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Ah, the excitement of preparing for Thanksgiving — until the turkey explodes, the pies burn, and your kitchen looks like a culinary battlefield.

Sounds like fun, right?

Sure, there's a charm in the chaos, but is it really worth the stress? This year, why not skip the hassle and let someone else do the cooking and even the cleaning up after.

From classic turkey feasts to seafood-inspired spreads, Baldwin County's restaurants have you covered with Thanksgiving options that will make you forget all about your kitchen disasters. Whether you're craving a traditional dinner, a coastal twist or even a margarita to toast the season, these local spots offer something for everyone. Gather your loved ones, make a reservation, and enjoy a stress-free holiday filled with delicious memories.

AGAVE OF GULF SHORES

What: Thanksgiving Day specials include flaming fajitas, 16 oz. draft beer and small margaritas. Stop in to enjoy a festive take on the holiday.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28
• Where: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy., 370, Gulf Shores (Pelican Place)
• Contact: Call (251) 948-0550

BOLO

What: The menu includes turkey breast, prime rib, brown butter sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, baked mac n' cheese, MeeMaw's Sweet Potato Pie and Nana's Buffalo Trace and Chocolate Pecan Pie

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Where: 27370 Canal Road, Orange Beach
• Price: $39.99 per person, $19.99 for kids under 12
• Contact: (251) 345-6739

BUBBA'S SEAFOOD HOUSE

What: Bubba's Seafood House invites guests to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast or choose from its full seafood menu. Options include a classic Thanksgiving plate with cornbread dressing, homemade gravy, cranberry sauce and two sides. Reservations are recommended.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28
• Where: 24621 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
• Contact: Call (251) 974-1800 for reservations

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

What: Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, available for dine-in or takeout, featuring roasted turkey breast, sugar-cured ham, mashed potatoes, Southern herb stuffing and your choice of pecan or pumpkin pie.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, starting at 10:30 a.m.
• Where: 30500 State Hwy. 181, Spanish Fort
• Price: $29.95 per adult; $14.95 for kids
• Contact: Call (251) 626-9942 or order online at https://californiadreaming.rest 

CRACKER BARREL

What: Cracker Barrel offers a classic Thanksgiving meal starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 28, available for dine-in and carryout. For those staying home, Heat N' Serve meals can be picked up between Nov. 23 and Dec. 1. Early pickups on Nov. 25 or 26 include a free digital bonus card. Hours may vary by location.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28
• Where: Multiple locations nationwide
• Contact: Visit www.crackerbarrel.com for more details and to find a location

FLORA-BAMA THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

What: Flora-Bama hosts its annual Thanksgiving Potluck, providing turkey and ham while encouraging attendees to bring a covered dish to share. This community gathering includes buffet-style service with two lines and plenty of sides and desserts to enjoy. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28; dishes arrive at noon, meal served at 1 p.m.
• Where: 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Florida
• Price: Free to attend
• Contact: Visit www.florabama.com/thanksgiving-potluck for more information

FOODCRAFT

What: Foodcraft at The Lodge at Gulf State Park is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet featuring creamy pumpkin soup, butter-roasted cauliflower, honey-glazed ham, herb-roasted turkey breast and more. Reservations are recommended to enjoy this holiday dining experience on the Gulf.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: 21196 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
• Price: $55 per adult, $27.50 per child (kids 5 and under eat free)
• Contact: Visit https://bit.ly/3C2dbft to book a table

GINNY LANE BAR & GRILL

What: The restaurant will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving plate with all the fixings, along with menu favorites like Cajun egg rolls, fried crab claws, Bayou grouper, a shrimp platter, ribeye steak and pumpkin pie. Reservations are encouraged.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: 4780 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach
• Price: $25 per person
• Contact: Call (251) 224-6500 for reservations

GRAND HOTEL GOLF RESORT & SPA

What: Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa with a variety of dining options. Enjoy elegant breakfast menus featuring seasonal, local ingredients or savor Thanksgiving dinner at the Bayside Grill with local fare, shareable appetizers, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood. The Grand Hall offers a charming setting with views of Mobile Bay.

• When: Thanksgiving Day dining at Bayside Grill is from 4-9 p.m.; breakfast served 7-10:30 a.m.; Sunday brunch begins at 11:45 a.m.
• Where: One Grand Blvd., Point Clear
• Contact: Reservations required for brunch; call (251) 928-9201 or visit www.grand1847.com 

GT'S ON THE BAY

What: GT's on the Bay invites guests to a Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey, apple-smoked ham, bourbon-glazed salmon, shrimp and grits, cornbread dressing and desserts like pumpkin tarts and white chocolate bread pudding. Reservations are recommended.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last seating at 3:30 p.m.)
• Where: 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach
• Price: $30 per adult; $15 for children ages 6-12; $7.50 for children 5 and under
• Contact: Call (251) 980-8400 or visit www.gtsonthebay.com 

JESSE'S AT MAGNOLIA SPRINGS

What: Jesse's at Magnolia Springs is serving an elegant Thanksgiving dinner with dishes such as crawfish mac and cheese, Jesse's shrimp and grits, smoked garlic herb prime rib, herb-roasted turkey, butter-whipped potatoes, pumpkin chai pie and Thanksgiving salad. Reservations are required.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: 14770 Oak St., Magnolia Springs
• Price: $72 per adult, $25 per child (ages 6-12); children 5 and under eat free
• Contact: Call (251) 965-3827

JESSE'S ON THE BAY

What: Jesse's on the Bay offers the same Thanksgiving menu as its Magnolia Springs location, featuring highlights like crawfish mac and cheese, Jesse's shrimp and grits, smoked garlic herb prime rib, herb-roasted turkey, butter-whipped potatoes, pumpkin chai pie and Thanksgiving salad. Reservations are required.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: 1631 Crosswinds Ct., Gulf Shores
• Price: $72 per adult, $25 per child (ages 6-12); children 5 and under eat free
• Contact: Call (251) 965-3827 ext. 2

LOCAL AND COMPANY FOOD+DRINK

What: Local and Company Food+Drink will serve a special Thanksgiving meal featuring a variety of options, including roasted turkey breast with cornbread dressing, Caesar salad, a cheese and charcuterie board, pumpkin pie, ahi tuna pastrami, seafood Alfredo and grilled chicken with red quinoa. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins will be seated based on availability.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: 812 N. McKenzie St., Foley
• Contact: Call (251) 201-1000

MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM CAFE

What: Magnolia Blossom Cafe will serve a Thanksgiving meal featuring Southern favorites such as fried turkey, baked ham, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fried okra and strawberry delight. Reservations are not required for this casual dining experience.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: 22667 AL-59 S., Robertsdale
• Price: $23, includes tax and drinks
• Contact: Call (251) 947-0081

SAVANNA THE RESTAURANT

What: Celebrate traditional Thanksgiving cuisine with a luxury buffet. Menu includes Roasted Turkey, honey roasted Virginia ham, prime rib carving station, cold seafood cocktail, stone ground grits, macaroni and cheese casserole, holiday dressing, rolls and cornbread, green bean almondine, tarragon glazed carrot, stewed collard greens, roasted Brussel sprouts, herb roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, sorted desserts and more.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, sittings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
• Where: 20499 Oak Road, Gulf Shores
• Price: $50 per person
• Contact: Call (251) 256-7007

STAGECOACH CAFE

What: Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast with a variety of Southern favorites, including brown sugar ham, deep-fried turkey, red velvet cake, peach cobbler and sweet potato casserole.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 52860 State Highway 59, Stockton
• Price: $20 per person; children ages 3 and under eat free; kids ages 4-10 are $10
• Contact: Reservations recommended; call (251) 580-0608

SUNLINER DINER

What: Head to Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores for a rockin' Thanksgiving featuring a prime rib special available as a plate or sandwich. This nostalgic diner offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to make your holiday memorable.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: 100 E. 2nd Ave., Gulf Shores
• Contact: For more details, visit the https://sunlinerdiner.com 

THE FAIRHOPE INN

What: Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with an elegant three-course meal, including butternut squash soup or fall field greens, a selection of turkey, pork loin or salmon for the main course and decadent desserts like pumpkin cheesecake or Baldwin County pecan pie. A special kids' menu is also available.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, seatings at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Where: 63 S. Church St., Fairhope
• Price: $78 per person; $40 for children
• Contact: Guaranteed reservations required with a credit card; call (251) 928-6226 or visit https://thefairhopeinn.com 

THE GULF

What: Celebrate Thanksgiving by the water with your choice of Cajun or traditional plates, featuring herb-roasted turkey, garlic-parmesan whipped potatoes, oyster and fennel stuffing and more. The Gulf's picturesque waterside setting offers a perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday meal.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
• Contact: For more details, visit www.thegulf.com 

THE HANGOUT

What: The Hangout offers a family-friendly Thanksgiving buffet designed to bring loved ones together. The menu features honey-glazed ham, roasted turkey, roast beef, deviled eggs, gumbo, collard greens, banana pudding and more. Guests are encouraged to enjoy seconds and thirds in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
• Price: Adults: $32.99; children ages 6–11: $14.99; kids 5 and under eat free
• Contact: Visit www.thehangout.com/event/thanksgiving-2/ for reservations

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 5660

What: VFW 5660 Fairhope hosts its third-annual community Thanksgiving meal, offering turkey, ham and all the trimmings. This free event welcomes veterans, families and the community to share in the holiday spirit.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, noon to 2 p.m.
• Where: 950 Nichols Ave., Fairhope
• Price: Free
• Contact: Call (251) 928-8259

WOLF BAY FOLEY THANKSGIVING BUFFET

What: Wolf Bay Foley offers a Thanksgiving buffet featuring roasted turkey breast, prime rib, baked ham, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole and more. A variety of desserts will also be served. A to-go option is available as well. The Orange Beach location will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will be open again on Friday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 20801 Miflin Road, Foley
• Price: $40 per adult; $20 for children ages 4-12; children under 3 eat free
• Contact: Call (251) 987-5129

ZEKE'S RESTAURANT

What: Zeke's Restaurant is serving an upscale Thanksgiving meal with a diverse menu including lobster arancini, crab dip, fall salads, prime rib, traditional Thanksgiving plates, pecan-crusted salmon, seafood boil, sweet potato mash, pumpkin cheesecake, fried apple pie, bourbon cream corn and much more. Reservations are encouraged.

• When: Thursday, Nov. 28
• Where: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
• Contact: Visit www.zekeslanding.com/thanksgiving-menu/ or call (251) 280-8008