Thanksgiving is a big deal—to prepare and to eat. If you’d rather let someone else do some or all of the cooking, these area restaurants have got you covered. Here’s where to find a traditional turkey feast with all the trimmings and creative twists on some holiday classics, whether your preference is to dine out or bring home a few choice dishes to supplement your holiday spread.
2941 Restaurant
Dine-in or takeout
Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Take the guesswork out of the holiday by opting for the $105 three-course prix fixe menu at Chef Bertrand Chemel’s fine dining destination in Falls Church. Appetizers include butternut squash velouté, fois gras terrine and mushroom raviolini. The main courses are turkey breast or turkey breast with butter-poached lobster, grilled ribeye or spinach tagliatelle. Desserts include pumpkin pie mousse with vanilla gelato or a candied “green apple” made with vanilla Chantilly, apple compote and caramel gelato. Prefer to dine at home (read: wear pajama pants)? The takeout menu feeds two and offers many of the same dishes, plus optional add-ons like roasted beet salad, truffle potato gratin and ribeye tournedos. // 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church
Ambar Clarendon
Dine-in or takeout
Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Lunch) / 4-10 p.m. (Dinner)
Place takeout order by 9 p.m., Nov. 21
Put a Balkan spin on Thanksgiving this year by enjoying a meal out or bringing home heat-and-serve options. A reservation to dine in promises grilled turkey roulade wrapped in bacon with pepper and cheese relish, truffle mashed potatoes and a miso-mustard tarragon sauce; roasted turkey with cranberry chutney; creamy pumpkin soup; and poached pear salad. You can get these items as part of the dining without limits experience—a deal that includes unlimited small plates ($34.99 at lunch, $59.99 at dinner and includes dessert). The takeout menu has Thanksgiving-inspired dishes with an Eastern European twist. For $79 per couple, you can head home with a carryout feast of roasted turkey, truffle mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, homemade cornbread, and raspberry-chocolate cake. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Bar Ivy
Takeout only
Order by Nov. 19
The takeaway family feast for four from this West Coast-inspired eatery is made with hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. It comes with herb-roasted turkey breast, black pepper gravy, roasted brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin, cranberry-kumquat compote, pecan pie and more ($225). Ready for reheating, the meal comes with directions for serving. // 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Cafe Sazón
Takeout only
Order by Nov. 19
Enjoy Thanksgiving with a Latin twist. The family dinner option includes a 10-pound whole roasted turkey with three sides ($180) or barbecue ribs for four with two sides ($120). Those accompaniments, which you can also get a la carte, include white or yellow rice ($19-$80), ensalada rusa ($20-$90), and sweet corn and black bean salad ($20-$90). //4704 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Celebrity Delly
Takeout only
Order by 4 p.m., Nov. 22
Serving Falls Church diners for 47 years, Celebrity Delly’s catering arm has a Thanksgiving menu to suit all tastes. Designed to serve up to five eaters, it includes sliced roasted turkey breast ($60), crispy shallot green beans ($40), mashed potatoes ($40), cranberry sauce ($7), gravy ($9) and apple pie ($50). Take a look at the larger catering menu for additional sides, appetizers and desserts. // 7263A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Colada Shop
Takeout only
Place order by Nov. 18
Put a Cuban spin on Thanksgiving with savory dishes such as mac and cheese croquetas, smashed yucca with zesty garlic mojo sauce, moros and cristianos (black beans and white rice), and mojo slow-roasted pork. Check out the catering menu for more options, including pies. // 2920 District Ave., No. 180, Merrifield (Mosaic District)
Earl’s Sandwiches
Takeout only
Place order by 12 p.m., Nov. 20
Serving Arlingtonians since 2005, this popular lunch spot branches out beyond sandwiches to offer a specialty menu for the holidays. Snag whole roasted turkeys that serve 10-20 people ($69.99-$109.99), turkey off the bone ($18.99-$20.99 for three to four people), sides including bread stuffing with fresh thyme and mashed potatoes ($8.99/pint), and sauces such as turkey gravy, cranberry relish and horseradish ($8.99/pint). // 2605 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Green Pig Bistro
Dine-in only
Dine-in hours: 12-6 p.m.
A Clarendon favorite since 2012, Green Pig Bistro is inviting guests to dine on-site with a special menu that includes appetizers, sides and mains. Kick off the meal with pumpkin bisque ($13) or a traditional holiday relish tray for two ($21) with jumbo shrimp cocktail, parmesan-wrapped butter crackers, crispy cheese coins and deviled eggs. Other appetizers include a fried chicken biscuit slider ($18.50) and warm lobster and hearts of palm gratin dip ($20). Still got room? The main course options include a classic Thanksgiving Dinner ($39) with organic turkey breast, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, or a prime ribeye dinner for two that comes with whipped potatoes, crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and roasted mushrooms ($93). // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Joon
Takeout only
This Tysons newcomer helmed by chef Chris Morgan is offering two holiday spreads to go: a traditional American dinner or, for something different, a Persion version. Both packages feed five or six people and include a spatchcock-brined and roasted turkey and sides. The American meal comes with cranberry and apricot chutney, stuffing, sweet potato casserole and corn pudding. The Persian one has barberry, cranberry and apricot chutney, fava bean and dill rice, and spinach borani. Add pumpkin spiced roulette, glazed apples and bourbon dulce de leche to either package for $50, plus wines ($33) and sodas ($14). // 8045 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Lebanese Taverna
Takeout only
In Lebanon, it’s common to serve turkey on spiced rice at holiday times, and LT’s curated Thanksgiving menu honors that tradition. Choose from halal-certified roasted leg of lamb ($180) or roast turkey ($180 each), both of which come with spiced rice. Other sides include roasted za’atar potatoes ($45), mujaddara (lentil and rice pilaf; $45) and autumn vegetables (zucchini, squash, onions, tomatoes, garlic and thyme). For dessert, there’s a baklava-crusted cheesecake ($60). // 5900 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover); 2001 International Drive, Tysons Galleria, McLean; and 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Matchbox
Takeout only
Order by 8 p.m., Nov. 17
Feed four to six family members or guests with a Thanksgiving Day meal package ($175). It comes with a choice of two salads, roasted turkey breast, homemade gravy, cranberry relish, cornbread-herb stuffing, two sides and a warm crisp. Everything is pre-cooked and just needs to be warmed. A la carte options are also available. They include green beans and sweet potato casserole ($21 each), extra turkey ($60), and a brownie tray ($30). Of course, you can eschew the whole traditional meal altogether and get one of the restaurant’s popular pizzas. // 1340 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, and 2911 District Ave., Merrifield (Mosaic District)
Northside Social
Takeout only
Place takeout order by midnight, Nov. 17
In addition to its pie offerings, Northside Social is prepping a medley of savory takeout side dishes to complement your turkey. Among them: sage, butternut squash and goat cheese ($34); ham, spinach, gruyere and caramelized onion quiche ($34); white bean and pesto soup ($18/quart) and a pan of eight dinner rolls ($10.50). Need something to wash all that down? A mimosa kit is available for $20, as are hot tea, coffee and hot cider ($29.50/box). Sister restaurant Lyon Hall is also offering full-scale Turkey Day feasts to go, as well as a three-course pre-fixe dinner ($70 per person) at the restaurant. // 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Palette 22
Dine-in and takeout
Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Brunch), 3-9 p.m. (Dinner)
Get an early start to your celebration with a bottomless brunch ($33.22) at this buzzy Village at Shirlington eatery. For a more traditional holiday meal, the kitchen is also offering a full Thanksgiving dinner to go ($279) that features a 20- to 22-pound apple cider-glazed roasted turkey with sage gravy (serves 12), six sides (such as praline baked sweet potatoes and corn maque choux) and a pie—either pecan or pumpkin. Additional sides are available for $55, as are extra pies for $35 each. // 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Pirouette
Takeout only
Place takeout order Nov. 14-22
The cafe and wine shop is offering two wine packs for the holiday. After all, if the turkey is dry, you’ll need something to wash it down, right? The Progression 4-Pack ($90) comes with Emendis “Vintage” Brut Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain; Domaine Maratray-Dubreuil Bourgogne Côte d’Or Chardonnay 2022 from Burgundy, France; and two reds: Podere Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d’Alba 2020 from Piedmont, Italy, and Domaine Barrail de Brisson, Saint-Emilion 2019, a Bordeaux. The other special is the Luxury 2-Pack ($100), which features Le Potazzine Rosso di Montalcino 2021, a declassified Brunello from Tuscany and Domaine Lamy-Pillot Blagny 1er Cru “La Pièce sous le Bois” 2019 from Burgundy, a pinot noir. Can’t decide which to get? Go for both for $180. // 4000 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite C, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.
Takeout only
Place order by Nov. 16
Peruse the 2023 holiday menu at this beloved barbecue joint and you’ll find plenty of dishes to suit your fancy. For Thanksgiving, you may gravitate toward whole brie with cranberry orange relish to start ($44.99), a fresh whole smoked turkey (10-30 pounds, $69.99-$114.99) or smoked turkey breast ($23.99/pound), brussels sprouts with cranberries and bacon, bacon and chive mashed potatoes, candied yams ($16.45 for five servings), pumpkin cornbread muffins ($5.50 for 12), and a seasonal pie in flavors such as apple, pecan, sweet potato or pumpkin ($21.99). // 3471 Washington Blvd, Arlington (Clarendon)
Ruthie’s All-Day
Takeout only
Chef Matt Hill’s Thanksgiving dinner package is already sold out, but you can still order a la carte to jazz up your home table with a few choice additions. Get sliced smoked turkey breast ($26/pound), a full rack of spare ribs ($32) or smoked brisket ($17/half-pound). Sides include Ruthie’s mac and cheese ($19), collard greens with smoked tomatoes ($15) and brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette ($18). Finish it off with an apple pie ($30) or campfire cookies ($10 for six). // 3411 Fifth St., South, Arlington (Arlington Heights)
Smokecraft Barbecue
Takeout only
Place order by 12 p.m., Nov. 19
Fill your table with smoky flavors from the a la carte menu at this Clarendon ‘cue restaurant. Choose from a smoked whole turkey ($135), smoked prime rib ($200), smoked cauliflower ($20-56), duck-fat roasted potatoes ($15-$42), cranberry relish with a hint of orange ($15), chocolate-cherry bread pudding ($25) and much more. // 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Texas Jack’s Barbecue
Dine-in and takeout
Dine-in hours: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Leave the setup, cooking and cleanup to someone else by heading here for a holiday celebration. Tempting options for carnivores include smoked sliced turkey breast ($13 for half a pound), bone-in beef short rib ($42), beef brisket ($18) and Texas-style sausage ($5/link). Also available are The Festive Turkey Stack sandwich with brioche stuffing and cranberry sauce ($16), parsnip mashed potatoes ($7-$10), and baked mac and cheese ($8-$11). The restaurant also offers a Brisket and Turkey Medley with two sides ($55), a Holiday Harvest package with brisket, turkey, sausage and pork spare ribs ($72) and a Family Feast with larger portions of the Holiday Harvest ($145). Or take the goodies of your choice to go. A 12-14-pound whole turkey ($125) or 2 pounds of beef brisket ($70) are on the catering menu, along with crispy smoked chicken wings ($39 for 24), cornbread muffins ($8 for six) and pumpkin pie ($29). // 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Lyon Park)