Thanksgiving Dinner Out on Nov. 25, 2010

Spending Thanksgiving with family and friends can be a fun and memorable occasion. This year, we're especially thankful that many restaurants in the Mile High City are putting out holiday spreads so we don't have to cook. Whether you're going out in a small group or big conglomerate, and seeking an elegant to homey atmosphere, you'll gobble up terrific food at one of these favorites on Thursday, Nov. 25.

Second Home Kitchen and Bar. 11am-6pm (JW Marriott Cherry Creek), 303-253-3000. You can hit all possible scenarios here on Thanksgiving Day. Dine in for a three-course, family-style holiday meal that includes Waldorf salad, whipped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, roasted turkey with pan gravy and pepper-crusted roast beef. Finish up with Stranahan’s Whiskey caramel-pecan pie and pumpkin pie too. Adults $35; ages 6-12 $15; ages 5 and under eat free. If you're considering going to your friend's Thanksgiving dinner, Second Home also serves a full breakfast on Thanksgiving morning until 11am. A gourmet takeout dinner is available as well; order by Monday, Nov. 22.

The Greenbriar Inn. 11am-8pm (8735 North Foothills Hwy, Boulder), 303-440-7979. A traditional turkey dinner with tasty sides is served in a charming, casual environment. Complimentary second helpings are available upon request...you'll definitely want to indulge. Select dishes from the regular dinner menu are also available if you're not a turkey fan. Adults $25; children $13. Reservations required.

Brown Palace Hotel. 10am-8pm (321 17th St.), 303-297-3111. Brunch-lovers, Ellyngton's does it right with hearty fare and live jazz from 10am-3pm. Carving stations feature roast turkey, herb-rubbed prime rib and pork loin. Plus, enjoy Rocky Mountain trout, sushi, shelled seafood and all the trimmings you could possibly desire (and digest). Adults $56.95 and up; ages 6-12 $17.95. At the luxe Palace Arms, enjoy a sumptuous, four-course, prix fixe dinner featuring your choice of Colorado bison, organic turkey or a veggie entree from 4-8pm at $79 per person. 

1515 Restaurant. 11am-6pm (1515 Market St.), 303-571-0011. Here you can count on fresh ingredients and a slightly edgy twist on traditional dishes. Three courses of delicious options hit the spot in LoDo. You may end up choosing apple-cider butternut-squash soup, roasted heritage turkey with bacon, apple and fennel stuffing, and cranberry chutney...or prime rib or Alaskan salmon preparations. End on a sweet note with maple-cream brulee or pumpkin pie with candied pecans. Adults $18; $9 for children under 10.

Table Mountain Grill & Cantina. 10am-5pm (1310 Washington Ave., Golden), 303-216-8040. If you ever tried to fry a turkey and nearly burned down the house, you'll love the star attraction: a worry-free, deep-fried tom turkey. Also nosh on prime rib, honey-glazed ham and pecan-crusted salmon. Sweet tooths are satisfied with candied sweet potatoes and a slew of dessert options. Arrive hungry for a filling meal in a nice, casual setting. Adults $26.99; ages 6-12 $9.99; seniors $19.99; ages 5 and under eat free.

HelloDenver tip: Make your reservations early! If you've waited too long and are in last-minute mode, break from tradition. Many specialty restaurants are serving their regular menu alongside a holiday-dinner special, including: McCormick's & Schmidt's Seafood (DTC), The Keg Steakhouse (LoDo and Lakewood) and Prima Ristorante (Hotel Teatro).

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