When you think of Thanksgiving you might have all kinds of wonderful visions about roast turkey and its comfort food fixings as you shop . . . and . . . cook . . . and clean . . .
Well, maybe not the cleaning part. In fact that's where it can turn into a real drag. Once you mosey back into the kitchen after chowing down, you're probably going to encounter what looks like the aftermath of a tornado with so many pots and pans and bowls and utensils all staring at you, waiting to be washed.
Skip the Mess - Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Fortunately, there are other options. One is to enjoy a fine meal at one of the several local restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving dinner. Another is to order fully prepared items from one of the many local grocers and restaurants so you can have a nice dinner at home without turning your kitchen upside down.
We'll start with the restaurants that we know about - and welcome suggestions about others that are open Thanksgiving Day. This option can be especially enjoyable if you're dining with your spouse or just a few friends, including those who'd rather have broiled seafood than turkey and stuffing.
RESTAURANTS OPEN ON THANKSGIVING
A SPECIAL NOTE: MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW. Many of these restaurants require them, and they're often booked up two weeks before the big day.
FORK AND FLASK. A local favorite, open 1 to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving and also offering to make your day easy with full dinners prepared for carry out if you order ahead.
JUST IN THYME. Offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for in-person dining from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
HARVEST TIDE. In Lewes, this is the place for wonderful steaks and seafood year-round, and a special Thanksgiving menu tailor-made for carnivores, with turkey alongside ham, pork loin and prime rib at the carving station. Serving from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
THE CLUBHOUSE AT BAYWOOD GREENS. This is a country club for regular folks, with a beloved restaurant open to the public all year and a special Thanksgiving buffett from 12 to 6. A great choice if you live out near Millsboro.
BLACKWALL AT THE BEACH. Here's another place for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in an upscale setting. Serving from 11 to 6.
SHOREBREAK LODGE. Renowned for great food all year round and serving Thanksgiving dinner this year from 1:30 to 8.
PURPLE PARROT GRILL. A traditional menu in a fun setting. Serving 12 to 8 on Thanksgiving.
THE PARKWAY. A good option for traditional Thanksgiving cuisine in Bethany Beach. Check web site for hours and menu.
REHOBOTH DINER. Home cooking year round and on Thanksgiving. Call 302 227 0908 for hours.
CRACKER BARREL COUNTRY STORE. More homestyle, for dining in and carry-out. Call 302 226 8993 for Thanksgiving day hours
VICTORIA'S. On the Boardwalk in Rehoboth, serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Call 302 227 0615 for hours.
IRISH EYES IN LEWES. Another local favorite, offering a large buffet on Thanksgiving. Call 302 645 688 for hours.
THE WHEELHOUSE IN LEWES. More traditional offerings in a beautiful setting on the harbor, with seatings at 12, 2, 4:30 and 6:30 on Thanksgiving day.
Or Skip the Mess and Eat at Home - Carry Out or Boxed Meal Options
ORDER AHEAD FOR EASY CARRY OUT OPTIONS
In addition to carry-out options from Fork and Flask and Cracker Barrel, you can order from the following restaurants and grocers.
BETHANY BLUES IN BETHANY AND LEWES. Order fully prepared dinners or assorted items for pick up. Prices vary. You can get a full dinner for four to 5 people for $135, and dinner for eight to 10 for $245.
BIG FISH MARKET, in Rehoboth. Order individual dinners starting at $28.95 and full turkey or ham dinners from $129 to $199. You can also order individual sides and prepared turkey. Make sure you check for details on how to order and pick up.
THE NOOK, in Milton, is also offering carry out if you pre-order by 8 p.m. on November 21. Prices range from $22 for dinner for one, $100 for dinner for one to five, to $175 to serve eight to 10.
ACME Supermarket, Route One in Lewes is a perfect choice for the budget-conscious, with carry out Thanksgiving dinner for two offered for $19,99 and a meal that serves six to eight for $69.99.
FRESH MARKET, Route One in Rehoboth, also has a range of full Thanksgiving dinners if you order by November 22nd at 2 p.m., with pick up from November 22nd through the 25th.
OLD WORLD BREADS, in Lewes, has a wide array of side dishes, desserts and breads to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner. Order online by November 19 and pick up on the 23rd or 24th.
PATTY'S DELI, on Savannah Road, has quickly become legendary as a locals' favorite. They'll be offering a wide range of side dishes for carry out. Look for the menu soon on their website.
SLO MO BARBECUE, on Monroe Avenue in Lewes is also well-loved for its smoked meats. You'll find them under a tent with a slow cooker. This year they're offering smoked turkey and sides for carry out if you order by November 15. Its 12 to 15 pound turkey, priced at $8 a pound, will serve 15 people and its 10 pound ham, at $9 a pound, will serve 12. Pre-order by calling 302 344 3761.
FULL BELLY BISTRO. Speaking of local favorites, everyone seems to love this carry out cuisine, and this year you'll be able to order a range of dishes in advance of Thanksgiving day for pick up by November 24th. Look for the menu to be posted soon on their website
PLEASE NOTE THIS POST MAY BE UPDATED AS WE LEARN OF MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SIMPLIFYING YOUR THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION.