10 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Feasts

Still not sure when and where to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Whether you’re just dining for one or on the hook for a family gathering, consider 10 local options standing by to turn crunch time into turkey time (or perhaps crab-stuffed salmon time, or squash risotto time, or…).

The Firehouse
The legendary Old Sacramento institution revives its Thanksgiving Day service with not one, not two, but three delectable holiday menus, including one for vegetarians and another just for kids—or rather, “young patrons.” Highlights include a citrus-spiced pork chop with black currant, cipollini onion, pistachio, lacinato kale and fried fingerlings, while even vegans can get in on the act with marinated grilled tempeh boasting toasted pecan-cranberry quinoa, risotto and braised winter greens. Only a few openings remain for the evening final, 8 p.m. seating. ($47.95 per person; $17.95 for kids 12 and under. 442-4772. firehouseoldsac.com)

Istanbul Bistro
Turkey time takes on a whole different meaning with this East Sacramento restaurant’s Thanksgiving buffet special, featuring seven meze (Turkish-inspired small plates), lamb chops, apple pie and, in keeping with stateside tradition, oven-roasted turkey. ($25 per person. 449-8810. istanbulbistro.net)

Osteria Fasulo
Say grazie in Davis with a four-course, Italian-inspired meal offering dishes like housemade turkey tortellini in broth, stuffed turkey breast with prosciutto and Fontina cheese and, for dessert, homemade chestnut cake. Seafood lovers, meanwhile, can also give thanks for the crab-stuffed petrale sole with a white wine sauce. ($50 per person. 530-758-1324. osteriafasulo.com)

La Provence
The Roseville eatery brings autumnal flair to its celebrated French fare, offering pan-seared salmon with Fuji apple salad, as well as a traditional turkey dinner with confit of leg served over hazelnut and brandied cherry stuffing. And don’t miss the roasted pecan tart with butterscotch gelato and bourbon caramel. ($37 per person; $12 for kids 10 and under. 789-2002. laprovenceroseville.com)

Stanley’s Steakhouse
Head up to Jackson for dinner at this classic space nestled inside the National Hotel, where chef Dan Moore’s three-course meal expands upon Thanksgiving favorites with stuffed Texas quail and Creekstone Farms prime rib. And of course, stick around for a digestif at the famous National Hotel Bar. ($50 per person. 209-223-0500. nationalhoteljackson.com)

Ten 22
Sacramento’s farm-to-fork forerunners will serve up four courses of mouthwatering twists on Thanksgiving staples, including a merlot cranberry bruschetta on walnut bread and maple-brined turkey breast with dried-apricot and brandy-almond stuffing. Vegetarians can indulge at this Old Sacramento eatery as well with an organic fall squash risotto topped with shaved black truffles. ($34.95 per person. 441-2211. ten22oldsac.com)

Dawson’s
There’s something for every taste at the Hyatt in downtown Sacramento, where Dawson’s plans a holiday bounty from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early birds can tuck into an omelet brunch, while indulgent seafood options (including cocoa butter seared salmon with braised fennel and white wine reduction) and vegetarian selections (like sugar pumpkin and apple soup) complement the traditional turkey favorites. ($49.95 per person; $24.95 for kids 5-12; free for kids 4 and under. 321-3600. sacramento.hyatt.com)

Sacramento RiverTrain 
All aboard for a moveable Thanksgiving feast, departing Woodland at noon and winding along a three-hour, 28-mile route overlooking the Sacramento River. The train will offer up smoked turkey with cornbread stuffing, green beans, pumpkin pie, and of course, a healthy side of scenery. ($67 to $92 per person; $40 for kids ages 2-12. 800-866-1690. sacramentorivertrain.com)

Land Ocean New American Grill
In what might be the best deal of the holiday, the Folsom surf-and-turf stalwart is adding a three-course rotisserie turkey entrée to its regular menu of steak and seafood staples, capped off by a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie, all for under $30. ($27.95 per person; $15.95 for kids 12 and under. 983-7000. landoceanrestaurants.com)

Sheepherder Bar & Grille
This Rancho Cordova family establishment presents a three-course meal with such luscious starters as a butternut squash bisque finished with cinnamon maple crème, moving on to a main course of hearty traditions (herb-roasted turkey with sweet potato casserole and spiced apple chutney) and decadent seasonal delights (salmon stuffed with crab and drizzled with lemon-caper dill sauce). ($26.95 per person; $11.95 for kids 10 and under. 638-4584. sheepherderbg.com)