Whether you choose to splurge and take the family out, get a little help with side dishes or outsource dessert, here are some options for Thanksgiving dinner. Be sure to make reservations, act quickly and keep checking back for updates.
DINE IN
Birch's on the Lake
A Thanksgiving buffet is available from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A carving station with turkey breast and New York strip is accompanied by peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked trout, egg bake, smashed potatoes, brown butter sage stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, harvest salad, Parmesan spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole and desserts. Adults $60, kids 12 and under $25, 3 and under free. 1310 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, 952-473-7373, birchsonthelake.com
The Brooklyn
D'Amico Catering will be cooking a Thanksgiving Day buffet at Edinburgh USA from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, wild rice salad, mixed greens, rolls, green bean casserole, dressings, sweet potatoes with brown butter and pecan crumble, baked mac and cheese, fresh fruit and pie. Adults $39.95, kids 12 and under $16.95. 8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park; reservations at 763-315-8527 or exploretock.com/thebrooklynrestaurantbar.
The Capital Grille
It's all about tradition (with an upscale twist). Dinner includes slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans with marcona almonds, cranberry-pear chutney and mashed potatoes; pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey and pumpkin cheesecake are extra. Adults $47, kids $17. 801 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-692-9000, thecapitalgrille.com
Dakota
Have Thanksgiving dinner with Jearlyn Steele and Friends. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings is available for preorder for $35 when you buy show tickets ($25-$35). The regular menu is also available, too. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299, dakotacooks.com
Herbie's on the Park
Located near St. Paul's Rice Park, Herbie's will have a Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon-3 p.m. featuring roasted turkey, maple bourbon ham, sausage-wild rice stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, vegetables, house salad, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and dessert. Adults $35, kids 12 and under $15. 317 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-726-1700, herbiesonthepark.com
Holman's Table
Choose your own adventure with a three-course meal, which includes a traditional Thanksgiving spread or a vegetarian bucatini pasta with a choice of starter (mushroom toast, shrimp cocktail, salad, squash soup) and dessert (bourbon pumpkin cheesecake or dark chocolate French silk mousse). 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; adults $49, kids $18. 644 Bayfield St., St. Paul, 612-261-1620, holmanstable.com