Dining out for Thanksgiving: a festive twist or holiday bust?

The iconic Norman Rockwell portrait of Thanksgiving at the grandparents is the picture of the perfect American holiday dinner.

But when the task isn’t the family cook’s idea of a holiday, there is another option: dining out. No dishes, no cleaning, no worry about timing all the sides with the turkey.

Sometimes the restaurant option is the best one when kitchens are under renovation or the cook is lousy.

Dining out for the holiday doesn’t mean the family meal will lose its intimacy. Many restaurants accommodate larger parties, expecting groups to take two or three hours from soup to pumpkin pie.

South County restaurants are offering a variety of Thanksgiving meal options, from traditional turkey to tandoori turkey. Picky eaters can always select something off the regular menu.

The one piece of advice restaurateurs give is to make reservations – and make them early because spots fill up.

Some ideas to get you started:

Arnie’s Restaurant, 300 Admiral Way, Edmonds, 425-771-5688

Scott’s Bar &Grill, 8115 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, 425-775-2561

Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, 360-716-7162

Claim Jumper, Alderwood mall, The Terraces, 425-778-5700

Black Angus Steakhouse, 20102 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 425-774-6556

Masala Bar &Grill, 19409 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell, 425-481-9000

WHAT OUR READERS LIKE

Went to the Painted Table way back when. It was nontraditional, but delicious.

Barbara, Edmonds

Haven’t broke tradition yet. We love having family over for Thanksgiving. …I have been delivering hot Thanksgiving dinners with my grandson and neighbor’s daughter for the last four years for Senior Services. Great tradition!

Alison, Lynnwood

Thinking about going to Ruth’s Chris in Seattle again.

David, Seattle

We went to the Palisade. The food was extraordinary BUT nobody was happy to be away from home. Never did it again. Its not the food, but the gathering of the clan that we love.

Becky, Lynnwood

After several years of big family and friend Thanksgivings we have been going out the last few years. Very enjoyable, Ray’s Boathouse, Scott’s, and Salty’s. No clean up, no hassles and great food

Bruce, Shoreline

Many years ago I went to the Cliff House in SF, it was a truly lovely meal. But, of course, there were no leftovers!!

Christine, Edmonds

I would never, but I have a family with a small child. There are people who are alone or traveling on the holiday, and I could see it then. But just as a matter of convenience? That’s basically just saying no to Thanksgiving.

NaShea, Edmonds

When I had to work on Thanksgiving, we use to go to the Yankee Diner in Ballard. Not sure if that’s around anymore.

Laurie, Bothell

WHERE TO FIND…

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Address: 727 Pine St., Seattle; 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue

Online: www.ruthschris.com

Palisade

Address: 2601 W Marina Pl., Seattle

Online: palisaderestaurant.com

Ray’s Boathouse

Address: 6049 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle