Thanksgiving Dining
With Thanksgiving approaching, families again turn their thoughts to enjoying great holiday feasts together.
This Thanksgiving, many of our favorite restaurants and banquet facilities in the Chicagoland area will be serving impressive buffets and offering special menus, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without all the work that goes into preparing the big meal. And no need to worry about clean up — these fine establishments will do all the work as you relax and share time with your family.
Thanksgiving catering is available as well, if you'd prefer to spend the holiday at home. Entire feasts can be ordered, packaged hot and ready to take home.
Reservations may be required
Be sure to check the restaurant or banquet facility website or call them directly to confirm reservation policies; some sell out rather quickly. For catered meals and fresh desserts, you'll typically need to place your order well in advance.
Popular Establishments Open for Thanksgiving Dining in the Chicago Region:
Jimmy's Charhouse in Libertyville will be serving their famous turkey plate with all the trimmings, plus the regular menu in the dining room, while also offering a carry-out package that serves 12-16 people (see "Catered Thanksgiving Dinners..." below). One of Chicago's favorite northern suburban restaurants, Jimmy's will be open 11am - 8pm on Thanksgiving. To learn more, visit the Jimmy's Charhouse Libertyville website or call them at (847) 549-9900.
Mill Creek Banquets in Wauconda (newly re-opened) will be providing both breakfast and lunch buffets on Thanksgiving. Breakfast will feature typical breakfast fare including omelettes and eggs, carved meats, bisquits and gravy, waffles, french toast, pancakes, hash browns and sausage. Brunch includes roast turkey, roast beef, baked ham, fried or lemon pepper chicken, baked cod, fried shrimp, mostaccioli and meatballs, hashed and sweet potatoes, sweet corn, green beans almondine, salads and fruit, and desserts. For more information, call (847) 865-3393.
D'Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake is open each Thanksgiving from 11am - 4pm, with a special family buffet offering traditional favorites like roast turkey and baked ham, and lots of non-traditional options including roast sirloin of beef, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, baked cod, baked mostaccioli, and fettuccini alfredo. All of this is accompanied by mashed potatoes, dressing, glazed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, soup, assorted veggies, and desserts. D'Andrea Banquets manager Pete Spentzos has enjoyed watching families coming Thanksgiving at the banquet site for the last 12 years. “It’s always fun to see families gathering here for our popular buffet feast. Our Thanksgiving customers come back year after year for their favorite dishes." Reservations are recommended. To learn more visit the D'Andrea Banquets Thanksgiving page or call (815) 459-7234.
Jameson's Original Charhouse in Arlington Heights will be open from 12-noon - 10pm, serving a special Thanksgiving menu with roast turkey, ham off-the-bone, roast duck, steaks and chops, lobster and seafood, chicken, all your favorite trimmings, appetizers and salads, and our famous burgers and sandwiches. Awarded the best steak house in Arlington Heights, Jameson's They'll also offer a special wine list for the event. See Jameson's Thanksgiving page or call them at (847) 392-7100 to learn more.
Omega Restaurant Pancake House & Bakery in Downers Grove will be open from 7am to 3pm on Thanksgiving, serving both their regular menus and turkey dinner options. Also, you can order your holiday pies (at least two days in advance) for take-out. Call them at (630) 963-0300 to learn more. Visit the website for Omega Restaurant in Downers Grove
Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights Will be offering what they consider an upscale Thanksgiving experience. Open from 11:30am - 8:00pm, they'll be serving roast turkey, prime rib of beef, steak & lobster, roast duckling, fresh halibut and salmon, plus other favorites. Owner John Sellis says the low-key setting at the famous restaurant is a nice draw at Thanksgiving. "Our restaurant is known for its friendly and subdued atmosphere and on Thanksgiving Day we certainly encourage people to enjoy themselves in our warm and cozy dining areas and lounge." To learn more about the holiday at Palm Court, call (847) 870-7770. Visit the Palm Court website
Andrew's Open Pit and Spirits in Park Ridge will offer their "Traditional Thanksgiving Feast" including turkey with all the trimmings, as well as their famous homemade pumpkin pie. Visit Andrew's Open Pit website. To learn more about the holiday feast, call them at (847) 824-3800.
Cary's Family Restaurant in Cary will be open 6am - 3pm, serving their regular menu plus traditional Thanksgiving fare. Cary's menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as beer and wine selections. Learn more at Cary's website or by calling (847) 516-4300.
Catered Thanksgiving Dinners in the Chicago Region:
Kappy's American Grill in Morton Grove is offering a full catered Thanksgiving feast, featuring turkey with stuffing, salad, maple-whipped sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Orders should be placed by November 23rd. Learn more about Kappy's Thanksgiving catering by calling (847) 470-1900. Visit Kappy's American Grill website.
D'Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake, as well as being open for a buffet on Thanksgiving, will be offering a full catered dinner package with turkey and all the trimmings (serves 10) for pickup between 11am and 4pm. Orders should be placed ahead. Visit their Thanksgiving page (see Family Style To Go, lower half of the page) or call (815) 459-7234 for more information.
Jimmy's Charhouse in Libertyville, in addition to being open for diners on Thanksgiving Day, will offer a full carry-out family package that serves 12-16 people. Manager John Kokkinos adds, "There’s nothing like our Family Carry-Out Package which includes a 22lb. whole turkey, real mashed sweet potatoes, pine nut stuffing, salad, vegetables, cranberry sauce, two pints giblet gravy and a whole pumpkin pie." To learn more, visit the Jimmy's Charhouse Libertyville website or call them at (847) 549-9900.