There are a lot of things to be thankful for this holiday season, and—because of our local restaurant scene—the ability to ditch the pre-Turkey Day prep is one of them.
Plenty of restaurants are open on Thanksgiving, but, if you’re hosting at home or heading to a potluck, there are also seemingly endless carryout options. (If you’re on dessert duty, head over to our ultimate pie guide to narrow down the sweet selections.)
If you want to work smarter not harder, these locally made, ready-to-eat options provide all of the fixings and trimmings. You can thank us later.
Atwater’s: With locations scattered everywhere from Kenilworth to Catonsville, this fan-favorite cafe chain is a holiday one-stop shop. Choose from fully prepared turkey dinners or individual bread, soup, and side options. (Think: Maryland-style sauerkraut and apples or sausage and cornbread stuffing.) Also, the artisanal jams and cheeses are perfect if you’re assembling a Friendsgiving grazing board.
Order deadline: Order by Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. for in-store pickup Nov. 24 and 25.
Blacksauce Kitchen: One quick scan of the holiday menu from this Remington-based barbecue joint is sure to spark comfort food cravings. Included in this year’s lineup is cider-braised turkey, smoked beef short ribs, brisket cornbread dressing, smoked duck pie, coconut milk-braised collards, and, of course, the famous buttermilk biscuits.
Order deadline: All online orders are due by Nov. 21 and can be picked up on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
B’more Made With Pride: The collective of chefs and bakers stationed at this Harford Road culinary hub has put together a takeout menu with all of the essentials. Build your feast around a whole turkey with your choice of spice rub. Sides on offer include crab and shrimp dressing, classic mac and cheese, collard and kale greens, and candied yams.
Order deadline: You can pick up in store Nov. 25 from 5-8 p.m. or Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Or opt for $25 delivery within a 10-mile radius.
BlueStone Restaurant: The team at this Timonium go-to is pulling out all the stops for this year’s take-home feast. Serving six to eight people, the carryout deal includes boneless honey garlic-glazed turkey breasts, buttermilk-chive mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, and gravy. If you’re feeding a crew, add-ons include crab soup by the quart, trays of crispy Brussels, and a family-size salad.
Order deadline: Pre-order by Nov. 20 for curbside pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Braglio Farms: Save time this year by pre-ordering your bird from this family-owned farm in Woodstock. Opt for an antibiotic-free whole turkey (fresh or smoked) ranging from 10 to 20 pounds. Round out the meal with sweet potato casserole, pit beans, country green beans, stuffing, gravy, and more side options.
Order deadline: Reserve your turkey by Nov. 21 for pickup at the farm on Nov. 26.
The Blackwall Barn & Lodge: This Columbia dining destination has you covered with meal deals that highlight herb-roasted turkey or orange-glazed country ham. Each package (you can choose from dinner for two or four) also comes with rolls, whipped mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, apple pie, and sage and apple stuffing with golden raisins.
Order deadline: Fill out the online order form for pickup Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Capital Grille: Set the table with seeded rolls, brioche sage stuffing, cranberry-pear chutney, French green beans, pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey, and other carryout sides from this downtown steakhouse.
Order deadline: Pickups can be scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26.
The Classic Catering People: Per usual, this Owings Mills caterer is offering a stellar selection of eats and treats. Catering for a crew includes a full feast, plant-based package, individual holiday plates, or a “Everything but the Turkey” deal that includes all of the classic sides. Additionally, a la carte options range from candied bacon twists and stuffed cremini mushrooms to corn pudding, three-cheese mac, and pumpkin samosas. (No, no one has to know you didn’t make them.)
Order deadline: Order by Nov. 19 for pickup or delivery on Nov. 25.
The Corner Pantry: Mouthwatering holiday fare—such as Albright Farms turkeys, caramelized onion dip, roasted butternut squash soup, Scotch eggs, and scallion nutmeg mashed potatoes—are ready for your holiday table when your order from this Mt. Washington mainstay.
Order deadline: Place your order by Nov. 20 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dear Charles: If you’re keeping it cozy at home, this charming tavern inside The Study hotel on the Johns Hopkins University campus is offering a heat-and-eat meal for two. Included in the feast is roasted turkey breast with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and two requisite slices of pumpkin pie.
Order deadline: Pre-order online by Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 25.
Eddie’s of Roland Park: This Roland Park fixture is once again rolling out its famous holiday feasts. Choose from the traditional hand-carved or whole turkey dinners, and accentuate the main event with seemingly every side dish imaginable—from creamed spinach and green beans Almondine to seasoned sauerkraut to smoked gouda potato gratin.
Order deadline: Place your order with 72 hours notice for pickup or delivery.
The Gourmet Girls: Let the experts at this Pikesville market handle the cooking this year. The holiday menu boasts all the classics—from turkey, stuffed chicken, and brown sugar-glazed ham to all of the sides. Picture dishes such as candied sweet potatoes with glazed pecans, roasted autumn vegetables, bourbon-glazed carrots, sweet and sour sauerkraut, and roasted red potatoes with parsley butter.
Order deadline: Place orders ASAP for pickup Nov. 24 and 25 from 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m.
Gundalow Gourmet: Take the pressure off by letting the team at this local staple—headquartered at The Shops at Kenilworth—take the reins. Pre-order casseroles, vegetables, and baked goods to compliment the bird. Highlights include herb turkey roulade, mascarpone mashed potatoes, mushroom and leek stuffing, and honey-thyme roasted carrots.
Order deadline: Place pre-orders online ASAP for pick-up Nov 25.
Our Time Kitchen: Per usual, the culinary experts at this shared kitchen in Old Goucher are offering plenty of scrumptious dishes for the holiday. Pick and choose dishes from individual chefs to curate your entire feast.
Gems on offer include Holy Moli’s jerk chicken and rack of lamb; Elevated Kitchen’s spiral ham; More than Enough by Chef Lisa’s Southern fried corn and sausage dressing; Socialized Catering’s pork belly; Milloh’s Brazilian Picanha steak; First Legacy’s soul eggrolls; and Cane de Sucre’s vegan cornbread stuffing.
Order deadline: Pre-order ASAP for pickup.
Santoni’s Marketplace & Catering: When it comes to catering, this Glyndon market operates like a well-oiled machine. The holiday menu offers all the usual favorites, plus Maryland-inspired spins like Chesapeake-style oyster stuffing and crab-stuffed mushroom caps.
Order deadline: All orders must be placed by Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. for pickup starting Nov. 21. (Get a free gift card if you order specific packages by Nov. 18.)
Seasons 52: Pick up your turkey dinner at this wine bar and grill in Columbia. Feeding groups of four to six, the Thanksgiving box packs all the classics plus mini pumpkin pies.
Order deadline: Orders should be placed by Nov. 23 and picked up on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Soul Kuisine Cafe: Another great option to embellish your holiday table this year, Soul Kuisine is offering heat-and-serve meals that will make holiday prep seamless. The customizable dinner includes herb-roasted turkey wings, pan gravy, cornbread, your choice of three sides, and sweet potato pie for dessert. Add-ons include baby back ribs, cabbage, and jumbo lump crab cakes.
Order deadline: Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 for pick-up at Harborplace on Nov. 25 by 3 p.m.
Taste This: Nothing says comfort food quite like the menu at this Southern spot, which operates locations in Charles Village and Lauraville. The special holiday package serves 25 and includes a slow-roasted turkey or pineapple-glazed ham, plus stuffing, rolls, and two additional sides like slow-cooked collards or candied yams.
Order deadline: Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.
This list will be updated.