This time of year the common idea seems to be that Thanksgiving is about the food, but in reality it’s about family and friends. So don’t feel bad if you don’t feel like sweating over a kitchen on Thursday as long as you’re with loved ones. Here are some Chicago restaurants who would love to do the cooking for you and might still have reservations available.
Tortoise Club
350 N. State St.
For a classic take on Thanksgiving Day dinner don’t miss out on the Tortoise Club’s holiday buffet. Enjoy mouthwatering staples like brown-sugar-brined turkey, celery root mashed potatoes, and apple-sage cornbread stuffing. To add some variety take advantage of the iced seafood bar, meats and charcuterie, and house-smoked salmon. Pricing is $79 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under, and children 3 and under are free.
DMK Burger Bar
2954 N. Sheffield Ave.
If you want to skip that whole fancy dinner affair but get the same flavors then DMK Burger Bar has the perfect burger for you. The Gobbler is a burger that includes a little bit of Thanksgiving in every bite. The sandwich includes two turkey patties, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and celery, with a housemade cranberry relish on top. If you’re not able to have it tomorrow then don’t worry as it’s available for the rest of November.
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S. Michigan Ave.
For some Latin flare to go with your Thanksgiving make sure to go to Mercat a la Planxa, who already have a deliciously comforting fall menu. For the holiday enjoy a three-course dinner that includes Ruta de Xato al Mercat, a salad made with house smoked salmon, bitter greens, Cornicabra olives, and nora chile picada; as well as Mercat’s signature truita de patata made with potatoes, eggs, smoked wild char roe, and potato aioli. The star of the meal has to be the pavo in the style of turkey ballotine with razor clam stuffing and sherry pan gravy. The Thanksgiving menu is $75 per guest and it’s available from 3 p.m. until close.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks
41 E. Chestnut St.
1 E. Upper Wacker Dr.
If you want to stick back to the classics then head to both of McCormick and Schmick’s locations in the city. Their roasted turkey dinner includes butternut squash bisque, walnut mixed greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread stuffing, seasonal vegetables, apple squash casserole, and cranberry sauce. Pricing is $24.99 per adult and $9.99 per child 12 and under.