No one would judge you for not wanting to spend all day in the kitchen this Thanksgiving — especially when so many D.C.-area restaurants have you covered. The region’s chefs are cooking up feasts of all kinds — vegetarian, sides only, or something other than turkey, to name a few — for pickup during Thanksgiving week.
Some even offer special services for those that need some help to pull off the holiday meal; Medium Rare in Cleveland Park, for example, is firing up their fryers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to cook turkeys, free of charge.
Here are a few of our picks for Thanksgiving to-go around the region:
ALBI
Settle your dinner the day before with Albi’s aptly timed Softa experience. The Levantine feast, priced $125 per person, includes creative takes on holiday classics, like seven-spiced turkey breast with smoked root vegetable stuffing, halva glazed yams, potato puree with urfa gravy, hummus, and za’atar Parker House rolls. The sweet treats include pumpkin goat labne cheesecake and a cookie tin. Pick-up is 12 p.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 22. (1346 4th St. SE, To-go orders here.)
BAR IVY
Bar Ivy in Clarendon makes things a little easier for hosts with a family-style to-go package. The eight-course feast serves four people and features herb roasted turkey, sourdough dressing, honey miso brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin, brown butter cauliflower, cranberry-kumquat compote, and pecan pie. Pick up is available on Nov. 22 between 12 to 6 p.m. Wine by the bottle is available for purchase as well. (3033 Wilson Blvd, Arlington. To-go orders here.)
BARREL
The Capitol Hill whiskey lounge offers a to-go menu serving four to six people. Opt for an already smoked or roasted turkey, or cook it your own way with reheating instructions, alongside mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, biscuits, and pecan pie. The $285 dinner comes with a bonus course: your choice of 25-ounce bottle cocktail such as an old fashioned, Manhattan, boulevardier, milk punch, or negroni. Pick up is available 12 p.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 22. (613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. To-go orders here.)
CALL YOUR MOTHER
Already got your turkey handled but overwhelmed by the sides? All seven of the bagel shop’s locations (plus the Denver outpost) are offering to-go orders a la carte, including its signature everything bagels in stuffing form with maple chicken sausage for $28. Grab a box of six or 12 cheesy pesto babka muffins or a platter of 12 latkes with apple jam and sour cream. Dessert is covered too with unique $35 pies: pumpkin cheesecake swirl, chocolate alfajor, and double-crust apple. (Seven locations in DC, MD, VA. To-go orders here.)
CENTROLINA
Located in City Center, this Italian spot from Chef Amy Brandwein offers an a la carte to-go menu with Italian influences. Options include antipasti platters for six, a whole roast chicken or turkey for two to four people, rosemary sage stuffing, brussels sprouts, mashed potato parmigiano, and more sides that can serve four. Dessert comes in the form of apple crumble pie, pumpkin pie, or chocolate ricotta tart, but wine is also available for purchase. Orders must be placed by Nov. 19, and pickups are available on Nov. 22 from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. or Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (974 Palmer Alley NW. To-go orders here.)
CMB AT HOME
If you’re looking for Michelin-starred dining from the comfort of your own home, Chef Matt Baker of Gravitas is whipping up to-go orders from his catering business. Options include $48 meal for one, $225 for 4-6, $380 for 6-8, and $575 for 8-12. The menu includes mac ‘n’ cheese, brioche stuffing, brown sugar glazed ham, cornbread, carrot cake, and chocolate chip cookies. Don’t forget the breakfast add-ons as well to make the morning easy too. Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. Pick up is available at Baker’s Daughter Georgetown or Michele’s from Nov. 20-23. Delivery is also available, and free for orders over $500. (To-go orders here.)
ESENCIAS PANAMENAS
The Panamanian eatery inside Tastemakers in Brookland offers a unique Thanksgiving option. The a la carte sides menu, which can be made vegetarian, includes pigeon peas and rice, mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad, chicken tamales, rum cake, yuca pudding, and coconut flan. Orders are available for delivery for $35 or pick up at Tastemakers. (2800 10th St. NE. To-go orders here.)
J.HOLLINGER’S WATERMAN’S CHOPHOUSE
The Silver Spring mainstay, along with its nearby sister restaurants The Dish & Dram and The Daily Dish, offers traditional Thanksgiving meals to-go that serve four ($180), eight ($350), and 16 people ($700). Opt for the full menu or order sides and pies a la carte. Menu highlights include roast turkey, sage and mushroom stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, Parker House rolls, roasted fall vegetables, and sweet potato pie. Orders must be placed by midnight on Nov. 17 and can be picked up on Nov. 22 or 23. (8606 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. To-go orders here.)
LEBANESE TAVERNA
Lebanese Taverna offers their Thanksgiving to-go again this year. The a la carte menu includes mains such as a lamb leg roast or sumac-rubbed roast turkey served with spiced rice. Side options include za’atar potatoes and rice pilaf, while dessert comes in the form of baklava-crusted cheesecake. Most courses serve 8-10 people, for those feeding a crowd. Pick-up is available at Tysons Galleria, the North Arlington market, Pentagon Row, Woodley Park, Rockville, and Baltimore locations on Nov. 22. (Multiple locations. To-go orders here.)
MAKERS UNION
This pub in Reston is offering a takeout menu featuring a choice of entree, along with two set sides: turkey for $130, prime rib for $200, and short ribs for $145. Sides can be sold a la carte as well, and include maple roasted sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and garlic green beans. Add on a pumpkin pie for dessert for $15. Pickup is between 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 22 or 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Nov. 23. Both Makers Union locations (Reston and the newly opened Wharf spot) are also hosting IRL Friendsgiving parties on Nov. 22 with food, live music, friendship bracelets, and polaroids — not to mention jungle juice. (1812 Library St., Reston and 664 Maine Ave. SW. To-go orders here.)
MATCHBOX
All of the Thompson Hospitality chain’s locations will offer pickup for a family-style holiday meal that serves four to six. Highlights from the $175 menu include salad, roasted turkey, cornbread-herb stuffing and your choice of two sides from mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, or creamed spinach. Add on a warm apple crisp or brownie tray for $30. Orders must be placed by 8 p.m. on Nov. 17. (Various locations in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. To-go orders here.)
MATT AND TONY’S
If you’re looking for a meal for two — or hey, for one with plenty of leftovers, — the Del Ray all-day kitchen offers $100 to-go orders. The menu features blackened turkey, andouille gravy, cornbread stuffing, collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin cheesecake. Pickup is available starting at 4 p.m. Nov. 22 through 2 p.m. on Nov. 23. (1501 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria. To-go orders here.)
MONEY MUSCLE/ALL SET/FRYER’S ROADSIDE
Chef/owner Ed Reavis offers a customizable Thanksgiving dinner to-go that serves four. The $195 meal includes a choice of entree from deep-fried or smoked turkey, smoked ribeye, or salmon with dill cream, alongside skillet cornbread, mashed potatoes, brioche stuffing, string beans, brussels sprouts, and chocolate chip cookies. Orders must be placed by Nov. 19 and pick up is available 3 p.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 22. Delivery is available for an additional fee. (8630 Fenton St., Silver Spring, or 12830 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. To-go orders here.)
MOON RABBIT
Chef Kevin Tien brings Thanksgiving from his popular Vietnamese pop-up, Moon Rabbit. Celebrate the holiday with dishes with an Asian American twist, featuring five spice roasted turkey, gochujang mac ‘n’ cheese, nuoc cham brussels sprouts, and miso mashed potatoes. Dessert comes as pumpkin spice cheesecake. The $250 package feeds three to four, and additional sides and wine pairings are available. Pick-up is at the Bryant Street Market on Nov. 21 or 22, with delivery available for additional fees. Orders close on Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. (670 Rhode Island Ave NE. To-go orders here.)
OPEN CRUMB
This Anacostia spot is cooking up its soul food and African-influenced Thanksgiving again this year, complete with full or half turkeys in its signature spice rub. Sides, all of which are available a la carte in two sizes, include jollof rice or wakye (Ghanaian rice and black-eyed peas) for $20/$40 depending on the size, greens braised in smoky mushroom stock ($25/$45), and a rosemary and chicken sausage stuffing ($25/$45), among other items. They’ve also got your baking covered, with milk buns ($12 for 6) or biscuits ($35 for 6), sweet potato pie ($35), and more. Order via phone or email by Nov. 20 for pickup on Nov. 22 until 5 p.m. (1243 Good Hope Road SE, Menu here.)
SIDE DOOR
A Very Side Door Thanksgiving offers options for two ($105), four ($200), and eight people ($315). Menu highlights include various preparations of turkey including maple-brined breast, braised leg with sage parsnip cream, confit thigh with black pepper honey glaze, and smoked wings with Alabama white sauce. Seven classic sides are included too. Pickup of the meal along with reheating instructions is available from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Nov. 23. (909 New Jersey Ave. SE. To-go orders here.)
SILVER AND SONS BBQ
The Farmland Commercial Kitchen BBQ joint brings the snacks to the holiday table this year with their new app and snacks menu. Customers can order the unique dishes a la carte, including smoked brisket and gruyere bourekas, everything gougeres, or spicy lamb meatballs. Other holiday offerings include a $360 set dinner for eight that includes a 10-lb turkey, challah rolls with maple butter, duck confit stuffing, and your choice of sticky toffee pudding, fall crumble, or dessert platter. Pick up is available Nov. 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. (11910 Parklawn Drive, Rockville. To-go orders here.)
SPANISH DINER
Try a to-go Thanksgiving with Spanish flair from José Andrés’ Bethesda eatery. Dishes can be ordered a la carte, ranging from turkey and bechamel croquettes ($25 for a dozen) and chorizo macaroni ($45 to serve six), to turkey canelones ($65 to serve twelve) and turkey bikini sandwiches ($25 to serve six). Don’t forget a slice of pumpkin goat cheesecake ($7) for dessert. Or opt for the $185 feast for four, featuring turkey paella, croquettes, Spanish omelet, and the same cheesecake. Pick up is available from Nov. 17-22. (7271 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda. To-go orders here.)
STICKY FINGERS
For the vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant families, this popular plant-based diner offers a complete or a la carte Thanksgiving dinner. The menu includes everything from vegan charcuterie and cheese plates ($28) for starters to sticky buns and pies for a sweet finish. The main course, fried chickpea seitan with gravy ($14), comes with mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, and cranberry-jalapeno relish. Or go for the full meal for two ($80). Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Nov. 19, and can be picked up at either location on Nov. 22. (406 H St. NE or 1370 Park Road NW. To-go orders here.)
UNCONVENTIONAL DINER
Unconventional Diner is offering options for those who want to go out or stay home. Takeout orders are available for pickup, with reheating instructions provided, between Nov. 21-23 and must be placed at least five days in advance. The $90 to-go meal serves two people with courses including autumn harvest soup, roast turkey, cornbread muffins with habanero butter, mushroom-sage stuffing, tikka masala brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. For those looking to dine out, the same three-course menu with sides will be served 11 a.m.-8 p.m. for $50, with additional a la carte options including mac ‘n cheese, Lebanese fried rice, Basque cheesecake, and more. (1207 9th St. NW. Dine-in reservations here. To-go orders here.)
This post has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Makers Union, to indicate that its to-go Thanksgiving meals are only available from the Reston location, and that its Friendsgiving party is one night only.
