Where to order Thanksgiving dinner to go

If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, Puget Sound area grocery stores offer prepared Thanksgiving dinners to go featuring turkey and vegetarian options with everyone’s favorite side dishes. The deli and catering department at your local grocery store are experts at preparing holiday favorites with Northwest style and flair.

Whether you are doing the full meal, sharing duties with a potluck, or have a range of dietary needs, you can make the holidays more relaxing when you order a thanksgiving meal to go.

Pre-order a turkey dinner from local grocery stores and everything comes packaged in ready-to-heat containers. Most of them are surprisingly affordable, especially after you factor in the time you save for shopping and cooking a big holiday dinner.

A complete Thanksgiving turkey dinner typically includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetable side dishes, and dessert. Many stores also offer ala carte dishes and other items such as salads, rolls, and desserts, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options and other selections.

In addition, many prefer some non-traditional options. So scroll past the Thanksgiving Turkey options to find some BBQ joints and Asian options–both popular in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area.

Tip: For best selection and service, order as far in advance as possible. Most stores begin accepting holiday orders by the first of November for Thanksgiving and the first of December for Christmas.

2021 Thanksgiving turkey dinner to go

Whether you are doing the full meal, sharing duties with a potluck, or have a range of dietary needs, you can make the holidays more relaxing when you order a thanksgiving turkey and side dishes to go! – DepositPhotos.com

Most stores have an order deadline of Monday before Thanksgiving (and for Christmas, typically four days before Christmas Day). However, stores can also sell out of some items even when ordering in advance. So as soon as you know your plans, place an order as soon as possible. Most stores require 100% payment when you place your order.

Expect to pick up your order 1 or 2 days before Thanksgiving or Christmas; many stores are closed on the holiday.

In the list below, we’ve listed the full-meal cost and number of people served. However, many grocery stores also offer ala carte entrees, including cooked or ready-to-roast meats, and heat-and-eat side dishes.

In addition, many stores offer other meats (such as ham and lamb), vegetarian dishes, gluten-free options, and other choices.

We’ve included some BBQ joints and Asian-inspired foods as well, which are less traditional but popular holiday foods.

Central Co-op (Seattle and Tacoma) is a full-service natural foods grocery open to everyone, as well as members of the cooperative. They are dedicated to sustainable practices, community accountability, and the local food economy. For holidays, Central offers Thanksgiving Dinner for $150 (feeds 4 to 8 people) featuring a Diestel Natural Oven Roasted Turkey (9-11lbs) plus several sides (stuffing, sweet potato, brussel sprouts, green beans). They also offer Turkeys by the Pound including natural, free-range, and heirloom from $2.29-$8.99/pound. They also offer delivery. More info: https://www.centralcoop.coop/page.php?PID=1130

Central Market & Town & Country Markets (Bainbridge, Bellevue/Lakemont, Mill Creek, Poulsbo, Seattle/Ballard, Shoreline) is a regional, locally owned and operated, independent retail grocery company that began in 1957. They have stores throughout the Puget Sound region, including three operating under the Town & Country banner and three under the Central Market banner. Their Turkey Dinner includes a 12-14-pound roasted Diestel turkey in a roasting bag and pan, herb stuffing, Yukon mashed potatoes, bourbon-maple pecan sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted winter vegetables, blood orange cranberry sauce and turkey gravy. There’s enough here for 6-8 people with leftovers; $175. You can also reserve a 12-14-pound roasted Mary’s turkey for $90, as well as duck, Cornish game hen, and other holiday roast for pickup between Nov. 23 and 25. Pick your location and order at: https://order.townandcountrymarkets.com/site

Pumpkin pie, apple pie, and other pies are a favorite dessert on Thanksgiving – Depositphotos.com

Ken’s Market (Seattle/Greenwood, Seattle/Fremont) independent, family-owned and operated grocery stores have been part of the neighborhood since the 1950s. They offer Turkey Dinners with sides at ala carte prices to serve 2 or more people. Available Monday Nov. 22nd through Wednesday Nov. 24th More info: https://www.kensmarkets.com/homepagebanner/thanksgiving-offerings/

Marlene’s Market (Federal Way, Tacoma) is a family-owned and operated natural food store with locations in Federal Way and Tacoma. They offer a large turkey dinner for 10-12 people for $199.99 and turkey dinner for two for $39.99. Gluten-free options are available. More info: https://www.marlenesmarket-deli.com/thanksgiving-to-go

Metropolitan Market began in 1971 with one store location in Seattle. Today, it’s an award-winning grocery store with locations throughout the Puget Sound region. Eastside: Kirkland, Sammamish. Seattle: Magnolia, Mercer Island, Queen Anne, Sand Point, West Seattle. Tacoma/Proctor Point. They fully cooked dinners for 2-8 from $80-$240, plus an ala carte menu of sides, prepared and uncooked meats, desserts, and more. More info: https://metropolitan-market.com/reserve-holiday-meals/

PCC Natural Markets began as a food-buying club of 15 families in 1953. Today, it’s the largest consumer-owned natural food retail co-operative in the United States. PCC has locations in the Puget Sound region: Ballard, Bothell, Burien, Columbia City, Edmonds, Fremont, Greenlake Aurora, Greenlake Village, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, View Ridge, and West Seattle. They offer a variety of roasts (Organic turkey, beef rib, or spiral sliced ham), precooked turkey from Diestel Family Ranch, recipes for DIY side dishes, and prepared side dishes from the refrigerated deli case (including ready-to-go side dish “bundles” ). PCC members get discounts throughout the holiday season on fixings, sides, and more. More info: Holiday Reservations | PCC Community Markets (pccmarkets.com), plus 21 Recipes for Your Feast | recipes by PCC Community Markets (pccmarkets.com) and Holiday Deli Sides | PCC Community Markets (pccmarkets.com)

Independent Northwest Grocers is the hub for locally-owned grocery stores including Red Apple, Thriftway, IGA, and others. Because stores are independently owned the Thanksgiving offerings will vary from location to location. With dozens of locations throughout the region, there’s likely to be one near you. Call or stop in for details on Thanksgiving meals.

Smoked Turkey BBQ dinner to go

Jack’s BBQ (Seattle/SoDo) offers 12-16 pound smoked turkeys for $11/lb. A $50 deposit is required to place your order. They sell out, so order EARLY! You can also order ala carte sides, desserts, and fixin’s. More info: Thanksgiving – Jack’s BBQ (jacksbbq.com)

Peco’s Pit BBQ (multiple) offers a Thanksgiving Feast serving 4-6 people for $229.99. Also offers turkey, ham, or side dishes ala carte. Everything is fully cooked and chilled, ready to reheat. Pre-order required.

Wake N Bacon (Shoreline) offers Smoked Turkey (10-12 lbs) serves 4-6 for $115 and (14-16 lbs) serves 6-8 for $140, plus smoked meats by the pound and side dishes serving 2-9 from $17-$65. A complete feast for 2 is $90. Complete feasts serving 4-8 for $250-$450. Order by 11/14 for pickup 11/23 or 11/24.

Non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner options

Lam’s Seafood Market is a family-owned grocery with stores in Seattle’s International District and Tukwila. Lam’s features fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Asian products you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a great resource for holidays meals if you are looking for something different to serve, including seafood, hot pot (a great meal for any gathering), heat-and-eat Asian dishes, and fresh deli items such as Vietnamese spring rolls and banh mi.

Uwajimaya Asian Grocery (Seattle, Bellevue, Renton) is one of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the Pacific Northwest Beginning in Seattle in 1928, Uwajimaya has become known as a destination store and information specialist on all things Asian, from its use of modern technology to emphasis on cleanliness, commitment to cultural sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding. For holidays or any gathering, it is a great store for fresh seafood, or a spectacular appetizer tray (48-hours notice) including sushi, barbecued pork, and chicken wings, as well as heat-and-eat Asian dishes to feed a crowd. Order ahead from their catering department: Asian Food Catering | Uwajimaya.