Second Helpings: Thanksgiving, home away from home
Can't get home for the holidays? Neither can "Second Helpings."
Fri., Nov. 29, 2002
Ancho's
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, 476-3700Seventh & Brazos
Monday-Friday, 6:30am-2pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 7am-2pm;
Dinner daily, 5:30-10pm
This attractive dining room benefits from its location in the hotel's dramatic atrium lobby, making it an interesting place to eat as well as to people-watch. A Thanksgiving buffet with all the traditional trimmings will be presented from 11am until 2:30pm at a cost of $38.95 for adults, $32.95 for seniors, $16.95 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are suggested. Dinner will be available 7-9pm, with Thanksgiving specials on the menu for $22.95.
La Vista
Hyatt Regency Austin, 477-1234208 Barton Springs Rd.
Sunday-Thursday, 6am-11pm;
Friday-Saturday, 6am-midnight
La Vista bills itself as the "Fajita Capital of Texas," and they've got the goods to back up their claim. If someone in the family prefers fajitas to a more standard holiday meal, this could be the place to go. Those in your party who follow the more traditional path, however, will be pleased to note that the hotel is offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu, with a turkey and dressing entrée for $21.95, $10.95 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. Reservations are not necessary but are recommended.
Driskill Grill
Sixth & Brazos, 474-5911Breakfast daily, 6:30-11am;
Lunch, 11am-2pm; Dinner, 5:30-10:30pm; Sunday brunch, 11am-2pm
The stately grand dame of Austin hotels will welcome locals and travelers alike this Thanksgiving with a lavish holiday brunch buffet on the hotel's mezzanine and seating times from 11am until 3pm. The buffet will feature an omelet station, a waffle station, various carving stations, and a seafood display, as well as traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Cost for the buffet is $48 for adults and $24 for children under 11. There will be a cash bar and live piano music. Reservations and pre-payment are necessary (391-7162). Later that day, Thanksgiving dinner will be served in the Driskill Grill from 5:30-10pm, with chef David Bull's holiday specials augmenting the regular menu.
Katz's Deli
618 W. Sixth, 472-2037Open 24 hours
It's true that Katz's never closes, and if you'd like to see owner Mark Katz in a polyester turkey suit, drop by for their 24th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast. Starting at 6am, a menu of golden roasted turkey, giblets, stuffing, twice-baked potatoes, and vegetables will be available and served until everyone has had their fill. Finish it off with a slice of spiced pumpkin pie. Adults can eat for $11.95, and kids cost just $5.95.
Onion Creek Grille
Omni Hotel Southpark, 448-22224140 Governor's Row (Ben White & I-35)
Daily, 6:30am-2pm; 5-10pm
This pleasant South Austin dining venue attracts a hungry business lunch crowd with an affordable menu with Texas, Southwestern, and Cajun/Creole influences. They'll celebrate Thanksgiving with a huge brunch buffet with everything from an omelet station to a carving board loaded with roast turkey, ham, and prime rib of beef. Traditional holiday side dishes will be featured along with an array of cold salads, pies, cheesecakes, and an ice cream sundae bar. Adults will receive one complimentary glass of champagne or a mimosa. The cost is $24.95 with a 20% discount for senior citizens, half-price for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Call to make reservations at 383-2626.
Threadgill's
301 W. Riverside, 472-9304Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm;
Friday-Saturday, 11am-10:30pm;
Sunday, 10am-9:30pm
6416 N. Lamar, 451-5440
Monday-Saturday, 11am-10pm;
Sunday, 11am-9pm
Threadgill's has been Austin's Thanksgiving home away from home for many years, and this year will be no exception. From 11am-10pm on Thanksgiving Day, the friendly staff at both locations will be serving up a limited holiday menu featuring many of your favorite Threadgill's dishes, their great vegetable sides, plus plenty of good pies for dessert. The price is right, and reservations are not necessary.
Hoover's Cooking
2002-C Manor Rd., 479-5006Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-10pm
Why spend hours working in a hot kitchen when Hoover Alexander is putting on a special $11.95 holiday menu this Thanksgiving? Choose from roast turkey, Cajun pork roast, jerk chicken, or smoked beef with Caribbean fruit salad, cornbread dressing, rolls, your choice of their delicious vegetable side dishes, and a tempting array of pies and cobblers. The restaurant will be open from 11am-7pm Thanksgiving Day, and you won't need reservations.
