EVERGREEN PARK, IL—Many independent restaurants in the Evergreen Park-area will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving. But some local and regional favorites are taking reservations, giving Evergreen Park 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.
Around the EP area, options include:
Barraco's, 3701 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park —The 24/7 Barraco's in Evergreen Park is offering Has a Thanksgiving dinner package starting at $150 ($160 if you want the turkey carved), including a 10-12 pound turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, a dozen rolls, cranberries and pie. Other catered packages are also offered, as well as individual turkey dinners for pickup and delivery. Everything is served hot and ready to eat. Order online. Barraco's will also be offering a dine-in buffet on Thanksgiving Day for $35 adults, $25 children 12 and under from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations required for dining in, call 708-424-8182. Please note that all other Baracco's locations will be closed on Thanksgiving. The restaurant will not stop taking Thanksgiving orders. See the full holiday menu.
Chuck's Southern Comfort Cafe, 6501 S. 79th St., Burbank — Chuck's is offering an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet for dining in from noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 27. $45 for adults; $20 kids 4-12; children under 3 are free. Chuck's also offers a catered Thanksgiving Day dinner for 8 to 10 guests, for $220, but you better get your order in now. Reservations required, 708-229-8700. See the full menu.
Cooper's Hawk, 4830 W 111th St., Oak Lawn—Chef Matt McMillin has also planned an amazing "heat & serve" package for six with all the delicious flavors and trimmings for your Thanksgiving table for $199.99. Order today because these packages are selling out fast. Pick up your kit Nov. 25 or Nov. 26. Cooper's Hawk locations are also offering dining in on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) in addition to the regular menu, adults $36.99, kids 12 and under, $15.99. Reserve your table.
Francesca's Thanksgiving Day catering will be available at all locations. Orders must be placed by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 24, and picked up on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) from noon to 4 p.m. Dinner (serves 5-6) $199 or $99 (serves 2-3).
Francesca's Vicianato, 12960 S. LaGrange Rd., Palos Park—Is offering a special Thanksgiving Day buffet, $62 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations accepted online or by phone, 708-671-1600. Ask about catering.
Francesca's on 95th, 6248 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn — Is offering a special Thanksgiving Day menu, as well as the regular menu from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations accepted online or by phone 708-598-7007. Ask about catering.
Harvest Room, 7164 W. 127th St., Palos Heights – Harvest Room will be serving Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are REQUIRED, 708- 671-8905. Currently taking reservations. No reservation, no dinner.
Jenny's Steakhouse and Pub, 11041 S. Menard Ave., Chicago Ridge—A Thanksgiving buffet will be served from noon to 7 p.m., adults $49.95, under 12, $22.95. Limited grilled steak and lobster menu available. Jenny's is also offering a heat-and-serve dinner, including turkey, ham and all the trimmings, for $195 plus tax serving 8-12. Reservations required, 708-229-2272 or jennyssteakandbanquets@gmail.com.
Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn (South Side Social/Ambassador Room), 9333. S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn—The Hilton is offering a full Thanksgiving dinner buffet from 2 to 6:30 p.m. featuring soup and salads, handcrafted options, mains (with vegetarian and gluten free options) and optional add-ons. Tickets $46.35 plus tax and 20% gratuity. Reservations on EventBrite.
Eddie Merlot's Steakhouse, 201 Bridewell Drive, Burr Ridge— Eddie Merlot's will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and serving a special, three-course, turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as well as our dinner menu full of signature items. Adults $84, children 10 and under, $34. If you are celebrating the holiday at home, place your pre-order online and have your holiday meal available for takeout or delivery, prepared by us ready for you to take and warm at home. Three-course Thanksgiving take-and-warm options are portioned for 5 or 10 people. Available for pickup 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 25, or 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday Nov. 26. Dinner will be picked up cold with reheating instructions. Available for pre-order until Nov. 25, dinner for 5, $249; large dinner for 10, $475. Reservations accepted online or by phone, 630-468-2098.
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.
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.
The Capital Grille: Thanksgiving plate includes slow-roasted turkey, brioche sage stuffing, French green beans, cranberry-pear chutney and mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake cost extra. Full dinner menu is also available; the national page does not list a price.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., featuring both Thanksgiving menu, and a caramelized prime rib special is available from 4-9 p.m.
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