Unless you’ll be sliding a Stouffer’s into the microwave, the trade-off for a traditional Thanksgiving meal is hours spent in the kitchen.
But it doesn’t have to be your kitchen.
Several restaurants around town will be serving up feasts.
‘ 212 Market: 212 Market St. Locally raised turkeys are on the Thanksgiving menu, and the regular menu also will be available. Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Menu prices. Reservations: 423-265-1212.
‘ Beast + Barrel Gastro Smokehouse: 16 Frazier Ave. This Thanksgiving feast includes carving stations with turkey and prime rib. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $37.95 adults, $18 ages 6-12. Reservations: 423-805-4599.
‘ Bluff View Art District: 411 E. Second St. Oven-roasted turkey and Dijon-crusted prime rib are among the offerings for Brunch on the Bluff. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $34.95 adults, $17.95 children 12 and under. Reservations: 423-265-5033, ext. 4.
‘ The Chattanoogan: 1201 Broad St. The largest Thanksgiving buffet in town is served in the ballroom. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $38.95 adults, $18.95 ages 6-12. Reservations: 423-424-3700.
‘ Five: 200 Manufacturers Road. This restaurant at One North Shore will start a new tradition: a Thanksgiving meal served free of charge, though a donation to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen is requested. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations: Not needed. Information: 423-777-4120.
‘ Puckett’s: 2 West Aquarium Way. The Southern-style feast includes turkey, ham, fried chicken and pulled pork. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $27 adults, $13.50 12 and younger. Reservations: www.puckettsgro.com/chattanooga or 708-8505.
‘ Ruth’s Chris: 2321 Lifestyle Way. A four-course Thanksgiving meal will be served up, enhanced by some of the restaurant’s most popular side dishes. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cost: $39.95-$41.95 adults, $12.95 children. Reservations: 423-602-5900.
CLASSIC CHOICES
‘ City Cafe: 901 Carter St. and 7641 Lee Highway in Chattanooga, 919 25th St. NW in Cleveland, Tenn. In addition to the regular menu, these 24/7 diners will offer a Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. to midnight with a choice of a turkey or roast beef meal priced at $15.95 or ham and sides for $14.95. www.citycafemenu.com.
‘ Cracker Barrel: Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for the restaurant’s 635 locations. Stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Thanksgiving dinner of turkey and dressing will be available at 11 a.m. Also available is a homestyle turkey and dressing family meal to go that serves up to six people. www.crackerbarrel.com.
‘ Denny’s: Closest location for this 24/7 chain is at 1011 Paul Huff Parkway in Cleveland, Tenn. Several holiday items have been added to the menu, including turkey and dressing.
‘ Golden Corral: Participating locations will offer a Thanksgiving buffet that includes turkey, rotisserie chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, ham and shrimp.
‘ Huddle House: These 24/7 neighborhood diners will be serving the regular menu.
‘ Shoney’s: 2318 Shallowford Village Drive. This and other locations of the classic chain of restaurants will load the buffet with an array of Thanksgiving favorites and won’t open for breakfast in order to do so. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $11.99. Information: 423-894-5917.
‘ Waffle House: Restaurants will adhere to their usual routine of 24/7 service.
STATE PARK RESTAURANTS
All eight of Tennessee’s state park restaurants will be open. The meal includes turkey and trimmings, plus an assortment of desserts.
‘ Cumberland Mountain State Park: Crossville, Tenn. At the Homestead Harvest Restaurant, fill your plate as many times as you like from the cold, hot and dessert buffets. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Cost: $15.59 adults, $7.99 children 6-12. Information: 931-484-7186.
‘ Fall Creek Falls State Park: Pikeville, Tenn. Gaul’s Gallery restaurant will serve turkey three ways (honey-brined and smoked, Cajun-injected and deep-fried, or roasted with dressing) on the buffet, along with ham, catfish and roast beef. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Cost: $15.95 adults, half price for children 6-12 (limit four per paying adult), 10 percent discount for seniors 62 and older. Information: 423-881-5341.