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Best Places To Buy A Thanksgiving Turkey In Chicago

It almost seems to happen in the blink of an eye: Summer rolls to a close, we revel in Halloween fun, and then—Bam!—Thanksgiving is upon us. And with Thanksgiving comes the turkey. Have you ever wondered how long the birds at those big box stores have been frozen? When shopping for quality foods to serve at your holiday meal—turkey included—there are many alternatives to the chain grocery stores. Think instead about turkeys from local farms, or see the difference buying from smaller Chicago shops makes. Here is a list of some of the best places to buy a Thanksgiving turkey in Chicago.
Paulina Meat Market
(Photo Credit: Paulina Meat Market's Facebook)

Paulina Market
3501 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60657
(773) 248-6272
www.paulinamarket.com

Whether you want to cook the bird on your own or you're more than happy to let someone else do it, the Chicago-famous Paulina Market has got you covered for Thanksgiving. From turkey brine kits and turkey loafs to whole turkeys, this market has it all. You can even find the drumsticks that are already smoked —all you have to do is heat and serve! Paulina Market carries standard bone-in or boneless turkeys to cook yourself, and don't forget the turducken if your family and friends are really adventurous. Located in Chicago's popular Lakeview area, if it's meat, Paulina Market either has it already or they can get it for you.

The Butcher & Larder
1427 W. Willow
Chicago, IL. 60642
(312) 432-6575
www.facebook.com/butcherandlarder

You've heard of custom homes and custom furniture, but there are custom cuts of meat as well, and the place to find them is at The Butcher & Larder in Chicago's Noble Square/West Town neighborhood. As Chicago's first locally sourced, whole-animal butcher shop, The Butcher & Larder offers reservations for the best local turkeys for the holidays, as well as pretty much everything else you can think of. Here you can find house-made sausages, burgers, charcuterie foods and more. Be sure to pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey early from The Butcher & Larder, as its become one of the city's best kept secrets and will run out. And if you're not sure what to get, the friendly staff will guide you through your holiday cooking options and offer knowledgeable recommendations.

Gene's
(Photo Credit: genessausage.com)

Gene's Sausage Shop
4750 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60625
(773) 728-7243
www.genessausage.com

For the most voracious bon vivants in the Chicago area, time can easily be lost at Gene's Sausage Shop in the heard of Lincoln Square. With more than 40 varieties of sausages, cheese, chocolates and a vast array of craft beers and wines, Gene's Sausage Shop is not only a place to shop for holiday dinners, but also a place to explore. Famous for their popular European-style rooftop beer and wine garden in the summer months, come fall and winter, Gene's Sausage Shop is all about holiday meals. With pre-orders available now for Thanksgiving turkeys, call 773-SAUSAGE to reserve yours, and then give yourself extra browsing time when you come to pick it up.

Related:  Ten Ideas For A Thrifty Family Fun Night

Green Grocer Chicago
1402 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60642
(312) 624-9508
greengrocerchicago.com

As the name indicates, Green Grocer Chicago is all organic and all Chicago. Offering the best locally grown produce and grocery items, if you're eating right and want your holiday guests to do so, too, visit West Town's Green Grocer Chicago for all your Thanksgiving holiday ingredients. With turkey pre-orders available for your holiday spreads, be sure to reserve yours early to ensure the right size. Then peruse the store for a delicious array of foods, specialty items, and craft beers to accompany your special holiday meal.

Morse Fresh Market
1430 W. Morse Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60626
(773) 973-3765
www.morsefreshmarket.com

Being a vegetarian or vegan doesn't mean that you have to miss out on a hardy Thanksgiving dinner; one of the popular alternatives to an actual turkey for non-meat eaters is Tofurky, an American vegetarian turkey replacement made of of wheat protein and organic tofu. And one of the places you can find it is at the Morse Fresh Market in near-by Rogers Park. Having been around for over a decade now, Morse Fresh Market is a locally owned garden and produce market that not only carries healthier food options, but also harder to find items from all over the world. With reasonably priced organic foods and an array of gluten-free items as well, Morse Fresh Market is a great place to shop for all of your dinner options.

Related: Ask A Chicago Expert: Preparing For Fall Fashion

Post Author: Melanie Falina.
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