Between increasingly less subtle advertisements, festive snacks at the grocery store, and a growing selection of cozy decorations available for purchase, there’s no denying the signs. The holiday season is almost upon us. But, before you dive into all that those upcoming festivities entail, there’s still one step between the end of autumn and the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year: Thanksgiving.
Since the approaching season can be more fretful than fun for some, taking the pressure off cooking for a crowd might be a way to lighten the load and truly enjoy celebrating with those you’re most thankful for. If you’re looking to make a reservation to feast at a local restaurant on November 28, this list is for you. (If you’re searching for catering and takeout options, we’ve got a guide for that, too.)
These Baltimore kitchens are serving up a mixture of classic Thanksgiving dishes and creative seasonal twists that are sure to fill your stomach and your heart:
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. $20-$50. 443-703-4064
Charleston: If you and your crew are up for something swanky this year, chef Cindy Wolf’s three-course menu at her Harbor East hotspot might be just what you’re looking for. Choose from starters like 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 potato puree; and desserts featuring flavors and spices sure to warm your body and soul. 1000 Lancaster St. Reservations required. 1-7 p.m. $95. 410-332-7373
Cindy Lou’s Fish House: From slow-roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing to brown butter gnocchi with sweet potato puree, this Harbor Point spot will offer plenty of holiday plates to pair with its stunning waterfront views. A three-course prix-fixe includes one starter, one main, and one dessert. 1215 Willis St. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $88
Glyndon Grill: Get cozy at this neighborhood hangout in Baltimore County, which traditionally serves holiday turkey with all the fixins’—including pan stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Other a la carte offerings include filet mignon, shrimp and mussels over spaghetti, jump lump crab cakes, and classic chicken pot pie. 4844 Butler Rd. Glyndon. Prices vary. 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 recommended. 11a.m.-7 p.m. $26-$46. 410-773-0777.
Magdalena: Inside the Ivy Hotel’s cozy American bistro in Mt. Vernon, diners will start their holiday off with soup, salad, and oysters before moving on to the main event. Special entrees will include Roseda filet mignon with charred broccolini, roasted half chicken with mac and cheese hash browns, and a Thanksgiving plate of baked ham with smashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Even if you’re stuffed by dessert, options like bourbon-pecan mousse—pecan financier, caramel mousse, brown butter crumble, candied pecans, and Chantilly cream—will help you find that second stomach. 205 E. Biddle St. Seatings from 3-6:30 p.m. Reservations required.
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 filling Thanksgiving plates that highlight turkey, honey-glazed ham, rosemary lamb lollipops, and, of course, crab cakes. Don’t skip out on the special selection of sides and desserts, which includes oyster stuffing, sweet potato mash, bread pudding, and pumpkin cheesecake. Multiple locations including 2901 O’Donnell St. Prices vary. 410-276-3160.
The Milton Inn: True to form, the special menu at this Sparks landmark is all about fall. You and yours can look forward to comforting flavors like butternut squash, honey crisp apple, and cranberry in various dishes. Choose between carefully crafted soups and salads, main dishes that include everything from turkey to pan-roasted rockfish, and aromatic desserts to finish off your special meal. 14833 York Road, Sparks. Reservations required. 1-7 p.m. Three-course prix-fixe menu, $78. 410-771-4366.
Rec Pier Chop House: Gather your loved ones on the waterfront in Fells Point, where the team at the Sagamore 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
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. 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $45-$89. 410-727-3678.
Ruth Chris Steakhouse: At yet another three-course Thanksgiving meal, diners are guaranteed a plate of sliced turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. The fixed menu also includes a choice of starter, side options, and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Multiple locations including 711 Eastern Ave. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $18.95-$47.95. 410-230-0033.
Twist Fells Point: This Mediterranean mainstay in Fells Point is celebrating with a dine-in feast that invites diners to fill up on slow-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, green beans with crispy onions, creamy mashed potatoes, and classic sweet potatoes with broiled marshmallows. 723 S. Broadway. $49.95. 410-522-4000.