Chicago Thanksgiving Guide
by Kirsten Ballard
Thanksgiving can be fraught with perils; uncles dropping political hot takes, aunts asking why you’re not married yet, your mom’s opinions on your bangs… and don’t even get us started on the stress of cooking. This year, make your Thanksgiving a little easier and eat out. Skip the grocery shopping, defrosting, frantic googles about how to truss, and get ready to gobble until you wobble with our Chicago Thanksgiving guide.
Photo Credit: Matt Haas
River Roast
Spend Thanksgiving on the river instead of sweating over the turkey. River Roast is hosting a Thanksgiving day chef table on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll be featuring their hand-carved roasts and sides like “carrots and dirt” with pumpernickel crumbs, goat cheese, and balsamic. Dinner is $60/person with the option to add on seasonal craft cocktails. Kids ages five to 12 eat for $18. Make reservations here.
River Roast, 315 N LaSalle St., (312) 822-0100
Photo credit: Huge Galdones Photography
Travelle at The Langham
Friendsgiving just got fancy. Instead of contributing paper plates to the potluck, convince your group to go to Travelle at The Langham. Enjoy a prix-fixe menu or buffets with all the trimmings. The buffet has 14 stations and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $175/person. If you want a more traditional sit-down dinner, Travelle is offering a three course dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $90/person. Get more details here.
Travelle, 330 N Wabash Avenue, (312) 923-7705
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About Last Knife
Saving your money for the sales instead of food? Then About Last Knife is for you. This steak bar has a Thanksgiving plate at $26, stacked high with roasted turkey breast, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Fill up before hitting the stores for those early Black Friday sales. Make reservations here.
About Last Knife, 168 N Michigan Avenue, (312) 392-2440
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
Make a new tradition at Jake Melnick’s. Their brunch was a surprise favorite this year and on Thanksgiving, they’re offering a tasty meal for under $35 a person from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy turkey, cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, and more, before ending with a slice of classic pumpkin pie. The best part? No dishes!
Jake Melnick’s, 41 E Superior St., (312) 266-0400
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The Godfrey
The kids’ table got a makeover at The Godfrey’s family Thanksgiving. This annual event goes from noon to 7 p.m. and has a buffet feast of all the fixings, from a carving station to chocolate fountain. After eating, the kiddos will be entertained in a game room. And it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without football, which you can watch throughout the feast. The dinner will cost adults $59/person and children are $15. Make reservations here.
I | O Lounge, 127 W Huron St., (312) 649-2000