‘Tis the season to give thanks, bask in the glory of abundance and celebrate with the family. Rather than invite your crazy uncle to the house, tolerate your meemaw’s insistence that we like our pie “a little over done,” or be stuck shoving your hand into the depths of that big ole bird, go out to eat.

There are dining options here in the South Sound that are prepared to wine and dine you and yours for Thanksgiving festivities. Bonus, most menus reflect some semblance of tradition with turkey dinners, but have other delectable options for those feeling more adventurous.

Keep in mind reservations are recommended or required. Restaurants tend to fill up fast, so don’t delay.

The Lobster Shop

The Lobster Shop on Commencement Bay boasts beautiful waterfront views and a delightful upscale ambiance. Adults can sip on festive cocktails like the Lobster Shop’s Pumpkin Spiced Manhattan or Hot Buttered Rum, while the littles can opt for fancy virgin flavors like a Pomegranate Mojito. The restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu includes rich holiday flavors like lobster-stuffed mushrooms, baked brie and butternut squash bisque for starters. Entrees highlight more autumn favorites. Try their turkey dinner with roasted turkey, butterflake rolls, pecan praline candied yams, whipped potatoes, herb pan gravy, brussels sprouts, apple and cranberry kale stuffing finished with cranberry orange relish. Or skip the turkey and try the Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Pumpkin Ravioli or Lobster Carbonara. The restaurant is located at 415 Ruston Way, Tacoma. Call for reservations at 253-759-2165.

Pacific Grill

Thanksgiving duck at Pacific Grill
Indulge in Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast at Pacific Grill with quinoa, roasted potatoes, greens, crispy beets and fresh thyme and fig balsamic. Photo courtesy: Pacific Grill

Pacific Grill is taking reservations from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Each meal begins with a complimentary relish plate loaded with carrots, celery and black olives (good for eating or adorning the little’s digits) paired with a bleu cheese dipping sauce. The PG Thanksgiving Dinner Plate puts an elegant twist on holiday favorites, and features carved sage roasted turkey, lumpy mashed potatoes, wild mushroom stuffing, cranberry sauce, Grandma Wellsten’s gravy and green bean casserole. Other delights include a gluten-free entree in duck breast served with quinoa, roasted potatoes, crisp beets, fresh thyme and fig balsamic. Or seafood lovers can indulge in British Columbia king salmon, while red meat lovers can opt for the filet mignon. And for those who are in the know, oysters on the half shell are an excellent start to any meal. Pacific Grill is located at 1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. Call for reservations at 253-627-3535.

Stanley and Seafort’s

Stanley and Seafort’s provides another elevated dining experience with a beautiful view of downtown Tacoma and the Puget Sound. Keep the family quiet with their classic Tasting Sampler highlighting all the best nibbles from oven roasted crab and artichoke dip, seared teriyaki tenderloins and their New Orleans BBQ prawns. The traditional turkey dinner has all the trimmings, including slow-roasted turkey, chicken apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry relish and gravy. Other entrees include Rock Salt Roasted Prime Rib and Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Braised Short Ribs, as well as others that match up with any taste. And you can bring it all to a close with a classic finish of pumpkin pie or a Granny Smith apple and walnut tart drizzled with a house-made pumpkin caramel sauce. The restaurant is located at 115 East 34th Street. Call for reservations at 253-473-7300.

Brix 25

Thanksgiving Brix 25
Brix 25 gives duck a little TLC for the holidays for their Classic Duck Cassoulet. Photo courtesy: Brix 25

Gig Harbor’s Brix 25 presents a delightful casual yet fine dining atmosphere. Think white table cloths and candlelight without the pretentious service. You can pair delectable craft cocktails or their Pacific Northwest-focused wine selection with their roasted all-natural turkey, with a dark meat pate, chestnut dressing, tri peppercorn gravy, butternut squash and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Other holiday favorites perfectly executed include the Alderwood Smoked Prime Rib served with roasted celery root, baby globe carrots, pink peppercorn hollandaise, golden whipped potatoes or the hearty Classic Duck Cassoulet presenting a slow cooked French stew with braised white beans and duck confit, a crispy duck thigh, toasted bread crumbs and house-made sausage. Reservations begin at 1:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor. Call for reservations at 253-858-6626.

Ben Dews Clubhouse Grill

If you’re hankering for a more causal, homecooked vibe, try Ben Dews on for size. They are serving up a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixins, including pumpkin pie and are one of the few in town serving up a ham dinner with scalloped potatoes. Prime rib is making the list of holiday favorites as well. 6501 6th Avenue, Tacoma. Call for reservations at 253-564-4442.

The Cliff House

Tacoma’s The Cliff House boasts one of the most majestic views and one of the more traditional menu offerings. Winding roads through the tideflats and beyond lead you to a gem with dinner service from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Begin with classics like clam chowder or a Caesar salad and segue to a traditional turkey dinner with all the usual sides. The menu also features delights in prime rib, crab-stuffed halibut, and traditional dessert options including pumpkin or apple pie. The restaurant is located at 6300 Marine View Drive. Call for reservations at 253-927-0400.

The Hub

The Hub has locations in Gig Harbor, Tacoma and Puyallup and all are open from noon to 5:00 p.m. Their traditional turkey dinner has a twist with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy made with Harmon Brewing’s Puget Sound Porter. Finish it all off with pecan or pumpkin pie. Locations are at 203 Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma (call 253-683-4606), or 214 39th Street Avenue SW, Puyallup (call 253-446-6160), or 1208 26th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor (call 253-853-1585).