While some have the luxury of a picture-postcard, Saveur-inspired, farm-to-table extravaganza of culinary Americana laid out on their tables come Thanksgiving, there are others who lack that -- for many reasons, from being down on their luck, to having relatives who are more interested in football than in feasting. Whatever your motivations -- no judgement!
We're here to reassure you: There's nothing wrong or otherwise un-American with having Thanksgiving dinner out. Here's a list of possible options around Madison for your Turkey Day eating.
The granddaddy of local T'giving buffets, the Edgewater Hotel, is back, post-reconstruction, and it's more lavish than ever. The Admiralty Room at the old hotel used to be the king of Madison Thanksgiving options, and the new version of the hotel presents a vast array heretofore unseen, in not one but two dining areas.
The more traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet with multiple add-ons will take place in the Statehouse from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with multiple entrees, but as of Nov. 12, seatings had already sold out.
Seats at the buffet at the Grand Ballroom at the Edgewater were still available as of Nov. 18. Roasted turkey is joined by the traditional sides, and also walleye, roast sirloin, and a number of more breakfasty-brunch options including made-to-order eggs and omelets and pancakes with maple syrup. A raft of desserts from pumpkin pie to caramel-corn ice cream will finish the meal. The buffet runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $43/adults, $18/children. Reservations are recommended; call 608-535-8230 / 608-535-8186.
The Capitol Chophouse at the Monona Terrace Hilton is also serving a buffet, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $37/adults, $30/seniors, $13 children aged 12-17, but there are very limited seats still available. Call 608-255-0165 for reservations.
Heartland Grill at the Sheraton Madison near the Alliant Energy Center is also open for a brunch buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $25/adult, $20/seniors, $13/children under 14. The buffet will have a little bit of everything, but all the Thanksgiving standards. Call 251-2300, ext. 4., for reservations, which are highly recommended.
Two area Great Dane Pubs will be open for Thanksgiving buffet-brunches: Fitchburg and Hilldale. They will be serving from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (last seating 5:30 p.m.), $24/adults, $10/children ages 5-12. In addition to the turkey, expect prime rib, ham, and homestyle classics like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, squash, and a generous salad bar. Desserts? Of course! If you're looking to eat later in the evening, both locations have a regular turkey dinner (non-buffet) served into the evening, starting at 5 p.m. at Hilldale, 5:45 p.m. at Fitchburg, $14/adults, $9/children. Reservations for any and all of this are required. The regular late-night menu will also be available in the evening. Call 608-442-9000 (Fitchburg) or 608-661-9400 (Hilldale) for reservations.
The Green Owl Cafe will hold a five-course vegan Thanksgiving dinner at noon, $33/adults, $16/children under 12. The centerpiece is an orange-soy basted tofu turkey with savory sourdough stuffing; appetizers, salads, other sides and pumpkin "cheesecake" round out the meal. Reservations can be made online. Call the restaurant with questions, 608-285-5290.
Liliana's in Fitchburg will also hold a three-course vegan Thanksgiving meal, $25, but it will take place Tuesday, November 25. Call 608-442-4444 for info or reservations.
Basie's at the Radisson is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $20/adults, $15/seniors, $8/children ages 5-12. Reservations are recommended; call 608-833-0100.
The Essen Haus serves a family-style dinner with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, all that you would expect, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.,$20/adults, $8/children 6-10). Reservations are recommended; call 608-255-4674.
Rex's Innkeeper in Waunakee is holding a traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $16/adults, $8/children 10 and under. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 608-849-5011.
The Dorf Haus in Roxbury is offering a Thanksgiving buffet that also gives something back; 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to honor restaurant founder Betty Maier, who started the buffets 24 years ago, and who passed away from that disease two years ago. The buffet is served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $17/adults; $6/children 5-l0 and $3/children four and under. Reservations are requested at 608-643-3980.
The Old Feed Mill in Mazomanie will host a buffet serving from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $20/adults, $18/seniors, $9/children under 12, with turkey, pot roast, and bourbon-smoked pork as the centerpieces, with mushroom strudel, citrus kale slaw and a raft of other traditional sides and pies. Reservations at 608-795-4909.
The Coachman's Golf Resort near Stoughton also sets out a buffet from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $20/adults, $15/seniors, $9/ children under 12), with the traditional turkey joined by vegetable lasagna, fried chicken and barbecued ribs, hot and cold sides and desserts. Reservations are suggested; call 608-884-8484.
Several area churches are offering free meals.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St., is hosting a noon dinner, open and free to all. The meal is family style and includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cole slaw, homemade cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Call 608-251-8405 with questions.
First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave., is serving a free Thanksgiving Day community meal from noon-3 p.m., with all the usual suspects: turkey, vegetables, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls and pie. Call 608-233-9751 with questions.
Likewise, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd., is servings its annual free holiday meal, open to all, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Turkey and dressing, plus all the expected trimmings. Call 608-271-6633 with any questions.