Chicago's Best Thanksgiving Takeout: Where to Order When You'd Rather Not Cook

The mythology of Thanksgiving centers on a dining table surrounded by loved ones, a picture-perfect turkey emerging from the oven, and homemade pies cooling on the counter. The reality, for many of us, involves burned rolls, undercooked birds, and the dawning realization at 3 p.m. that you forgot to buy cranberry sauce.

This year, consider an alternative: let the professionals handle the cooking while you focus on what actually matters—spending time with the people you love. Chicago’s restaurant scene offers an abundance of Thanksgiving takeout options, from traditional spreads that would satisfy the most traditionalist grandparent to creative interpretations that might just start new traditions.

Here are our top picks for Thanksgiving takeout across the city, with ordering deadlines noted where available.

The Traditional Route

Boeufhaus 1012 N. Western Ave., Bucktown Order deadline: November 23

This Bucktown steakhouse has become a Thanksgiving institution, offering a complete feast that feeds 8-10 for $425. The package includes a 12-pound heritage turkey brined in house, classic stuffing with sourdough and sage, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and gravy. Add on a whole pumpkin pie for $45. Everything arrives cold with detailed reheating instructions.

“We wanted to create something that feels like home but without the stress,” said executive chef Jesse Mendica. “All you have to do is heat and serve.”

Lula Cafe 2537 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square Order deadline: November 24

Logan Square’s beloved farm-to-table pioneer offers an elevated take on Thanksgiving tradition. Their $375 package (serves 6-8) features a free-range turkey from Slagel Family Farm, cornbread stuffing with local sausage, maple-roasted root vegetables, and a choice of apple or pecan pie. Vegetarian options are available with 48 hours notice.

Big Jones 5347 N. Clark St., Andersonville Order deadline: November 23

Chef Paul Fehribach’s Southern cooking temple delivers one of the city’s most soulful Thanksgiving spreads. The $350 feast (serves 6-8) includes bourbon-brined turkey, oyster dressing, sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows, braised collard greens, and cranberry relish. Their buttermilk biscuits—legendary year-round—are included. Add a bourbon pecan pie for $50.

Global Flavors

Fat Rice 2957 W. Diversey Ave., Logan Square Order deadline: November 22

If your family is ready to break from turkey tradition, Fat Rice’s “Macanese Thanksgiving” offers an unforgettable alternative. For $300 (serves 4-6), you get chef Abe Conlon’s take on arroz gordo (the restaurant’s namesake dish), lacquered duck, African chicken, and Portuguese egg tarts. It’s a celebration of the global flavors that define Macanese cuisine—perfect for adventurous eaters.

Virtue 1462 E. 53rd St., Hyde Park Order deadline: November 23

Chef Erick Williams brings his signature Southern-meets-soul approach to Thanksgiving with a $295 package serving 4-6. Highlights include a smoked turkey breast, macaroni and cheese that’s earned a devoted following, candied yams, and collard greens braised with smoked turkey. Their sweet potato pie is worth the $40 add-on.

Tied House 3611 N. Ashland Ave., Lakeview Order deadline: November 24

This neighborhood tavern offers an approachable feast at $250 for 4-6 people. The menu features cider-brined turkey, herbed stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, and house-made cranberry sauce. Their brown butter pumpkin pie ($35) has developed a cult following.

Sides and Supplements

Already handling the main course but need reinforcements? These spots specialize in sides and accompaniments.

The Butcher & Larder at Local Foods 1427 N. Willow Ave., Lincoln Park Order deadline: November 25

This whole-animal butcher shop offers a la carte sides that would make any Thanksgiving spread sing. Standouts include duck fat mashed potatoes ($18/quart), sage and chestnut stuffing ($22/quart), and turkey gravy ($12/pint). They’re also the best bet for sourcing a heritage turkey if you do want to cook—just order well in advance.

Spinning J 1000 N. California Ave., Humboldt Park Order deadline: November 24

This bakery and soda fountain has pivoted to pies for the holiday, offering what may be the city’s most Instagram-worthy Thanksgiving desserts. Their tall apple crumble pie ($38), pumpkin pie with brown butter crust ($35), and maple bourbon pecan pie ($42) all sell out quickly. Pre-orders are essential.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits 2051 N. California Ave., Logan Square Order deadline: November 24

The lines at Bang Bang are legendary year-round, but Thanksgiving brings extra intensity. Pre-ordering is mandatory for their Hoosier sugar cream pie ($30), chocolate chess pie ($32), and classic pumpkin ($28). Their biscuits ($24/dozen) also make an excellent addition to any feast.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted St., Lakeview Order deadline: November 24

This 42-year-old vegetarian institution offers a complete vegan Thanksgiving for $195 (serves 4-6). The centerpiece is a house-made seitan roast with mushroom gravy, accompanied by mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry relish. Their vegan pumpkin cheesecake ($45) is a worthy dessert option.

Handlebar 2311 W. North Ave., Wicker Park Order deadline: November 23

Another longtime vegetarian favorite, Handlebar offers both vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving packages at $180 (serves 4-6). Options include a stuffed acorn squash centerpiece, wild rice pilaf, roasted root vegetables, and maple-glazed Brussels sprouts. Add-on pies are available.

Last-Minute Options

Procrastinators, take heart. Several options remain available for those who didn’t plan ahead.

Mariano’s and Whole Foods both offer prepared Thanksgiving meals through Wednesday, though selection diminishes as the holiday approaches. Mariano’s turkey dinner ($99.99, serves 8-10) includes a fully cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans, and a pie.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day for those who want a decidedly non-traditional celebration—their turkey sandwich is, after all, one of the city’s best.

Planning Tips

Most restaurants require at least 48-72 hours notice for Thanksgiving orders, and popular spots often sell out a week in advance. Prices listed above are subject to change, so confirm when ordering.

Nearly all takeout options arrive cold or partially prepared, with reheating instructions. Budget 1-2 hours to bring everything to serving temperature, and make sure you have enough oven space before ordering multiple items.

And if you do decide to cook, remember: no one will remember whether the turkey was perfectly moist. They’ll remember that you were present, that you laughed together, and that the wine kept flowing. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not gastronomy.

Happy eating, Chicago.