Austin Thanksgiving Planner 2009

98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

This is perhaps the most upscale, quick-to-sell-out Thanksgiving buffet in downtown Austin. Reservations required; seating commences from 11am to 8pm.

604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

Enjoy a lavish, traditional buffet on the mezzanine. Kids under 5 eat free. Reservations required.

1900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (map)

This upscale hotel housed in a colonial mansion features a three-course a la carte menu and desserts. Reservations suggested, with availability from 12pm to 7pm.

3509 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78734 (map)

This gorgeous restaurant is open most major holidays, including this one. First seating starts at 11am, during which food is served til 3pm. Then HOB reopens 6pm for dinner. A traditional wild turkey meal will be served, but expect a full menu, including wild game rarities like rattlesnake medallions for an appetizer or foie gras atop a pumpkin pound cake.

1616 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741 (map)

For traditional American cafeteria fare, one can hardly do better to satisfy all the cravings in one's party than this place, which typically has everything. Here one can do the traditional thing, or, just eat green jello and flounder, if one prefers to skip the obvious. The obvious here is pretty good, though.

618 W Sixth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

A 24-hour continuous serving of the traditional holiday meal, complete with the clanging cacophony of a deli and the option of a cheesecake milkshake on the side? Yes please. Thanksgiving dinner here is a long-standing tradition, closing in on 30 years.

301 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

Reservations won't be accepted for the holiday so call ahead to have the traditional holiday meal ready for pickup and home consumption. Or, brave the festive crowds who love this part-venue, part-museum, part-restaurant that means so much to Austinites who love local music.

4715 Hwy 290 W, Austin, TX 78745 (map)

Turkey calzones? You bet, along with all the traditional favorites for $17.99 per person, served 11am-7pm. Cannoli Joe's also offers a take-home dinner for four for $48.

4006 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

While holiday time can turn any store into a scene from a zombie film, the vibe here is always helpful and alive. Expect grocery basics, great fresh produce and a solid wine and beer selection. A great selection of gifts like chocolate, all-natural soaps and bubble baths, and of course wine are here. too, for those who follow the rule: Never come to a party empty handed.

3101 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (map)

If it's an organic, free-range, natural turkey you want, call and reserve that here. Also maybe pick up some great vegan pies or cookies--the vegan baked goods are made with cashew butter for golden, rich, no-one-will-tell tastiness.