10 Best Thanksgiving Take Out Options In Orange County

It’s no secret I don’t enjoy extensive food prep, cooking, or whatever you want to call it. I’m more of a “meal explained easily on packaging” kind of girl, or pre-measured with easy to follow instructions a la Blue Apron. Or better yet, delivery via Door Dash these days. 

There are only so many hours in a day and mine all seem to be jam-packed. Add to that the pandemic, staying home, masking up, distance learning etc. and that’s the perfect recipe in my opinion for getting a Thanksgiving take out meal to go this year!

Full disclosure: it won’t be a first for my family.

We’ve done Thanksgiving dinner out and to go a few times. If I’m not at my parents’ house in Colorado or my husband isn’t amped up to do ALL the prep and cooking, you can bet I’m looking for a Thanksgiving take out option. 

I fell far from the tree of my mother and late grandmother, who make these amazing holiday meals from scratch (or close to), with all-day prep and bountiful deliciousness when the highly anticipated time comes to dig it. Did I mention that Thanksgiving take out also is far easier on the clean up side when you are in a food coma? Sign me up.

Here are my top 10 picks this year in Orange County for Thanksgiving take out:

Old Brea Chop House

Celebrating their one-year anniversary, the restaurant is also now accepting pre-orders for its traditional Thanksgiving “Feast for Four” take-home package. The at-home meal includes Roasted Free-Range Turkey, Roasted Pear Salad, garlic rolls, seven sides, and homemade Pumpkin Pie with cinnamon cream. 

 

The Winery Restaurant and Bar in Tustin

Chef Yvon Goetz’s take-home dinner menu features a Roasted Free-Range Diestel Turkey with Sliced White & Dark Meat, Apple-Sundried-Cherry Dressing, Cranberry-Orange Relish, and Pinot Noir Sage Gravy. Also, note the name of the restaurant, it includes “wine.” Guests may also purchase wines by the bottle or craft cocktails to accompany their meals. That’s a double win.

 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Anaheim

For under $200, this is a great option for a family of four or less. Along with classic favorites, it also includes four personal pumpkin cheesecakes. No fighting over pie slice sizes this year, plus the marriage of cheesecake and pumpkin pie has to go down as one of the best in culinary history. 

 

Lumberyard in Laguna Beach

This Laguna Beach eatery is offering their Thanksgiving menu as a take out option for guests who would prefer to dine at home. The menu includes one of my ultimate favorite fall menu items: Roasted Butternut Squash soup. I could seriously eat a vat of that alone and call it a day. 

Hendrix Restaurant & Bar in Laguna Niguel

Chef Rainer Schwarz is offering a palate-pleasing meal to take home, with Whole Roasted Turkey, Yukon Smashed Potatoes, Apple-Fennel Stuffing, Green Beans, Heirloom Carrots, Cranberry Sauce, and Turkey Gravy. The meal will also come with Parker House Rolls with Vermont creamery butter and sea salt to start, and choice of Pumpkin or Apple Pie to finish. Hendrix is offering Cocktails To-Go, buy one get one free bottles of select wine, and 30% off select specialty wines. 

Fork & Knife in Costa Mesa

To ensure that your holiday meals are memorable, beginning with Thanksgiving Dinner, Chef Jonathan Blackford put together an ““Everything But The Turkey” menu – you handle the turkey and he’ll handle the rest! Order from a menu of Thanksgiving take out sides, seasonal soup, fresh salads, stunning cheese & charcuterie platters, and your favorite holiday desserts, including Apple Pie and Pumpkin Cheesecake. 

Sushi Roku in Newport Beach

If you’re less traditional when it comes to Thanksgiving Dinner, opt for Sushi Roku’s Hot Family Pack or Sushi Family Pack. These feature the finest, freshest fish from around the globe, prepared with the kind of artistry that can only be executed by a seasoned sushi chef to ensure an unparalleled sushi experience. Guests who order for pick-up may also purchase wine and sake by the bottle for 50% off its regular price, beer, and the restaurant’s signature cocktails packaged to go.

Georgia’s Restaurant in Anaheim and Long Beach

Order Georgia’s Restaurant’s Thanksgiving Festive Feast & Soulful Sides! Families and friends can just prepare the turkey or leave everything to Nana Gretchen and Nika Shoemaker-Machado as they are offering up delectable alternatives and additions to turkey such as their signature Fried Chicken, BBQ St. Louis Ribs, and house specialty Jambalaya. They are also making this day easier and easier by offering a slew of Southern Soulful Sides. 

Fable & Spirit in Newport Beach

Allow Fable & Spirit to complete your Thanksgiving Dinners at home by selecting wines and cocktails to accompany your menu! Simply share your Thanksgiving menu and Sommelier Ali Coyle will recommend the perfect pairings from her curated list of wines offered at exceptional prices. If you’re looking for a cocktail to begin or end your meal, Director of Spirits Drew Coyle is creating a special “fabled spirit” to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020! 

 

Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach

Chef Rainer Schwarz’s prix-fixe menu begins with Parker House Rolls with Vermont Creamery butter and sea salt for the table, followed by a choice of Roasted Baby Beet and Arugula Salad, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Butternut Squash Soup, or pan-seared Day Boat Scallops to start. Guests will then have the choice of an entrée of traditional Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with all the fixings, Roasted Greater Omaha Prime Rib, or Ora King Salmon Filet. 

 

2020 is a great year to support these local restaurants and also stay home to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and stay healthy!