Thanksgiving Dinner Chicago... Looking for info on past experiences

[verdin77]

We'll be visiting Chicago for thanksgiving and we're looking for a great place for the Thanksgiving meal. We'll be 2 adults and a 16 year old. Important to us is a good variety of items to selection from ranging from the traditional to the more creative.

We've done hotel thanksgiving dinner buffets in other cities in the past and it's been hit or miss with some of them opening up the large event rooms which ends up being a bit of a turn off for us (too much like a cafeteria experience).

Appreciate any suggestions.

[Gonzo70]

Eater just posted an article describing a lot of different Thanksgiving options: http://chicago.eater.com/archives/201...

[Snd485]

A couple of years ago, my mom and I did a restaurant buffet for Thanksgiving and had the same feeling. Too cafeteria like and not for us. This year, we're heading to Markethouse in Chicago. They have a set, plated Thanksgiving menu. I hope it's good!

[mmeesme]

We are a couple with a 17 year old, and I just made reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet at The Chicago Firehouse, http://www.chicagofirehouse.com/speci.... When I tried to use OpenTable, it said no reservations left, but I called and they had a little room, so maybe you'll luck out, too. Can't say whether the buffet is good, I've never been there, but the menu sure looks nice and with a finicky teenage eater, it's nice when they can go back for seconds on what they like! Good luck and good eating to you...

[nsxtasy]

I've been to Thanksgiving/holiday dinners served buffet style, and others with food prepared to order (from an a la carte or prix fixe menu). Perhaps what you perceive as a "cafeteria experience" is due to the buffet style, and you would be better with a place where you order from a menu? (Note, some of the holiday buffets are extremely elegant, and are priced to match.)

You can find Thanksgiving dinner plans for many Chicago-area restaurants at www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=3&...

[verdin77]

I agree (and probably wasn't clear). We've been to some really nice buffet style thanksgiving meals, but others where the number of people hosted combined with the setting (in a large event room) hurt the experience.

I'm wondering if there are some nicer buffets that people have experience with. It looks as though we'll be staying at the Ivy on Ontario, just a block or two from Michigan.

[nsxtasy]

>> I'm wondering if there are some nicer buffets that people have experience with.

I went to one upscale Thanksgiving buffet one year, but at a hotel restaurant that has since closed and re-concepted. Maybe others can help.

This year, deca, the new restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton, is charging $135, and NoMI, in the Park Hyatt, is at $115. Both are a short walk from your hotel.

[verdin77]

Thanks...

I called the Peninsula which I've heard has a nice buffet and was told that they were full and so was the wait list. Right now it looks as though we're on for the NoMI Kitchen, but still keeping our ear to the ground.

[jbontario]

I have always liked NoMi and when it became more casual as NoMi kitchen, the menu out on the terrace got way better. You will not be disaapointed and the room/view are quite nice.

[nsxtasy]

Sixteen, in the Trump Hotel, is another upscale buffet option. They're charging $130.