Want to celebrate the day of thanks, but not planning on cooking a full dinner this year? Don’t quit Thanksgiving cold turkey — we’ve got you covered with where to dine-in + carry-out for Thanksgiving dinner. We are totally falling for these local options for mashed potatoes, yams, and pumpkin pie — plus, we break down where to get local ingredients for those rolling up their sleeves in the kitchen this holiday.
Where to dine-in:
Essen Haus, 514 E. Wilson St. | Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- A whole roasted turkey to carve at your table + bottomless sides. Better bring your stretchy pants. Pro tip: Be sure to call and make reservations 5 days in advance here.
The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Pl. | Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- A Thanksgiving brunch filled with traditional fixings, buttermilk waffles, a tuscan frittata + more. Pro tip: Be sure to call and make reservations in advance here.
Where to carry-out:
Batch Bakehouse, 1402 Williamson St. | Orders must be placed by Tues., Nov. 16
- Apple strudel, pumpkin pie + pecan pie — oh my. If you’re in charge of turkey day dessert, Batch has plenty of pies to keep all your guests satisfied.
Monty’s Blue Plate, 2089 Atwood Ave. | Orders must be placed by Sun., Nov. 21
- Looking for vegetarian + vegan options? Monty’s has plenty of options for both plant-based and carnivorous diets, ranging from scrumptious side dishes to delicious desserts.
L’etoile Restaurant, 1 S. Pinckney St. | Orders must be placed by Sun., Nov. 21
- A family-sized meal with all-natural Minnesota turkey, 7 sides + your choice of dessert. Pro Tip: add on extra desserts or wine.
Bloom Bake Shop, 1851 Monroe St. | Orders must be placed by Wed., Nov. 16
- Pick up carrot cake, brandy old-fashioned donuts, vegan tarts + a variety of pies to round out your Thanksgiving meal.
Pasture and Plenty, 2433 University Ave. | Orders must be placed by Sun., Nov. 21
- Reader Chrissy R. let us know that the meal options are sourced from local farms and producers — from fruit pies to “local love” dinner crates, you’ll be thankful to know where your food comes from.
ZuZu Cafe, 1336 Drake St. | Orders must be placed by Wed., Nov. 10
- If you’re looking for something different this Thanksgiving, Reader Robert S. told us that the cafe has lamb legs + pumpkin pie, along with roasted potatoes and cranberry orange relish.
Liliana’s Restaurant, 2951 Triverton Pike Dr., Middleton | Orders must be placed in advance
- Support over 18 farmers and producers providing ingredients for Thanksgiving meals. Order vegetarian, gluten-free, or carnivorous meals for the whole family or pay-it-forward with a donation to those experiencing food insecurity.
Cadre Restaurant, 2540 University Ave. | Orders must be placed by Thurs., Nov. 18 at 10 p.m.
- Enjoy a French-inspired feast with turkey ballotine, mushroom béchamel sauce, plenty of sides + a cheese plate. Pick and choose dishes or order a full meal for reheating.
Where to shop local ingredients:
Willy Street Co-op, 3 locations in Madison | 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Locally sourced vegetables + organic meats to prepare your thanksgiving day meal. Pre-made pies with local eggs and butter are also available for purchase. Pro tip: Free-range turkeys are available for pre-orders until Thurs., Nov. 18
Metcalfe’s Market, 2 locations in Madison | Times vary for each store
- The local market sources over 3,000 of its products from regional farms and vendors. The Thanksgiving menu allows you to build your own feast with local sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, a Door County cherry pie + more. The store is closed on Thanksgiving day, so be sure to order in-store or online beforehand.
Festival Foods, 810 E. Washington Ave. | 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Wisconsin-based grocer has Heat and Serve Holiday Meals so you can take a break from the kitchen. Order your turkey, ham + sides with just 48 hours notice. Pro Tip: Festival Foods is open on Turkey Day from 5 a.m.-3 p.m. for when you realize you forgot to buy cranberry sauce.
Brennan’s Market, 8210 Watts Rd. | Hours vary
- Order a fresh all-natural turkey, local pies, an assortment of sides, wine + a cheeseboard — need we go on — from the local store. Thanksgiving pick-up orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on Mon., Nov. 22.
Where are you getting your meal? If we’ve missed your go-to spot, let us know so we can add it to our list.
