(Credit: chicagofirehouse.com)
By Elizabeth SanFilippo
Thanksgiving is a time to get together with friends and family and celebrate what you’re thankful for — but sometimes you’re especially thankful if you don’t have to cook the feast. Luckily, many restaurants throughout Chicagoland are open on the Thursday holiday and a few even offer some great holiday specials. So, unbuckle that belt and get ready to feast at these restaurants throughout Chicago for Thanksgiving.
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Mike Ditka’s
The Tremont Hotel
100 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 587-8989
www.ditkasrestaurant.com
Mike Ditka’s restaurant in downtown Chicago is definitely a meat-and-potatoes kind of place that offers everything from signature cuts of steaks to Hall of Fame dishes, such as the “fridge” burger. This Thanksgiving, it is also doing a plated buffet meal full of traditional Turkey Day dishes. As in previous years, this feast will clock in at about $50 per person.
(Credit: rezasrestaurant.com)
Reza’s Restaurant
5255 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-1898
www.rezasrestaurant.com
For something a bit different this Thanksgiving, head to one of Reza’s four Chicago locations for a Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired meal. Feast on traditional specialties such as kabobs and lamb shank, among a plethora of other choices. But come November 22, Reza’s will be offering some more American dishes as well. Fill up on a delicious buffet, between $22.95 and $24.95 per person, that combines both Reza’s Persian/Mediterranean menu with a traditional Thanksgiving spread.
Related: Best Take Home Turkey Dinners
(credit: signatureroom.com)
Signature Room at the 95th
John Hancock Building
875 N. Michigan Ave., 95th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596
www.signatureroom.com
Go for the stunning views of Michigan Avenue and the city and stay for a veritable feast at The Signature Room on the 95th floor in the Hancock building. This year, Signature Room is offering a special hybrid brunch that includes appetizers, cold seafood, meats and cheeses, as well as an a la carte entree. This meal is $70 per guest and $25 for children ages four to 12. It is available until 7 p.m. on November 22. The lounge — but not the restaurant — will stay open until midnight.
(Credit: chicagofirehouse.com)
The Chicago Firehouse
1401 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 786-1401
www.chicagofirehouse.com
History runs rampant here as 1401 South Michigan Avenue used to be home to a turn-of-the-century firehouse. Since 2001, this address has been home to a South Loop restaurant that serves American classics, perfect for a Turkey Day meal. The Chicago Firehouse Thanksgiving Day buffet promises all the classic dishes for $49.95 per person. For the kids, age five to 12, it’s just $19 a piece.
(Credit: cornerstonerestaurants.com)
Wave (in the W Hotel)
644 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-4460
www.waverestaurant.com
Executive Chef Greg Elliott is all about Italian and French-inspired dishes in a beautiful atmosphere. But come November 22, the Streeterville restaurant is offering a truly delicious three-course Thanksgiving menu that uses all local ingredients. For the first course, choose between caesar salad, shaved persimmon salad or local butternut squash soup. Next up, guests can choose from traditional turkey to the less traditional ricotta ravioli, steak or salmon. Of course, a Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t be complete without dessert and Wave offers a pear-almond tart, pumpkin pie or flourless chocolate cake to round out the meal. This three-course meal is $48 per person.
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she’s scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
