Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving Day? Have unexpected guests — or unexpected last-minute cancellations? Alexandria’s restaurants have you covered. Pick up the phone or hop online to make a reservation at one of dozens of eateries just waiting to roll out the holiday feast.
Joe Theismann’s
The venerable sports pub near the King Street Metro transforms into a holiday haven for Thanksgiving. Seatings are available all afternoon and into the evening for a three-course prix fixe menu that offers both standards, such as turkey breast and prime rib, as well as alternative offerings, such as crab cakes, salmon and eggplant Parmesan. Start things off with a salad or appetizer; end on a sweet note with pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. 1800 Diagonal Road. Noon-9 p.m. $29; $15 for children 12 and under. Reservations recommended.
Brabo Brasserie
The restaurant adjacent to the Lorien hotel is pulling out all the stops for a festive, upscale Thanksgiving dinner. Each course is served family-style, just like at home – only probably unlike home, diners will get to taste the likes of pressed beet terrine, baked salmon Riviera, duck a l’orange and nearly a half-dozen desserts. 1600 King St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $75. Reservations recommended.
Carlyle Club
Enjoy your turkey with a side of jazz during the Carlyle Club’s feast. Start off with lobster bisque or salad, move on to turkey with all the fixings (or sea bass with mango salsa) and then top it off with pumpkin or apple pie a la mode. The dulcet sounds of the Satin Doll Trio will provide a soundtrack for the occasion. 2050 Ballenger Ave. Noon-4 p.m. $55. Reservations recommended.
Virtue Feed & Grain
The options are abundant at Virtue’s holiday dinner. Start off with a spiced butternut squash and apple soup, a quinoa salad, spinach artichoke dip and more; then feast on turkey breast, prime rib, salmon, or pasta puttanesca. Pumpkin and bourbon-pecan pie await your dessert decision. 106 S. Union St. Noon-8 p.m. $29 ($18 for kids 12 and under). Reservations recommended.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.