BOLINGBROOK, IL — Many independent restaurants in the Bolingbrook area will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving. But some local and regional favorites are taking reservations, giving Bolingbrook residents a chance to gather around a different table this year.
The appeal isn't hard to understand. Hosting Thanksgiving can mean days of shopping and preparation for a meal that disappears remarkably fast. Dining out leaves more time for the visiting, with no refrigerator puzzle to solve afterward.
It also makes room for a holiday that doesn't look the same for everyone. Some people are celebrating with a partner or a few friends. Others are meeting family halfway, traveling over the holiday or simply ready to retire the roasting pan for a year.
In addition to national and regional chains, the Bolingbrook Golf Club also offers a Thanksgiving Day buffet. Reservations are required, and seating times are from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26.
National chains offer additional choices, from multicourse steakhouse dinners to family restaurants serving turkey and traditional sides. Some also offer their regular menus, welcome news for anyone whose Thanksgiving wishes run more toward a ribeye than a drumstick.
Here's what we know about national chains that are open and their advertised Thanksgiving specials:
Morton's The Steakhouse: Four-course Thanksgiving dinner, including soup, salad, roasted turkey roulade, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and dessert. There is a Naperville location at 1751 Freedom Drive.
Ruth's Chris Steak House: Participating restaurants open early, with a Thanksgiving meal that includes a starter, roasted turkey breast with sausage and herb stuffing, a side and pumpkin cheesecake with vanilla ice cream. Steakhouse favorites are also available. There is a Naperville location at 460 Route 59.
Fogo de Chão: Holiday hours are posted by individual restaurants. There is a Naperville location at 1824 Abriter Court.
Maggiano's Little Italy: Taking Thanksgiving Day reservations for a special family-style dine-in menu. There is a Naperville location at 1847 Freedom Drive.
Cracker Barrel: Open regular hours, with its traditional Thanksgiving meal served starting at 11 a.m. There is a Romeoville location at 1295 Lakeview Drive.
Denny's: Holiday menu includes turkey breast with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, two sides and dinner bread. Bolingbrook location is at 126 E. North Frontage Road.
IHOP: Open Thanksgiving; hours vary by location. Bolingbrook location is at 730 Janes Ave.
Yard House: Participating locations offer a Thanksgiving plate with sliced turkey and gravy or fried Nashville hot turkey, holiday sides and pumpkin praline cheesecake. Located at 412 S Route 59 in Naperville.
Pizza Hut: Thanksgiving openings and hours vary by restaurant.
Wendy's: The chain says many locations open on holidays, including Thanksgiving. Hours vary by restaurant. Located at 396 S. Bolingbrook Drive and 221 S. Weber Road.
McDonald's: Thanksgiving availability depends on the local operator. Bolingbrook locations include: 100 N. Bolingbrook Drive, 840 E. Boughton Road, and 295 N. Weber Road.
Burger King: Participating restaurants may open Thanksgiving, with hours varying by franchise. Check the selected restaurant in the app or call ahead.
Two Bolingbrook locations: 1144 W. Boughton Road, and 331 S. Bolingbrook Drive.
Sonic Drive-In: Thanksgiving participation varies by location. Located at 651 N. Independence Blvd, in Romeoville.
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