If you don’t feel like cooking this year, we get it. Some years, we just need a break and it’s perfectly fine to let someone else do the cooking. Seriously, sit back. You deserve it.
If you are looking for Thanksgiving meal options for eating in or dining out, Vermont Mom has compiled this handy sampling of restaurants, caterers, and markets that will help keep everyone happy this holiday.
Some people love hosting Thanksgiving; others, well… don’t. We get it! Not everyone gobbles up the idea of Turkey Day at home. But here’s the thing:
Don’t wait to decide- reservations are absolutely necessary, and tables are filling quickly. Please call today.
Where to Go for Thanksgiving Dinner if you want to Dine Out
Eating Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant. Untraditional, yes. But when you consider how clean and quiet your kitchen will be when you return home from this delicious meal, it’s actually pretty appealing. Here are some options for dining out.
Charlmont Restaurant, Morrisville
Hand-carved maple glazed ham, turkey, and roast pork round out the offerings at the Charlmont, Morrisville’s classic, old-school restaurant and pub. Early birds will enjoy the traditional homestyle Thanksgiving buffet from Noon to 4 PM. Please call 802-888-4242 to reserve.
The Essex Resort and Spa, Essex
Relax in the Tavern for a traditional family-style Thanksgiving meal, order a la carte from the standard menu, or book Junction, the resort’s “interactive dining” adventure where a chef will personally guide you through the menu for the evening. Call 802-878-1100 to save your seat.
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, Colchester
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge offers maple mustard ham and roast turkey, along with all the sides you don’t feel like cooking, for one prix fixe price. Early birds will love the 11 AM – 4 PM hours. Call 802-448-3361 to make a reservation.
Pauline’s Restaurant, South Burlington
Pauline’s offers a prix fixe, classic three-course dinner featuring local Stonewood Farms free-range turkey (local turkeys make a difference). Pauline’s also offers sides made from locally sourced produce and an impressive lineup of desserts. They note that most items can be made gluten or dairy free, which is important for guests who are allergic or on restricted diets. Takeout is also available. Call 802-862-1081 to reserve.
Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant, North Hero
Gobble down traditional Thanksgiving fare, or try the Beef Wellington or Pan Roasted Salmon with all the fixings for a prix fixe price at this beautiful inn on the shores of Lake Champlain. The meal is served between 11 AM – 4 PM and you must make a reservation with Pamela at 802-372-8722.
Waybury Inn, Middlebury
The famed location of the Newhart Show (now a boutique inn and restaurant) serves up Thanksgiving dinner with Vermont flare. The menu features dishes like harvest roots with whipped feta, filet mignon with horseradish beet puree, and their house specialty creme brulee. Call 802-388-4015 for a reservation. Takeout is also available.
Where to Get Thanksgiving to Go
A number of local restaurants and markets offer a full range of Thanksgiving mains, sides, and desserts to go. These locations don’t offer sit-down dining but are a good choice if you’d like to eat at home and don’t want to cook, you have an unusual schedule, or you’re headed to a Thanksgiving potluck.
Barkeaters, Shelburne
Barkeaters’ “everything-but-the-turkey” to-go menu is a great option for vegetarians (or if cooking the meat is the only part of Thanksgiving that you love). The menu features four soups, salads, sides, and desserts. Order by November 19; pick up by November 23.
Harmony’s Kitchen, online
All in for delicious soul food for your family’s Thanksgiving! You can get a variety of sweet and savory Southern sides, baked mac-n-cheese, or fried chicken the whole family will love. Vegan options are available. Get your order in now for what Harmony calls “a soulful Thanksgiving.” Pre-orders are open until Nov 17th or until they sell out; pickup is November 23, 5-8 PM.
Leunig’s (pick up at Le Marché, Leunig’s sister cafe in Shelburne)
If you’ve ever wanted to try a Thanksgiving dinner that is brushed with a hint of French cuisine, this is it. Leunig’s offers a new take on some of the traditional harvest dishes, such as white bean soup “au Pistou,” baked Brie, truffle and Fontina mashed potatoes, and demi-glace. Order at least 11 days in advance and schedule your pickup time for November 22 or 23.
Mark BBQ, Colchester
This US Army Veteran and pitmaster will slow smoke your ham or Thanksgiving turkey to perfection. Perhaps the secret is in the sauce! Select exactly how much you will need by ordering your meat by the pound. Pick up on November 23.
Mill Market and Deli, South Burlington
The Mill offers local Misty Knoll turkey dinners, Vermont artisan meat and cheese appetizer platters, sides, and a variety of pies. You can even order their famous cider doughnuts! Order online by November 18; pick up any time on November 23.
The Essex Resort & Spa, Essex
Spiced pear salad, roast turkey, and traditional sides round out the pre-pack which serves ten people. Pies are also available to add to your order. Order by November 14 for pickup on Thanksgiving.
Railroad & Main (pick up at their new Williston location)
Take out a traditional turkey dinner, with one-of-a-kind Northern New England touches like cranberry apple chutney, squash with Vermont maple syrup, and Parker House dinner rolls. Email [email protected] for an order form.
Rotisserie, South Burlington
Rotisserie offers a traditional Thanksgiving feast; pick it up the day before and simply warm it for dinner. Orders are per person which is handy for very small groups or to ensure that every person gets a serving of each dish. Pick up November 23.
Dessert is also available for takeout from many cafes or bakeries, like Poorhouse Pies in Underhill, Klinger’s Bakery in South Burlington, or Erica’s Small Town Treats in Fairfax. Check out your favorites to see what they’ll have in store for the big day! Ordering ahead is necessary.
No matter what your plans, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying the luxury of someone else taking on the enormous task, we hope you have a wonderful holiday with loved ones. Vermont Mom has you covered with all the Thanksgiving meal options for eating in or dining out that we could find. Please let us know if we’ve missed any great options! How will you celebrate this year?
Pin this post and be sure to follow Vermont Mom on Pinterest!
Vermont Mom Insiders get exclusive content that you do not want to miss, so sign up today!
