Thanksgiving Dining in Chicago

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Chow Lists

By CHOW HQ

Chicago Area

Places to dine out on Turkey Day, 2008 (in no particular order).

1. Avenues At the Peninsula
108 E Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

This monstrous buffet has the following stations: hors d'oeuvres; appetizers, salads, and smoked stuff; charcuterie; condiments and pickles; cheese; bread; potatoes and grains; carving; New England coastline; beef; duck; pasta; vegetables; pie; dessert; children's; and the kicker, a hot apple cider and doughnut station. Price: $128 per person Service: Noon to 9:30 p.m. Reservations: 312-573-6754 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=2259">OpenTable</a>
2. Mercat a la Planxa
638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

This popular tapas joint will be serving its regular small-plates menu, with some special holiday-inspired dishes like roasted turkey thrown in. If you want to go more traditional, there will be a chef's tasting menu of only the holiday dishes. Price: Varies Service: 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations: 312-765-0524 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=19096">OpenTable</a>
3. David Burke's Primehouse
616 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

The prix fixe here has a nice twist: The sides are all served family style so you can share with your table while hoarding your plate of turkey, ham, or prime rib. You also get your choice of appetizer (butternut squash bisque, "Thanksgiving caesar" salad, truffled noodles) and a dessert. Price: $38 per person Service: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations: 312-660-6000 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=21979">OpenTable</a>
4. Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610

Choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert from choices like turkey consomme with chestnut tortellini; prime rib with truffle hollandaise; and pumpkin cake with molasses ice cream. Price: $42 per person Service: 3 to 9 p.m. Reservations: 312-755-9463 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/single.aspx?rid=334">OpenTable</a>
5. RoPa Restaurant & Wine Bar
1146 W Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626

Order off Ropa's regular menu of Mediterranean food, or choose the bargain three-course prix fixe menu for the holiday. Price: Prix fixe $19 per person; regular menu varies Service: 1 to 9 p.m. Reservations: 773-508-0002
6. Cafe des Architectes
20 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611

CDA will serve a four-course prix fixe holiday menu, as well as offer its regular menu in the bar area if you want to order a la carte. It will also be open for brunch. Price: Prix fixe $65 per person; regular menu varies Service: Brunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; holiday prix fixe 3 to 9 p.m. Reservations: 312-324-4063 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=2033&d=11/27/2008">OpenTable</a>
7. Red Apple Buffet
3121 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Red Apple's all-you-can-eat Polish buffet will be open for a short service on Thanksgiving. It could include anything from pierogies to roasted duck, turkey, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and seven to ten cold salad options. Price: $10.99 per person Service: 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Reservations: 773-588-5781
8. Vermilion
10 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Vermilion is serving an Indian-Latin fusion take on the holiday with a five-course prix fixe menu including black cardamom smoked turkey breast, roasted corn soup, and pumpkin pie horchata. Price: $55 per person Service: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations: 312-527-4060 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=3654">OpenTable</a>
9. Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

Va Pensiero is serving a three-course prix fixe menu with Italian and more traditional options. There are classics like pumpkin soup and turkey, but other options like risotto, tiramisu, and antipasti if you're sick of trad Thanksgiving fare. Price: $45 per person Service: 2 to 7 p.m. Reservations: 847-475-7779 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=1358">OpenTable</a>