Surely, planning the year's biggest feast between Halloween and Christmas seemed like a good idea at a time before LinkedIn updates and Real Housewives episodes ate up the nation's bandwidth. But today, it yields a cyclone of tension.
Breathe in (one, two, three, four). Thanksgiving doesn't have to provoke panic attacks. It's a day of togethership, not one-upmanship. Whether cooking the whole meal or just a few pies, plenty of San Antonio restaurants are willing to lighten the Turkey Day load.
Bird Bakery
The turkey may be the main event, but whoever brings the pie is the true hero. Bird Bakery has the baking covered, so you can take the credit. Either press your luck for a mini-pie in the store, or preorder a 9-inch pie by emailing bird@birdbakery.com.
Corinne
The flagship restaurant of the Plaza San Antonio Hotel and Spa invites guests to gobble up a prix fixe menu that includes a choice of smoked prime rib or cider-brined turkey and sides like five-cheese mac 'n' cheese.
Noon to 8 pm. $65.
Dorrego's
This River Walk restaurant's brunch is a good alternative for those who think turkey is for the birds. While it does get into fowl play, it also offers choices like prime rib and pomegranate-glazed salmon. Sides run the gamut from bacon jam Brussels sprouts to cornbread stuffing.
11 am-3 pm. $75 for adults, $29 for children 12 and under.
The Hayden
Two words: pastrami gravy. Both San Antonio locations of this Jewish-inspired diner offer a to-go meal that includes a citrus and herb-stuffed turkey, mini cheddar chive drop biscuits, and sourdough and rye stuffing. À la carte options are available for those making the entrée at home.
$14-185.
The Jerk Shack
The recent recipient of the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand is spicing up the holiday with meal bundles that include the option of jerk or fried chicken and two half-pan sides. Guests can also order entrées like oxtails or take home trimmings like brown sugar and orange yams à la carte. Preorders can be made by email (manager@thejerkshacksatx.com) or by phone (210-776-7780) with a 50 percent deposit.
$65-175, some entrées are subject to market price.
Kimpton Santo
The recently opened downtown hotel is activating its entire space, including Dean's Steak and Seafood and rooftop bar Tenfold. The main event, however, is a family-style meal in the San Juan Grand Ballroom, where guests can dive into a mashed potato bar, pineapple Bourbon-glazed ham, and pecan pie.
Seatings available 11 am to 2 pm or 2:30-5 pm. $80 for adults, $20 for children under 13, and free for kids under 6.
Landrace
Dash to this downtown hotel for a bountiful all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving brunch offering omelet, turkey, and dry-aged steamship round stations. If you can't move after all the savory dishes, don't worry. The desserts are wheeled around on a rolling cart.
11 am to 3 pm. $115 for adults, $29.99 for kids.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
A steakhouse atmosphere and a barbecue staple come together like any other unconventional family at Perry's Steakhouse. Smoked turkey is the star of the show on the big day, with pumpkin cheesecake adding a bit more razzle dazzle.
11 am to 9 pm. $49 for adults, $19 for kids.
Range
Jason Dady's downtown steakhouse offers two experiences during the big day. Guests can enjoy riverside seating during the Ford Holiday River Parade or devour a prix-fixe menu inside.
Noon-8 pm. $65-$135.
Two Bros BBQ Market
This barbecue joint is talking turkey with a heat-and-eat deal that includes everything from the salad to rolls and feeds 10-12 people. Guests can order the bird or sides like banana pudding or creamy coleslaw separately.
$49.95-$160.
