Thanksgiving in the Windy City: Where to Stuff Your Face (Responsibly)
Thanksgiving. That magical time of year when you're supposed to be grateful, but all you can think about is food. And if you're lucky enough to be in Chicago for this gluttonous holiday, you're in for a real treat. But with a city this big, where do you even start? Don't worry, your friendly neighborhood food connoisseur (me) is here to guide you through the culinary labyrinth.
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| Where To Eat In Chicago For Thanksgiving |
Traditional Thanksgiving: For the Classic Cravings
Let's face it, sometimes you just want that classic Thanksgiving spread. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy - the whole shebang. And while you could probably whip up a decent meal at home, why bother when Chicago has some seriously impressive restaurants serving up Thanksgiving dinner with a side of ambiance?
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- The Smith: This place is like your grandma’s cooking, but elevated. Think turkey three ways (roasted, braised, or pot pie), and sides that will make you question your life choices up until this point.
- Cindy’s: If you're looking to impress your Thanksgiving date (or yourself), Cindy's is the place to be. Stunning views of the city, delicious food, and a vibe that screams "sophisticated." Just don't drop your cranberry sauce.
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving: For the Adventurous Eater
Okay, so maybe you're not feeling the whole turkey thing. Or maybe you're just tired of the same old, same old. Fear not, Chicago has options for you too.
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- Lure Fishbar: Who says Thanksgiving has to be landlocked? Indulge in a seafood feast with dishes like lobster mac and cheese and cedar plank salmon. Just don't forget to thank the fish.
- Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen: For our vegan and vegetarian friends (or anyone who wants to feel virtuous), Bloom offers a delicious plant-based Thanksgiving menu. You won't miss the turkey, promise.
Where to Avoid: A Public Service Announcement
We all have those well-meaning relatives who insist on cooking Thanksgiving dinner. While their intentions are noble, the results can be... questionable. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re faced with a questionable Thanksgiving spread, here are some polite exit strategies:
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
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- The sudden food allergy: "Oh no! I just remembered I'm allergic to [insert random food here]. Thanks for trying me though!"
- The urgent work call: "I'm so sorry, but I just got a really important work call. I'll be back as soon as I can!"
- The mysterious disappearance: Slip out the back door and hail a cab. You'll thank me later.
Remember: Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, and food. So enjoy it, but also pace yourself. You don't want to be in a food coma for the entire weekend.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
How-To Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving
- How to survive the family drama: Bring a good book and pretend you're somewhere else.
- How to avoid overeating: Eat a big breakfast. Or just don’t go.
- How to impress your family with your Thanksgiving knowledge: Read this post again.
- How to recover from a Thanksgiving food coma: Take a long nap.
- How to make the most of leftovers: Get creative with your sandwich game.
Happy Thanksgiving, Chicago!
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