A Thanksgiving Holiday Vacation Guide to Chicago

We’ve just a few days left until Thanksgiving. Soon enough we'll be enjoying a long awaited reunion with friends, delicious food with family, and the madness of holiday sales. Once Thanksgiving comes to a close, it is OFFICIALLY the Christmas season. If that doesn’t give you a reason to celebrate, then we don’t know what will. If you don't have plans for the week yet, here is a Chicagoans guide to all things Thanksgiving.

Black Wednesday has become a holiday in its own right and is the 
ultimate way to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities. We've hunted down some of the city's best specials to spare you cash for Black Friday shopping. Whether you’re a diehard Blackhawks fan, foodie, the artsy type or want to dance the night away, one of these locations will be your best bet.

1. For the sports fanatic

Commonwealth Tavern & Tavern on Little Fort

Sister restaurants Commonwealth Tavern and Tavern on Little Fort will air the Blackhawks vs Tampa Bay Lightning game on November 22. The game starts at 6:30 p.m., so head over for dinner and beverages to kick off the night.  

Commonwealth Tavern, a neighborhood joint located in Roscoe Village, will have $5 seasonal beers while Tavern on Little Fort in North Center will serve up food specials, $5 Lagunitas drafts and $15 Miller and Coors buckets.

2. For the Chicago foodie

Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya

They say that the most important meal of the day is not breakfast, it’s the meal before drinking. That’s why Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya is the perfect place to begin the night. It's getting cold in Chicago, so an additional perk is the warmth that a bowl of ramen provides. 

Kizuki, located in Wicker Park, will offer food and beverage deals from 5-7 p.m.  Specials include $1 beers (Kirin, Sapporo or Asahi) with a signature ramen purchase (one per person; choice of Tonkotsu, Yuzu, Spicy and Miso ramen), $3 to $4 izakaya dishes like chicken wings, gyoza, and takoyaki octopus dumplings, and $4 to $5 drink specials.   

 

3. For the crafters

Remedy

Located on the border of Bucktown and Logan Square, Remedy is for those who want to relax and get a little creative.  An additional bonus is that there is no cover, leaving you with additional spending money for Black Friday (we know you'll want to hit those holiday sales!).  

On Black Wednesday, Remedy will host its weekly “Color Me Weird” night. Remedy provides markers, pens, paper and of course, a cash bar. From 4-7 p.m. get half-off everything or spring for the Miller High Life bottle and Evan Williams shot combo for $8.  

            

Turkey, stuffing and pie...Thanksgiving is the day we’ve all been waiting for. But what happens when you need a break from family? Or what if your family or friends aren’t so talented in the cooking department?  Here are places to go on Thanksgiving day.

1. For when you need a break from family  

aliveOne & The Owl

We all know that it is (very) possible to need a break from family after a day's worth of festivities. C’mon, those questions from family members about what you’re actually doing with your life...make it stop! Escape from it all by heading to aliveOne in Lincoln Park, or The Owl, located in Logan Square.

aliveOne’s Thanksgiving hours are 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and specials will include $5 Lagunitas drafts and $5 Tito’s cocktails. For those who REALLY need to decompress from the day, head to The Owl, which is open from 10 p.m. all the way to 4 a.m. on Thanksgiving.

     

2. Where to get a Thanksgiving meal

Weber Grill Restaurant & Tuscany Wheeling 

For the city dwellers, Weber Grill Restaurant is a choice for leaving the Thanksgiving cooking up to someone else, and for suburbanites, Tuscany Wheeling.

Weber Grill Restaurant in River North will host a fire-grilled Thanksgiving feast from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. We’re talking three-courses filled with smoked turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie and more; basically everything you could want in a Thanksgiving meal. Click here for the complete menu. This is undeniably worth not cooking or having to clean up, and is priced at $29.95 per person and $10.95 for children 10 and under.    

For those just outside of Chicago, Tuscany Wheeling's Thanksgiving dinner will last from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include all of the classics ranging from turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, potatoes, pie and more. The set prix fixe is $34.95 per person and reservations are required.

The rush of Black Friday is so exhilarating, but there comes a point when you need a break from the chaos. It's easy to work up an appetite from running around shopping, so we’ve selected a few places where you can refuel and save cash for the rest of your holiday shopping.

1. Joy District 

After shopping the Magnificent Mile, head to nearby Joy District in River North for their “Dinner on Us” event. Beginning at 4 p.m., Joy District will offer diners a complimentary meal equivalent to their beer, wine or liquor bill. Let’s say you spend $25 on drinks, then you’ll receive $25 off of your dinner bill! Sounds like a perfect post-shopping treat.

3. Tuscany Oak Brook 

After shopping at the Oakbrook Center, patrons relax at Tuscany with complimentary appetizers from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This would be the perfect way to conclude the busy Thanksgiving holiday and say cheers to the Christmas season.