Seattle Thanksgiving Planner 2009

1936 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (map)

Take in the skyline view as you enjoy your holiday meal at the nice-but-casual Salty’s in West Seattle. The Thanksgiving buffet gives you the traditional bird plus alternatives: Dungeness crab, peel-and-eat prawns, blackened salmon and prime rib. 10 am-7pm. $41.99 for adults; $17.99 for children 10-12; $15.99 for children 6-9; under 5 free.

2000 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)

Although most of Tom Douglas’s restaurants (Dahlia Lounge, Palace Kitchen, Serious Pie and Etta’s) will be closed on Thanksgiving, Lola will be welcoming guests from 12pm to 6 pm, serving its Greek-style fare. Selections include the lunchtime kabobs, dinner entrees and several nontraditional Thanksgiving offerings.

900 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)

If you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in an elegant European atmosphere, reserve a table at the Hunt Club. Warm yourself by the crackling fire in the lobby, and then head to the dignified dining room to tuck into turkey with the works--sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberries and more. $50 per person. 11am-9pm.

656 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)

Break with tradition. Head to the International District for some char siu pork or roast duck from Kau Kau. You can also get lau mein, chow mein and other standards. Can’t bear to be without the turkey? Call a week in advance and they’ll barbecue a bird for you. Open 10am-10pm.

7314 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)

This upscale veggie restaurant in Greenwood proves you don’t need meat for a filling and savory feast, accompanied by an impressive wine list, as well. The regular menu includes raviolis stuffed with chanterelles, butternut squash spaetzle and corn and pepper risotto, and the chefs will be preparing a special Thanksgiving menu (to be announced). Open 5pm-9pm.

1918 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117 (map)

A smoked turkey adds extra flavor to the holiday table, and Smokin’ Pete’s is taking to-go orders for its all natural birds through November 22. Prices run from $55 for a small to $75 for a large, or you can get complete dinners--for 6: $99; for 8-10: $135.00; and for 10-12: $160. They come with great sides such as ginger carrots and collard greens and a choice of pie, including strawberry-rhubarb and key lime.

1531 NE 145th St, Seattle, WA 98155 (map)

Don’t discount your local supermarket for a great holiday meal to-go. QFC offers complete family-size turkey, prime rib and ham dinners, from $39.99 to $109. All the fixin’s are included: mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and dinner rolls. They also sell a pricier gourmet version featuring kalua yams, green beans Valencia and parmesan mashed potatoes.

2400 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 (map)

This prepared foods store, based in Queen Anne, specializes in making meals from organic, local ingredients. Their turkey dinners feature heritage birds from Stokesberry Farms. The meals include roulade of turkey with cornbread stuffing, turkey breast with cranberry chutney, braised turkey with seasonal vegetables and turkey breast with parsnip puree. Prices range from $9.98 for one to $39.98 for 4-6. For something different, try their turkey and cranberry crisp-bread pizza ($9.98). Ordering in advance is recommended.

2203 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)

For a savory bird, try the Frontier Room’s free-range turkey (between 12 and 14 pounds) smoked with hickory and applewood in their pit. Place your order by Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day. $75 per turkey.