It’s safe to say enough curveballs have been thrown in 2020 to last a lifetime, so we certainly don’t blame anyone looking to take some of the stress out of this year’s holiday dinner. While some see cheffing it up in the kitchen as cathartic (and a chance to avoid extended family small talk for a couple hours), it’s also a time-consuming endeavor that will no doubt leave you with more cleaning time than you originally bargained for.
That’s where local restaurants and catering services swoop in to save the day, with dishes guaranteed to taste superb and the ability to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs — from your daughter’s newfound veganism to your uncle’s possibly questionable intolerance to gluten.
Look no further than this list for the very best of the city’s last-minute Thanksgiving dinners, available for takeout or delivery from some of your favorite spots in town. While all of these options are available at press time, don’t delay, as supplies, as ever, are limited.
For the big family gathering: Jackie
Shaw
Led by James Beard nominated chef Jerome Grant, Dacha’s sister restaurant Jackie is an American bistro inspired by its namesake first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. For Thanksgiving, they’re offering an all-inclusive $285 meal package that feeds between six and eight people. Included is a brined Joyce Farms turkey with sage butter, brandied giblet gravy, cranberry compote, blue cornbread with jalapeño honey butter, five other sides as well as sweet potato pie. Order online for pick up on November 25.
For the steak lover: St. Anselm
Union Market
For those who prefer ribeye to turkey, you’ve found your match. Union Market steakhouse St. Anselm is offering an axe-handle ribeye dinner for only $85 per person, which includes buttermilk biscuits, salad, mushroom soup and your choice of five sides. If the rest of the family is still yearning for that classic Thanksgiving turkey, they’ve got that, too. Pre-order by phone for pick-up from November 24 to November 25.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it: Bammy’s
Navy Yard
It’s really only once a year that you get to dig into the simple satisfaction that is turkey with gravy, so why not indulge in the best version of a classic? Chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison of Save DC Eats are offering just that with their Thanksgiving to-go: an all-in-one dinner package for either two or four people that includes a brined turkey breast, cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted carrots, Parker house rolls and more. Add a dessert in the form of pie and/or bottles of mulled wine. Pre-order for pickup on November 25.
Thanksgiving in Italy: Centrolina
City Center
Grab your Thanksgiving feast from Chef Amy Brandwein’s Centrolina, where she’s put together a wide selection of Italian-inspired dishes, from a prosciutto and poached pear platter to pumpkin raviolini with butter and sage. Whole chickens, trussed and oven ready, are available to order, as well as organic 8-10 pound turkeys. Order online for pickup on November 25.
Go big AND go home: Del Mar
District Wharf
Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi may have just become a U.S. citizen, but he’s going all out for Thanksgiving this year with the grand package Thanksgiving to-go at waterside restaurant Del Mar. The enormous meal package feeds six to eight people for $650, and includes appetizers such as jumbo shrimp cocktail and an artisan charcuterie board as well as a whole 16-pound apple cider-brined and herb butter-rubbed turkey to serve as your centerpiece. Pre-order online for pickup on November 24 to November 25.
Already have your turkey?: Rose’s Luxury
Eastern Market
Just because you’ve already got your turkey in check doesn’t mean you can’t look elsewhere for pre-prepared, delicious sides that save you counter space and time. Rose’s Luxury has these in excess, with side packages for two that include a five-layer caviar dip and potato gratin with truffles. Classic apple, pecan and pumpkin pies are available for purchase as well, along with pre-batched cocktails and mocktails.
Drink your Thanksgiving meal: Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Adams Morgan
Your favorite local whiskey purveyor is back for their fifth year of serving Thanksgiving dinner in liquid form, with a five-course cocktail meal inspired by traditional holiday eats. The food-inspired cocktails are made to be reminiscent of sweet and savory Thanksgiving dishes, such as sweet potato-infused bourbon, jet puffed marshmallow syrup, bone-washed baked citrus amaro, savory stuffed rum, cranberry sauce and a black forest cordial. The five-course kit for two features 10 servings in all for $90, served with instructions, garnishes and even optional cocktail ice. Pre-order online for pickup on November 25.
Vegetarians like Thanksgiving too: Maydan
Columbia Heights
Rose Previte’s internationally inspired Maydan is famous for its wood-fired hearth, where vegetarian Thanksgiving sides like Brussels on the stalk will be charred to perfection. A non-vegetarian menu is available too, with wood-roasted lamb, but the $95 vegetarian menu is perfect for those looking for a satisfying holiday meal without any of the meat. Appetizers like classic hummus and stuffed dates accompany pumpkin kibbeh and a sweet potato dish with mushrooms, among others. For dessert, a honey pie with orange blossom whipped cream. Pre-order online for pickup on November 25.
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