We’ve always entertained the family (~20 people), but just don’t feel up to it this year. Thinking it might be fun for everyone to go out to dinner instead - something we never do as a group anyway. Has anyone done Thanksgiving at a restaurant and if so, what are you thoughts and experiences?
I did once, at one of the Taverns in colonial Williamsburg. It was great! The only drawback was the lack of leftovers.
We did travel to get there though.
I would look for a place near you that has a good selection of dishes you all love and a festive atmosphere. If there’s 20 of you - would you want to separate into several groups at different tables or try to rent out a room?
We haven’t, because those prices are usually crazy. But we have often done Christmas Eve dinner out and always had a great time.
For that number of people, have you considered preordering it all made? Local places, markets, or delis often offer the whole shebang.
D2 and I did it every year when she was in college (I went to her). We had a couple of great meals, and a couple not so good. It was just the two of us, not a big group. I guess I’d say it is better if you’ve been to the restaurant and know you like it.
We started going out for Thanksgiving a few years ago and love it! We have family members that don’t love turkey so they are able to get whatever they want, no one is stressed out, no hours of prepping and cleaning, and it’s easier for the host (usually me) to relax and enjoy the time with family. Highly recommend.
We might have to do an out of town dinner, as well, since my son doesn’t have time to come home.
We’re unfamiliar with the non-chains. So we’re having to do some research. We’ve done meals out of town which have been okay, but typically they have been funny disasters!
It’s fine if you have to, but much better at home. Turkey is pretty easy - but I get it, sometimes you just don’t feel like it.
I suggest doing something that will reduce the burdens on you while retaining the positives of a family holiday gathering. If going to a restaurant fits the bill, do it.
I grew up doing this. we got a cabin in the woods, and went to a nearby town for Thanksgiving. It was always a treat, and certainly less work for everyone concerned, aside from the drive to the cabin.
we went out last year on thanksgiving - it was my birthday and i was Not going to cook - and it was amazing. We went to flemings; they gave everyone in our party of 16 full meals in personalized boxes to take home! Loved it! wish we could afford to do it every year! We had a very hard time finding a place that could seat 16 I will say. Sounds like it’s quite busy out there. start making your calls now.
We have had Thanksgiving family dinners at McCormick & Schmick’s. They usually have a prefixed Thanksgiving menu and it’s always packed.
We go to my parents. They are in their 80s. We don’t eat out but get a take home from Boston Market or Marie Calendars. Not as tasty as homemade but it’s easy and we can be together.
Just checked and they already seem to be taking reservations.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Join us on Thanksgiving for our main dinner menu as well as a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast. Roasted turkey, soups, salads, stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, pies and more. $29.50
We haven’t actually eaten at a restaurant for Thanksgiving, but we have utilized special Thanksgiving pre-prepared meals from local restaurants at times. Typically you order a couple weeks in advance then pick it up a day or two before and everything is all packed up separately with reheating instructions. It does make for a nice relaxing day for sure.
Yes. First couple of years with my H we were invited by an elderly lady he knew to a family style T’day dinner.
One year we visited son in Seattle and needed a restaurant. Big hint- make reservations before the day! H and son wouldn’t get around to it so we ended up at a fine place but very limited choices for where and when. In our old city there were advertised T’day dinners and buffets as I recall.
Currently we may have just the two of us or a few extras. I need to scale back on my favorites to avoid far too many leftovers. Hard when only one person eating the olives or a vegetable…
The important thing is to enjoy oneself, not to worry about must haves (keep reminding myself of that every year). Traditions change with ages and stages. I think of my childhood meal and what I kept, discarded and added. Now need to do it again. Instead of a feast save some for other days…
Back to the group at a restaurant- EXCELLENT idea. Anyone who would rather have the home meal can do the hosting- including all of the work- themselves. Time to hang up that apron and enjoy.
“We’ve always entertained the family (~20 people), but just don’t feel up to it this year.”
" Anyone who would rather have the home meal can do the hosting- including all of the work- themselves."
Another thing to consider is divvying up the workload better. I used to think I had to do it all for holidays but have realized I have competent help in the form of young adult children/nieces & nephews. They actually enjoy getting involved.
I will rise from my grave to prevent my loved ones from eating Boston Market or god forbid McCormick!
Check your local non-chain, Zagat restaurants.
We have! But, we are a small nuclear family of three. Even when the in-laws would come up, we were only a family of five. My husband’s sister spends the holiday with her husbsnd’s family.
I have done it at home, but it stresses me out, even though I really like to cook. I had a mis-time on the turkey one year. So, last time I hosted in my house, I had the turkey done by the butcher and did all the rest, which is still a lot of work. The butcher carved the turkey ahead of time after it was cooked. You don’t get that Norman Rockwell photo op with the whole bird, but it was sooooooo easy.
We used to belong to a country club and would do their buffet - HUGE variety of choices. When ds was in college we went to him twice. One of those times, one of his friend’s family hosted us - it was lovely! The other time we went to to Flemings. And, yes, we got leftovers as well - it was great!
Fil passed away two months ago, so mil is coming to spend a week with us. Not sure if ds is going to make it or not. At most we will be four people. I have made a reservation at a local restaurant that serves a Thanksgiving meal along with some limited choices from their regular menu. It’s a nice option for those who aren’t fans of turkey.
OP, I would definitely suggest getting reservations NOW if you decide to go that way. I called earlier this week, and even with just a party of four, they had some time slots filled up.
My H refuses to (let me) pay for the increased prices on T-day but for the past couple of years we have gone out to eat with the kids and their SO’s a day or two before. This year, D’s bf’s siblings will be in NY and they will join us (their parents live in Europe and won’t be in this year). Last year, we went to an Indian restaurant. We haven’t selected this year’s yet. A couple of my sons and I don’t like turkey and D is vegetarian.
A few years ago, I decided that I was not cooking for the holidays any more. We started by ordering in for Rosh Hashana and it worked so well that we have moved up to ordering for Thanksgiving. Once we started ordering in for T-day, we were able to go watch D run in a local Turkey Trot. I get a small turkey and it lasts H a few days with leftovers. I still cook some of our personal favorites. Last year, for Christmas, since MIL didn’t come, I finally got my long desired childhood wish of Chinese food for Christmas.
I have friends who used to go to the Milleridge Inn for T-day every year. It was a big of a schlep for her brother and family, but they did it because my friend’s son is autistic and couldn’t handle a long drive. She loved it.
I would recommend making reservations early.
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is eating the leftovers, so I’m glad I haven’t done Thanksgiving in a restaurant often. The year my Dad was assigned to the UN we had Thanksgiving at the Harvard Club. It was buffet style, pretty tasty, and a lot of fun. Another year, when my parents lived in Virginia and we had some extra in-laws we all schlepped to the Sweetbriar resort in West Virginia. I thought it was a bit of a drive, but they put on a good spread. Also buffet.