I have a confession to make. Thanksgiving is not my most favorite holiday. Sigh, I know, I know. While I love the autumn season and Thanksgiving is a rare opportunity to gather with my extended family, it's not one I'm looking forward too.

Stuffing and mashed potatoes are the boxed version, just add water.

There's no football on television.

And, gasp, not a drop of celebratory libations in sight.

I'm feeling a twinge of guilt for saying such things. It doesn't sound very grateful, but really potatoes grown in the Earth are on my gratitude list, as is a good cocktail on occasion.

Want to avoid your Mother asking you when you're going to get hitched. Or maybe you're not looking forward to your Uncles obnoxiously loud chewing. Whatever the case, there is hope. Grab yourself and immediate family and shimmy on down to one of the many local restaurants serving up Thanksgiving Day feasts.

Pacific Grill will be serving a fine dining experience with a four-course dinner that include some traditional favorites like sage roasted turkey with sides like mushroom stuffing, Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and lumpy mashed potatoes. 2-7 p.m. $34.95 for adults, $15.95 for children, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, reservations 253.627.3535.

In Gig Harbor Brix 25 is doing up a big traditional turkey and some of the usual suspects. You can also expect them to concoct your favorites with a twist like stuffing that includes bacon and dates, and a house made gravy with 7 Seas' Wheelchair Barley Wine. Naturally, pumpkin pie graces the dessert list. The regular menu will be on hand, too. 1-8 p.m., $20-$30, 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, reservations 253.858.6626.

If you desire your Thanksgiving with a view, Stanley and Seafort's will offer its teriyaki tenderloins alongside a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin's - including cranberry relish and a chicken apple sausage stuffing. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 115 E. 34th St., Tacoma, reservations 253.473.7300.

A closer view of the water, C.I. Shenanigans along Ruston Way has served Thanksgiving for years. Always an impressive spread on their usual weekend brunch buffet, you can expect that plus traditional Thanksgiving fixin's. Adults feast for $29.99 while children are anywhere from $5.99 to $12.99 depending on age bracket. 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, reservations 253.752.8811.

The Ram Restaurant and Brewery may be the most kid friendly option serving up a traditional-style feast complete with pumpkin pie. $15.99 for adults, $7.99 for the young ‘uns, throughout the South Sound with locations in Lakewood, Puyallup, Lacey and Tacoma.

While menu details have yet to be announced, Dirty Oscar's Annex will be serving up traditional bites with Chef Aaron's gourmet touches. Good news for those that don't feel like putting up with the kiddies; Dirty Oscar's is 21 and up only. 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, reservations 253.572.0588.

The Oyster House in Olympia does Thanksgiving with a buffet dinner. Feast Pilgrim style by loading your plate to the brim. The waterfront restaurant stays true to its seafood roots complete with oyster stuffing. Noon to 6 p.m., $24.99 for adults and lower for seniors and children, 320 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, reservations 360.753.7000.

The day after

Bayview School of Cooking in Olympia offers a cooking class which focuses on dishes with inevitable Thanksgiving leftovers. Take that ravished bird and turn its bits into a turkey pie with cheesy cornbread or a curry pumpkin soup to use pumpkin leftovers. Thursday, Nov. 15, 6-8:30 p.m., $45 includes complimentary wine pairing, 516 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, reservations 360.754.1448.