Why Cook for Thanksgiving When You Can Eat Your Heart Out?

If you’d rather not fuss over homemade turkey, sweet potatoes and stuffing, there are plenty of dining out options that will keep you stuffed and satisfied, from homey comfort foods to fine cuisine with tons of options in between.

Craving traditional fare and a low-key vibe? Be thankful you don’t have to go very far. Popular pubs and taverns in cities nationwide will be dishing out tasty and budget-friendly holiday fare. Grafton Street Pub and Grill in Cambridge, MA has butternut squash bisque along with gorgonzola and apple stuffed roast pork on the menu, plus cranberry-apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream for dessert. At Tavern 17 in the heart of Philly friends can feast like pilgrims on ginger-orange turkey with pecan crust cheddar and chive mash potato and dried cherries stuffing. Those in or visiting San Francisco can check into The Urban Tavern Gastropub, where a hearty four course menu of holiday eats will be served between 5:30pm – 10:30 pm for only $34.95 a person.

For a more worldly experience, Italian, French and Asian inspired venues will also be mixing things up for the holiday. At Sushi Samba in Chicago and Miami, the special menu includes Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian-style twists on tradition like the appetizer of braised short rib gyoza, kabocha purée, red shiso leaf and smoked ginger soy. In New York City transplants can start the day off as early as noon at The Artisanal Fromagerie, Bistro and Wine Bar where they can dish on classics like duck bourguignon while sharing sides of sweet potato puree and roasted chestnuts & brussel sprouts. And in Washington D.C a  newly renovated Ardeo + Bardero is opening its doors in time for the celebration with a mouth watering menu, so place reserverations now if you want to secure a table.

Of course, taking out and staying in is always a comforting option. Try Parish Restaurant in Atlanta where you can pick up a fresh, organic a la carte Thanksgiving meal – as long as orders are placed by Friday, November 19th at 5 p.m. If you are living in D.C. you can bring in the oyster-stew kit from Perrys and top the night off with one of their nine-inch pumpkin ($12), apple ($15) or pecan ($16) pies.

The reality is that some of you may not be cooking this Thanksgiving, but why freak out when you can let the pros handle the holiday?  A complete list of restaurants with special holiday menus can be found on OpenTable.com or you can download their App to find a table nearby right up until the last minute. And if a meat-free meal is what you are seeking, the VegOut App will make the task easier by providing you with a comprehensive  listing of vegan, vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants at your fingertips.

Lastly, if all you are looking for is some liquid nutrition, the HappyHoured App by Appsolute Media will help you locate bars across the country where cheap drinks will be served to celebrate the holiday or whatever else you may be celebrating!