Thanksgiving for those who don't want to cook

Thanksgiving can be a hectic time. Extended families in town, blended families celebrating on alternate days, and children with food allergies - all compounding the holiday stress.

We want to help give your family more time to connect and less time spent planning.

I love Thanksgiving food so much that my friends once threw me a birthday dinner in June that was a full-on Thanksgiving meal!

I get it though - not everyone is that enthusiastic about turkey. Or maybe it's tough because of food allergies or dietary preferences. We have some top pics to make everyone happy.

Wildfire Steaks, Chops, & Seafood:

Not just turkey! With take out for smaller at home celebrations

If you need 1 or 2 portions for a cozy, intimate meal at home, Wildfire offers take outs in single portions on Thanksgiving Day, starting at $36.95 per portion.

Wildfire definitely has more to choose from for your dine out or take out experience than other restaurants and the price to match it.

Menu: Plenty of appetizers, salads, mains, sides, and desserts to choose from, with multiple sizes for everything but the appetizers. They even offer slices of pie!

Take out: Family platters of Thanksgiving menu items available for carryout on Wednesday, November 26 and Thursday, November 27. Single portions pick up on Thursday only.

Dine in: Thanksgiving Day: $74.95 adults; $29.95 for children (12 and under)

Locations: 5 locations in the Chicago area including:

• Wildfire Chicago- West Erie Street
• Wildfire Oak Brook
• Wildfire Schaumburg

Weber Grill Restaurant:

The Meat Specialists

Weber Grill offers a full Thanksgiving menu for a solid price.

Menu: Turkey, salad, 9 sides, and 2 pies to choose from.

Dine in: includes an appetizer, 3 sides, and a pumpkin bundt cake.

Take out: pay each side separately; platters to-go available in 2 sizes on Wednesday or Thursday. Half-order feeds 4-5 people; full-order feeds 8-10 people.

Thanksgiving Day: $42.95 adults; $19.95 for children (under 12)

Whole turkey orders must be placed by Friday, November 21 and takeaway orders by Monday, November 24th.

*All kids’ menu options include seasonal vegetables; Wednesdays 50% off wine; Sundays kids’ meals are half off with adult entrée,; Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 3-6pm. Gluten-free items are identified on their main menu (no on the Thanksgiving menu).

Locations: 3 locations in Chicago area:

• ‍Weber Chicago, North State Street
• Weber Schaumburg
• Weber Lombard

Seasons 52:

Seasons 52 offers salmon and tenderloin of beef as Thanksgiving alternatives, with a cheaper price tag than others.

Menu: Turkey/Salmon/Beef Tenderloin, 5 sides, and pumpkin pie

Take out: Platters that can feed 4-6 people

Thanksgiving Day: $42 adults; $19 children

Locations: Nation-wide chain with 2 in Chicago:

• Seasons 52 Oak Brook
• Seasons 52 Schaumburg

*The standard kids menu has a few options that including a side of green beans (Yay vegetables for kids!), detailed allergen and nutritional information for the non-holiday menu is available online.‍

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants:

Something for Everyone- Even the kids!

Founded in the Chicago area (Orland Park), this nationwide chain continues to be one of my personal favorites for their wine selection. They serve a variety of tasty meal options and are willing to make accommodations so it’s often a good choice for gatherings, especially since my children like the food here!

Thanksgiving meal is available alongside their normal menu, which is perfect for families who need more options. A detailed gluten and allergy menu are available for you to be informed before you go.

Menu: Turkey, 5 sides, and Eli's Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake

Take out: 6 person platter available on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day: $36.99 adults; $15.99 children (12 and under)

Locations: Nationwide chain with 19 locations in Illinois including

• Cooper's Hawk Oak Lawn

*They offer a great children's menu (kids get fresh fruit and side, which include broccoli), gluten free and allergen guide, happy hour, wine tasting, and brunch options too.

Replay Andersonville:

Best Vegetarian Menu and small groups

Replay is an arcade sports bar in Andersonville. It is also the only place I’ve found with a specific vegetarian menu with delicious options available. No wonder - the Thanksgiving menu was created by Chef Bernardo Ibarra

Menu: soup, salad, main (vegetarian mushroom risotto with 2 sides or turkey with 4 sides), and spiced pumpkin bread pudding for dessert.

Dine in or Take out: $35 for dinner for one or $60 for dinner for 2

Location: Relay, Chicago, North Clark Street

Little Goat Diner:

Pies! Pies! Pies!‍

You may have seen Chef Stephanie Izard on Iron Chef or Top Chef. She owns this cute place with vegan options. While they don’t have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, they do offer special pies available for pick up on Wednesday, November 26.

Apple Gjetost, Pecan, or Chocolate Shake French Fry Pies. YUM!

Location: Little Goat Diner, Chicago, North Southport Ave

*While the regular menu has unique menu items, the kids menu does not include fruit or veggies. Fruit cup is $5. Kids eat free on Tuesdays; Wednesdays $6 house wine.

Whether you are planning to celebrate solo or in a large group, at home or heading out, you live downtown or in the burbs, we hope you enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal with your loved ones.

‍*We do our best to keep information updated. Please check restaurant websites for reservation details, order deadlines, and specific pick-up times.

👋 Hi! I'm Alisa, a Nugget Local Hero, a web designer based in Chicago suburbs, and a dedicated mom to two creative and curious children. We love exploring the world together, whether sampling amazing local cuisine or embarking on global adventures. We love to volunteer, share joy, and make genuine connections wherever we go.