I can’t believe we’re heading into the last week of November, with Thanksgiving just days away! My favorite thing about this holiday is how it kicks off the busy season of holiday cheer.

I’ll admit—I’ve never been a huge fan of the traditional turkey-day menu. Over the years, we’ve added some delicious side dishes to liven up the table. One of my absolute favorites is this leek au gratin recipe. I first tried this dish at a neighborhood gathering, and it was so good I’ve made it every year since!

Cooking together has become a special family tradition for us when schedules allow. With our kids’ busy lives, especially Molly’s healthcare shifts, we’ve had to get creative about when we celebrate. Does it really matter if the meal happens on Thanksgiving Day itself?

This year will be extra special as we head to Los Angeles to spend the holiday with our daughter Megan’s in-laws (Josh’s family). It’s a first for us, and we’re looking forward to experiencing a fresh take on the Thanksgiving menu.

What’s your favorite part of this holiday? Are you a traditionalist, or do you like to shake things up with new recipes and gatherings? OR … are you not into cooking at all? If that’s the case, here are some PDX spots offering their own spin on Thanksgiving this year with links to menus for more details:

---

1. Bullard Tavern

Bullard Tavern offers a prepaid Thanksgiving Dinner Box for Four available for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 27th. It includes half of a cherry wood smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and 4 slices of pumpkin pie! Details here.

---

2. Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton

Enjoy a swanky Thanksgiving brunch for the whole family at Bellpine featuring a scrumptious traditional brunch menu, live jazz trio, balloon artist and magician to entertain, cookie decorating for the little ones. Booking details can be found here .

---

3. Gracie’s

Book ASAP – Filling up fast! Gracie’s hosts a Thanksgiving Grand Buffet with options ranging from classic holiday entrees as well as Chef Waterman’s seasonal favorites. Adults dine for $90, kids under 12 for $40, and infants eat free. The buffet is served on November 27 and 28. Learn more here .

---

4. Screen Door – Pearl District & East Side

Looking to celebrate your Thanksgiving on Wednesday or Friday? Check out the Southern-inspired dishes of Screen Door’s Thanksgiving menu. Turkey, salmon, pork shank, roasted romanesco and Southern favorites like fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese and so much more! Reservations are available from 11 AM to 8 PM here .

The Pearl and Eastside locations each have limited availability, so reservations are highly recommended!

Let me know if you’d like any more Thanksgiving-in-PDX recs. It’s a great time of year to show off our gorgeous city to visitors. Happy Thanksgiving!