Don’t want to cook on Thanksgiving? Here are 30+ alternatives

Thanksgiving prep can be an adrenaline rush for some; for others, it’s a slog. For those who just want someone else to cook, take your pick of dine-in and takeout options this holiday. Buffets can accommodate the pickiest of eaters, while meals to-go come in all shapes and sizes, many of them customizable right down to the pie. But there’s always turkey. (Well, except for the vegan meal.) We’ll keep adding to the list as we learn about more meals. Be sure to check ordering deadlines; some of them close this week. DINE IN 6Smith At this ample buffet with Lake Minnetonka views, take your pick among the Thanksgiving classics (roast turkey, herb stuffing, pumpkin pie) and the chilled seafood bar. The buffet ($79.95 for adults, $34.95 for kids 5-12, free for children under 4) is offered Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata, 6smith.com Advertisement Afton House Inn A Thanksgiving buffet in a historic setting is on the menu at Afton House Inn from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The offerings work especially well for a group of varied palates, with vegetable lasagna and crispy sunfish among the entrees. No need to stick to just one. ($45 for adults, $24 for kids 10 and under, $10 for 2 and under). 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton, aftonhouseinn.com Birch’s on the Lake Don the finest of stretchy pants for feasting at the buffet. Birch’s on the Lake has a massive spread from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring a raw bar, turkey breast and prime rib, smoked trout, deviled eggs, duck pâté; charcuterie, turkey, prime rib and all the Thanksgiving sides. Plus there will be pie, cheesecakes and soft serve for dessert. 1310 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, birchsonthelake.com The Capital Grille Downtown Minneapolis’ Capital Grille is stocking up on slow-roasted turkey with gravy, brioche sage stuffing, French beans with Marcona almonds, cranberry pear chutney and mashed potatoes. $58 for adults, $20 for children. Add a pumpkin cheesecake or pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey for an additional charge. The full dinner menu will also be available. 801 Hennepin Av., Mpls., thecapitalgrille.com Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub Dine at Stillwater’s Water Street Inn with a three-course Thanksgiving meal, which includes a choice of roasted butternut squash soup, Caesar salad, or a house salad and a choice of oven-roasted turkey with pan gravy ($34) or honey-glazed ham with apple raisin chutney ($32). Choose either a pumpkin cheesecake or bread pudding for dessert. There’s a kids menu, too. 101 Water St. S., Stillwater, waterstreetinn.us