The Thanksgiving season is upon us, and for many, mostly grandparents, this is an enjoyable time for being with close family.  Nevertheless, if you are anything like my mother, the very inkling of having your in-laws and parents over to your home for Thanksgiving makes you immediately grab for the Tylenol.  Do not fear though, there is an alternative to the 10-hour Thanksgiving festivities in which you have to hear your mother-in-law explain for the fourth year in a row how she made her potato salad — even though you’ve known for years she just bought it from Rouses — or have to look at pictures of your uncle’s latest Carnival cruise trip. The simplest way to cut down those wonderful hours spent with your extended family on turkey day is to simply eat out.

Whether or not you are looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving meal, you do not have to worry about dragging the in-laws, their walkers, and their oxygen tanks across the lake; the Northshore provides plenty of upscale to casual dining for you to choose from, but you might want to start making reservations (where necessary). Here are some suggestions.

Dakota Restaurant

Located on U.S. Highway 190 in Covington and owned by SPS alumnus Kenny LaCour, Dakota Restaurant provides an upscale atmosphere along with a traditional New Orleans menu, including their signature lump crabmeat and brie soup.  However, if you are looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving meal, they will also offer a Thanksgiving Day menu including all your favorites such as turkey, cranberry sauce, cornbread dressing and pork loin. For the full Thanksgiving menu click here.

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Keith Young’s Steakhouse

If grandpa’s dementia make him loose with his credit card, and you prefer a t-bone to a turkey leg, Keith Young’s may be more your taste. Renown on the Northshore for its steaks and seafood including pan-seared scallops, shrimp remoulade and over five steaks to choose from, Keith Young’s offers timeless fare for a relatively reasonable price with attentive service.

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Chili’s Grill & Bar

If you are willing to travel a little south of the border for your Thanksgiving experience, treat the whole gang to an oversized booth at the world renown Chili’s Grill & Bar.  Chili’s, who recently expanded the size of their fajitas by 48%, provides a lively environment with a southwestern flare.

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Golden Corral

If your in-laws are a little tight with their wallet, and you yearn for an all-you-can-eat prime rib experience, Golden Corral is a must go.  Every Thanksgiving, the chain offers a mouth-watering Thanksgiving Day Buffet that should satisfy even the pickiest eater. Also, the kids will love sticking their hands into their signature chocolate fondue waterfall, although you may want to keep the Purell handy because every other five-year-old has had his hand in it too.