Chicago Thanksgiving Planner 2009

17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

You'll find a suitably grand Thanksgiving buffet at this modern restaurant inside the legendary Palmer House Hilton. A carving station with maple-, honey- and molasses-roasted turkey breast and country ham is the centerpiece of the bountiful spread, which includes tasty sidekicks like a root vegetable casserole, a smoked fish "cocktail" and spaghetti squash and red pepper soup.

611 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

This seasonally driven restaurant plucks farm-fresh ingredients for its three-course Thanksgiving prix-fixe. From the Slagel Farms turkey to the Anson Mills wild rice pilaf, the spotlight is on traditional comfort food from Midwest farms.

10 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

If you don't mind some liberal reinterpretation of your Thanksgiving staples, head to this Indian-Latin fusion spot for a six-course feast featuring black cardamom-smoked turkey breast, garam masala-spiced feijoada (Brazilian meat and black bean stew) and Mexican pumpkin pie horchata. The entire feast is also available for take-out.

2545 Prairie Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 (map)

The former Jacky's Bistro space in Evanston, which recently received a facelift and a menu overhaul, is reimagining the Thanksgiving feast with its three-course prix-fixe menu. If the heirloom squash soup with smoked turkey ravioli and the pine nut and cranberry tart are any indication, we think change is a good thing.

33 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

Imagine this Thanksgiving scenario: Some of your guests want turkey, stuffing and cranberries, others are craving prime rib and asparagus, and one pesky uncle wants a steak. We wouldn't attempt this at home, so it's a good thing this legendary Italian steakhouse can appease everyone. The Chicago, Lombard and Rosemont restaurants will offer a la carte Thanksgiving specials plus the regular menu.

636 N Saint Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Head to this Streeterville Italian gem for a four-course Turkey Day dinner with a Tuscan accent. The menu is loaded with intriguing options, including butternut squash and leek risotto and mushroom potato soup with truffle oil. But what we're the most excited about is the main event: roasted turkey breast with focaccia-sausage stuffing.

1900 E Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (map)

If the only thing making you think twice about dining out for Thanksgiving is the lack of those all-important leftovers, well, now you have no excuse. This Schaumburg seafood restaurant is serving up a family-style spread of classics (herb roasted turkey, mashed potatoes) and new favorites (lobster mac 'n' cheese, sweet potato maki)--not to mention a sweets table loaded with five kinds of pie. Plus, every family gets to take home a package of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, stuffing, and pecan pie to enjoy the next day.