We’ve all been there: reclining around the Thanksgiving table post-pie, when the entire family is completely stuffed to the gills, and everyone is forced to draw straws over who is going to take on the pile of dishes towering over the kitchen sink. This year, there are plenty of spots around town that are willing to take care of the shopping, prep, and cleanup for you. So whether you’re hoping to ditch the apron and treat the family to a gourmet experience—or just in search of a few pre-made pies to take home—the local dining scene has got you covered this Turkey Day.
DINING OUT:
Baldwin’s Station: Named after its location on the site of a former 19th-century train stop, this rustic special-occasion spot overlooking the Patapsco River is the perfect place to enjoy the company of family and friends. A là carte specials of note for Thanksgiving Day include ginger-seasoned butternut squash bisque, a traditional holiday plate with hand-carved turkey and cornbread stuffing, pumpkin cheesecake, and apple-cranberry crumble topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. 7618 Main Street, Sykesville, 410-795-1041
The Boathouse Canton: If you’re willing to stray from tradition this year, trade the pumpkins and potatoes for macadamia nuts and mai tais at The Boathouse Canton. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the waterfront hangout will be hosting a Thanksgiving luau featuring a seaside-style buffet with carving stations, complimentary champagne, and a variety of house-baked desserts. The first 50 guests to reserve a spot for the island-themed party will receive a $25 gift card to the restaurant. 2809 Boston St., 410-773-9795, $12-40
Café Troia: Though this Towson staple is best known for its upscale Italian dishes, on Thanksgiving Day Café Troia is whipping up an all-American feast. Hang out in one of the earth-toned dining rooms to dig into a prix-fixe meal featuring classics like all-natural turkey, sweet potatoes, garlic-whipped mashed potatoes, string beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. 31 Allegheny Ave., Towson, 410-337-0133, $15-40
The Capital Grille: Head to this swanky steakhouse in the Inner Harbor, where nattily-dressed servers will be delivering special dishes like slow-roasted turkey with cranberry-pear chutney, brioche stuffing, French green beans with Marcona almonds, and mashed potatoes for the table. For a sweet finish, enjoy the signature pumpkin cheesecake, along with crème brûlée, flourless chocolate espresso cake, and coconut cream pie. 500 East Pratt St., 443-703-4064, $15-38
Charleston: Chef Cindy Wolf is putting her signature Lowcountry spin on Charleston’s holiday offerings this year. Take a seat in the lush dining room—complete with Bernardaud place settings, red accents, and a massive wine cellar—to feast on two courses, sides served family style, and decadent desserts from the restaurant’s top-notch pastry team. Dishes to look forward to include Wolf’s She-Crab Soup finished with Manzanilla sherry (check out the full recipe in the special cookbook insert inside our upcoming December issue), roasted turkey breast, turkey leg confit, pecan stuffing, roasted sweet corn succotash, and collard greens slow-cooked in ham hock broth. 1000 Lancaster Street, 410-332-7373, $79
The Manor Tavern: With stone accents, candle-lit tables, and homey décor, this Monkton mainstay is an ideal holiday stop. This year, the tavern is offering a buffet spread complete with dishes like apple harvest salad, cheese and charcuterie boards, oven-roasted turkey, brown sugar-glazed ham, roasted prime rib, macaroni and cheese, maple-glazed carrots, and caraway red cabbage with Kielbasa. Dessert offerings will include the requisite pumpkin pie, alongside assorted cheesecakes, carrot cake, and pecan bread pudding drizzled with bourbon sauce. 15819 Old York Road, Monkton, 410-771-8155, $15.95-$39.95
The Oregon Grille: Gather around the flickering fireplaces at this horse-country hangout in Hunt Valley to enjoy a special three-course prix-fixe on Thanksgiving Day. Start the meal off right with your choice of sausage-stuffed mushrooms or butternut squash bisque with chestnut crème fraiche, followed by organic roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, Chardonnay-glazed carrots, sourdough stuffing, and pumpkin or pecan pie. 1201 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-771-0505, $53
Regi’s American Bistro: This Federal Hill neighborhood spot is always booming on Thanksgiving, and owner Alan Morstein expects this year to be no different. Dishes on deck for the holiday include free range turkey sourced from Monkton’s Albright Farms, pineapple and cola-glazed ham, Chilean sea bass, Skuna Bay salmon, bone-in pork chops, farmer’s market vegetable side dishes, and apple-walnut upside down cake for dessert. 1002 Light St., 410-539-7344, $28-36
Victoria Gastro Pub: Newly appointed executive chef Chad Wells is putting his own spin on the classics at this Columbia tavern, offering a three-course menu highlighting duck confit poutine, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato gnocchi, pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin, braised beef short ribs, and turkey and mashed potato-stuffed egg rolls served with a cranberry dipping sauce. A special line of Thanksgiving cocktails will include the “Spiced and Spiked Cider” (local cider with Jack Daniels and autumn spices), “Smoking Bishop Mulled Wine” (warmed wine fused with brandy, orange zest, ginger root, and honey), and the “Volstead Act,” mixed with Corsair pumpkin moonshine, vanilla vodka, orange liqueur, apple juice, and maple syrup. 8201 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-750-1880, $29-39
Waterfront Kitchen: At this fine-dining den in Fells Point, take in the sweeping waterfront views while enjoying a farm-to-fork feast with the family. The three-course prix-fixe menu showcases a classic Caesar salad, cream of crab soup, roasted turkey, spiral-cut ham, house-made gravy, crispy Brussels sprouts, yams with marshmallow purée, roasted carrots, and cinnamon-apple cobbler. 1417 Thames St., 443-681-5310, $60
Wit & Wisdom: This renowned restaurant inside the Four Seasons Baltimore exudes elegance with its custom banquettes, hearth oven, and twinkling chandeliers. For a Thanksgiving to remember, reserve a spot and indulge in a three-course menu with optional wine pairings crafted by executive chef Zack Mills. Starters will include a golden beet and squash salad, Bartlett pear soup, and classic Oysters Rockefeller. For the main event, order traditional turkey with stuffing and pumpkin cornbread, scallops with baby leeks, or seared tilefish with crispy tofu and apple stock. 200 International Drive, 410-576-5800, $40-130
DINING AT HOME:
Atwater’s: Stop by one of Atwater’s multiple locations around town to snag essentials like turkey gravy by the pint or quart, citrus-cranberry relish, apple butter jam, maple-glazed sweet potatoes, sausage and cornbread stuffing, and the market’s famous pumpkin-caramel sauce. Orders can be placed no later than November 20 for pickup November 23, Multiple locations including, 3601 Boston St., 667-309-7146
Johnny’s and Petit Louis:The pastry teams at these Foreman Wolf sister-restaurants are churning out gourmet pumpkin, pecan, and apple crisp (topped with a cinnamon-oat crumble) flavored pies available for pickup November 21-23. Orders should be placed no later than November 17, 4800 Roland Ave. or 10215 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, 410-773-0777, $30
Maggie’s Farm: Though this Hamilton-Lauraville hangout will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, its catering services will be in full swing for the holiday. Pre-order items like crispy Brussels sprouts, beet salad with toasted pumpkin seeds, vegan kimchi, gluten-free cornbread, sticky buns, and chocolate bread pudding are all featured on the special menu. Plus, in the spirit of the holiday season, the restaurant is donating 10 percent of all pre-order proceeds to House of Ruth Maryland. Orders can be placed no later than November 20 for pickup on November 23. 4341 Harford Road, 410-254-2376
Stone Mill Bakery: The lengthy Thanksgiving menu from this Greenspring Station mainstay includes to-go items including a variety of artisan rolls (think everything from pumpernickel to rustic ciabatta), a deep-fried turkey, cornbread stuffing, asparagus and goat cheese quiche, and roasted fingerling potatoes. Fresh-baked cherry, pumpkin, pecan-bourbon, and apple caramel-walnut pies are also offered. Orders can be placed no later than November 21 for pickup November 23, 10751 Falls Road, Lutherville, 410-821-1358
Sobo Café: If you’re in need of potluck pleaser, stop by this Federal Hill cafe to grab one of its signature apple, pumpkin, or pecan pies. Orders can be placed no later than November 21 for pickup November 23. 6 W. Cross St., 410-752-1518