15 ways to get out of cooking on Thanksgiving
Don’t want to cook on Thanksgiving? You’re not alone. The National Restaurant Association expects that about 33 million Americans will dine out at restaurants on Thanksgiving this year.
“More and more people are relying on the convenience of dining out for their holiday meals,” says Iowa Restaurant Association president and CEO Jessica Dunker. “Families are still together under one roof without the time commitment of cooking and cleaning — meaning more quality time with loved ones.”
If dining out is in your cards, pick up a phone first and make a reservation at one of these 15 restaurants in the Des Moines area that plan to be serving up Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26.
3610 Sixth Ave.
515-244-4104
The Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner Inc. returns to Chuck’s with free dinners for dining in or carrying out. Make a reservation at 515-262-4605.
50 SE Laurel St., Waukee
515-987-9604
Can’t afford a big spread? Don’t want to spend the holiday alone? Head to Mickey’s in Waukee from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free traditional Thanksgiving buffet lunch. Of course, donations are accepted and go to Mentor Iowa.
Marriott, 700 Grand Ave.
515-245-5500 ext. 5708
Head to City Center Lounge from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a buffet that includes turkey with a cranberry bourbon sauce, red skin mashed potatoes and more.
12801 University Ave., Clive
515-224-1300
Granite City serves Thanksgiving dinner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can get a limited menu of slow-roasted pork, Atlantic salmon, pot roast with all the fixings including mashed potatoes and stuffing served family style for $25.95 per person. After 2 p.m., the restaurant features its regular menu until 8 p.m. This marks the third year Granite City has been open on Thanksgiving.
11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale
515-270-6818
The Machine Shed throws a fundraiser to benefit Wildwood Hills Ranch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a minimum $15 donation for adults and $7.50 for kids under age 12. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and pumpkin pie are among the dishes. It’s an all-volunteer staff for this buffet.
666 Grand Ave.
515-244-2582
Join the Embassy Club for their brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note, join means pay for membership to the club. But those who are members can land a $32.95 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5-12 buffet that includes shrimp, oysters, smoked salmon, Iowa baked ham, a roasted turkey and breakfast dishes such as eggs Benedict, bacon and sausage. Membership starts at $80 a month and goes up from there.
Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona
515-957-3535
AJ’s plans to have several chef’s specials along with the regular menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Note that no traditional Thanksgiving day meal will be served.
Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona
515-967-1000
Perhaps the most insane lines will form from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Triple Crown Eatery, which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with all the Thanksgiving fixings for $23.95. Do save yourself the headache of waiting in line by calling in advance for reservations.
1112 Willis Ave., Perry
515-465-3511
Breakfast and lunch items make the Thanksgiving brunch buffet at the Hotel Patee from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $24.95. Kids under age 10 even get their own buffet for $9.95.
West Des Moines Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines
515-267-1500
The Thanksgiving brunch buffet at Two Rivers Grille runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $26 for adults, 20 percent off for seniors and $13 for kids.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, 401 Locust St.
515-284-1267
Head to Bos Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Thanksgiving dishes.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
11701 University Ave., Clive
515-226-9603
Starting at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving, order the turkey n' dressing meal with gravy, samples of sugar cured ham, sweet potato casserole with pecans, cranberry relish, buttermilk biscuits, corn muffins and pumpkin pie for $11.99 for adults and $6.99 for kids. Guests can also order off the menu from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5029 NE 14th St.
515-262-0379
Head to Bonanza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a buffet-style dinner for $15.99.
Call ahead, but most of the Perkins in the Des Moines area plan to serve turkey dinner from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices vary.
Most Hy-Vee grocery stores plan to be open on Thanksgiving, and that means Market Grills serves up Thanksgiving dishes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.