Why are we making Thanksgiving plans before we’ve decided which drunken starlet we’re dressing as for Halloween? Well, timing is everything. These popular holiday spots sold out last year and they’re already booking up fast — we suggest making a reservation now, or planning on plan B.
The Signature Room at the 95th
875 N. Michigan Ave. 312-787-9596
With oversized windows and a lofty location in the Mag Mile’s John Hancock Center, the 95th provides stellar city views. Technically, by pointing out the famous buildings from this perch, you’re showing your out-of-town kin around the city, so we give you permission sleep in Friday.
Eats: Expansive buffet features spice-crusted salmon with curry-glazed carrots, turkey with giblet gravy, pork loin with apple chutney, pecan-glazed sweet potatoes, pumpkin streusel and more.
Treats: Each table gets turkey leftovers for carryout.
Deets: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. $65; $25 for kids.
The Lobby and Avenues/The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St. 312-573-6760
This gorgeous River North hotel is rumored to be good enough for Brangelina, Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, so it’s definitely good enough for mere mortals. Expert staffers get the job done unobtrusively, a bonus if you’re holding the annual airing of your family’s dirty laundry.
Eats: Deluxe buffet features entrees like rosemary-roasted strip beef loin; grilled veal loin with capers and raisin chutney; coriander-and-black-pepper-crusted pork medallions; and seared sea scallops with chorizo, romanesco sauce and sauteed spinach.
Treats: Distract your nephews with video games and a magician in the Kid’s Lounge (6th Floor).
Deets: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $128; $30 for kids.
Vermilion
10 W. Hubbard St. 312-527-4060
If your family’s not into traditional turkey and trimmings, head to this River North spot for an Indian-meets-Latin spin on Thanksgiving. Mom will appreciate the well-appointed room, a cut-above the average tandoori house or taqueria.
Eats: Three-course meal includes Indian-style mango-and-cumin rubbed turkey, Brazilian-herbed candied baby beets, pumpkin tres leches cake and more. Parties of eight or more can specify a custom rub (madras curry or tandoori) for your turkey with advance notice.
Treats: Is your family boisterous? The family deemed most lively (but not obnoxious) scores a freebie round of champagne.
Deets: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. $50.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
100 E. Ontario St. 312-787-5000
If your clan is more beef-centric than fowl friendly, this old-school River North spot, located in an elegant former mansion, should please. Dinner here comes with built-in distractions: Rolling meat carts and spinning salad provide welcome interruptions during sticky conversations.
Eats: Multiple cuts of prime rib (6 to 24 ounces), plus sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding. If someone in your clan must have a dose of tryptophan on Thanksgiving, Lawry’s is also serving turkey with all the trimmings.
Treats: Indecisive eaters can go for the half-and-half combo of prime rib and turkey.
Deets: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $30-$44.
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St. 312-755-9463
If your parents’ must-reads include Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and about anything else grape-related, take ’em to this oenophilic River North spot. Best part: You can skip the ongoing debate about whether to pair the bird with red or white and just order wines by the glass instead.
Eats: Chef John Caputo is prepping a three-course menu including roast turkey consomme with chestnut tortellini and brussels sprouts; rotisserie turkey with sage gravy; and roasted prime rib with truffled hollandaise sauce.
Treats: Sides such as yams with toasted pecans and Marsala brown butter are served family-style so you’ll be fighting over the whipped potatoes in no time, just like home.
Deets: 3-9 p.m. $40; $19 for kids.
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metromix@tribune.com
