch at the Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker on Highway 101 or Ecola State Park 18 miles north—you just might just catch a glimpse of a spout or a breach. Fancy something else after your whale of an adventure? The winter months are also a wonderful time for beachcombing at nearby Oswald West State Park, or scarfing down piping hot pizzas at Marzano’s Pizza Pie right in town.
Want a hassle-free Thanksgiving meal? Check out the top spots in NYC to order out and dine in for a terrific turkey, steak, or even a vegan meal—or skip straight to dessert
Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and celebrate all the things for which we’re thankful. And if you want to be thankful for not having to cook for all that family, then you’ve come to the right place. The spots below will help you get a full course meal on the table with little to no prep on your part (don’t worry, we won’t tell!). You can even skip the post-feast dishes and dine-in for an extra-special Thanksgiving dinner. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Whatever you decide—take out or dine in—New York City has the best places to serve you up something divine on Thanksgiving Day in 2022.
Turkey to Go: Where to Get a Cooked Meal for Your Dinner Table
Restaurant and flower arrangement expert Il Florista has partnered with Quattro Farm to prepare a delicious turkey roulade for your dining table. A whole turkey roulade costs $189 and comes ready to eat, prepared with a chamomile brine and served with herbed bread stuffing. You can purchase side dishes here as well, with options including crispy polenta, cranberry relish, roasted parsnip, and more. You can even buy a flower arrangement to brighten up the Thanksgiving meal with a pop of color.
You'll be able to pick up your order on Wed., Nov. 23 after 2 p.m., or on Thursday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Delivery is also available on request.
Open on Thanksgiving day for takeout and dine-in, The Ribbon is a more affordable option for families. You can order a traditional rotisserie turkey for $39 or opt for another main, like salmon or NY strip steak. The turkey dish is a full meal for a person—it comes with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, brussel sprouts, and, of course, cranberry sauce.
You can also choose to order takeout for two at $99.95, which includes two of the turkey dishes, as well as a wedge salad, roasted fall soup, and two orders of pecan pie. Multiple orders of this would make for an entire Thanksgiving Day spread, but order soon, because there's limited availability. Takeout can be picked up on Thurs., Nov. 24 from 2 to 8 p.m., so everything can go straight from the restaurant to your table.
Carmine’s will deliver its traditional Thanksgiving feast to you, you can pick it up yourself, or you can enjoy it at the chain’s Upper West Side and Times Square locations. Enough for six to eight people, the meal features an 18-pound roast turkey, sausage & sage stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts with caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, baby carrots and sauteed string beans.
It’s $349 whether you get it delivered, pick it up, or dine in. For an additional $25, you can add on an apple or pumpkin pie. Bonus: if someone in your group doesn’t like turkey, the regular Carmine’s menu is available to order from, as well.
For a Turkey day feast with an Italian twist, Eataly has you covered. Choose a turkey from a local farm, all pasture-raised and hormone- and and antibiotic-free, or pick out some smaller cuts if a whole turkey is too much for your family. Pair your bird with a number of delectable side dishes, like a salumi and formaggi platter handcrafted by experts, artisanal homemade pasta dishes, and freshly baked breads. And don't forget dessert! Eataly has some classics like apple pie as well as delectable Italian desserts like their Toro cake with white chocolate cremino and toasted hazelnuts.
Pre-order your meal before Sat., Nov. 19 to have it ready for pickup on Thanksgiving Day at Eataly Flatiro, or Sun., Nov. 20 for pickup at Eataly Downtown.
Looking for a vegan alternative to the Thanksgiving turkey meal? Skip the bird with Blossom, a vegan restaurant that offers completely animal-free meals sourced from local farms and small businesses. Dine in or order pickup by Wed., Nov. 23 for a vegan meal featuring three courses and dessert. Dishes include a mix of traditional Thanksgiving sides like soy-sausage stuffing and mashed potato with mushroom-based shiitake gravy, as well as some more uniquely Blossom dishes like parsnip ravioli, beet carpaccio, and stuffed acorn squash. Finish the meal with pumpkin pie, tiramisu, chocolate ganache, and berries and cream. Plus, many of the dishes are nut free, soy free, and gluten free (see the menu on their website for more information—and note that the menu items are subject to change).
A kid's Thanksgiving option is also available, which has a traditional (but still vegan) meal consisting of stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, kale, and squash, and your choice of dessert.
Get your Thanksgiving to go at the two Michelin star restaurant, Aquavit, for a chance to taste the delectable Nordic inspired creations of executive chef Emma Benftsson. Order the kit for $575 for a four-person meal consisting of roasted fennel and caraway spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg sausages along with sides and extras including herb roasted vegetables, truffled mushroom spatzle, green bean salad, and pumpkin pie. Get your order on Wed., Nov. 23 between 3 and 5 p.m., then just reheat and serve on Thanksgiving Day.
Chelsea Market’s excellent butcher has birds of all kinds and sizes from area farms: fresh turkeys, roast turkey, Moulard duck, and even capon, which are large chickens that have lots of white meat. They’ll also help you with prep with a brine kit, turkey rub, and herbed compound butter. Alternatively, you can get a smoked or roast turkey ready to serve for $170.
Order early, as their supplies are already being sold fast (especially, according to the website, the Kelly Bronze). Pickup is at the Chelsea Market location, or items can be shipped for a fee. In a hurry? Just use their Thanksgiving quick order form!
Got your turkey ready but want to get some sides professionally made? No problem! The expert caterers at Marina del Rey has an "Everything But the Bird" option priced at $139, which has everything you need to make it a complete meal for eight to 10 people, including sourdough and sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, glazed carrots, string beans with almonds, 18 dinner rolls, and a pumpkin pie. Whew!
Of course, you can also get the full meal, turkey and all, for $199, or get the deluxe option which includes a few different sides and serves 10 to12 people. Meals are available for pickup only, and must be retrieved on Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Place your order by that Monday to have your meal prepared on time!
No matter how you want your Thanksgiving dinner, Whole Foods has got you covered. Choose from full meals for small and large groups, paleo-friendly dinners, a vegan option created by chef Chloe Coscarelli, as well as main courses of ham and prime rib.
Prices range from $49.99 for the vegan meal for two to $569.99 for a loaded Thanksgiving extravaganza for 12. Place your order 48 hours before you want to get your meal—or buy a bit in advance and follow the detailed reheating instructions provided by the website.
If you want to prepare the turkey yourself, Whole Foods also has raw turkey meal kits, which provide you with an oven-ready bird with onion, carrot and celery that serves eight people for $79.99, or a full meal with a turkey and sides for $179.99.
If farmers market shopping is a ritual for your Thanksgiving plans, pre-order a bird with DiPaola Turkey Farm, featured at 20 Greenmarket locations throughout the city. This second-generation family farm raises Broad Breasted Whites and is a good pick if you’re cooking for a smaller party. Choose a size range to suit the number of guests you plan to feed—Di Paola recommends that you plan for about a pound to a pound and a half per person for a whole turkey. You can buy just a breast, leg, wing or all three and save on roasting time as well.
Orders become available fairly early, and you'll have to plan ahead as all orders must be picked up before noon on your location's designated date.
If you’re not familiar with the wildly popular dips at Upper East Side gourmet store William Poll, treat yourself and your fellow diners to a few of these yummy spreads. Go for classic and refined cucumber, or try some of the more robust or decadent flavors like Cheddy Chut (cheddar and chutney), spinach, blue cheese and bacon, or prosciutto. For the complete experience, eat them with the store’s baked potato thins.
Keep it simple, and local, and order your entire Thanksgiving Dinner from Upper West Side NYC institution, Zabar’s. Its Holiday Dinner for six is $279 (or $380 to serve 10) and includes Zabar’s Roast Turkey, chestnut stuffing, homemade giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, string beans with almonds, homemade dinner rolls, and even a Zabar’s apple or pumpkin pie.
Orders for Thanksgiving must be placed before that Monday at 4 p.m. and will be delivered right to your door.
Butterfield Market has been serving freshly-prepared foods on the Upper East side since 1915 and it’s still as popular as ever. This year you can outsource the whole meal for between $285-$720 depending on how many people you plan to have over. Or, you can pick from their selection of starters and sides including mini crab cakes, corn pudding, and marshmallow sweet potatoes.
They offer ready-to-cook turkeys, whole roasted turkeys, sides, starters, four different types of stuffing, breads, and desserts. You can even get a vegan “turkey” with vegan and gluten-free mushroom gravy here. Pickup is at their 85th Street location, or you can get your meal delivered (note that delivery price varies by location, and there are some delivery restrictions in Manhattan due to the Thanksgiving Day parade. Make sure to place your order by Fri., Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.
Take some comfort food home with you with Good Enough to Eat's Thanksgiving to Go meal. Schatzie’s herb roasted turkey is available at $11.50 per pound for a whole turkey and $18.50 per pound for sliced turkey. You can also get the rest of your sides here, including stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cornbread, and several pies. The menu also includes a sour cream apple crumble pie recipe in case you want to try your hand at baking dessert! Place your order by 4 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 22 to have it ready for pickup on Wed., Nov. 23 by 4 p.m.
Comfort food spot Bubby’s proudly declares Thanksgiving as the restaurant’s favorite holiday. Dine in at Bubby's for a down-home, traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkeys from Pallman Farms in upstate NY and homemade sides.
The special holiday meal is $100 per adult and $70 per child under 10 (excluding drinks and gratuity) and includes a massive two-course meal, followed by dessert. In addition to turkey, enjoy flaky buttermilk biscuits, old-fashioned glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and more. You can also get a vegetarian lasagna made with roasted butternut squash and mushrooms, although you'll need to request this ahead of time. Don't forget to leave room for Bubby's famous pies! End your dinner with apple whiskey crumble pie, pumpkin pie, and sour cherry pie, served family-style with individual plates and plenty to share.
Mediterranean restaurant Barbounia has a fixed-price menu for Thanksgiving day, featuring dishes infused with a Mediterranean flavor and style. For $86 per person, you can get free-range Pennsylvania turkey, as well as other entree options including taboon roasted red snapper and farmers market vegetables and mushrooms with couscous. There are also plenty of sides, from roasted pumpkin soup to flash fried cauliflower. Dessert features some unique dishes like deconstructed pumpkin pie and rosewater panacotta, for a new spin on traditional options.
For something a little different this year (and for kids who are up for anything), head to Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote for a beef-heavy feast. A special Thanksgiving menu features traditional Korean dishes and a selection of the finest USDA Prime and American Wagyu Beef is being served for $125 per person. (Additional a la carte menu items are available as well, and you can get a holiday box shipped to you if you want to enjoy at home.)
This French bistro does Thanksgiving a little different, bringing French cuisine into the traditional American holiday feast. So while you can get your turkey meal (organic Amish Country turkey with mashed potato and sweet potato dressing, as well as brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and gravy), you can also order escargot and foie gras to go with it—to name just a few of the available sides on the special Thanksgiving menu.
Who says the Thanksgiving meals need to end after Thanksgiving Day? Venezuelan comfort food restaurant Casa Ora will be serving holiday special meals starting on Thanksgiving all the way through New Years Eve. These specials don't include a turkey, but they'll satisfy the festive appetites of any family members. Chow down on traditional Hispanic dishes like hallaca (pork and chickpea—or just chickpea for a vegan option—tamale with potato, raisin and olives), pernil (slow roasted pork loin with lentils, chimichurri, and carrot and potato puree), and more. Adults in the party can also skip straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas and try the ponche crema, a Venezuelan eggnog.
148 Meserole St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn Online:casaoranyc.com
Hill Country
Visit Hill Country for a Texas-style feast of epic proportions. The meal will be served from 12 until 7:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will feature the restaurant's signature barbecue and pit-smoked turkey, as well as classic sides like potato and vegetable dishes and dessert pies, pudding, or cupcakes. The feast is fixed price, at $95 per adult and $45 for kids aged 5-12. Kids under 5 eat free!
Hill Country also has a takeout option in the form of the Texas Turkey Box, which has a full meal for four to six people for $180 and the Thanksgiving Feast option for $300, for eight to 10 people. You can also choose to order a la carte or choose a number of sides for a custom holiday feast.
Magnolia Bakery has a great selection of holiday pies to try, including the classics (pecan pie and pumpkin pie) and new twists on the classics (chocolate pecan pie and pumpkin praline pie). You can also pair your pie up with banana pudding with the "Best of Magnolia Bakery" Thanksgiving Sampler Pack, or choose from any of the seasonal desserts—including the fantastic apple crisp pudding and adorable Thanksgiving cupcakes—or order from their regular menu. Pies and puddings come in sizes large enough to satisfy even the guests with the biggest sweet tooth.
Wish your apple cider donut came in cake form? Want a pumpkin pie with the consistency of a pecan pie? Milk Bar has both desserts available for the fall season—and just in time for Thanksgiving. The apple cider donut cake, in particular, would make a great finisher for your amazing holiday feast! Other seasonal treats include the assorted fall truffle box and apple cider donut truffles (you know, just in case the cake isn't enough).
Thanksgiving pies at Butter and Scotch are ready for pre-order! Choose from flavors like apple pear cranberry crumble, bourbon ginger pecan pie, or pumpkin spice pie. The pies, which serve eight to 10 people, are $42-45 each. Store pick-up is available at their sister bakery Love, Nelly and select partners around Brooklyn. Place your orders by Sun., Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. for a chance to have your pie and eat it, too!
This bakery consistently tops lists of where to get the best pie in the city, both big and small. Its list of Thanksgiving pies is impressive, with flavors such as sour cream apple walnut pie, sweet potato pie, Mississippi mud pie, and even gluten free blueberry apple crumb pie. You can also get a sampler of four popular mini pies!
Full size pies serve eight to 10 and most are $42. Order before Mon., Nov. 21 and you'll be able to pick up or get your pie delivered in time for Thanksgiving.
This cozy bakery is at it again! This year's Thanksgiving selections include bittersweet chocolate pecan, brown butter pumpkin, salted caramel apple, and the famed salty honey pie, a specialty custard blend topped with zinging flakes of sea salt. Pies are $44 each and typically serve eight to 10 people. Place an order before noon to get your pie the following day (available for pickup or delivery)—pies ordered past 12 p.m. will be available in two days.
If you find yourself thankful for having a full stomach and a full wallet, you can give the gift of a Thanksgiving meal to someone less fortunate and spread some goodwill. Soup kitchens and various charities have opportunities to help make a special Thanksgiving meal for people who might not be able to afford one on their own. Here are two opportunities to help if you have the funds or the time:
The WSCAH Turkey Challenge
The West Side Campaign Against Hunger has been providing families with holiday meals for over 10 years. Last year, they helped over 8,000 families and this year, they're aiming even higher. With a contribution of just $50, you can feed an entire family and help the WSCAH work toward their goal of feeding 10,000 New York families.
Thanksgiving is all about sharing a meal with your loved ones. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone they can share a meal with. That's why DOROT is working toward connecting volunteers with older adults to provide them with some much-needed human interaction. Deliver a meal and stay for a chat! Manhattan volunteers can bring children ages 10-17 and brighten up someone's day just by sharing a meal and a story or two.
These San Diego restaurants offer take-out and dine-in Thanksgiving meals for a stress-free Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is the best holiday to gather family and friends around the table—especially when you’re not stressed about burning the bird or fitting all the side dishes in the oven at once. This year, give yourself (and your kitchen) a break—and support local businesses—by either ordering your Thanksgiving dinner from one of our favorite local restaurants that’s a hit with the kids, or dine-in at a top San Diego restaurant that’s open on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve also found the best bakeries for that perfect, made-in-San Diego dessert.
The Best San Diego Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Treat yourself to a meal you'll remember for years to come. Rancho Valencia offers a buffet stocked with everything from a cold seafood station to a full kids' buffet. There's live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and desserts that'll have the whole family feeling grateful.
Cost: $195/adults, $55/kid (3-11); Kids under 3 dine free
In Little Italy, Chef Brian Malarkey adds a Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired flair to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. Guests can choose from a turkey roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, lamb shank, or a brown butter blondie with pumpkin mousse.
Choose from any of the three Park Hyatt restaurants to book your Thanksgiving reservation this year. Ember & Rye and Ponto Lago both offer guests a sit-down dinner option, while The Park Hyatt hotel serves a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $155/adults; $65/kid (3-12) for brunch and $125/person for dinner at Ember & Rye; $105/person for dinner at Ponto Lago; $140/adults and $60/kids at The Park Hyatt
This year, George’s at the Cove is serving a three-course prix fixe menu in the Ocean View Room with roasted turkey, along with sausage and chestnut-stuffed leg and potato puree with turkey gravy. The turkey special will also be available along with the regular menu at the Ocean Terrace and Level2. Don't miss George’s bourbon pecan and brown butter apple crumb pie, which you can also pre-order. Kiddos will love sitting at a premium table, closest to the sea, which includes credit toward food and drinks.
The iconic San Diego restaurant at the end of Harbor Island is offering a smorgasbord of seasonal favorites. The carving station will have free-range turkey with rosemary gravy and roasted tri-tip. Other accompaniments include clam chowder, brown sugar sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and creamy green beans. The grand seafood bar will have Maine lobster claws along with oysters and scallops on the half-shell.
Cost: $72/adult; $24/kid (age 6-12), kids 5 and under eat for free
Del’s Hideout, Pioneer BBQ or Coaster Saloon (Cohn Restaurant Group)
Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these three Cohn restaurants or choose to gather the crew and dine in. Either option will satisfy your family and keep you frazzle-free.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Nov. 22; pick-up Nov. 25 between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Serves 6-8 servings for $190; add on a pie for an additional $20; Purchase the main a la carte: $115for turkey or $130 for brisket
Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted and carved natural turkey (fully cooked, heat and eat) and such delectable sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad. It may take you a while to decide on the sweet ending with choices like Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by noon, Nov. 21; Pick up or have it delivered on Nov. 23 Cost: Whole turkey is $155
Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy Tri-Tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad, and more (served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions). Or, keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd-pleaser.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance Cost: $250 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast that feed six; $90 for Vegan Feast that feeds 2-3 people
Ranch 45 is just what you need to help with holiday hosting. They offer traditional fare with a modern twist that'll impress any foodie at the table. Try their olive oil mashed potatoes or gluten-free carrot cake to switch things up this year—orders are fully cooked, heat and eat.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 21; Pick-up from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Nov. 23 Cost: All items are ordered a la carte; approx. $185 for 3-4 servings
512 Via De La Valle Solana Beach Online: ranch45.com
Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market's catering menu which has something for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey, and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options that are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of pickup date and time Cost: Thanksgiving Extravaganza for 12, $569; Classic Thanksgiving Feast for 12 is $400
Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that's chilled, fulled cooked and ready to heat and eat that serves four and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including four personal pumpkin cheesecakes.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance; pick-up on Nov. 23 from noon-6 p.m. Cost: 4 servings for $175
Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a smaller Family Meal that serves four and you’ll get an herb-roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and a choice of two sides (everything comes chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions). Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pastry chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others. Order early, they sold out last year!
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Order by Nov. 20; Pick-up on Nov. 22 or Nov. 23 Cost: A la carte sides $18 each; desserts are $24-$59; A turkey plate that serves one is $24; Turkey Family Meal serves four for $100; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 is $169
Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and pecan or pumpkin pie.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 18; Pick-up times are based on store hours—delivery is also available Cost: $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib for a group of four
Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door—all dinners are freshly cooked with no reheating is required! Just put it on the table and eat. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with two classic side dishes to choose from, and add on an apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie for only $15 extra.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hrs notice; Schedule a time with the restaurant for pick-up, delivery is available for an additional charge Cost: Servings are for 10 people, $179 for turkey dinner, $199 for beef brisket dinner, and $179 for spiral ham dinner
Southern California's go-to artisanal bakery for all things encased in crust, Pop Pie Co. will whip up your Thanksgiving pie the morning you need it. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 17 or until they’re sold out; Pick-up Wed Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $35/pie
Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb and Pumpkin. Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more. Many of these options are gluten-free so be sure to ask.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders with 72 hrs advance notice; Pick-up times are based on order Cost: $20-$35/pie
Wondering where you can sit down for Thanksgiving dinner in Seattle? Make a reservation at one of these kid-friendly restaurants
For some, there’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving. Others prefer a turkey that isn’t dry or burnt. All kidding aside, what makes the holiday special is spending time with loved ones and family, whether it be in your home or at a favorite restaurant. When it comes to enjoying Thanksgiving dinner in Seattle, families have options. Whether you’re hoping to have a chef cook the meal for you or you want to bring home a prepared meal for the day, we’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly restaurants that are offering delicious Thanksgiving dinner for families. So, sit back and relax. It’s time to let someone else do the cooking for a change.
These Seattle Restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day
Goldfinch Tavern
1. Goldfinch Tavern
At Goldfinch Tavern, an Ethan Stowell Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, Executive Chef Brian Doherty and his team are really going all out this year. The festive brunch/dinner begins with an appetizer buffer (fruit, house-made pastries, seafood, charcuterie, cheeses, Ellenos yogurt parfaits, and salads), a choice of entrees (roasted Tom turkey, shaved Iberico ham, roasted dry aged Wagyu striploin, smoked king salmon, or Delicata squash cannelloni) and finishes with an amazing dessert buffet. The kids will gobble up their own menu with also an appetizer buffet (fruit pops, organic vegetable crudité, house-made strawberry granola bars, peanut butter & jelly pizza, and pastries), a choice of entree (turkey platter, salmon, chicken tenders ,or mac & cheese) followed by a dessert buffet (including an apple pie "chips 'n dip" and pumpkin whoopie pies).
Good to Know: Bottomless mimosas are $25/person
Date: Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Cost: $150/adult; $70/kids, ages 3-14. Plus a 20% service charge.
With outstanding views of the Snoqualmie Falls and River, The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa provides the perfect backdrop for your Seattle Thanksgiving dinner. The traditional feast will include a three-course meal starts off with either butternut squash soup or a winter chop salad (dried cranberries, Beecher's cheese, candied pecans and a honey vinaigrette). Then it's on to tougher choices—do you stick with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner or go with the rosemary garlic prime rib, pan-roasted king salmon or wild mushroom raviolo? Pumpkin mousse or bourbon pecan tart finish off the decadent meal. If upscale is how your kiddo rolls, this is definitely the spot to be. The children's menu is similar but starts with a tomato soup.
A sweeping view, twinkling lights and outdoor/tented seating makes Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails a welcoming spot this Thanksgiving. Instead of a set menu this year, Chef Michael Grande is offering a special holiday menu of starters (crispy brussels & bacon, seafood chowder, PNW charcuterie are some of the choices) and main dishes that include roast turkey (with wild mushroom stuffing, potato puree and sage gravy), wild mushroom gnocchi and salt-crusted prime rib. For dessert, enjoy the pumpkin spiced cheesecake or apple cobbler.
Expansive views of Lake Washington are only part of what make this Thanksgiving Day celebration special. The other is spending it with your family. Water's Table Restaurant invites you to celebrate the harvest with a sit-down dinner with your family from their lakeview dining room or the spectacular Grand Ballroom. The adult buffet includes the obligatory roasted turkey as well as ham, king salmon, and a seafood bar. You'll also find a composed Waldorf salad, cauliflower & potato soup, roasted marble potato, chestnut stuffing, and more. Kids can feast on Caesar salad, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, pizza, and fruit. Everyone will enjoy the selection of desserts including mini pecan pies, mini apple tartlets, pumpkin spiced latte choux, and cranberry chocolate pots de crème.
Good to Know: Children ages 1-6 will have complimentary access to the buffet.
Date: Nov. 24, noon-7 p.m. Cost: $95/adult; $23/kids, 12 & under. An additional 18% gratuity will be added.
1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Renton, WA Online: waterstable.com
Flora Bakehouse
5. Café Flora
When it comes to vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving meals, Café Flora is hard to beat. This year their families can once again dine at the restaurant (inside or outside their heated outdoor patio) and enjoy a fabulous four-course feast. It includes a bowl of heriloom potato and celery root soup; fresh radicchio, frisee and Belgian endive salad; a puff pastry with porcini mushroom cream sauce or delicata squash stuffed with quinoa, wild rice and root vegetables; a variety of sides and either pumpkin pie or bourbon peacan pie for dessert. Kids can celebrate with a menu that consists of cauliflower tots with housemade ranch dressing, a green salad with apple, grapes and pomegranate and a Shepherd's pie. Make your reservation by calling 206-325-9100. Online reservations aren't available.
Good to Know: Take home a pie (pumpkin or bourbon pecan) or fresh-baked caramelized onion rolls from The Flora Bakehouse for your feast at home. They will be available for pick-up Nov. 23.
Bring the kids to sit down at Hearth on Thanksgiving for a three-course meal. This Eastside restaurant puts its signature on each creative dish so things taste familiar but excitingly different at the same time. Choose the traditional three-course roasted turkey dinner or go off the board with a meal of braised short ribs, pan-roasted wild salmon or roasted squash risotto. Finish off with pumpkin cheesecake (with a cranberry compote) or apple tarte tatin.
Sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal that you don't have to cook at this Bellevue restaurant. It's Thanksgiving the way you would cook it, without the hassle. The three-course meal, designed by Chef Jason Wilson and Chef de Cuisine Thomas Cullen, is described as a "refined and classic meal with choices for everyone in the family ranging from turkey to squash to Wagyu.
The Lakehouse also offers a "Thanksgiving To Go" menu. Pickup is Nov. 23 between 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Items will be fully cooked with re-heating instructions included. The traditional home package includes all-natural turkey breast and thigh, dinner rolls with sage butter, wild mushroom stuffing, roasted garlic-miso mashed potatoes, cranberry preserve, brown buttered Brussels sprouts, sprouted ancient grains and squash salad and individual pumpkin pies. The cost is $61/person. Vegan and children's meals as well as ala carte options are available too.
They may be known for serving the best steak in town, but The Metropolitan Grill may earn a new place in Seattle families' hearts with their Thanksgiving Meal delivery which is back this year due to popular demand. Executive Chef Stan Ross and his staff have worked hard preparing a delicious feast that includes all the fixings so you don't have to. Wondering what you'll serve? Choose from prime rib, Kurobuta ham with citrus-honey ginger glaze or herb roasted turkey for your main. Then prepare to dig into classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, traditional stuffing and brussels sprouts. And for dessert there's mini pies (apple and pumpkin) sized just-right after a filling meal.
Good to Know: The take home meal serves four people and orders must be placed by November 16. Meals are available for pickup or delivery.
Chef Makini Howell has been preparing vegan Thanksgiving dinner for over 16 years and this year is no exception. Expect the same creativity and passion in this year’s take-home feast that feeds four. It will include the classic maple glazed seitan roast, mashed potatoes, skillet gravy, flavorful sides like bacon green beans, sweet cornbread, citrus pear cranberry sauce and everybody’s favorite (especially your kiddo’s) mac and yease. Save room for the salted caramel apple pie. These feast feeds five to six people. Ala carte options are available as well.
The Husky Deli's Thanksgiving meal is becoming legendary. It's back once again! It comes with more than just Husky's beloved ice cream too (although that's definitely a perk). No matter who's sitting around your table this year, you can easily pull off the perfect Thanksgiving because this prepared meal includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, green beans and a half gallon of the ice cream goodness mentioned above. It'll feed 5-7 people and just needs to be reheated. All you have to do is remember to place your order by November 21.
Pick-up: Nov. 23 Cost: $185
4712 California Ave. S.W. Seattle Online:huskydeli.com
The best places to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles whether you make a reservation at a local restaurant or pre-order your Thanksgiving dinner to-go
This Thanksgiving, let someone else do the cooking with delicious dining out and takeout options from some of LA’s best restaurants and grocery stores. And while these restaurants aren’t necessarily spots where your kids can run around while you eat, these make our list of best family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the LA area. Of course, if you’re not (mentally) prepared for a sit-down dinner with the kids, check out our list of reheat feasts at home with family—we’ve got you covered from turkey and yams to potatoes and pie—including intel on an incredible new service that just may make this the best Thanksgiving yet. Make as little, or as much, as you want. The best part? Besides not being stuck cooking in the kitchen all day, you’ll be supporting local restaurants, too! So sit back, slip into those stretchy pants, and get ready to make this the best turkey day yet with a Thanksgiving dinner reservation or Thanksgiving take away meal in Los Angeles. PS: This is a great way to save your energy for the season’s next big to-do—finding a Christmas tree in LA!
The Best Los Angeles Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner
Mr. C Beverly Hills will be offering a four-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, Nov. 24 from noon-9:30 p.m. for $95 per person and $45 for children aged 5-12. A live harpist will perform while your family dines on delicious items like homemade butternut squash ravioli, oven roasted turkey with mashed sweet potatoes, bacon wrapped asparagus, and pumpkin pie with meringue.
We can’t think of a more beautiful space to spend Thanksgiving with your family. The Belvedere at the Peninsula Beverly Hills is offering a plated four-course dinner from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. that will make your mouth water. The menu is filled with delights like house made corn bread, saffron risotto, organic roasted turkey, dry aged prime beef New York strip steak, spiced pumpkin pie and a miso caramel apple bar. The price is $175 per person and is $75 for kiddos ages 12 and under. Live jazz music will be featured throughout the day as well.
Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors this Thanksgiving, there’s not a bad view to be found at The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. A musical duo will serenade your party while you savor creative takes on the holiday that include a three-course meal filled with house-made pumpkin ravioli, carved Diestel turkey breast, slow roasted prime rib, and a trio of pies—pumpkin, apple and pecan. The price is $185 per person and kids 12 and under are $65.
One of our absolute favorite restaurants is The Little Door. Known for its charming atmosphere and fantastic food, it’s the perfect place to dine under the glow of twinkling fairy lights. On Nov. 24, they'll be serving delicious fare from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. for $85 per person. Off-menu items like chicken and pasta are also available if kids would rather have something different (i.e. the restaurant is flexible). The menu includes items such as local burrata and wild arugula, oven roasted turkey breast, vegan chicken pot pie, grilled heirloom carrots, chorizo corn bread stuffing, cranberry relish, pecan pumpkin pie and bread pudding.
Enjoy a beautiful day with family and superb views of the city at Boxwood at The London West Hollywood. A three-course menu is served all day with such highlights as baked Alaskan king crab, traditional turkey, filet mignon, English toffee pudding, and pumpkin mille-feuille. From 5 p.m.-11 p.m. that evening, there will be live instrumental music as well. Adults are $95 and kiddos ages 12 and under are $47.
Indulgent American classics are the name of the game at Yardbird. The dine-in a la carte Thanksgiving menu includes pear, pomegranate and arugula salad; Charleston she crab soup; herb roasted Yardbird turkey dinner; lobster mac and cheese; melted leek potato gratin; crispy Brussels; biscuit stuffing; green bean casserole; and brown butter bourbon pumpkin pie.
Good to Know: Yardbird is also offering takeout Thanksgiving dinners. See below!
One of the benefits of celebrating Thanksgiving at 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach is the breathtaking ocean view. On Nov. 24, the restaurant will offer a prix fixe menu for $125 a person. Selections include house-made focaccia, truffle caviar mousse, heritage turkey, dry aged wagyu New York steak, Santa Barbara spiny lobster, a pumpkin cheesecake tart and mango sorbet. If your tot would rather have something simple, they’re welcome to order an entree from the regular kid’s menu or request something a la cart from the lobby lounge. After your meal, take your brood for a leisurely stroll on the sand.
Want to spend the holiday in a lush secret garden? Well, Fia in Santa Monica is the spot for you. With a gorgeous patio and cozy interior space, Fia feels more like stepping into someone’s warm and welcoming home than a restaurant. At $95 per person, your brood can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal served family style with butternut squash soup, heirloom greens, a choice of entrées and sides, and finish off with a slice of pie.
For a Turkey Day with poolside vibes, hit up Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue at the Viceroy Santa Monica. The prix fixe menu features favorites like creamy clam chowder, roasted honey nut squash, turkey breast, Pinot Noir braised osso bucco, mac and cheese, creamed corn, crispy Brussels sprouts, s’mores, apple pie ala mode and vegan pumpkin spiced baklava. Adults are $125 and kids are $50. The menu is also available for takeout as well.
This year, Lillie’s at The Culver Hotel is offering a prix fixe Thanksgiving feast from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. filled with rosemary Parker Rolls, butternut squash soup and plated entrees like roasted turkey breast, NY striploin, sweet potato gnocchi, Brussels sprouts, vadouvan roasted carrots and chef’s seasonal pie. The price runs $75 for adults and $45 for kids.
Etta’s chef has curated a magnificent four-course prix fixe menu to delight your family this holiday season filled with hearth roasted olives, roasted Brussels sprout salad, bubbling shrimp, fire-roasted turkey breast and confit thigh, melted leek and mushroom stuffing, charred sweet potatoes, black truffle Parker House Rolls, and pear and cranberry cobbler. Adults are $95 and a kid’s menu is available for littles ages 12 and under for $40.
Santa Monica gem, Lunetta, is offering in person dining (as well as takeout) this Thanksgiving. If you’d like to dine at the restaurant, it’s $95 per person or if you prefer your food to go, it’s $110 per person. The three-course prix fixe menu features notables like Maine diver sea scallops, roasted chestnut soup, oven-roasted all-natural Mary’s Heritage maple herb turkey, six-hour slow-cooked osso bucco, dark chocolate ganache French tarts, pumpkin pie and a variety of sides for $10 each.
Enjoy Turkey Day on the waterfront in Marina Del Rey with a four-course brunch from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Whiskey Red’s. There is lots of yumminess to be had with selections like pumpkin chai pudding, a chilled seafood platter, dragon fruit Waldorf salad, crab cakes Benedict, French toast, salt-roasted turkey, mini pumpkin bites, white chocolate pecan bars and cheesecake. Adults are $65 and children are $35.
Nothing’s more American than spending Thanksgiving in…Paris. Downtown’s gorgeous restaurant, Le Petit Paris, features a prix fixe menu from noon-9:30 p.m. with items such as butternut squash soup, tuna tartare, turkey roulade, mushroom risotto, pumpkin tiramisu and tarte tatin. A kid’s menu is also available with turkey and mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. The price is $85 per person and $40 for kids ages 10 and under. After your meal, take your littles next door to the adorable pocket playground at Spring Street Park.
As the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi, 71 Above features stunning 360-degree views of the City of Angels. For the holiday, the restaurant is featuring a prix fixe menu that is perfect for the more adventurous eaters in your crew. With items like golden beets, carpaccio, octopus, turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, mac and cheese, grilled broccolini and pumpkin cremeux, you’re sure to be stuffed by meal’s end. Dinner costs $95 per person and $45 for children aged 12 and under.
633 W. 5th St., 71st Flr. Los Angeles Online:71above.com
Caldo Verde
Chef Suzanne Goin turns out a feast to remember with a three-course menu featuring items like herb-roasted organic turkey with sourdough stuffing and cranberry sauce or a vegan extravaganza featuring sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild mushrooms persillade. A festive assortment of Thanksgiving desserts will also be served. Adults are $110 and children under 12 are $55.
A small neighborhood joint tucked between Larchmont Village and Hollywood, Kali, is a sweet spot to dine this Thanksgiving. Courses will be served family style for $85 a person with dishes like pumpkin risotto, autumn salad, turkey from Mary’s Farm, spiced pork collar ham, rosemary bread stuffing, roasted Tahitian squash and pumpkin pie. Kids are allowed to split a portion of food amongst themselves for one price if they wish.
For a rock 'n’ roll Thanksgiving that’s super casual and relaxed, Hard Rock Café Hollywood is serving a classic holiday meal filled with slow-roasted turkey breast, roasted fresh veggies, homestyle stuffing, sweet potato mash and pumpkin pie. There will be a kid’s Thanksgiving menu as well. And the price ain’t too bad at just $39.50 per person.
If you fancy an afternoon at The Americana at Brand, we highly recommend spending Thanksgiving at Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse, Bourbon Steak Los Angeles. For $125 per person, you’ll enjoy live music and delicious delights like autumn squash and apple soup, warm truffle Caesar salad, roasted heritage turkey, braised beef short rib, salmon Wellington, mac and cheese, gratin, creamed spinach, a pumpkin spice candy bar and pecan dandy cinnamon roll. There will be a kid’s menu available as well at a reduced price. After your meal, take a leisurely walk around the Brand which will be festively decked out for the season.
For a tasty Thanksgiving brunch and breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley, Castaway is a great bet. The restaurant will feature a four-course brunch menu from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with appetizers and desserts to share, plus plated entrees like filet and eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, lobster Benedict, and salt-roasted turkey. Adults are $92 and children are $35. They will also serve an a la carte dinner later that evening from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
With a stunning view of Granada Hills, a Thanksgiving brunch at Odyssey is a special treat. The four-course brunch from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. will feature festive platter of chilled seafood, charcuterie, salad, steak and eggs Benedict, wild mushroom pappardelle pasta, salt-roasted turkey, and an incredible platter of desserts. An a la carte dinner menu will be available later in the evening from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. as well. Brunch is $79 for adults and $35 for children.
Spend Thanksgiving overlooking the Pacific when you dine at Geoffrey’s in Malibu. The restaurant will feature a mouthwatering three-course menu with selections like creamy zucchini soup, creamy butternut squash bisque, roasted pumpkin salad, roast turkey roulade, grilled filet mignon, pan seared day boat scallops, pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate crunch bars. The cost is $89 per person and $65 for children under age 12.
Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, iconic Saddle Peak Lodge is the ultimate Thanksgiving spot that feels more like a getaway. Settle in next to a roaring fireplace and enjoy a prix fixe menu filled with pear salad, lobster bisque, braised then roasted pork belly, roasted free range turkey, vegan quinoa apple stuffing, pumpkin pie, and mini chocolate fudge brownies. Adults are $130 and children 12 and under are $65.
Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Rancho Palos Verdes
Terranea Resort
Come and celebrate the holiday at Terranea’s Thanksgiving Champagne Ballroom buffet with plenty of incredible food and live entertainment. Buffet selections will include an apple cider pressing station, carving station, seafood display, chestnut stuffing, sweet potato puree, market vegetables, a fruit and salad bar, charcuterie, and mind-blowing dessert bar. Adults are $119, kids ages 5-12 are $59, and littles under 5 are free. Seatings are available starting at 12:30 p.m.
100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes Online:terranea.com
Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Pasadena
The Langham Hotel
The Langham Hotel is one of our favorite places to visit during the holiday season and with good reason. The hotel is festively decked to the nines and features two wonderful options for dining on Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy a delectable buffet brunch in The Huntington Ballroom from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. with an amazing array of carving stations, homemade pastries, fresh salads, to-die-for desserts and more. A live trio will also provide music for the occasion. Prices are $175 for adults and $85 for kids ages 3-12. If you’d like less of a buffet scene, check out the three-course prix fixe menu from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse with honey brined turkey breast, maple glazed root veggies, and orange butter cake. Adults are $145 and children ages 3-12 are $75.
If you find yourself in the OC on Thanksgiving Day, Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort is hosting a decadent buffet brunch that includes roasted butternut squash soup, a variety of salads, brown sugar glazed yams, rosemary mashed potatoes, turkey stuffing, a chef’s carving station with a mouthwatering selection of meats, as well as an array of desserts. Adults are $89 and kids are $29. Seatings are available from noon-2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Below are some of our favorite spots that are offering mouth-watering Thanksgiving-themed dinners for pre-order and pick-up across LA. But what do you do if you don't want to commit to just one delicious spot and would rather get your favorite pie from that amazing bakery in Northern California and a family-style serving of your favorite mashed potatoes from San Diego? Enter Locale—the food delivery service that offers family-style meals, baked goods and more from local favorites like Bouchon Bakery and Frog Hollow Farms, along with a slew of other noteworthy restaurants, cafes and grocers. It's like shopping from the best of the best, with one low delivery price of $5. Thanksgiving pre-orders are now open.
Slab BBQ: Celebrate Thanksgiving Texas style when you order Slab BBQ’s Thanksgiving Dinner Package. It includes a whole smoked turkey (serves 4 - 6 people), turkey gravy and Slab BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, mac and cheese, collard greens, dinner rolls, and a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All orders must be received by Nov. 19. Pick-ups will take place Wed., Nov. 23 and Thurs., Nov. 24 with multiple timeslots for your convenience Cost: $275 for package
Bludso’s Bar & Que: We can attest that Bludso’s has some of the best Thanksgiving takeout in town. Their Thanksgiving Combo comes with a whole smoked or fried turkey, collard greens, sweet potato mash, cornbread stuffing and a side of gravy. Sweet potato and Mexican lime whole pies are available for dessert as well, along with additional a la carte sides. All orders come cold with heating instructions.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: There is no order deadline, but get your order in sooner rather than later as they almost always sell out of items each holiday—especially turkeys. Pick-ups are Wed., Nov. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thurs., Nov. 24 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: Smoked turkey combo is $225 and fried turkey combo is $265. Whole pies are $38
Yardbird: Get a delish Thanksgiving meal to go with a dinner from Yardbird. Small and large size packages are available for any size party and come with herb roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, biscuit stuffing, green bean casserole, bourbon brown butter glazed yams, fresh cranberry relish, biscuits and giblet gravy. A la carte options are available as well like Yardbird fried chicken and brown butter bourbon pumpkin pie.
Order Deadline and Pick-up: Orders must be placed by Wed., Nov. 23. Pick-up dates are available at a variety of times on Wed., Nov. 23 and Thurs., Nov. 24. Cost: The small package is $290 (serves 2-4 people) and the large package is $550 (serves 6-8 people)
FIG: Fig’s Thanksgiving To-Go package feeds up to 8 guests and includes all your holiday faves such slow-roasted free-range turkey; salad with red endive, arugula, grilled pears; house-made spiced cranberry compote; sweet potato puree; roasted Brussels sprouts; sautéed green beans; and pumpkin pie.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders must be placed no later than Tues., Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. Schedule your meal pick-up time for Thurs., Nov. 24 between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $395 per package
The Kitchen for Exploring Foods: This well-regarded catering company is offering Thanksgiving Gourmet To-Go packages that serve 8-10 guests. The meal includes a 12-14 lb. turkey, Parker House Rolls, a choice of three salads or sides, and dessert. For an additional cost, you’re welcome to add other items as well. Reheating instructions are provided for items that are served hot.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders must be received by Fri., Nov. 18 at noon. You can pick up your meals on Wed., Nov. 23 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Cost: $450 per package
Joan’s on Third: Joan’s on Third is consistently ranked among Angelenos' fave food places for takeout—especially when it comes to holiday fare. A creative menu of a la carte items are available for Thanksgiving including zucchini fritters, oven roasted turkey, corn pudding, mac and cheese, maple brown sugar yams, roasted autumn vegetables, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and so much more.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders must be in by Fri., Nov. 18 at noon. Ordering sooner rather than later is recommended since some items will sell out before the deadline. Once you’ve ordered, instructions will be sent for a drive-thru pickup at the Third St. location on Wed., Nov. 23. Cost: Prices are a la carte
Maple Block Meat Co.: Maple Block Meat Co. is offering a variety of delicious foods to-go this Thanksgiving. Peach wood-smoked turkeys are available a la carte in a range of sizes depending on how many folks you need to feed, and boneless turkey breast is an option as well. Sides like buttermilk biscuits, cornbread-sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, braised greens and Brussels sprouts mare available to purchase as a package or a la carte along with additional sides, desserts, and snacks.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders are due by Fri., Nov. 18. Pick-ups are offered on Thurs., Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Prices are a la carte.
Jar: Jar will be closed this Thanksgiving but is offering a wonderful meal for takeout instead. A prix fixe menu is available to-go with such items as chestnut chickpea soup, roasted breast of turkey, cornbread and turkey sausage stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, turkey gravy and Tuscan kale. There are several items available a la carte as well and reheating instructions are included.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders must be placed by Sat., Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. Pick-up day is Wed., Nov. 23 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m Cost: The meal for four is $400 and the meal for eight is $790. A la carte items are priced separately
Kitchen Mouse: Kitchen Mouse catering is offering a delectable vegan and gluten-free package this Thanksgiving that feeds 4-6 people and includes turkey (soy), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, spiced yams and cranberry sauce. A smoked tofu turkey, additional vegan sides and desserts are available a la carte as well.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All orders must be received by Fri., Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. Pick-ups will be Wed., Nov. 23 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: The vegan Thanksgiving package is $170 and all other items are priced separately
Superba: Superba would love to tackle the cooking for you this Thanksgiving with an array of tasty to-go items for your special day. Their Turkey Day menu includes whole roasted turkeys, glazed beeler’s heritage ham, sausage stuffing, brown butter green beans, mashed Yukon gold potatoes, mac n' cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, Cinderella pumpkin pie, classic pecan pie and much more.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: The deadline to order is Thurs., Nov. 17 at noon, but some items may sell out before then. Pick-ups are available on Thurs., Nov. 24 at 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Cost: Items are priced a la carte
Malibu Farm: Malibu Farm will cook “everything but the turkey” this year when you order their Thanksgiving sides kit that serves 4 - 6 people and includes sweet potatoes, corn bread stuffing, brown and wild rice, green beans and roasted red pepper, asparagus and roasted beets, arugula salad with blue cheese and walnuts, mushroom gravy, and chocolate pumpkin bread pudding with tequila sauce. Reheat instructions are included.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Pick-up is Wed., Nov. 23 and Thurs. Nov. 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: $290 for a sides kit
23000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu Online:malibufarm.com
Akasha: Akasha’s annual "Thanksgiving At Home" feast is consistently a big hit. However, they will not be offering turkeys this year due to a national shortage and their own labor shortage. But they are still happy to feature a fine selection of sides and desserts to make your holiday a little less work. A la carte items serve 4-6 guests on average and include mouthwatering sides like herb roasted mushrooms, organic Yukon gold mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, gravy, cranberry chutney, as well as desserts such as pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan pie and much more.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Orders must be placed by Wed., Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. Pick-ups may be scheduled for Wed., Nov. 23 from 1 p.m-8 p.m. Cost: Items are priced a la carte
Wexler’s Deli: Wexler’s Smoked Bird Thanksgiving Dinner serves 4-6 people and features a whole smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, challah stuffing, Santa Monica Farmer’s Market big salad, and autumn squash soup. For an extra $50, you can also devour a pumpkin or pecan pie baked fresh by artisan bakery, Cake Monkey.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: There is no deadline for ordering, but restaurant suggests to get your order in early just in case items sell out. Cost: Dinner is $350, dessert and caviar are extra.
Wexler's Deli Santa Monica & DTLA Locations Online: wexlersdeli.com
Even More Restaurants & Grocery Stores for Thanksgiving Take-Out
Veggie Grill: Pick up their plant-based “Feast for 4” meal kit for $75 and add on dessert for an additional charge. Pre-order by Wed., Nov. 16 and pick up Tues., Nov. 22 or Wed., Nov. 23.
Boston Market: Their easy heat and serve Holiday Banquet Menus make the day feel much more relaxing. Schedule a pick-up window online ahead of time.
Honey Baked Ham: Delicious turkey feasts and a la carte items are ready to go, saving you loads of shopping time and headache.
Bristol Farms: The deli department is serving up fully cooked holiday meals, meats, sides and desserts. Pick-ups are available at scheduled times on Wed., Nov. 23 and Thurs., Nov. 24.
Whole Foods: Holiday meals in a variety of sizes and price points are available for reheating at your leisure. Pick-ups are available from Fri., Nov. 18-Thurs., Nov. 24.
Tired of cooking the turkey every year? Put your feet up and let these Chicago restaurants serve up Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasting—not freaking out about meal planning or burnt birds. Skip the hassle of time-consuming food prep by treating yourself and your loved ones to a Thanksgiving dinner that didn’t come from your kitchen.
Even better, there’s plenty of options on how to make the most of this special holiday meal. You can order provisions to-go, have Thanksgiving dinner catered, or do one better . . . and dine out. From smoked turkeys to pumpkin pies to all the traditional fixins’, Chicago’s best chefs have you covered. You only need to decide one thing: dine at your table or theirs?
Eataly Thanksgiving might not be an Italian tradition, but Eataly believes in giving thanks for bountiful harvests and fresh ingredients. Their turkeys are organic and raised humanely, so you can bring the signature Italian quality to your Thanksgiving feast. Complement your meal with their curated salumi & fromaggi board of cured meats and cheeses, freshly baked bread, or go for a selection of fresh seafood platters. Complete the meal with housemade Torta di Mele (apple tart) or Tiramisù della Nonna.
Pre-order before Nov. 19 by emailing Eataly at chi-catering@eataly.com. Available for pick up only November 23 & 24.
43 E. Ohio St. River North Online: eataly.com
Whole Foods Whole Foods has catered Thanksgiving meal packages for up to 12 people. They even have a vegan option for four. Meals includes sides such as green beans with roasted shallots or cranberry orange sauce. Order must be placed at least 48 hours in advance of pick-up.
Alinea
For the first time, world-renown Alinea is offering a Thanksgiving Dinner for either four or eight people. Indulge with baked brie en croute, roasted garlic and sage stuffing, cranberry and orange compote, and more. Be even more decadent by adding on French Winter Truffle Mac & Cheese.
Farmhouse Evanston Farmhouse is known for their hearty Midwestern comfort food, making them a great Thanksgiving Day option. Their Thanksgiving Buffet will run from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and includes classics like turkey, ham, buttermilk smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, maple candied yams and more. $44 per person, $21 for children 10 and under.
I|O Godfrey I|O Godfrey at The Godfrey Hotel invites guests to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving buffet featuring staffed action stations. This festive meal prepared by Executive Chef Alfonso Martinez offers something for everyone. $59 for adults. $15 for kids. Additionally, I|O is offering Thanksgiving To-Go for those doing home celebrations for 8-10 people. Thanksgiving To-Go orders must be placed in advance by Nov. 23rd.
Maggiano’s
Enjoy Thanksgiving family-style at Maggiano’s. Maggiano’s is serving up a three-course menu plus balsamic tomato bruschetta compliments of the chef, two pasta dishes, and two additional sides. Add a pitcher of sangria or rum punch!
Various locations throughout Chicagoland Online:maggianos.com
River Roast What could be better than feasting riverside for Thanksgiving? River Roast will be serving up a spectacular Thanksgiving dinner featuring herb brined & roasted turkey, grilled carrots, stuffing with house sausage, whipped Yukon potatoes and more! Finish it off with carrot cake, apple cobbler or pumpkin pie. $75 per person. Kids under 10 eat free.
RPM Steak
RPM Steak‘s special Thanksgiving Feast features local turkey breast, halibut, or a prime mid-west strip steak alongside traditional holiday sides and pecan pie. The four-course holiday spread is $105 per person.
The Smith Indulge in a three-course prix fixe menu with a choice of turkey three ways—roasted breast, braised leg or turkey pot pie, along with other options for non-turkey lovers. Dinner is $75 per person and includes fixings for the whole table.
Tortoise Supper Club Have turkey or hand-carved prime rib, and save room for the iced oysters and decadent pumpkin pie, at Tortoise Supper Club's Thanksgiving Grand Buffet on Thanksgiving Day, 11:45 a.m.-8:15 p.m.
Wildfire
Enjoy a family-style Thanksgiving dinner featuring roasted turkey, glazed salmon, beef tenderloin and all the traditional side dishes. Gluten-free items will also be available. The meal costs $64.95 per person, and $29.95 for children 12 and under. If you’re entertaining family and friends at home, Wildfire is also offering a Thanksgiving Party Platter Menu of all your favorites for carryout.
Locations in Chicago, Oak Brook, Lincolnshire, Schaumburg and Glenview Online:wildfirerestaurant.com
Restaurants That Will Cater Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago
BLVD Steakhouse Toss the apron and make room for BLVD. Chef Johnny Besch has prepared a special menu full of Thanksgiving favorites for pickup Nov. 23 with offerings like confit turkey legs, brussel sprouts, and PQB sourdough stuffing. Order via BLVD's tock.
FireLake Enjoy Executive Chef Leonard Ventura's delicious food at home. The special Thanksgiving to-go menu includes packages that serve up to 12 people and include turkey and ham, served with imaginative and traditional sides like fire roasted mushrooms with crispy shallots, maple glazed yam and apple, green beans, cranberry stuffing, cheddar herb mashed potatoes with cider gravy, and more.
Frontier A hot Wicker Park restaurant specializing in game, oysters and tap brews brings the bounty to your home with their Thanksgiving-to-go package. Executive Chef Brian Jupiter offers guests the option of ordering a whole smoked Amish turkey to-go. The antibiotic- and hormone-free turkeys are offered cooked and cooled. Available sides include five-cheese mac & cheese, traditional mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, Brussel sprouts and string beans. Orders must be placed by Fri., Nov. 18, with pick-up up to Thanksgiving morning from 9 a.m.-noon. Meals can also be enjoyed in-house.
Prairie Grass Cafe Prairie Grass is taking all the thinking out of Thanksgiving dinner with a preset family-style meal, with wine pairings if you'd like, available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day. Orders must be placed by November 18, but beware, they may sell out!
The Smoke Daddy
Whole turkeys at this Wicker Park and Wrigleyville BBQ bastion are slow-smoked until heady and crisp; opt for Southern-style pulled turkey if you prefer your birds on the tender side. Or, skip the turkey this year and go with a glazed ham. Since families can’t exist on meat alone, the restaurant has housemade cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy at the ready, available by the quart. Orders are being taken through Nov. 18th for pickup on Nov. 22 & 23.
Weber Grill
Thanksgiving is finger-licking good when you’re greeted with a whole smoked turkey feast, and Weber Grill has flavor-filled party platters featuring all your fave fixins. We’re talking about maple whipped sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, Weber sausage stuffing, and classic pumpkin or apple pie. Whole turkey orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 18th. All other orders must be placed by Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Pick-up with reheating instructions on either the 23rd, or Thanksgiving Day between 10am and noon.
And, if you want Weber Grill to do all the heavy lifting, the restaurants plan to be open and are accepting reservations for a three course turkey dinner. $39.95 for adults. $15.95 for children under 12.
Fresh Picks In the spirit of their mission to make fresh, organic food readily available to everyone while supporting local farms, Fresh Picks is offering a Thanksgiving option. For those who would like to serve a locally grown feast, Fresh Picks features locally grown produce commonly found in holiday recipes. It's a great way to support local businesses, with the added benefit of skipping the grocery store lines. Plus, turkeys will additionally be available to order through two different Fresh Picks farms. Orders can be placed now!
Meal Village Meal Village offers affordable locally made, non-subscription-based comfort food on a same-day delivery basis. Look to them for all your made-from-scratch sides and sauces.
Take the stress out of the holiday this year at a local restaurant serving the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland
Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday filled with food, family, drink, and pleasure. With a side of complete kitchen destruction and a sink full of dishes. Don’t get us wrong, that can be a fun piece of the party too. But if this year, all that clean up feels like a little much, don’t fret—these Portland restaurants are making it easy for families (but a few extra tips always help). They’re serving up the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland so you and the kids can focus on what matters most during this time of year—each other.
These Portland restaurants are open on Thanksgiving (and they’re family-friendly too)
Situated in downtown Portland inside the Woodlark Hotel, the Bullard Tavern prides itself on its ability to bring Texas hospitality to Oregon’s wide variety of dining options. Perhaps you’d like to visit the restaurant in person on Thanksgiving this year? It's as easy as making a reservation through Tock, and then sitting down to all your favorite Thanksgiving staples (the restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) served a la carte. Hint: The Thanksgiving Plate is stacked with traditional faves. Or perhaps you’d like to swing by and grab a meal to-go so you can eat in the comfort of your own home? You can do that at Bullard Tavern too. Be sure to place your order for the family dinner box (serves 3-4) soon and schedule your pick-up for November 23. Our tip? Don't forget to add a dessert to your order when you do.
Sophisticated and contemporary, you can expect a thoughtfully curated Thanksgiving buffet at this Portland restaurant. While there will definitely be turkey (butter and herb roasted free-range, organic) on the table, families will also find some Spanish-Mediterranean influenced dishes there too. Maple Glazed Garnet Yams and Sautéed French Beans are a sampling of the sides. And mini tarts and yogurt strudel finish up the meal. Make reservations to enjoy this no-work dinner (for you anyway) between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Urban Farmer is a modern steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Portland. Inside the Nines Hotel, this class A restaurant offers high quality meals made from locally sourced produce and fresh butcher cuts. Did we mention that the restaurant is situated in the 8th floor atrium? But the view is not the only thing you and the kids can enjoy at this restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving from noon to 9 p.m. Salad and flatbread start things off before the first course. Then choose from salmon, ham, NY strip, or honey and thyme roasted turkey breast for the main course. They have a veg option too. Sides and desserts mirror traditional favorites with a few unexpected twists. You'll need reservations to dine here.
Round up all your dinner companions and shuttle them down to Portland’s SE waterfront for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Portland at Clarklewis. Clarklewis is an Italian-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant that has been serving Portland locals for 2004. Sit down to enjoy your meal anytime between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Ham, salmon, and (of course) free-range organic turkey will be the centerpieces of this scrumptious meal. Other notable noshes include Apple Butter Spaetzle, Potato & Oregon Wild Mushroom Gratin, and Cider Braised Collard Greens. Mini tarts finish off the feast. Be sure to claim a spot on their reservation list soon so you can enjoy locally sourced dishes in their upscale converted warehouse.
It's hard to go wrong at a McMenamin's property. Whether you're staying for the weekend, stopping into one of their restaurants, or just wandering around trying to take it all in. This year, bring the kids to a casual Thanksgiving dinner at the Courtyard Restaurant at the Kennedy School. In addition to their regular pub menu, families can order Thanksgiving specials cooked to perfection. They have vegan options available too. Be sure to call for reservations soon.
Make a family date and head to the Grand Thanksgiving Buffet at Hudson's Bar & Grill for the easiest Thanksgiving meal ever. The kids will enjoy finding all their favorite fixings at the buffet table like sweet potatoes and yams, cornbread stuffing, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies too. The Chef Carving Station will include Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Relish and Smoked Prime Rib. Of course they'll be serving some sweet treats like pumpkin pie and the restaurant's croissant bread pudding for dessert. Get a reservation while you still can.
Cost: $60/adult; $25/kids, 6-12 (+ tax and 20% gratuity)
