Thanksgiving Roulette

Prix fixe prices have come down drastically across the board since last Thanksgiving, so whether the dishwasher is on the fritz or you'd simply rather let someone else jockey for oven space, there are plenty of options for the family.

---

HOTELS

DRISKILL HOTEL The famous mezzanine brunch tradition continues with seatings every half-hour from 11:30am to 3:30pm. This is a popular event, so make sure to reserve early. If you don't make it upstairs, the 1886 Cafe will be offering plenty of your favorites as well as a seasonal menu for lunch and dinner. Reservations are a must later in the day for the six-course prix fixe main event in the Driskill Grill, with service from 4:30 to 9:30pm. Grill: $85 per person, $62 for wine pairings; brunch: $49 per person, $24.50 for children under 12, free for children under 6. 604 Brazos, 391-7121 for reservations. www.driskillgrill.com.

TRIO AT THE FOUR SEASONS offers a groaning holiday brunch in the ballroom from 11am to 4pm. Reserve early or try the evening prix fixe until 8:30pm. Brunch: $68 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under; dinner: $75 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-11. 98 San Jacinto, 685-8300. www.fourseasons.com/austin/dining.

INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Drink mimosas in Cafe Julienne, and enjoy an array of Thanksgiving favorites, as well as the unexpected, for brunch. Seatings at 11am, noon, and 1pm. $39 for adults, $15 for children under 12. 701 Congress, 721-2008 for reservations. www.austin.intercontinental.com.

OMNI HOTEL DOWNTOWN serves a traditional Thanksgiving brunch in the Atrium Lounge from 11am to 3:30pm. $36 for adults, $16 for children under 12. Later, enjoy the usual à la carte dinner menu at Ancho's, plus a few holiday surprises from 5 to 10pm. 700 San Jacinto, 476-3700 for reservations. www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/austindowntown.aspx.

OMNI HOTEL SOUTHPARK offers seating in the Onion Creek Grille for a full brunch buffet with carving stations and the traditional Thanksgiving spread. Reservations suggested. $35 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 6 to 12, free for children 6 and under. 11am-2pm. 4140 Governor's Row, 448-2222. www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/austinsouthpark.aspx.

RENAISSANCE HOTEL The Banderas restaurant invites you to a special Thanksgiving spread for brunch from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Expect a full breakfast buffet with waffle stations and all the goodies. Reservations suggested. Later, enjoy a prix fixe holiday menu from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Brunch: $47 for adults, $18 for children ages 5-12, free for children under age 5; dinner: $25 for adults. 9721 Arboretum Blvd., 343-2626 for reservations. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel.

HYATT REGENCY AUSTIN's Southwest Bistro is serving "a decadent holiday buffet," where you can count on flowing mimosas and a jazz trio, as well as crafts for the kids. $52 for adults, $27 for children ages 5 to 12, free for children under 5. 11:30am-4pm. 208 Barton Springs Rd., 480-2035 for reservations. www.austin.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels.

HILTON HOTEL DOWNTOWN Finn & Porter has lunch and dinner covered with a full-court brunch from noon to 5pm and a prix fixe plated holiday dinner service from 5 to 11pm. Brunch and dinner: $39 per person. 500 E. Fourth, 482-8000. www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/AUSCVHH-Hilton-Austin-Texas/index.do.

---

RESTAURANTS

CANNOLI JOES offers traditional American favorites, as well as Italian interpretations including a turkey-and-stuffing calzone, turkey cacciatore, and pumpkin gnocchi. 11am-7pm. 4715 Hwy. 290 W., 892-4444. www.cannolijoes.com

CARMELO'S will feature the regular menu as well as a prix fixe holiday option for $18 per person, starting at 11am. 504 E. Fifth, 477-7497. www.carmelosrestaurant.com.

CRU WINE BAR Let your server choose a wine pairing for this three-course Thanksgiving repast. If you're looking for something less traditional, chef Paul will have New Zealand rack of lamb and oven-roasted salmon on hand as well. $32 per person, $16 for children 12 and under. Noon-9pm. 238 W. Second, 472-9463. www.cruwinebar.com.

MANSION AT JUDGES' HILL weighs in with yet another elegant Thanksgiving with a three-course prix fixe, served in both the ballroom and Mansion dining room areas. Adults, $39.50; children, $17.50. 11am-10pm. 1900 Rio Grande, 495-1857. www.mansionatjudgeshill.com.

HUDSON'S ON THE BEND will be offering a special à la carte menu including some signature dishes from its fall menu, as well as special holiday options. Childen's menu available. Seatings are limited, so reserve early. 11am-4pm, 6-9pm. 3509 RR 620 N., 266-1369. www.hudsonsonthebend.com.

GREEN PASTURES RESTAURANT This annual Thanksgiving brunch buffet has so many fans, it's sold out again this year. $55 per person. 11am-2pm. 811 W. Live Oak, 444-4747. www.greenpasturesrestaurant.com.

III FORKS is serving up a four-course prix fixe menu with a choice of carved bird or Chateaubriand. $42.95 for adults, $14.95 for children under 12. 11am-5pm. 111 Lavaca, 474-1776. www.iiiforks.com.

MIRABELLE RESTAURANT This eclectic bistro should have some surprises in store for us on the extensive prix fixe menu that includes choices of six appetizers, six entrées, and six desserts. $34.95 for adults, $12.95 for children. 11am-3pm. 8127 Mesa, 346-7900. www.mirabellerestaurant.com.

SHORELINE ON THE WATER The new chef here invites those who are tired of buffets and prix fixe menus to join him for a limited menu with a nice variety of choices. 11am-4pm. 98 San Jacinto, 477-3300. www.shorelinegrill.com.

HILL COUNTRY PASTA HOUSE invites you and yours for an Italian, seafood, and traditional holiday buffet, with a limited menu available as well. $24 for adults, $12 for children under 10. 11:30am-3:30pm. 3519 RR 620 N., 266-9445. www.hillcountrypasta.com.

STALLION GRILL We're so glad to know it will be open for turkey business. Not only that, it has a great family takeout deal that includes a smoked or roasted turkey, dressing, two sides, six rolls, and a pie for $59.95. Be sure to order by Nov. 25 for pickup on Thanksgiving. 5201 Airport, 380-9433. www.stalliongrill.com.

HOOVER'S COOKING is celebrating with a holiday prix fixe menu including a choice of six main dishes, select sides, and, of course, all the trimmings. First come, first served. Full family or individual meals available for takeout. Order in time for pickup on Nov. 25. 11am-7pm. $15.99 per person. 2002 Manor Rd., 479-5006. www.hooverscooking.com.

HYDE PARK BAR & GRILL offers its traditional Thanksgiving spread, with roasted breast of turkey, herbed cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, green beans, cranberry relish, buttery mashed potatoes, bread, and more. $16.95 per person, $12.95 for vegetarians, $10.95 for children 10 and under. 11am-7pm. 4521 West Gate Blvd., 899-2700; 4206 Duval St., 458-3168. www.hydeparkbarandgrill.com.

THREADGILL'S is offering a select holiday menu with all the trimmings at both locations. Full family or individual meals and dishes available for takeout. Order today through Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving Day pickup. 10:30am-10pm. 6416 N. Lamar, 451-5440; 301 W. Riverside, 472-9304. www.threadgills.com.

KATZ'S DELI & BAR For the 31st year in a row, Katz's puts out on Thanksgiving with roasted turkey breast, giblet gravy, and all the trimmings. 10am to 12mid. $15.95 for adults, $6.95 for children. 618 W. Sixth, 472-2037. www.katzneverkloses.com.

LA MADELEINE invites you to sit down and relax with a turkey cranberry melt or take out an $85 family feast that serves four, eight, or 12. Order by Nov. 25 for pickup before 1pm on Thanksgiving Day. Various locations. www.lamadeleine.com.

LUBY'S CAFETERIAS invites you to come on in for turkey and dressing, two sides, and dessert for $11.99 or take out the signature Family Feast that feeds groups of four to 12 people. Various locations. www.lubys.com.

FURR'S FAMILY DINING has a Thanksgiving spread to eat in or take out, including a Holiday Hot Pack that serves eight to 10 guests for $64.99. 4222 S. I-35, 443-3818; 4015 S. Lamar, 441-7825. www.furrs.net.

CITY OF AUSTIN hosts various community dinners at a minimal per-plate cost. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/thanksgiving.htm.