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Colleen's Kitchen and more Austin restaurants are offering meals to-go to make your Thanksgiving easier. (Colleen's Kitchen/Instagram)
There's never been a better time to live among Austin's endless restaurants as the holidays are finally here.
This year, indulge in that casserole or pie you didn't dare think of until November without making a mess of the kitchen. Here are 15 Austin restaurants providing decadent to-go meals for Thanksgiving.
Abby Jane Bakeshop, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd
Looking for sweets? Abby Jane Bakeshop in Dripping Springs has some holiday deals for you. They are offering desserts such as apple cranberry galette, sorghum chocolate pecan pie, sourdough stuffing and buttermilk grits pie. Prices range from $12-$45 and you can order online here. Pickups available Nov. 23 and 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Aviary Wine & Kitchen, 2110 South Lamar Blvd.
You can never have too much wine on Thanksgiving. This holiday season, Aviary Wine & Kitchen is offering six-packs of its Cave des Vignerons de Mancey Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Rouge-Bleu 'Méditerranée Dentelle' Blanc Magnum and Redolent Wine Co 'Brother from Another Mother' Pinot Noir + Nebbiolo Blend at $156. You can order online here or in person.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Bistro Vonish, 701 East 53rd St.
Maybe you want to put all your energy into cooking the turkey this year, Bistro Vonish will help supply the tasty sides if you're in a pinch. Sides include grilled green beans ($6.25) and roasted baby carrots ($5). Food is available for pick up on Nov. 24 from 3-9 p.m. You can order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Buenos Aires Cafe, multiple locations
This Argentinian restaurant has got you covered this Thanksgiving with their feasts, which come in small (feeds 2-3 people for $90) or large (feeding 4-6 for $150). These meals can include honey-glazed porchetta, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic reduction, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, arugula, black garlic vinaigrette topped with parmesan cheese, cauliflower and turmeric mash, 10" pumpkin pie, and house-made brioche. Food is available for pick up from Nov. 22-27 (excluding Thanksgiving Day).
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
Capital City Bakery, 2211 East Cesar Chavez St.
This bakery has loads of baked goods for you this holiday season, which includes pumpkin pie, maple pecan pie, chocolate cream pie and some gluten-free or vegan goodies. Prices range from $6.50-$90 depending on what you get. Pickup is only available on Nov. 23 and 24. You can order online here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr.
This American bistro is offering some holiday deals including salads and bread, quiche, pies and desserts, cakes, sides and sauces. Their sides typically serve 4-5 people, and prices can range from $9-$55, depending on what you get. You must pick up your food by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24. You can order by phone at 512-454-2666, in person or online here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 22
Colleen’s Kitchen, 1911 Aldrich St.
Colleen's Kitchen has two options: a Thanksgiving farmhouse feast, which serves 6-8 people ($220) and includes an herb-buttered bone-in turkey breast along with all the Thanksgiving sides, or a Thanksgiving trimmings package ($145), which only includes the sides. Sides include scratch turkey gravy, orange cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted sweet potato casserole. Pickups are available on Nov. 24, and you can order online here.
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
District Kitchen, multiple locations
District Kitchen + Cocktails is offering a Thanksgiving meal, which consists of either half or whole turkey, cheddar mashed potatoes, pomegranate glazed brussels sprouts, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. Diners can choose either a meal that serves 2-4 ($69.99) or 6-8 ($139.99) and can also add on a pumpkin pie, cider or spiked cider, or siduri pinot noir. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 only. You can order here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Easy Tiger, 6406 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Easy Tiger is pulling out all the stops to make sure you have what you need this Thanksgiving. You can choose between or mix and match their turkey feast ($225), charcuterie boards (ranging from $125-$150), pies ($40) or pull-apart rolls ($14).
Preorder here to pickup at the Easy Tiger North location (other locations not available for pickup) or get delivery from Nov. 23-26.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Launderette, 2115 Holly St.
Launderette will make you feel like a chef with Thanksgiving goodies like the delicata squash ($25) or the apple streusel tart ($40) coming with reheat instructions. Customers can pick up their food on Nov. 24 from 12-5 p.m. You can pre-order online here or by phone at 512-382-1599.
Deadline to order: Nov. 22
Old Thousand, multiple locations
This ATX Chinese restaurant will be offering lucky family Thanksgiving meals this holiday season. Both locations will offer classics like General Tso's chicken, Xiao Mian, beef and broccoli, green beans and egg rolls. This meal feeds four people, and vegetarian options are available as well. You can order by calling 737-222-6637. Pickups are available Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Swedish Hill, 1120 West 6th St.
This Thanksgiving, Swedish Hill Bakery, Deli & Café has got you covered when it comes to meals. From turkey that's brined and roasted with lemons and herbs ($155) to pumpkin pie ($40), you can enjoy a classic Thanksgiving dinner. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can order here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 19
Tacodeli, multiple locations
Tacodeli is back this holiday season with their signature mole to-go, which is available to be served with tamales or turkey. The traditional Mexican meal will be served in 16 oz containers for $12.99 and can be picked up Nov. 23-24. You can pre-order online here.
Deadline to order: No deadline but limited availability
TLC Austin, 1100 South Lamar Boulevard Suite #1150
TLC is offering holiday family meals this Thanksgiving, which include honey-sage basted turkey, Nueske's Applewood smoked bone-in ham, andouille cornbread stuffing, rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes, country-style green beans, giblet gravy, citrus vanilla cranberry sauce, white chocolate-peppermint bark and Texas pecan pie. Both meal packs cost $299 and feed 8-10 people. You can pre-order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Walton’s Fancy & Staple, 609 West 6th St.
This holiday season, you can grab a Thanksgiving meal from Walton's Fancy & Staple, which includes thyme-rubbed airline turkey, white cheddar and gruyere mac and cheese, balsamic brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto and handmade pies. These meals can be served as individual or family-style portions. You can order by calling 512-391-9961 or email catering@waltonsfancyandstaple.com.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Happy feasting!
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Popular
(Austonia)
When Mark Coffey moved to Austin in 1986, it was the land of Stevie Ray Vaughan shows, MTV and new opportunities.
Now, it may be the land of limited housing, property tax hikes and California license plates—but many are still choosing to stay for remnants of that old-school charm.
Austinites love to lament the loss of “Old Austin”—they’ve been saying it since 1884. And with one-bedroom rents up 112%, home appraisal rates up 56% and the cost of living on a seemingly endless upward trend, it's hard not to see Austin's past through rose-tinted lenses.
But even in money-stretching times like these, some Austinites are taking a break from their usual complaints to remind themselves why they choose to stay.
Mark Coffey has stayed in Austin for decades due to its uniqueness, inclusivity and community. (Mark Coffey)
As a near-original Austinite, Mark Coffey didn't have too much trouble buying a house or finding a job with pension benefits at a local utility service decades ago. Still, he said he's stayed in Austin for more than financial security.
"Despite the cost of living, the brutal heat and traffic... I think the trade-off is that Austin has always kind of had that sense of possibility," Coffey told Austonia. "Of all the cities in Texas, it's been the most open to change and future possibilities and I don't think that's ever completely lost."
Austin's unique spirit has attracted like-minded small-town Texas kids looking for community. Gabriel Rodriguez, who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, moved to Austin a few years ago after graduating from Texas State University and still hasn't become bored with the vibrant live music scene.
Gabriel Rodriguez, who has experience as a musician has found a home in Austin's live music scene and with Austin FC. (Gabriel Rodriguez)
"The big thing to me was the music," Rodriguez said. "That's what made me want to move to Austin in the first place... I grew up in a place that didn't have that."
Coffey, Rodriguez and many others have also found the Austin spirit with Austin FC, the city's first major league sports team, and its vibrant and community-minded fanbase.
Reason for being in love: Austin FC.
— Micky Ruñoz (@HighMs66) June 7, 2022
"Austin FC has come around and it's caused both old and new Austinite to kind of rally around something that like, yeah, this is our club, but it's also a statement about the kind of community we want to be," Coffey said.
For others, like Michelle Sanchez, Austin is home for many reasons—namely, a famed food scene, family and plenty of outdoor activities.
Proud, Austinite. I love Zilker (all the greenbelts), people for the most part are friendly, soccer, the food, and the fact that my family lives here. <3 I have thought about leaving once my contract is up.
— Michelle Sánchez (@MichelleS_tv) June 7, 2022
In a Reddit post that saw nearly 800 comments, dozens of users pointed to outdoor activities—from Barton Creek's Greenbelt swimming holes to paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake and trails dotting the city's outskirts. Others said that despite its flaws, they've never found anywhere better.
"Austin doesn't do anything spectacularly, but does more things adequately than most anywhere I can think of," user boyyhowdy said.
However, for some, those "adequacies" still aren't enough to stay.
Over austin too. I resigned a (sub)lease for a super small studio that’s 40% lower than the average 1 bedroom in Austin. This will be my last year in Austin, so I’m staying to save money then move to a city with actual public transit and ditching my car.
— amanduh (taylor's version) (@hey_amanduhh) June 7, 2022
Rodriguez said he's thought of leaving too. But whenever he thinks too long about the city's flaws, he finds solace in Austin's live music venues, including his favorite, Moody Theater. Coffey, meanwhile, recommends longtime spots like Continental Club, the Broken Spoke or even South Congress for a quick "old Austin" fix.
And with housing prices showing signs of slowing down and longtime haunts like Austin's longest-standing grocery store opening back up, there still may be time to reignite a romance with what "Keeps Austin Weird."
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(Pavement/Instagram)
The cost of living in Austin may be on an upswing but just because you might have less money in your pockets doesn’t mean you have to compromise your lifestyle.
With gas prices rising above $4 per gallon, rents rising 25-40% and reports showing that Austinites pay more in household bills than any other Texas city, you may find yourself with less cheddar than you’re used to this time of year.
Aside from cutting back on spending, thrifting is a great way to stretch your dollar a little bit further. The average American spends $1,700 on clothes annually, of which 85% percent ends up in landfills, making secondhand shopping a greener, more affordable and nearly equally fashionable option.
These local secondhand emporiums sell most daily goods for a fraction of the price if you don’t mind a little wear.
Best antiques: Uncommon Objects, 1602 Fortview Rd.
You won’t find any clothing at Uncommon Objects but you will find oodles of objects from yesteryear to bring into your home. The store has been peddling items from “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids” since 1991, connecting Austinites with relics from the past. The items inside start at just a few dollars but range due to the great variety. Many of these items have passed through multiple hands–it doesn’t get greener than that!
Best for finding clothes on a budget: Texas Thrift, 5319 N Interstate Hwy 35
This enormous North Austin warehouse is packed with so many racks of secondhand clothing that it would be nearly impossible to go through them all in one visit. You’re probably not going to find a Gucci tracksuit or Christian Louboutins while you roam the racks but you’re almost certain to leave with at least one new-to-you article of clothing that fits your style for less than $10.
Best for fashionable finds: Uptown Cheapskate, multiple locations
Though it may be a bit more expensive than the run-of-the-mill thrift shop, Uptown Cheapskate is filled with gently used, name-brand clothing for a fraction of the new price. Uptown both buys and sells clothing released in boutiques within the last two years, meaning you’ll find brands like Free People, Zara, Nike and Patagonia in almost mint condition. Austonia reporter Claire Partain scored a pair of Steve Madden's last week for less than $15.
Best variety: Far Out Home Fittings, 1500 W Ben White Blvd.
With a full “Funkyard” out back, antiques, oddities, furniture, jewelry and knick knacks are Far Out Home Fittings’ specialty. This is not the place to come if you’re looking for something specific but if you’re open to a rummaging adventure, you’re likely to find something you didn't know you needed from furniture to jewelry to musical instruments. Our favorite Far Out finds: $5 gold chains, a vintage hand-crank whisk and long-forgotten lettering from signage.
Craft supplies: Austin Creative Reuse, 2005 Wheless Ln.
‘Waste not, want not’ would be a good tagline for Austin Creative Reuse, where you can find partially used art supplies that would have been thrown away otherwise. Looking to make your own clothes? ACR has shelves upon shelves of fabric and yarn for mostly less than a dollar per yard. Accessories? There are beads and thread aplenty. Scrap paper, paint, mosaics, magnets, zippers, glitter, findings in bulk and workshops to teach you how to be your craftiest self.
Furniture: Salvation Army, multiple locations
If you’re a fan of TikTok, you’ve probably wanted to try your hand at upcycling—repurposing objects in a way that makes it just as or more valuable than the original—at least once or twice and Salvation Army is the place to start. This store has everything: clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, art and pieces of furniture that are begging to be made pretty again through a little TLC.
Vintage and variety fashion: Pavement, multiple locations
Racks on racks of modern and vintage mixed clothing await at Pavement, which is known for its legendary fill-a-bag sales. Meanwhile, its shoe and accessory walls are almost as spacious as its selection of clothing while maintaining a balance between current fashion and styles of yore. Clothing at Pavement isn’t the most affordable, but it will still bring you in lower than most prices at vintage and new clothing stores.