Twin Cities restaurants offer Thanksgiving Day options

Restaurant options abound for Thanksgiving Day

​On a holiday that's all about food, why not let the professionals do the cooking? Whether you're hosting notoriously judgmental family members or looking to start a new lower-key Thanksgiving tradition, choosing one of the many Twin Cities restaurants that offer Thanksgiving Day meals just might be the way to go. Here are some of your options.

From buffets to traditional Thanksgiving meals to Italian feasts that have nothing to do with turkey and stuffing, there is no shortage of alternatives to slaving over a hot stove on Thanksgiving. If you're in the market for a buffet, your choices include:
Afton House Inn
Axel's
Basil's Restaurant in the IDS Center (serving up panoramic views of downtown along with the buffet)
Colette Bar & Bistro in Bloomington
Loring Kitchen & Bar
Skywater in the downtown Minneapolis Hilton
Stacy's Grille in the Marriott Minneapolis SW in Minnetonka.

For those who want a traditional Thanksgiving meal sans the buffet line, the following restaurants are all offering variations on your standard turkey and side dishes. Options range from a prix fixe menu with wine pairings to family-style service with differing prices for adults and kids. Your choices include:
B.A.N.K. in the downtown Minneapolis Westin Hotel
Cosmos in the Graves 601
D'Amico Kitchen at Chambers Hotel
Faces Mears Park
Forepaugh's in St. Paul
McCormick & Schmick's in both Edina and Minneapolis
Nicollet Island Inn
The Woodfire Grill in both St. Louis Park and Eden Prairie.

If your group is mixed among those wanting a traditional Thanksgiving meal and those who want more options from a regular menu, try:
any of the Buca di Beppo locations
Enjoy! in Apple Valley
FireLake in downtown Minneapolis
Kincaid's in Bloomington or St. Paul
the Napa Valley Grill in the Mall of America
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
the St. Paul Grill & Bar
Tria in North Oaks.

Hours, prices, and dining options vary widely on Thanksgiving Day, so click on any of the restaurant names above to visit its website for more information. This Thanksgiving, give thanks for people who cook so you don't have to.