Say what you want about dark meat and gravy, but Thanksgiving is the most family-glorifying and delicious of all American holidays. The autumnal atmosphere and the push and pull of tradition and innovation just happen to evoke crazy appetite and family nostalgia, no matter your family’s location and level of family crazy. Also regardless of your family situation – are they on the other coast? A few blocks away? – you’ll inevitably consume lots and lots of food this holiday. So why not make it extra-special with our eat-your-way-through-Thanksgiving guide?

The Friendly Gathering
COMAL, BERKELEY
Chances are, you’ll want to pre-celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and loved ones, and without a turkey in sight. This vibrant Mexican eatery provides big dishes meant to be shared (how about that whole-roasted chicken?), and festive atmosphere any given day.

The Old School Meetup
COMMONWEALTH MICROPUB, EMERYVILLE
Weren’t the pilgrims British? Celebrate their legacy with colleagues and friends, at the cozy, boozy tiny bar – which happens to serve amazing food. Feasting on Yorkshire puddings, Scottish eggs and fish and chips never seemed more appropriate.

The Big Dinner
PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB, SAN FRANCISCO
Too lazy to cook on the big day? The impressive historic restaurant is offering a surprisingly affordable prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner, from 11am-5pm. For $60 per person, you’ll eat kale salad, apple and cauliflower soup, turkey with wild mushroom and sides and rich pumpkin pie for desset. Dressing up is optional, but highly recommended.

The Big Dinner 2
1300 ON FILMORE, SAN FRANCISCO
The lively, jazzy restaurant is also going big for Thanksgiving, providing fun atmosphere and a change of scenery with creative dishes like like buttermilk fried quail salad or classics like maple braised short rib. You wouldn’t expect vegetarian options, but there are. $69 per person.

The Getaway
SPOONBAR, HEALDSBURG
If you’d like to run away from it all, choose Healdsburg – a sleepy yet fancy gem in Sonoma County. This grown-up restaurant offers its own take on the traditional meal – think turkey roulade, trout as appetizer and pumpkin flan.

The Post Brunch
BERETTA, SAN FRANCISCO
After it’s all said and done, you’ll need a decompression brunch with your besties. Beretta, the beloved Mission institution, is right on task – with sophisticated cocktails, panacetta omelets and that friendly, family-like vibe we all love Thanksgiving for.