Portland Thanksgiving Planner 2009

503 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97204 (map)

Bar hoppers looking to escape their family pre or post-Thanksgiving Day will seek refuge in this upscale tavern’s Wild Turkey Whiskey Flight. Paired with a burger with all the trimmings, the four whiskey flight goes down smooth and keeps your bar tab under $30 bucks as well.

1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 (map)

Indulging in this handsome hotel dining room’s sumptuous Thanksgiving feast has become a holiday tradition for many locals. Turkey day guests have the privilege of selecting from two menu options, the grande buffet or the prix fixe meal served in the downstairs dining room. What a way to give thanks.

7937 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 (map)

Montavilla families and orphaned neighbors will fill the booths and barstools at this cozy retro-style dinner house for a 4-course holiday menu on T-Day. Expect all the classics (turkey, potato rolls and pumpkin pie) and a few surprises, too (composed salad and chocolate pecan pie).

250 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

Urban couples who’ve rejected the idea of cooking a big spread for two will no doubt reserve a two top at this chic Pearl District locale. From 12pm to 9pm, Chef Kenny Giambalvo will dish up elegant appetizers like butternut squash soup, twists on traditional main courses such as a free range turkey served two ways (smoked and confit) and a chocolate pot de crème that steals the show.

1204 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

Well-heeled Northwest neighbors and seasonal eating evangelists will give thanks at the white tablecloth dining room at this coveted corner restaurant. In addition to Chef Paley’s regular, seasonally driven menu, guests can expect Thanksgiving specials like a fennel-roasted pastured turkey served with savory bread pudding, mashed potatoes and cranberry-orange compote. Just remember: Securing a table here requires reservations.

1221 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

Wannabe Martha Stewarts can get schooled in Thanksgiving meal preparations (and enjoy a multi-course dinner) at this special, pre-Thanksgiving day event. In attendance: esteemed local cookbook author Diane Morgan. She’ll share tips from her new cookbook “A New Thanksgiving Table” and gift you a copy of her book to study at home.

411 SW Third Ave, Portland, OR 97204 (map)

The turkey served at this venerated downtown den has earned a cult following for decades. Thanksgiving provides the perfect excuse to order a roasted turkey and dinner roll combo to go. Just be sure to leave time to sip on the restaurant’s equally legendary Spanish Coffee before you head home.

3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211 (map)

Vancouver residents regularly cross the river to attend holiday buffets at this waterfront destination. Thanksgiving brings an opportunity to sample Salty’s food at home with a to-go menu that goes beyond turkey with options of apple honey glazed ham, smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese and seafood chowder.

1210 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

Holiday hosts who are faced with feeding a mixed crowd of omnivores and vegetarians this year will find ample resources at this Pearl District market. For the traditionalists, order a certified organic turkey and for the veggie lovers, tofurkey and some palate-pleasing sides.