CINCINNATI -- Cooking for Thanksgiving can be a hassle, leaving a refrigerator overstuffed with leftovers and stacks of dishes to wash afterward. (And sometimes, you just want to share an amazing meal that you don't have to prepare yourself.)
Thankfully, in some families, Thanksgiving meals are eaten earlier in the day -- or you might just want two meals. (We won't judge.) Here are some places to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving brunch, and several serve later in the day, too.
Remember: Make reservations!
Orchids at Palm Court: This is the brunch to end all brunches. Turkey and all of the fixings are available, as well as ham, prime rib, a raw bar and endless desserts. It's available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults, $65.95; seniors ages 65 and up, $49.95; children ages 5-12, $19.95. 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown.
The President's Room: Located in the Phoenix, the President's Room will serve Thanksgiving with a German and Italian flair from 1 to 7 p.m. Start with deviled eggs or sauerkraut balls and then go traditional with turkey and dressing, or something fall-inspired but non-traditional such as butternut squash risotto. Of course, there is pumpkin for dessert -- in the form of panna cotta. 812 Race St., Downtown.
Pacific Kitchen: Tired of turkey already? Head to the newly opened Pacific Kitchen for a dim sum brunch. (Perhaps before a later traditional dinner?) Pick Pan-Asian delicacies by the bite all day long. 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery.
Metropole: Whether you're looking for a prix fixe or an a la carte menu, Metropole has you covered. The restaurant has taken its family dinner Sundays and translated it to Thanksgiving, including burnt carrot salad, Elmwood Farms roasted turkey and sides such as Blue Oven dressing and sweet potatoes. An a la carte menu is also available. Offered 2 to 8 p.m. 609 Walnut St., Downtown.
Walt's Barbeque: Both Hamilton and Colerain locations participate in an expansive Thanksgiving spread, with a variety of Walt's smoked meats including turkey, ham and pork. Sides include Walt's award-winning sweet potato casserole, stuffing, green beans and, of course, a variety of pies. Adults, $19.95; children, $8.95. It's available from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Multiple locations.
The Grand Finale: A standby of Sunday brunch, Grand Finale also offers an extensive Thanksgiving menu. Start with Bacon, Lobster & Tomato deviled eggs, turkey Wellington, traditional turkey, filet mignon and the restaurant's signature crepes. Prices vary; Thanksgiving menu starts at 1 p.m. 3 E. Sharon Road, Glendale.
The Golden Lamb: The Golden Lamb has been operating since 1803, which means it has been serving Thanksgiving dinner since it was declared a holiday in 1870. Talk about tradition! This year, Golden Lamb will have a three-course turkey dinner available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: in fact, it's available all year-round. 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon.
La Petite France: Want a French spin on Thanksgiving? La Petite France offers a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, as well as roast pork with dijon sauce, escargots Bourguignon, quiche Lorraine and pate. The buffet is $34.95 for adults and $15 for children age 5-12. It's available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3177 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash.
The Palace at the Cincinnatian: Hotels always have great Thanksgiving meals, and the Palace is no exception. The buffet, from noon to 5 p.m., includes turkey with all of the trimmings, balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts, honey-buttered cornbread and a variety of desserts, including pecan and pumpkin pie. Adults, $49.99; seniors, $39.99; and children ages 5-12, $20. 601 Vine St., Downtown.
Are you going out or staying in? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter!
