For some, Thanksgiving hosting at home can spark a lot of joy. But for others, it can be more fretful than fun. So removing the pressure of cooking for a crowd can be a great way to truly soak up the time with those you’re most thankful for. And what better place to do that than at a local restaurant?
Luckily, there are lots of area dining destinations that will be opening their doors on Nov. 27—serving classic Thanksgiving dishes and creative seasonal twists. Here are a few places to consider making a reservation.
The Capital Grille: There’s something nostalgic about those classic holiday dishes. This downtown destination is keeping it simple and delicious on Thanksgiving Day with a family-style prix-fixe featuring turkey, stuffing, green beans, and mashed potatoes. If you’re in the mood to splurge, add-ons include pumpkin cheesecake and pecan-crusted mashed potatoes with hot honey. 500 E. Pratt St. Reservations required. 11a.m.-9 p.m. $50. 443-703-4064
Charleston: If your holiday crew is up for something swanky this year, chef Cindy Wolf’s three-course menu at her James Beard Award-winning Harbor East hotspot might just be what you’re looking for. Choose from starters like sherry-finished shrimp bisque or flavorful fried green tomatoes with lemon-cayenne mayo; main courses ranging from a leveled-up turkey and stuffing plate to a hearty dish of short ribs and Yukon gold potato puree; and desserts such as a buttermilk pumpkin chocolate cake.
The meal also comes with family-style sides (think: slow-cooked collards and autumn-spiced cranberry and wine relish) for passing around the table in true holiday fashion. 1000 Lancaster St. 1-7 p.m. $99 pp. 410-332-7373
Dear Charles: The restaurant inside The Study hotel on the Johns Hopkins University campus will be ready to serve Charles Village locals, as well as students and staff sticking around for break, for breakfast and lunch on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to the regular menu, guests can enjoy a classic holiday plate ($29) including roasted turkey with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. The dessert special of the day will be a delicate pumpkin tart with Chantilly cream. 3215 N. Charles St. 410-424-7788
Glyndon Grill: Get cozy at this neighborhood mainstay in the heart of Historic Glyndon, which traditionally serves holiday turkey with all the fixins’—including pan stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie—as part of its limited Thanksgiving Day menu. Other offerings include fan favorites like classic chicken pot pie and jumbo lump crab cakes. 4844 Butler Rd. Glyndon. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. A la carte pricing. 443-881-4183
Johnny’s: Roland Park regulars will be happy to hear that Johnny’s is sharing its bounty of delicious dishes in buffet form. There, you can have it all, whether you want to start your meal with a flavorful soup or salad, or jump right in with entrees like crab-stuffed fluke, turkey leg confit, and honey mustard-glazed ham. Satisfying sides on offer will include sweet potatos with toasted pecans and maple Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon. 4800 Roland Ave. Reservations required. 11a.m.-6 p.m. $26-$49. 410-773-0777.
Rec Pier Chop House: Gather your loved ones on the waterfront in Fells Point, where the team at the Pendry’s posh Italian steakhouse will be serving its a la carte menu with celebratory holiday additions. Fill up on options such as meatballs, steak tartare, crab cakes, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sweet Italian sausage, and a fire-roasted half chicken, plus seasonal specials. 1715 Thames St. Prices vary. 443-552-1300
Mama’s on the Half Shell: At both locations (including its flagship on O’Donnell Square in Canton and second home at Foundry Row in Owings Mills), this homey seafood spot will prepare a filling meal that starts out with your choice of turkey, ham, or both. Family-style sides—think: oyster stuffing, sweet potato mash, sautéed green beans, gravy, and buttered cornbread—are also included. Multiple locations including 2901 O’Donnell St. Prices vary. 410-276-3160.
Rusty Scupper: If buffets are more your style, look no further. Head to this Key Highway stalwart overlooking the Inner Harbor to enjoy a plentiful Thanksgiving spread for people of all appetites. Guests can look forward to more traditional dishes like turkey and pumpkin pie, as well as seasonal twists on seafood like P.E.I. mussels, local oyster stuffing, and roasted spiced salmon with cranberry relish. 402 Key Hwy. Reservations required. Seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. $46-$99. 410-727-3678.
Rye Street Tavern: Take in glittering views of the Patapsco as you settle in at the Baltimore Peninsula’s sit-down spot. Get started with a seasonal sip—like the Autumn’s Kiss (vodka with spiced pear, cinnamon, and lemon) or NA Apple of My Eye (apple cider, cranberry, orange, clove, and cinnamon syrup)—and a bowl of butternut squash soup before moving on to comforting à la carte plates. Among them will be a turkey dinner with the works, including sausage-sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Not a turkey fan? You can opt for glazed spiral sliced ham in a creamy mustard sauce with potato gratin and green beans. 13 Rye St. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. A la carte pricing. 443-662-8000
The Tillery: If you’re looking for a dining room with plenty of space for the whole fam, consider this chic restaurant inside the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre. The team is putting out a full buffet spread with the classics (turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce), as well as seared rockfish, roasted garlic-sesame crunch carrots, and grilled honeynut squash with apple salad. If you have any room left, tuck into a sliver of apple or pumpkin pie with vanilla whipped cream. 10101 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $77.
*This list will continue to be updated leading up to the holiday.