If you're planning to spend more quality time with your loved ones instead of the oven this Thanksgiving, here are nine dine-out options that are still available.
Many restaurants will be closed on the holiday, and the eateries that are open tend to fill up fast, so make reservations (if needed) as soon as possible.
The carving station at Jack Casino's buffet.
Jack Casino
The 21-and-older crowd can eat like winners at Jack Casino's Market District Buffet. Executive chef Gary Davis will lead his crew to cook roughly 1,600 pounds of turkey and 300 pounds of stuffing for the Thanksgiving feast. In addition to turkey and gravy, look for other made-from-scratch trimmings such as herb stuffing, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, Southern-style collard greens, farmer-style green beans, sweet potatoes and mac and cheese.
The carving station will include prime rib, 15-hour smoked brisket and bourbon-glazed ham with pineapple and cherries. You also will find Italian, Mexican and Asian fare in the buffet lineup.
A full dessert spread of ice cream, doughnuts, crepes, cakes, cookies and pies also will be available.
Thanksgiving buffet: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; $28.99 per person; 20 percent discount all day with ClubJACK J card. 513-252-0777.
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 will add a hearty Thanksgiving entree to its regular menu. Executive chef Thomas Ross said he and his culinary team want to cook the equivalent of "a meal at grandma's house." The entree will include roasted turkey and traditional trimmings such as Yukon mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, French green beans and roasted-then-mashed butternut squash -- all made from scratch. House-made gravy and cranberry relish, along with bread and pumpkin butter, will complete the feast.
A la carte: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thanksgiving entree: $26.90 for adults, $12.90 for children. 513-631-5252.
The Metropole is known for its open-hearth cooking
Metropole
Famous for its open-hearth cooking, Metropole will serve a three-course, prix fixe turkey dinner, featuring Elmwood Stock Farms turkey with rutabaga puree, charred cranberry relish and natural jus. Other trimmings include Blue Oven Bakery dressing, smoked butter, dried cherries, Kennebec potato puree, chorizo jam and cheddar crisps. Executive chef Jared Bennett said there will be vegan and vegetarian options on the regular dinner menu as well.
A la carte: 2-8 p.m. Turkey dinner prix fixe: $54 per person. 513-578-6660.
99 Restaurant
Take a break from the same old, same old and fill your belly with Sichuan and Cantonese regional cuisine. Then work out your vocal chords in any one of the 12 karaoke rooms on site.
99 Restaurant is known for dishes like cumin lamb, garlic steamed shrimp and Peking duck (no pre-order necessary until it runs out). You also can have your pick of live seafood including lobster and Dungeness crab. If you're feeling lucky, order from the authentic menu -- written in Chinese -- for a full dose of authenticity.
A la carte: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. 513-563-6688.
The Presidents Room
Known for its new American cuisine with distinctive German and Italian roots, the Presidents Room will offer a more non-traditional menu on Thanksgiving. While you can still get turkey and gravy, shareable soups and salads and entrees such as pappardelle pasta with beef cheek Bolognese and seafood risotto also will join the lineup. There also will be live music.
A la carte: noon to 7 p.m.; last seating at 6:30 p.m. 513-721-2260.
Wunderland
This award-winning event space has been serving Thanksgiving Day meals every year in recent years, but this will be the first year Cincinnati Catering is cooking the food.
Brad Beal, one of Cincinnati Catering's owners, said meats will be slow-cooked and the food will be made from scratch. The carving station will offer roast beef with horseradish creme, brown sugar and honey-glazed ham, as well as oven-roasted turkey breast.
The menu will include a full spread of trimmings such as stuffing, cranberry relish, buttered corn, mashed potatoes and country green beans. Assorted desserts will include cakes, cookies and pumpkin pie.
Buffet: noon to 5:30 p.m.; last seating at 4 p.m. $24.95 plus tax for adults, $19.95 plus tax for children ages 4-10; children age 3 and under free. 513-931-2261.
Coppin's Restaurant and Bar.
Coppin's at Hotel Covington
On Thanksgiving Day, Coppin's will offer a brimming buffet with choices such as free-range turkey with gravy and cranberry chutney, prime rib with au jus and horseradish sauce, roasted salmon with fall ratatouille and yellow tomato vinaigrette, and red wine-braised short ribs with asparagus and fingerlings.
There also will be plenty of trimmings, salads, locally curated cheeses and desserts such as bourbon pecan pie, spiced sweet potato pie and maple cheesecake.
Buffet: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $55 per person, $45 for seniors, $18 for children ages 12 and under, children under 5 free. 859-905-6800.
The Golden Lamb / Golden to Go
Located in the heart of downtown Lebanon, the historic Golden Lamb is a local favorite for Thanksgiving dining. If you're lucky enough to snag a table, look forward to a three-course meal with entree choices that include oven-roasted turkey breast with sage stuffing, carved tenderloin of beef and local mushroom ravioli.
This year, the Golden Lamb is introducing Golden to Go, a customizable catering service to supplement the sell-out dining demand at the restaurant. The menu includes items such as roasted turkey, assorted sides, breads and desserts. Pick up the food curbside or choose delivery if you're within a 10-mile radius of the Golden Lamb.
Three-course dinner: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; $26.95-$35.95 for adults, $14.95 for children (ages 14 and under); Golden to Go price varies. 513-932-5065.
CineBistro's entrance. (Photo provided by Cobb Theatres/CineBistro)
CineBistro
Enjoy in-theater, full-service dining while viewing first-run movies at this contemporary movie theater at Liberty Center. The American bistro menu includes wagyu beef sliders, Korean barbecue chicken wings and pan-seared salmon, as well as a full complement of beer, wine and cocktails.
Purchase your movie ticket in advance and arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime to enjoy service at your theater seat. If you miss that window, you can still enjoy the full menu at the bar and lounge area. Guests must be age 21 or older.
A la carte: roughly 1:30-9 p.m. (depending on showtimes). 513-463-0470
