Family is great and all, but let’s be real: Chowing down is one of the best parts of Turkey Day. If you love eating and dread cooking, here are some lovely alternatives.
Highland Park Cafeteria is open from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day–Thursday, Nov. 22–to save reluctant family chefs from disastrous holiday feasts. Along with traditional Thanksgiving fare, which costs $10.99 per person, there will be live piano music at the restaurant, located at 1200 N. Buckner. You can also order meals to go by Monday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and enjoy it in a more intimate  home atmosphere. Order online, fax in your order or call the restaurant at 214.324.5000. See takeout prices here.
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Central 214 dishes out a $40 three-course meal. Diners can also choose to forego the full meal–which includes a starter, main dish, two sides and a dessert–and instead order a la carte selections separately. The menu includes free-range organic turkey with cranberry-apple relish ($16); crispy gnocchi with buttercup squash, mushrooms and ricotta salata ($14); a pecan pie with house-made goat cheese ice cream ($8); and apple cider glazed sweet potato donuts with apple butter ($8). Call 214.443.9339 to reserve a spot. If one meal isn’t enough, Central 214 hosts a Black Friday Brunch Friday, Nov. 23 from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. with $1 Mimosas and Bloody Marys, a specialty coffee bar and holiday menu specials. Central 214 is at 5680 N. Central Expressway, adjacent to Hotel Palomar.
For those who’d prefer to eat at home, order The Grape‘s Thanksgiving takeout and claim it as your own labored-over meal. On the menu are “in-house smoked organic Amish turkey dinners, glazed hams, savory sides and homemade holiday desserts,” according to a press release. Prices range from $180-$330 depending on the number of mouths to feed, plus you can order additional sides. Call 214.828.1981 to place orders by Saturday, Nov. 17 and pick them up–discreetly, if you wish–Wednesday, Nov. 21 between 2-5 p.m. at the restaurant, located at 2808 Greenville.
